2014 Met Gala Best Dressed

The Costume Institute Gala, known commonly as the Met Gala is a fundraiser that takes place every year to support the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. It’s one of the best red-carpet events of the year, and has some of the most interesting and unique fashion choices. It’s also a good opportunity to stare at some of the most attractive men in the world in white tie. I was watching a live stream of the arrivals and took a few notes as to who were my personal favorites this year. Here they are, in no particular order.

Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa.

I stared at this photo of Karolina Kurkova for a long time. I was really not sure if I liked this or not. I decided I did, obviously, after some consideration. I think that the structural elements are interesting and unique to see. Would I pick something like this out for myself? Never. But for her? It’s lovely. Not everyone can get away with wearing this without it wearing them, and she managed it. The night's theme was also based on a fashion designer noted for his architectural clothing, so this was spot on.

Allison Williams in Oscar de la Renta.

The gala was a night of black and white, so it was nice to see a little pop of coral coming down the red carpet on Allison Williams. It’s simple, but it’s supposed to be. The blinged out chain necklace is what does it for me. It dresses it up just enough.

Anna Kendrick in J. Mendel

My love for Anna Kendrick is no secret. She’s hilarious and a real person, but she also cleans up really well. I am really not a fan of the bare midriff at formal events. I don’t think it’s the right place. The tiny little peak of skin on her dress was just about the right amount. I also loved the Audrey Hepburn vibe with the delicate jewelry and the swept up hair.

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

Michelle Williams is always so adorably mod. I love that the trim on her dress is the same color as her immaculately bleached hair. I also love how the sequins on her dress look like sprays of copper and gold feathers. The Met Gala is about taking risks, and this was a good one.

Giselle Bundchen in Balenciaga

Giselle Bundchen looks so happy when she’s getting her picture taken. And she should. Her laser-cut dress didn’t require any accessorizing beyond great hair and a big smile, although the emerald earrings were a nice touch.

Blake Lively in Gucci Premiere

I’m convinced that Blake Lively is really made out of sunshine and rainbows. This vaguely Grecian dress looks like it is made out of stars, and it fits her like a glove. Also note the guy in the background checking her out. I would be too. He's also in Gucci, if you were wondering.

Gugu Mubatha-Raw

I’m constantly on the lookout for people who play with interesting textures at events like this because I think that’s where you get the most unusual fashion choices. What I noticed most about Gugu Mubatha Raw’s ensemble was her precisely matching shoe. This is the kind of thing that could go terribly wrong, but I loved it. I wish I knew who she was wearing, but that will just have to stay a secret.

Kendall Jenner in Topshop (!).

I watch a lot more Keeping Up with the Kardashians than I should admit. Because there are so many reruns, I forget that Kendall Jenner isn’t 14 anymore. When I saw her wearing this, I knew she had to be included in the list. It’s just about all the Hollywood glamor you could ask for in one place.

Karlie Kloss in Oscar de la Renta.

I love a brocade print and Karlie Kloss did not disappoint. This dress looks heavy but she doesn’t show it at all. I like how she made it a little bit edgy with the gloves and the chain necklace. She also has the best eyebrows I’ve ever seen. I would kill a man for that kind of arch (not really).

I didn’t include any guys on this list, because they all wore the pretty standard white tie and tails, but  my favorites were Benedict Cumberbatch (he's always my favorite), Andrew Garfield, and John Legend. Looking sharp.

Who were your favorites this year?

All photos courtesy of Getty Images.