The 50 Greatest Met Gala Dresses Of All Time, From Classic Gowns To Avant-Garde Stunners

I’d be hard pressed to think of a time Rooney Mara didn’t look phenomenal, but this delicate, structured Givenchy look definitely makes the top five.

Big Bird yellow has never looked so good.

This look brought some mixed reviews, but I’m still completely down with this romantic color combo and out-of-the-box draping.

A dream is a wish your heart makes… and is then granted by Zac Posen.

Fringe is back, and I think it’s because someone revisited this epic Cate Blanchett look from 2007.

The Met Ball is the place for excess, and it takes a powerhouse like Beyoncé to pull off a gown this monumental.

Way back in 2004, ScarJo solidified herself as one to watch. I’m honestly impressed with anyone who can look good in yellow.

Naomi Watts proved that big isn’t always better when she turned it out in this glittery ombré dress. Please note the belt.

From the gloves to the hair to that epically embroidered train, this Oscar de la Renta gown from last year was an instant classic.

Remember when Lindsay Lohan was invited? At least she made it count.

Not only is the color flawless on Eva Longoria, but the cascading pleated ripples twist and turn fluidly, without drowning her petite frame.

This is how you do micro mini on the red carpet.

Get ready to see Diane Kruger on this list a few times. She turns it out at the Met Ball every single year.

OK, Gisele, we get it.

This sheer, jewel-encrusted Gucci sheath is what dreams are made of.

Nobody wears a jumpsuit quite like K-Stew.

Aphrodite is real, and she’s actually Jessica Alba.

Only SJP could pull off this tartan/lace mashup and make you think it was a great idea.

This intricate blue and gold gown is 100 percent museum-worthy.

Only Diane Kruger could wear a loose, purple, feather-trimmed dress and look like she jumped out of Vogue.

Even Serena van der Woodsen is jealous.

If I could raid any celebrity closet, It would be Kate Bosworth’s. This vintage Chanel could have gone in a gaudy, dated direction, but the ultra-flattering cut and modern beauty treatment keep it completely fresh.

This Valentino gown is effortlessly breezy and princess-worthy. The sleek, simple hair was a stroke of genius.

This crisp column dress is all in the details. Diane Kruger can do no wrong.

If you’re going to out-red a red carpet, this is how you do it.

This asymmetrical white gown is so flawlessly fitted and youthful that I bet you didn’t think “bridal” once.

This Dior look proves that black is not a red carpet cop out. Let’s bring net face veils back.

How embarrassing for that girl in blue.

Ok, Rihanna, we get it. You look perfect in everything.

If David Bowie was a twenty-something starlet, this is what he’d wear to the Met Gala. This is also where all of Zenon’s shiny discs went.

It’s hard to justify a slinky black dress on a “best ever” list, but Miranda Kerr honestly killed it in this Michael Kors piece.

The next Naked Palette should be based exclusively off of this look.

I don’t know the last time Camilla Belle acted, but she never fails to look better than everyone wherever she shows up.

Dakota undoubtedly had every over-30 attendee seething with jealousy at her youthful glow in this ethereal number. What makeup? I just rolled up as fresh as these couture daisies.

Look. At. That. Detail. The complimentary feathery hair and deep smokey eye seal the deal. Girl’s come a long way from the block.

From the waves to the lip to each perfectly placed sequin and that skirt slit, this look is flawless.

This is what the Met Ball is about. Taking up as much space on the carpet as possible, and looking like you fell to earth from a far-off planet of glamorous perfection.

Emma Stone is the most perfect Madame Alexander Doll that never was. I’m also a sucker for formal minis.

I’m aware that this look is super dated, but the detail and fit on this gown are too much to ignore.

Big Bird’s incredibly chic, soft-goth sister.

The Met is the place for a massive, tulle-y masterpiece, and Bee Shaffer’s Nina Ricci number is one for the books.

Yaaaaaas, queen.

Yes, I know, it’s hard to make Blake Lively look great, but SOMEHOW she did it.

Leave it to Cara Delevingne to buck the trend. This look proved that pants can make just as big of a red carpet statement as a 20-foot train. Especially when they fit this well.

Yes, this is opulent, and yes, that hair is BIG. But this is the Met Ball, and Charlize’s Dior look went all out in all the right places.

I recommend Googling this dress to admire all the angles. Barbie is throwing a tantrum in her grave.

This feathered Prada mini is anything but flapper-y, and I want it. And check out those ahead-of-the-curve ear cuffs.

“Can I keep you?” asked Casper as he marveled at this witchy, curvy, webby dream.

From the flawless hair and makeup to the jewelry to the meticulously lacquered nails, Dita truly outdid herself in this pin-up perfect mermaid dress.