Not every Met Gala look can be a masterpiece, and as the 2026 event celebrates “Costume Art” with a “Fashion Is Art” dress code, the pressure to deliver a gallery-worthy moment is higher than ever. While some stars rise to the occasion with show-stopping designs, others miss the mark entirely, leaving fashion fans questioning the vision. From confusing concepts to over-the-top ensembles that don’t quite land, these are the looks that had everyone talking, for all the wrong reasons.
Ashley Graham stepped out in a custom Di Petsa gown that aimed for barely-there illusion, but didn’t quite land. The sheer, skin-tone fabric blended so closely with her complexion that it almost disappeared entirely, creating a second-skin effect. While the criss-cross detailing across the bodice attempted to add dimension, the overall silhouette felt unfinished, with the see-through skirt flaring at the thighs before trailing into a soft train.
Reactions poured in fast and weren’t exactly glowing. “This look wants to serve SO BAD, but the straps and the chest area?? The designer messed those up, and the whole dress was ruined. It’s not ugly, but also not pretty,” one user wrote. Another added, “Alot of lace.. She beautiful though. The dress…not at all,” while a third chimed in, “The dress is too average. No wow factor about it.”
Kim Kardashian is no stranger to Met Gala risks, but her metallic orange bodysuit left fans scratching their heads. Featuring a corseted waist and high neckline, the futuristic look leaned more industrial than high fashion, missing the artistic edge many expected from the night’s theme.
Social media didn’t hold back. “Why is she dressed like a car engine?” one person joked. Another admitted, “I don’t know about that look,” while a third quipped, “This is giving me Austin Powers Murder bot girl.”
Patrick Schwarzenegger’s Layered Look Gets Mixed Reviews
Patrick Schwarzenegger took a bold swing with an all-black ensemble that leaned heavily into layered tailoring, but the risk didn’t quite pay off for everyone watching. The look featured an extra-short cropped leather jacket stacked over an elongated blazer, paired with a crisp white button-up tucked into corseted trousers. He finished it off with leather gloves, a black tie, and a cane, giving the outfit a theatrical, almost character-driven feel.
But online, the reaction was anything but unanimous. “This year is a chop…yikes,” one user wrote. Another added, “He ate… plain oatmeal,” while others couldn’t help but poke fun at the vibe, with comments like “HOGWARTS PROFESSOR SNAPPES” and “Okay, English magician.”
Charli XCX’s Understated Look Falls Flat
Charli XCX kept things simple in a strapless Saint Laurent gown featuring a mesh train and floral embellishment, but for a night celebrating “Fashion is Art,” fans were expecting a lot more drama. The minimal black dress, paired with a single floral detail, left many feeling underwhelmed.
Fans were quick to call it out. “Charli, I love you, but what is this now?” one wrote. Another added, “Love Charli but this boring af,” while a third summed it up bluntly: “She put a flower on a black dress and called it a day…”
Cardi B’s Lace Look Leaves Fans Baffled
Cardi B made a bold entrance in a Marc Jacobs gown crafted from sheer lace and tan satin, but the unexpected combination didn’t quite resonate. With exaggerated puffed shoulders, voluminous detailing around the feet, and pastel patches scattered throughout, the look felt chaotic rather than cohesive.
The internet had thoughts, and they were brutal. “How could clothing be so utterly repulsive?” one user asked. Another questioned, “and she has a whole team behind her too, how did this get a green light from EVERYONE around her???” while a third joked, “Being an intestine is still her choice, and i respect that.”
Serena Williams hit the carpet in a metallic Marc Jacobs design that mixed gold and silver tones—but the clash didn’t quite come together. The halter-style dress featured a single strap, keyhole cutout, ruched waist, and an asymmetrical skirt that shifted from mini to floor-length, creating a look that felt more confusing than cohesive.
Fans didn’t hold back their critiques. “She looks gladiator-ready for a battle of fashion, and she has lost. CHOP,” one person wrote. Another questioned, “I just…. Who is her stylist? The silver and gold clash. The dres” while a third added, “deep sighs, this is getting ridiculous.”
