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Forbes

Lifestyle

Sarah Boyd, Contributor

The 6 Biggest Style Takeaways From The 2021 Met Gala

Fashion is back! After more than a year off, the Met Gala officially returned, with the biggest names in fashion and celebrity arriving to celebrate the Costume Institute’s latest exhibition, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” Interpretations of the theme were varied, with looks channeling American icons and fashion staples past and present.

As always on the red carpet, prominent trends emerged from the event. Below, here are 6 major trends that were on display at the Met Gala that will no doubt enter the everyday style lexicon in the months to come.

1) Two-Piece Gowns

Matching sets got dressed up on the Met Gala red carpet, with plenty of celebrities choosing to bare their midriffs at the event.

Lily-Rose Depp in Chanel

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Lily-Rose Depp attends the 2021 Met Gala benefit "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage) WireImage

With the reemergence of Y2K fashion at the moment, a crop top and low-rise skirt is a perfect interpretation of the event theme.

Camilla Cabello in Michael Kors Collection

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Camila Cabello attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images) Getty Images

Camilla Cabello rocked a royal purple sequin outfit from Michael Kors. The long middle part, disco makeup, and feather details evoke Cher in the 70s.

Kate Hudson in Michael Kors Collection

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Kate Hudson attends the 2021 Met Gala benefit "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage) WireImage

Kate Hudson arrived to the Met Gala in a baby pink look from Michael Kors with a bralette top and column skirt. Sans feather coat, I could see people rocking this look at a summer fete.

2) Transparent Dresses

Speaking of showing off some skin, transparent dresses are here to stay. Megan Fox kicked off the trend early at the VMAs, but on Monday night there were even more celebrities rocking sheer and see-through gowns. Consider these outfits inspiration for your next tropical vacation when you’re looking for a way to wear your swimsuit on a night out.

Julia Garner in Stella McCartney

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Julia Garner attends 2021 Costume Institute Benefit - In America: A Lexicon of Fashion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Julia Garner dazzled in a shimmering sheer dress from Stella McCartney, complete with an asymmetric bodysuit underneath.

Zoë Kravitz in Saint Laurent

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Zoë Kravitz attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images) Getty Images

Zoë Kravitz bared (almost) it all in this crystal Saint Laurent number.

Kendall Jenner in Givenchy

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Kendall Jenner attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images) Getty Images

Kendall Jenner modernized a classic Audrey Hepburn outfit with this transparent Givenchy gown that referenced a My Fair Lady costume.

3) Gold

If you’re going to pick a color that stands out from the crowd and draws the eye, you can’t go wrong with head-to-toe gold.

Lil Nas X in Versace

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Lil Nas X attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images) Getty Images

Lil Nas X made his Met Gala debut with not one, not two, but three looks from Versace. He arrived in a regal cape, removed that to unveil golden armor, and then showed off an embellished bodysuit beneath the armor.

Quannah Chasinghorse in Dundas

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Quannah Chasinghorse attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/MG21/Getty Images For The Met Museum/Vogue) Getty Images For The Met Museum/Vogue

Native American model Quannah Chasinghorse stunned in gold lamé by Dundas. She also wore Navajo turquoise jewelry to accent the look.

Iman in Dolce & Gabbana x Harris Reed

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Iman attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images) Getty Images

Iman looked like a radiant sun in this creation from Dolce & Gabbana and Harris Reed. The look was inspired by ballroom culture.

4) Floral Motifs

Florals for fall? It’s true! While the Met Gala took place later than usual (it typically occurs on the first Monday in May) attendees arrived in fabulous florals.

Lili Reinhart in Christian Siriano

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Lili Reinhart attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage) WireImage

Lili Reinhart’s Christian Siriano dress featured the official state flowers of all 50 states, a perfect tie-in to the theme.

Nikkie de Jager in Edwin Oudshoorn Couture

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Nikkie de Jager attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images) Getty Images

Nikkie de Jager’s dress paid homage to trans rights activist Marsha P. Johnson.

Irina Shayk in Moschino

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: Irina Shayk attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images) Getty Images

Irina Shayk added color to her nude Moschino bodice with a rainbow of flower appliqués.

5) Western Details

The Wild West is one of the most enduring images of Americana, so it’s only fitting that there was plenty of denim, fringe, and leather on the red carpet.