The Met Gala: Not Your Average Red Carpet

This is my favorite gown from the whole evening on Felicity Jones. It's unusual neckline and striped fabric made it unusual without crossing any lines into crazy. It's perfect in every way!

Every year the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a big gala to kick off it's costume exhibit. It has become rather a big deal in fashion, and loads of stars show up for this event. I am always pleased by the variety of looks that appear. I think since it's connected to "art" many red carpet walkers tend to be more daring and bold with their fashion choices. Because of this, unless a dress is unbelievably terrible, I feel like all unusual looks deserve a free-pass. This is the night stars can wear whatever they want and not to be beat up for it later. Because of the artistic nature of this event, I feel the Met Gala is rather unusual and always a special treat. Please enjoy my pics!

THE TYPICAL BEAUTIES

I have rarely seen a more perfect dress on the runway. The two-tone lines make it playful and completely appropriate for Hailey Steinfeld. Well played!

I was instantly reminded of the movie Gigi when I saw this dress. While I suppose I prefer the original, this blue version on Zooey Deschanel is gorgeous!

SJP looks perfect in this black and white gown!

I was shocked to see the comedienne Sarah Silverman dressed in such a dramatic and serious gown. I love the volume on the skirt and the color is perfect on her!

THE DARING

This is the kind of daring I like to see on the red carpet. The print is a little out there, but it's still spring-like and playful. I find that Emmy Rossum often gets it just right on the red carpet.

This is another perfect example of a gown that might be too much for another event, but for the Met Gala I think it's just right. That color and the floral detail combined with the interesting lines completely takes my breath away! (Karolina Kurkova)

Oh Emma, how I love you! Two tone pink on a red head. Totally flawless!

And I love the back view!

THE CRAZY BUT I STILL KIND OF LIKE IT

I'm sure many will disagree with me on these one's. My first choice here is Nicole Ritchie. The purple hair is a little distracting, but I still like it. And I love the slinkiness and shimmer on this dress.

I really want to hate this dress, but for some reason, this Lady Guinevere look is working for me. Plus, I think Kate Mara looks better than she's ever looked before. I really like her with blonde hair.

OK. This should probably go in the terrible section, but I just couldn't bring myself to put Lupita all the way at the bottom when she was so recently at the top. Hopefully this is just a fluke for her.

I know a lot of people hate Mary-Kate and Ashley's fashion choices, but I tend to like them. They are kind of consistently flipping the bird in a gothic and sometimes drab way. But I honestly don't completely hate these dresses. I think they're interesting with a costume edge that I appreciate.

THE CRAZY TERRIBLE

Rita Ora here in more lace ups than you could possibly imagine. What in heavens name was she thinking?

This is one of the worst red carpet looks of all time, ever!!! I mean, look at that weird tucking at the waist, and the crazy detail on the front and sleeves, not to mention that it is WAY too short. Elizabeth Olsen is usually so pretty, but she looks like a hot mess here.

I'm not sure what hippie camp Maggie Gyllenhaal climbed out of, but nothing about this dress says red carpet. 

Gabrielle Union, AKA Flapper Barbie.

I'm not sure I can even find words for this one on Shaliene Woodley.

Beyonce in her sparkly night dress.

Chloe Sevigny looks like she raided a bad, 80's business woman's closet. There is no excuse for this one!

I suppose, in the spirit of this being an "art gala" I can give Naomi Watts an A for effort. But there's just too much going on and it ultimately doesn't work.

I'm assuming the dress underneath is simple and maybe even pretty. I'm not sure why Florence Welch decided that this enormous house coat was a good idea.