The Met Gala is known for pushing fashion boundaries, where celebrities dress in their boldest and most imaginative styles for one of fashion’s biggest nights. But while the red carpet turns heads, it’s often the afterparty outfits that truly steal the spotlight.
Away from the formality of the main event, stars frequently show off personal flair, experimental styling, and even better looks that didn’t make the official steps of the Met.
Here’s a list of 11 times celebrities turned up the heat after hours and delivered unforgettable Met Gala afterparty looks—ones that arguably topped their red carpet appearances.
Stunning Met Gala Afterparty Looks
1. Tessa Thompson, 2018
Tessa Thompson looked stunning on the red carpet in a structured black strapless gown paired with a patterned jacket. But later, she switched to a glitzy, sequined dress, tall white boots, and oversized cat-eye sunglasses. The second look had more energy and edge, showing off her daring style.
2. Omar Apollo, 2024
Instagram | omarapollosupremacy | Omar Apollo stunned at the Met Gala afterparty with his abstract eye jacket, sparking online buzz.
Omar Apollo showed up to the Met Gala in a metallic-detailed suit that definitely stood out. But he took it to another level for the afterparty with an avant-garde jacket featuring an abstract eye design and a sharp, high collar. That mirror selfie? It still has the internet buzzing.
3. Jennifer Lawrence, 2015
Jennifer kept it classic at the gala with a black gown and floral bodice. But when she let her hair down and slipped into a glimmering floor-length gown with a plunging neckline for the afterparty, it was a game-changer. The casual updo gave way to a more effortless glam that felt much more modern.
4. Rihanna, 2014
No surprise here—Rihanna knows how to dominate both the red carpet and the afterparty. Her red carpet ensemble was elegant and refined, a high-neck white crop top and long skirt. But it was the backless, shimmering metallic gown she wore after-hours that truly turned heads. It was sultry, sleek, and pure Rihanna.
5. Winnie Harlow, 2021
Winnie made a statement on the carpet in a sheer, patterned gown with a flowy overlay. But later that night, she wore a flowing brown dress with detailed prints that felt more relaxed yet even more impactful. It’s the kind of look that keeps fashion watchers talking.
6. Kate Hudson, 2015
Kate went for simplicity on the carpet with a one-sleeved gown. Later, she added flair with a fringed cape that brought instant drama and movement. The cape made a statement all on its own, and honestly, it should’ve had its own red carpet moment.
7. Katy Perry, 2019
Katy knows how to make an entrance—she arrived dressed as a literal chandelier. But for the afterparty? She transformed into a giant hamburger. It sounds wild, and it was—but somehow it worked. Fun, playful, and totally unexpected, the second look delivered the entertainment only she could pull off.
8. Rita Ora, 2024
On the Met Gala carpet, Rita wore a daring, sheer beaded gown. It was intricate, but the placement of embellishments drew mixed reactions. Her afterparty outfit—a sheer dress adorned with pearls, paired with a luxurious fur coat—felt more cohesive, glamorous, and far more flattering.
9. Hailey Bieber, 2025
Instgaram | metgalaofficial_ | modelsss.world | From a safe black blazer dress to a confident gold corset, Hailey's smile highlighted her preferred look.
