It’s officially the first Tuesday in May, which means we’re looking back on the best looks to grace the Met Gala 2026. The theme for the Costume Institute’s exhibit—opening to the public this Sunday, May 10—is simply “Costume Art,” while the gala’s accompanying dress code decreed “Fashion Is Art.”
After the theme was announced back in November, designers, stars, stylists, and Met patrons had six months to interpret their rather vague, yet declarative, marching orders. Many editors and fashion commentators took to heart the words of Costume Institute head curator Andrew Bolton— “Really, who doesn’t want a six-pack for the night?”—predicting a carpet filled with body-forward trompe l'oeil pulls from the archives and sculptural, if not amorphous, tailoring off recent runways.
But, as always, the Met’s invitees surprise us. From octogenarian cosplay and Tom of Finland homage to simple, elegant tailoring and an impressive smorgasbord of icy brooches, here are our 12 favorite menswear looks from the Met Gala 2026.
12. Anderson .Paak
