The first Monday in May certainly looks different this year. With no Met Gala to look forward to, we’ll have to settle on looking back at the dress code rule-breakers of past years. It’s common knowledge that Anna Wintour, the orchestrator of the event, encourages attendees to dress according to the theme of each year’s Costume Institute exhibit, but not everyone jumps on board with the suggested dress code. Of course, we can’t fault people for sticking to their personal style and what feels right instead of contorting to fit the 2019 camp theme, but they’re technically rule-breakers nonetheless.
Another Met Gala commandment? No social media inside the event. The New York Timeshas confirmed that posts taken after the red carpet section are banned, but many celebrities have tempted fate and shared with their followers in the past. Scroll down to see all the celebrities who have bent the rules in years past—and still looked chic doing it.
WHO: Gwyneth PaltrowWEAR: Chloé dress; Jimmy Choo shoes
Jennifer Lopez went for ethereal glamour in a Valentino dress, eschewing the 2017 Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons theme.
Serena Williams looked beautiful in Versace while expecting her first child during the 2017 Met Gala, where she respectfully passed on the Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons theme.
In 2016, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen stuck to their signature aesthetic instead of abiding by the Manus x Machina theme, which explored the intersection between fashion and technology.
Last year, Cindy Crawford looked stunning in a molded red Versace gown. Although beautiful, it didn’t observe the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination theme, which focused on all things religious.
Kendall Jenner went with American designer Calvin Klein during the 2015 Met Gala, where the theme was China: Through the Looking Glass.
In 2018, Yara Shahidi wore an impeccable Chanel dress, but it didn’t exactly scream Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.
Kylie Jenner skipped out on the 2018 theme with her sleek Alexander Wang gown.
Celebrities aren’t supposed to share photos or videos taken after the red carpet section, but these Instagrammers couldn’t help but post on social media from inside the venue during the 2018 event.
