All of Kim Kardashian's Met Gala looks, ranked
It's hard to believe there was ever a time when Kim Kardashian wasn't a regular attendee at the Met Gala, AKA the biggest event in the fashion calendar.
Before her Met Gala debut in 2013, there was speculation that the Kardashian family were banned from the prestigious event. Thankfully, that turned out not to be the case, as Kim later attended the event as her then-partner Kanye West's plus one.
Her first Met Gala look – a floral Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy gown – set the standard for her subsequent appearances, in that it was extremely divisive. Six years later, Kim reflected on the reaction to her outfit, tweeting, “I was Kanye’s plus one & so nervous! I didn’t know anyone & I’m sure no one wanted me there lol. I did my own lipstick & the color is so off. I went home & cried after of insecurity but this is one of my fave looks now.”
Whether you loved or hated it at the time, it's proved to be one of the most memorable Met Gala dresses of all time. And next year, she was invited to the Gala in her own right, so she must have done something right.
Ever since then, her outfits have ranged from slightly ridiculous (see the full-body Balenciaga morph-suit she wore in 2021) to sleek and sensual (see her flowing Vivienne Westwood dress from 2018). Then, of course, there's that Marilyn Monroe dress that she brought back to life, much to the shock and horror of many.
So, as we anticipate her 2025 look, GLAMOUR ranked every single one of Kim Kardashian's previous Met Gala outfits, starting from ‘needs work’ to ‘chef’s kiss'.
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
Kevin Mazur13. Lanvin in 2014
Theme: Charles James: Beyond Fashion
While it's understandable that Kim may have wanted to play it safe after the ~ less than enthusiastic ~ response to her Met Gala debut in 2013, we have to admit we were a little disappointed with this conservative look. Yes, the Lanvin gown is sumptuously elegant, but – if Kim's fashion evolution has shown us anything – it's that we've come to expect more from the Keeping Up With The Kardashians alumni. Don't worry, it's only up from here.
Kevin Mazur12. Vivienne Westwood in 2017
Theme: Rei Kawakubo & Commes des Garçons
You can't go wrong with a plain white dress. Unless it's someone else's wedding or – indeed – the Met Gala. The distinctly low-maintenance look, elevated by her razor-sharp lob, signalled a change of pace for the star; opting for draped (dare we say – comfortable-looking?) fabric, rather than the oppressively-tight fits of recent years. And while it certainly isn't our favourite Kim K look, we still appreciate her for bringing mermaid vibes to the Met Gala.
Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images11. Maison Margiela in 2024
Theme: Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion
The teeny-tiny corset looks at best uncomfortable but the red carpet veteran is no stranger to discomfort (remember the scary video she shared of her back from squeezing into Marilyn Monroe's dress?). In a custom look from Maison Margiela by John Galliano, Kim wore an armour-esque bustier top with a silver floral chainmail dress, and a grey bolero cardigan.
WWD/Getty Images10. Marilyn Monroe's dress in 2022
Theme: In America: An Anthology of Fashion
From one American icon to another, Kim donned the very dress that Monroe wore while singing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy’s on this 45th birthday at Madison Square Garden in 1962. The shimmering number was widely considered the first naked dress and set the internet on fire for the way Kim altered the dress for the occasion.
Larry Busacca9. Givenchy in 2013
Theme: Punk: Chaos to Couture
Look, we're not interested in dunking on this look. I mean, we imagine it's hard enough preparing for the Met Gala as it is – even without being heavily pregnant. Her floral Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy gown has gone down in history as one of the boldest styling decisions in the Gala's history. And do you know what? We reckon she nailed the theme. However, since her Met Gala debut, Kim's looks have really gone up a notch – so really, we had no choice.
Mike Coppola8. Balenciaga in 2021
Theme: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
In true Kim Kardashian-style, this look dominated the fashion headlines for days after the grand event. While we would have loved to see a bit more ~ pizazz~ many a cultural commentator has noted that Kim actually got the theme pretty spot on. After all, what could be iconic – and American – than being able to recognise Kim through her body alone? Makes you think. We feel bad for her MUA, though.
Gotham7. Balenciaga in 2021 (after-party)
Theme: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
Now this is more like it: Kim exuded Catwoman vibes for Justin Bieber's after-party at the 2021 Met Gala, dressed head-to-toe in Balenciaga (of course). Who needs a morph-suit when you can just wear sunglasses?
Pierre Suu6. Thierry Mugler in 2019 (after-party)
Theme: Camp: Notes on Fashion
This torso-bearing look took camp to the next level. Wearing a turquoise latex dress by Mugler (based on an existing dress from the label’s archives), Kim accessorised the striking look with matching platform boots and a fringe wig that would have looked tacky on literally anybody else.
Larry Busacca5. Balmain in 2016
Theme: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
Let's just say Kim did not come to play in 2016. Dressed in a metallic, Balmain gown – complete with slicked-back hair and a statement earpiece – Kim looked every inch the Fembot, driving up her Met Gala credentials. She later reflected on the look, saying, “I wanted a silver theme […] I kind of thought everyone was going to go with that, but I still really wanted to do it...I just wanted to go for it and be a bling-y, sexy robot.” Well, Kim, you succeeded.
ANGELA WEISS4. Versace in 2018
Theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
Now we're in the top three, Kim Kardashian's gowns are just achingly beautiful. Like, it physically hurts to behold this gold, Versace gown – in a good way. Kim also referenced the theme with plenty of crucifix imagery, both on her dress and the necklaces she wore. We are not worthy…
Mike Coppola/Getty Images3. Schiaparelli in 2023
Theme: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty
Kim wore a custom Schiaparelli look by Daniel Roseberry to honour Karl Lagerfeld that year, decked out in 50,000 pearls and a white cape to match. A breathtaking work of art and display of exquisite craftsmanship.
Dimitrios Kambouris2. Roberto Cavalli in 2015
Theme: China: Through the Looking Glass
Narrowly missing the top spot, Kim wore a custom Roberto Cavalli gown for the Met Gala in 2015, which was gut-wrenchingly beautiful. The nearly nude dress, which was smattered with crystals and feathered detailing, won over many of her fashion critics. She later described it as “one of my fave dresses ever,” adding, "it was the first dress creative director Peter Dundas designed for Cavalli."
Jamie McCarthy1. Thierry Mugler in 2019
Theme: Camp: Notes on Fashion
At number one is Kim's high-camp, high-drama “wet dress,” which was designed especially for her by the late, great Thierry Mugler. The designer spent eight months constructing the mega-tight, corseted latex gown, which appeared to be dripping with droplets of water, which – of course – were actually beaded crystals. Kim wore plenty of oil on her hair and skin, adding to the overall wet look. She told Vogue:
“This is the first time in 20 years Mr. Mugler has designed for the House of Mugler. So to come and design this gown for me is such an honour. This is about eight months in the making. He envisioned me this California girl stepping out of the ocean, wet, dripping.”
Will she top the list with her 2025 look? We can't wait to find out.
