6 Met Gala Theme Looks to Steal From the Meta Watch Party
At the Mark Hotel, over fifty creators demonstrated how to wear the theme in real life—these six looks point the way.
Image: popsugar.com
Yves Klein Blue
Yves Klein blue is the most direct art reference in the 'Fashion Is Art' theme. The pigment, developed by French artist Yves Klein in 1960, was everywhere at the Meta Watch Party, an annual event at the Mark Hotel that draws over fifty creators. Eva Chen (Meta's fashion partnerships director) wore Proenza Schouler; Brooke DeVard (chief content officer of Refinery29) wore vintage Mugler; Dylan Kelly wore Luar. The color works in suiting, gowns, shoes, and even makeup. For a softer entry, Ulla Johnson's fringed knit top ($450) and matching skirt ($590) add texture, while Express's stretch twill blazer ($99, originally $148) keeps it tailored. Pair a blue blazer with white trousers for a daytime version, or go full monochrome for evening. The trick is to treat the blue as a neutral—let it stand next to black or white without competing. The shade reads as confident and artistic, so save it for occasions where you want to make a statement.
- Inspiration: Yves Klein
- Featured Creator: Eva Chen
- Price Reference: $450
Balletcore
Balletcore takes its cue from Degas, whose ballerina paintings send a clear signal. The look showed up at the watch party as pink ruffles and tulle. The Selkie En Pointe Degas Dress ($308) directly references the artist, while Aje's Pandorea Layered Maxi Dress ($769) adds sculptural volume. Christian Louboutin's Cassia lace-up slingback pumps ($1,195) mimic ballet ribbons, and a velvet bow choker ($28) completes the aesthetic. To avoid looking like you're heading to a recital, use only one tulle piece and keep the rest minimal. A messy bun is the expected hair move. If a full gown feels too much, a Petal & Pup Floret Bow Strap Midi Sundress ($82, originally $109) offers a lighter option. The palette stays pale and airy, echoing Degas's pastel washes.
- Inspiration: Degas
- Price Reference: $308
Artful Patterns
Artful patterns offer a middle ground between a sculpture and a human-robot hybrid. One party-goer, April Lockhart, wore a Kristin Mallison gown printed with an Italian landscape, proving that wearable art exists. For a more abstract take, Christopher John Rogers's Moonshine Cowl Halter Midi Dress ($1,195) uses bold color blocks. Alice and Olivia's Diana Sleeveless Dress ($695) is softer, while a Comme des Garcons blazer by Filip Pagowski ($870, originally $1,580) adds an art patch to any outfit. On the budget end, Diarra Blu's Tubi Dress ($295) and Desigual's Recycled Scrappy Dress ($167, originally $239) both have painterly prints. To wear this look, keep your shoes neutral and skip the statement jewelry. The pattern is the point, so let it be the only loud element. If you're mixing patterns, stay within one color family to avoid clashing.
- Inspiration: Italian Landscape
- Featured Creator: April Lockhart
- Price Reference: $1,195
Metallic
Metallic is the go-to for anyone who wants to feel festive without leaving their comfort zone. At the party, editor Morgan Evans wore shiny silver, and the red carpet often features gold lamé. The 'Fashion Is Art' theme can be read as glamour, and metallic delivers. Mac Duggal's Sleeveless Disc Sequin Trapeze Mini Dress ($598) is a classic party shape, while Georgia Hardinge's Scope Dress ($395, originally $540) gives a sculptural silver column. For a budget pick, Zara's Sequin Knit Midi Dress ($129) is subtle but shiny. ASOS's Large Disc Sequin Square Neck Mini Dress ($309) offers a daring neckline. Because the fabric already reflects light, you can skip heavy jewelry and let the dress carry the look. Pair with simple black pumps; the shine is the accessory.
- Inspiration: Glamour
- Featured Creator: Morgan Evans
- Price Reference: $598
Headpieces
Another way to nod to the theme is with a headpiece. The red carpet featured Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ciara in headpieces, and Isabel Tan carried the idea to the watch party. Tan paired an ornate topper with a neutral dress, which is the safest. A handmade Ostrich and Marabou Feather Sun Hat ($385) is maximal, while a Gold Butterfly Fascinator ($275) is lighter. Jennifer Behr's Crystal Czarina Ponywrap ($228) dresses up an everyday ponytail. If you're on a budget, Lovers and Friends's Liza Beaded Hat ($58) adds texture without overwhelming. Match the headpiece to the occasion: feathers for a formal setting, a fascinator for cocktails. Wear the rest in a solid color so the headpiece remains the focal point. For an indoor party, a fascinator or ponywrap is more practical than a sun hat.
- Inspiration: Red Carpet
- Featured Creator: Isabel Tan
- Price Reference: $385
Flowers as Accessories
Flowers as accessories are the crafty route—you can buy them or create your own. The Atanga twins placed a bouquet inside a corset, and another guest wore a floral headpiece. Anthropologie's Dried Natural Meadow Bouquet ($48) can be pinned or clipped onto your outfit, and their Orchid French Hair Pin ($18) or South Beach Flower Clip ($14) offer quick, affordable accents. Ready-made accessories include a Rose Fascinator Headband ($110) and Lele Sadoughi's Ivory Blair Orchid Headband ($69, originally $95). The mechanism is simple: let the flowers be the only statement. Wear a simple black suit or neutral separates, then position the blooms on your head, at your waist, or on your lapel. A bouquet tucked into a corset adds unexpected drama, while a single bloom clipped to a collar keeps it understated. The effect reads as artistic without requiring a full costume, and you can easily swap flowers to match the occasion or season.
- Inspiration: Floral
- Featured Creator: Atanga twins
- Price Reference: $48
Image: popsugar.com
Image: Kate Owen
Image: popsugar.com
Draws on source material published at popsugar.com.
Keep reading
In Nine Sections, Galliano’s Met Retrospective Moves From Dior’s Firing to a Confrontation With His Antisemitism
Anna Wintour’s advocacy, a 2023 pause, a Zara archive deal, and a doll-inspired show all shaped this exhibition—one that makes the antisemitic comments a central part of its story.
Plaid Skirts Return: Why the Old Schoolyard Basic Is Now the Season's Sharpest Layer
From Catholic-school uniforms to the runways, the plaid skirt has become the fall staple fashion girls rely on — here are five specific ways to wear it now.
Baggy Jeans, Polished: Five Outfits That Balance the Volume
Stylist Amaia Anderson explains how tailored pieces, sharp shoes, and one well-chosen accessory turn the loosest denim into a look for work, weekends, and game days.