The 2025 Met Gala paid homage to the rich history of Black dandyism, exploring themes of elegance, identity, and cultural expression. Amidst the grandeur, several attendees embraced modest fashion, showcasing that sophistication and style need not be revealing. Here’s a curated look at some standout modest ensembles from the evening.

Anna Wintour: Timeless Elegance

Anna Wintour graced the red carpet in her signature style—a full-length, structured coat dress adorned with intricate floral embellishments. The ensemble exuded classic sophistication, aligning seamlessly with the evening’s theme while maintaining her iconic fashion persona.

Ego Nwodim: Tribute to Patrick Kelly

Ego Nwodim made a striking debut that seamlessly blended classic tailoring with playful modernity. Her ensemble, a three-piece black suit by Christopher John Rogers, featured a cropped jacket with structured shoulder pads, a cleavage-baring corset with a ruffled peplum hem, and matching ankle-cropped pants. Adding a vibrant touch, the jacket’s sleeves were adorned with a rainbow of multicolored buttons, infusing the look with a sense of whimsy and individuality. This thoughtful combination of traditional suiting elements with bold, colorful details paid homage to the theme’s celebration of Black dandyism while showcasing Nwodim’s unique style.

Ivy Getty: Vintage Glamour

Ivy Getty turned heads in a vintage-inspired gown that combined modesty with opulence. The dress featured a high collar, long sleeves, and intricate beadwork, reminiscent of early 20th-century fashion, paying tribute to the historical roots of the evening’s theme.

Lana Del Rey: Theatrical Elegance in Valentino

Lana Del Rey captivated attendees with a dramatic ensemble from Valentino’s Spring 2025 couture collection, designed by Alessandro Michele. Her gown featured a black velvet bodice paired with a brown satin skirt, complemented by a panel of floral lace at the back. A standout element was the statement-making black bow adorned with giant feathers, arching behind her and evoking a mythical aura as she graced the red carpet. Adding a personal touch, Del Rey accessorized with a gold alligator-shaped hair clip, a playful nod to her husband, Jeremy Dufrene, a Louisiana alligator tour guide.

Lauryn Hill: Regal Resonance

The iconic singer brought a dash of sunshine to the proceedings in her sculptural yellow double-breasted suit. Paying homage to the theme, which shone a spotlight on Black dandyism and tailoring, Hill chose a modern Stella McCartney suit look that was dramatic, very much avant-garde, and totally on point.

Monica Barbaro: Minimalist Chic

Monica Barbaro is in a beautiful recreation of a dress from Monsieur Dior himself. The ensemble was a modern reinterpretation of a dress first designed in 1947 as part of his famous New Look collection, and perfectly suited the theme for minimalist sophistication in a sleek, full-coverage gown. The dress’s understated design, characterized by clean lines and a muted color palette, allowed the craftsmanship and tailoring to shine, reflecting the refined aspects of dandyism.

Teyana Taylor: Bold and Beautiful

Teyana Taylor made a powerful fashion statement that tied deeply into her personal style and cultural heritage. Known for her preference for suits over dresses, Taylor embraced the event’s theme, “Tailored for You,” with a custom burgundy zoot suit-inspired ensemble designed by two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. The striking look incorporated intricate details such as feathers, lace, crystals, and a feather-adorned hat with a matching du rag. The edge of her cape featured an embroidered tribute to her 2018 song, “Rose in Harlem,” adding a personal dimension.

Zendaya: Dual Elegance

Zendaya made a striking appearance in a custom white three-piece Louis Vuitton zoot suit designed by Pharrell Williams. The ensemble featured a form-fitting silhouette, complete with a matching tie, a wide-brimmed hat, and a sparkling brooch pinned below her back collar. Adding a pop of color, Zendaya’s red-painted nails drew attention to her new sparkling engagement ring, which complemented the tailored look.

Janelle Monáe: Timepiece Couture

Janelle Monáe dazzled wearing a Thom Browne two-piece look. The trippy look was almost an optical illusion, with a trompe l’oeil, lapel, and briefcase designed on the overcoat. White vertical stripes covered the piece almost entirely. Underneath, she wore a floor-length skirt suit. On top of her head, Monáe sported a Magritte-style bowler hat. Attached to the brim was a monocle that extended in front of her left eye. 

Mona Patel: Futuristic Dandyism

Mona Patel made a memorable debut in a custom Thom Browne ensemble. The sharply tailored black suit, layered over a halter-neck shirt and a beaded corset-style bodice, merged classic dandyism with futuristic elements. Accompanied by a robotic dog named Vector, dressed in a tuxedo and adorned with a diamond leash, Patel’s look was a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

Honorable Mention: Shah Rukh Khan – A Royal Debut

I know I’ve only listed female icons so far, but I couldn’t end this roundup without mentioning a historic debut — Shah Rukh Khan’s first-ever Met Gala appearance. The Bollywood legend made a grand entrance in a custom Sabyasachi ensemble that exuded regal elegance. His tailored sherwani featured intricate embroidery and was paired with rich fabrics in deep jewel tones, striking the perfect balance between Indian tradition and modern dandyism. What truly elevated the look was his jewelry — bold, heritage-inspired pieces from Sabyasachi Jewelry, including an ornate layered necklace and a classic brooch, lending an unmistakable royal touch. His presence was a moment for the culture and a celebration of global South Asian representation done with grace and power.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Met Gala served as a powerful reminder that modesty in fashion isn’t defined by rigid rules or full coverage — it’s about intention, elegance, and how clothing makes you feel. This year’s theme allowed many attendees to embrace looks that balanced strength with subtlety, structure with softness, and heritage with innovation.

What stood out to me was how so many women chose designs that didn’t rely on revealing skin to make a statement. Modesty took form in sharp tailoring, fluid fabrics, elongated silhouettes, and thoughtful styling choices; they carried a quiet grace that aligned beautifully with the values of self-respect and individuality.

As someone who champions modest style, it was refreshing to see mainstream fashion celebrate the power of presence over exposure. This year’s red carpet spoke volumes: you can be captivating, relevant, and unforgettable, without giving everything away. And perhaps, that’s what true style is all about.