I adore red carpet season. From the Oscars to the Grammys, I will spend far too much time ‘ooh-ing’ and ‘aah-ing’ over all the glamorous gowns, women’s trouser suits, lashings of sequins and attention-grabbing accessories. Each award ceremony is such a treat for fashion fans, but nothing compares to the Met Gala.
This event is held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York each May, and is a fundraiser for the museum’s Costume Institute. The guest list is filled with some of the biggest names from music and Hollywood, including celebrities like Rihanna and Sarah Jessica Parker. Each year, there’s a theme, and it’s amazing to see each individual’s take on the brief – every star trying to make the biggest impact with their artistic choices while walking up the famous steps in front of the cameras.
Some go all out with theatrical headpieces or dresses that follow behind them for miles, but others make their sartorial statement in a little more understated way – and this is a perfect example of a more demure take on the drama.
Amal Clooney always looks amazing at red carpet events, and for me, her ensemble from the 2018 Met Gala is iconic. She was co-host, and the theme was Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination. Amal decided against a dress, opting instead for a striking silver corset and a pair of silky navy trousers, which were then layered under a stunning floral train by Richard Quinn. As if that wasn’t enough, she added some pointed heels and super sparkly earrings for even more wow. I loved it as soon as I saw it, and it’s one of those red carpet looks that is very hard to beat.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Get The Look
Superdown
Novi Faux Leather Corset
A silver corset may seem like quite a bold choice, but this piece can easily be styled to feel a little less OTT. Try wearing it over a sheer blouse or simply layer it under an oversized blazer.
Zara
ZW Collection Heavy Satin Trousers
Take note from Amal and switch our your most comfortable jeans for something a little silkier. This satin pair of trousers will work nicely for a dinner date, or take them to daytime with an oversized sweatshirt and bright trainers.
John Lewis
Greece Kitten Heel Slingback Court Shoes
Wear these navy heels with similar toned trousers to cleverly make your legs look longer, or alternatively wear them with a striped skirt and colour block top. The mid height heel will work as a pair of comfortable wedding guest shoes too.
Phase Eight
Lumi Sequin Vest
If a metallic corset isn’t for you, this silvery embellished vest will create a similar vibe. Wear it with a pencil skirt for an uber glam spin, or dress down with a maxi skirt and some chunky sandals.
Sosandar
Blue Slim Leg Trousers
Wide leg trousers are a comfy choice but sometimes an occasion calls for something a little more polished. A tailored pair of bottoms like these will add a sharper feel to your day-to-night ensemble.
Clearine
Long Drop Marquise Cluster Cubic Zirconia Earrings
Never underestimate the power that a good pair of earrings can have over your whole look. These large, sparkly danglies will make even the simplest of outfits feel far more special.
It’s not just me who loved the look. I spoke to woman&home‘s Deputy Fashion Editor, Charlie Bell, who told me: “Amal’s Met Gala look was a bold move, blending sleek cigarette trousers with a voluminous floral train. A mix of masculine and feminine, I love this unique hybrid look.
“The sweeping skirt brings the drama, but the polished trousers keep it practical too. She wasn’t struggling up the stairs in this one!”
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Of course, recreating Amal’s look can be tricky for us non-celebs, as it’s not often we have places to wear a huge floral ball gown. The easiest way to take her look to real life is to stick to a silver top and a pair of navy trousers. It’s a great combination for cocktail hour or as a fresh take on date night outfits, and if you’d like to introduce a bold print, you could layer under a bright floral jacket or simply carry a patterned bag.
Charlie Bell
Charlie is the Deputy Fashion Editor at Future plc across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman’s Own.
She bagged her first magazine job in 2009 and has previously written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. Over the years Charlie has embraced anything that was thrown at her from styling celebrities to testing out the best jeans on the high street to writing about must-have beauty buys.
With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.
