Blake Lively’s Met Gala Masterpieces: A Full Retrospective Of Her Most Iconic Red Carpet Looks

Blake Lively has cemented her status as one of the most anticipated and celebrated attendees of the Met Gala, consistently delivering high-impact, thematic fashion that steals the global spotlight. As of December 10, 2025, her appearances are studied by fashion enthusiasts worldwide, not just for their sheer beauty, but for the intricate storytelling and deep commitment to the annual theme they represent.

Her journey from a rising star's debut in 2008 to a co-chair and style icon is a masterclass in celebrity red-carpet dressing. Lively’s approach is unique: she famously styles herself for the event, working directly with top designers like Donatella Versace to ensure every detail, from the train's embroidery to the Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, is a perfect, cohesive statement.

Blake Lively: Full Biography and Profile

Blake Ellender Brown, known professionally as Blake Lively, is an American actress, entrepreneur, and mother who has transcended her television roots to become a global style and entertainment icon. Born on August 25, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, she is the daughter of actor Ernie Lively and talent manager Elaine Lively, ensuring she was steeped in the entertainment industry from a young age.

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• Full Name: Blake Ellender Brown (Professionally: Blake Lively)
• Date of Birth: August 25, 1987
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Spouse: Ryan Reynolds (m. 2012)
• Children: Four (Names kept largely private)
• Key Roles: Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl, Adaline Bowman in The Age of Adaline, Emily Nelson in A Simple Favor.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Founder of the non-alcoholic mixer company, Betty Buzz.
• Met Gala Status: Co-Chair (2022) and perennial red carpet favorite.

Lively first gained widespread recognition for her role as Serena van der Woodsen in the hit CW series Gossip Girl, which ran from 2007 to 2012. Her on-screen fashion sense quickly translated to real-life, establishing her as a formidable force in the world of celebrity style. Her marriage to actor Ryan Reynolds in 2012 created one of Hollywood's most beloved power couples, often seen together at the Met Gala.

The Transformative Magic of the 2022 Gilded Glamour Gown

Arguably her most iconic moment, Blake Lively’s look for the 2022 Met Gala, themed "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" with a "Gilded Glamour" dress code, was a masterstroke of design and execution.

The actress, who served as a co-chair for the event, arrived in a colossal Atelier Versace gown that was a direct, breathtaking homage to New York City architecture.

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The Statue of Liberty and Grand Central Inspiration

The initial look was a majestic copper-colored gown with a dramatic oversized bow and train. However, the magic happened on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With the help of assistants, the massive bow at the back of the gown was undone, transforming the dress entirely.

The copper color peeled away to reveal a vibrant verdigris—a striking blue-green patina—mimicking the oxidation process of the Statue of Liberty over time. This dramatic transformation instantly connected her look to the very soul of New York City, the Met Gala’s host city.

Further architectural details were woven into the design:

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• The Bodice: Inspired by the architecture of the Empire State Building.
• The Train: Featured intricate embroidery that replicated the celestial map constellation found on the ceiling of Grand Central Station.
• The Tiara: A seven-tiered crown of thorns by Lorraine Schwartz, a subtle nod to the Statue of Liberty’s own crown.

This level of detail and commitment to the theme—a literal "Gilded Age" transformation—set a new standard for Met Gala red carpet fashion and instantly became a viral moment, solidifying her reputation as a Met Gala legend.

A Retrospective of Blake Lively’s Most Memorable Met Gala Looks

While the 2022 look is her most discussed, Blake Lively has delivered numerous unforgettable moments since her debut in 2008. Each appearance demonstrates her deep understanding of the theme and her ability to execute a cohesive, editorial vision.

2018: Heavenly Bodies and the 600-Hour Gown

For the "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" theme in 2018, Lively wore a regal, custom Atelier Versace gown in a rich crimson color.

This look was a true feat of haute couture, taking the Italian atelier over 600 hours to complete. The elaborate design featured a jewel-encrusted corset, a full skirt, and a majestic, embroidered train that perfectly encapsulated the theme's religious and artistic grandeur. Her accessories included more than $2 million worth of Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, including a diamond-encrusted halo and ornate cuffs, completing the appearance of a modern-day celestial queen.

2017: Coordinating Couple Style

The 2017 Met Gala, themed "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between," saw Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, arrive in coordinating looks that showcased their playful style.

Lively’s gown was another Atelier Versace creation, featuring a gold chain-link bodice that transitioned into a dramatic, plumed train in shades of blue and peacock feathers. The gold and blue tones beautifully complemented Ryan Reynolds' navy tuxedo, making them one of the night's most glamorous couples.

2016: The Subtle Art of Matching the Carpet

The 2016 theme, "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology," inspired Lively to wear a pink Burberry gown with floral detailing. While seemingly a simple, beautiful choice, Lively later revealed a subtle, recurring trend in her Met Gala styling: she often tries to coordinate her dress color with the carpet.

This attention to detail, where the backdrop becomes part of the outfit’s narrative, highlights her meticulous approach to red carpet events.

Blake Lively’s Enduring Influence on Met Gala Fashion

Blake Lively’s consistent success at the Met Gala stems from her unique position of styling herself, which allows for an unparalleled level of personal investment and creative control over her look.

Her close relationship with designers, particularly Donatella Versace, has resulted in custom gowns that are not just beautiful clothes but wearable art pieces that speak directly to the Costume Institute's theme.

From her 2008 debut to her latest appearance, Lively has shown that the Met Gala is an opportunity for storytelling, historical reference, and a celebration of high fashion as a performance art. Her ability to blend Hollywood glamour with deep thematic research ensures that every time she steps onto those iconic steps, she delivers a moment that will be discussed for years to come, cementing her legacy as a true Met Gala fashion icon.