15 Times Men Wore More Than Just a Tuxedo to the Met Gala

As the Met Gala unfolds each year, official and unofficial spectators watch intently to see how attendees chose to interpret the year’s theme. Even so, many male attendees choose to try and blend in by wearing a high-fashion tuxedo on fashion’s biggest night. Not only this, but many completely side step the event’s theme while female attendees don’t hold back at all. It's an annual grievance when scouring best dressed lists than men's clothing doesn't get more experimental. But over the years, not all of them have fallen short, and the best men's Met Gala looks are worth remembering. 

Sharply dressed and sartorially experimental men like Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and Bad Bunny have waltzed across those famous steps at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to deliver standout looks over the decades. These stylish celebrities have graced the red carpet while flirting with androgyny, showing some skin, and even rocking thrifted pieces. The best outfits ditch the classic touch for something more avant-garde.

With 2025’s menswear-centered theme rooted in the evolution of Black dandyism, it remains to be seen how male attendees will interpret it. But one thing is for sure: With a focus on menswear like never before, there is more opportunity than ever to reveal men's looks that truly psuh the envelope, whether it's by incorporating barely-used historical elements or riffing on old tailoring techniques.

Keep scrolling to look back at very time men at the Met Gala went beyond the standard tuxedo, like A$AP Rocky's Gucci ensemble or Bad Bunny's floral train. See them all below.

The Best Men's Met Gala Looks of All Time

André Leon Talley, 1999

André Leon Talley left a stylish imprint everywhere he went, and his Met Gala appearances were no different. The late fashion editor arrived to the 1999 Met Gala alongside Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour in one of his trademark regal cape coats. This one was black with gold brocade and was one of his best.

Alexander McQueen, 2006

In accompanying Sarah Jessica Parker in 2006, Alexander McQueen didn't look out of place. The late designer chose a myriad of plaid to complement Parker's look and paid homage to his own Scottish heritage in the process.

Tom Ford, 2014

Tom Ford epitomized class in this look from his own label and nailed the year's "Charles James: Beyond Fashion" theme. The designer's peacoat and silk crafted waist-coat were exquisite, along with the white gloves he held in his hand.

Zayn Malik, 2016

Zayn Malik made his Met Gala debut and quite the statement. An otherwise standard tuxedo was elevated by the addition of silver metal sleeves by Versace that resembled robot arms. And it matched then-girlfriend Gigi Hadid's techno-look perfectly.

Chadwick Boseman, 2018

The late Chadwick Boseman nailed 2018's "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" theme. His custom Atelier Versace look what all-white with eye-catching gold accents that matched his gold dress shoes.

Billy Porter, 2019

Billy Porter's 2019 ensemble had all the aspects of the year's "Camp" theme. He made a head-turning entrance and put on an all out performance, getting carried in by six men. Porter's gold embellished catsuit, 10-foot wings, and gold headpiece came courtesy of The Blonds.

Virgil Abloh, 2021

For his final Met Gala appearance in 2021, Virgil Abloh refined the typical suit. The late Off-White designer donned a white suit with the word "modernism" airbushed in blue and a matching sherpa hat with perked up ears.

Lewis Hamilton, 2021

Lewis Hamilton is clearly a fan of the sheer trend. The Formula 1 driver and 2025 Met Gala co-chair spiced up his Kenneth Nicholson suit with lacy accents and a white sheer shirt underneath.

Pharrell Williams, 2021

Pharrell Williams and his wife Helen Lasichanh went Western for the 2021 event. The musician and his wife sported matching Chanel cowboy shirts, accessorized with jewel-encrusted bolo ties and black cowboy boots.

Lenny Kravitz, 2022

Who says corsetry and lace is only for women? Lenny Kravitz went the mystical and ethreal route in an all-black Chrome Hearts look that included a lacy shirt and a corset. He finished off with a pair of leather pants and boots with a heel.

A$AP Rocky, 2023

A fashion killa indeed. A$AP Rocky's choice of a red plaid kilt and denim with suiting on top redefined men's style. The custom head-to-toe Gucci look paid homage to the late Karl Lagerfeld and remains one of the style icon's best. 

Tyler Mitchell, 2023

Tyler Mitchell looked quite dandy-like for the 2023 event. The photographer and visionary wore a custom Bode look with intricate white accents that was clearly crafted made with intent. His initials can even be seen sewn into the left cuff. 

Bad Bunny, 2023

Bad Bunny declared that the open-back wasn't just for women. The singer's custom all-white Jacquemus suit showed some skin and was accessorized with some dangly jewelry. He finished off the look with a grand floral train.

Colman Domingo, 2024

To make his Met Gala debut, Colman Domingo reminded everyone he was one of Hollywood's snappiest dressers. The actor donned a sultry black-and-white look by Willy Chavarria, while paying tribute to Chadwick Boseman and André Leon Talley.

Lil Nas X, 2024

For his third Met Gala appearance, Lil Nas X continued his theme of theatrics. The rapper wore an oversized white and silver paneled jumpsuit by Raul Lopez of Luar and extra long acrylic nails.