From off-theme silhouettes to questionable tailoring, Misryoum reviews 14 celebrity outfits that didn’t land at the 2026 Met Gala.
A room full of fashion heavyweights can still miss the brief, and the 2026 Met Gala delivered plenty of “almost” moments along the red carpet.
Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on Monday night. the event again brought celebrity and billionaire arrivals under a theme that rewards creativity and precision.. Yet Misryoum found that not every look clearly aligned with the spirit of “Fashion Is Art. ” leaving some outfits feeling underwhelming. mismatched. or simply unfinished.
Among the standouts with reservations was Ashley Graham. whose custom Di Petsa gown featured sheer sections that blended into her skin and a criss-cross bodice effect. paired with diamond jewelry and a sleek beauty look.. While the styling felt polished, the overall impact was described as less memorable for a night built around statement-making.
Insight: At the Met Gala, “beautiful” isn’t always enough. The audience expects design that reads instantly as intentional, not merely pretty or safe.
Misryoum also flagged Ben Stiller’s simpler navy suit paired with an orange tie. The color choice appeared to nod to the New York Knicks during their playoff run, but the contrast between personal fandom and the formal Met Gala setting made the outfit feel like it belonged elsewhere.
Olivia Wilde’s Thom Browne design drew criticism for a front that looked classic while the back introduced unexpected structural elements.. Misryoum noted how those details. including a tulle component and an architectural cage-like feature. risked turning the dress into a confusing mix rather than a cohesive garment.
Other entries on Misryoum’s list included Patrick Schwarzenegger’s layered. all-black look. where multiple pieces competed for attention. and Kim Kardashian’s metallic orange bodysuit with a corseted waist paired with a leather half-skirt.. Misryoum said the brightness and shape of the top grabbed attention. but the pairing of materials and styling elements read as mismatched.
In this context, the theme challenge becomes tougher for looks that pile on components.. Odessa A’zion’s Valentino ensemble combined a corset. sheer tights. tall boots. a draped jacket. and floral appliques. but Misryoum described it as overwhelming.. Charli XCX’s Saint Laurent gown was seen as too restrained for a Met Gala moment. while Camila Morrone’s pale. neutral-toned gown and cape of silk flowers were characterized as nearly invisible in tone.
Insight: When an outfit is “busy,” balance matters. The Met Gala rewards boldness, but coherence is what makes the boldness feel like art rather than clutter.
Rounding out Misryoum’s less successful list were Cardι B’s Marc Jacobs look. with sheer lace and tan satin plus pastel patches that felt off. and Rami Malek’s all-black Saint Laurent styling. where a dramatic scarf dominated the composition.. Tyla’s custom Valentino gown was described as daring but somewhat disjointed between the gem-like bodice and the teal skirt. while Serena Williams’ metallic Marc Jacobs dress was noted for costume-like impact due to its silver tone.
Misryoum also pointed to Karlie Kloss’s monochrome white gown with a bulbous silhouette and an out-of-place floral headpiece. and Sarah Pidgeon’s lime-green Loewe co-ord that was deemed pleasant yet predictable.. In the end. these choices suggest a common pattern: even when designers take risks. execution and alignment with the occasion are what determine whether a look stands out or fades into the background.
Insight: Missteps at the Met Gala often become part of the story. They show how small decisions in tailoring, styling harmony, and theme fit can make the difference between headline-worthy and forgettable.