Compared to the typical movie premieres or awards ceremonies, the annual Met Gala encourages more of a dramatic, over-the-top dress code. No classic gowns allowed! It didn’t earn its nickname as the Super Bowl of Fashion for nothing. And someone who’s always understood that sentiment? Blake Lively. Over the years, the stylish actor has nailed statement dressing on the step and repeat. Ahead of this year’s Met Gala on May 6, Vogue is looking back on all of her best looks.
As someone who’s regularly attended the Met Gala since 2008, Lively is of course no stranger to the star-studded event. Over the years, Lively has cultivated a few Met Gala signatures: She favors gowns that have a high-dose of glamour, often finished with long, dramatic trains. In 2022, she served as one of the gala’s official co-chairs, alongside husband Ryan Reynolds and actors Regina King and Lin-Manuel Miranda. She wore a Versace gown inspired by the Statue of Liberty that patinaed on the carpet—her long train unraveled to showcase a copper-like finish.
Other highlights from Lively include in 2018, when she wore another ornate Versace look. The bodice took over 600 hours to bead, and the flowing train was so large that she had to take a party bus to the venue. In 2016, she wowed in Burberry’s strapless pink gown, the back of her cape-train embroidered with pretty florals. There’s also been many memorable style moments with her husband in tow. In 2014, for instance, they both looked the part of an Old Hollywood duo in Gucci—Reynolds in a sleek tuxedo and Lively in a blush-pink, figure-hugging gown with elegant draping.
There’s no doubt that Lively will (hopefully) come dressed to impress once again at this year’s Met Gala on the first Monday in May. The question is: What will she wear? Will she don a custom one-of-a-kind frock, or dip into the archives to revive a vintage gem? Stay tuned!
Below, explore all of Lively’s best Met Gala looks over the years.