Cardi B Killed it At the Met Gala, Here’s Other Fly Red Carpet Looks from Her

From the Grammys to the MTV VMAs to Paris Fashion Week to the Met Gala, Cardi B always brings something unique to the red carpet.

When it comes to her fashion, Cardi B is never predictable. The “WAP” rapper likes to go the unexpected route. She effortlessly blends classic Hollywood glam into her sex symbol style. It’s been a lot of fun to watch her fashion journey as her career has evolved and grown. She’s gone from “Bodak Yellow” breakout to Met Gala superstar.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
The Internet Split After Amerie’s Tiny Desk Concert

Cardi is a beautiful woman who’s confident in her body and sexuality. Whether you like her fashion choices or not, it’s always clear that these are her choices. She’s not pretending to be anyone or anything else on the red carpet. Even when she’s at her most glamorous, she’s still just Cardi from the Bronx. She never shies away from her humble beginnings, she celebrates them.

Fresh off another triumphant appearance at the Met Gala and as she gears up for the long-awaited release of her new album, we need to take a moment and showcase Cardi B’s most memorable looks.

2024 Met Gala

Photo: Getty Images Dia Dipasupil

Cardi definitely looks like the fairy tale villain you root for in this dramatic gown.

2024 Vanity Fair Oscars Party

Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman

The “WAP” artist was feeling her old Hollywood vibe with this classic yet sexy look.

Balenciaga Fall ‘24 Show

Photo: Getty Images Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Balenciaga

When Cardi goes into fashion week mode, she’s unstoppable. No one rolls out the various cities better.

Fendi Couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 Show

Photo: Getty Images Jacopo M. Raule/Getty Images for Fendi

Am I the only one who thinks she looks like a character from classic literature here?

2023 Grammys

Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman

What makes Cardi so great on the red carpet is that she does something totally different for every event, but never loses sight of her own personal style and personality.

2023 MTV VMAs

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris

Cardi is an expert at delivering sex appeal without trying way too hard and venturing into “extra” territory.

2023 Met Gala

Photo: Getty Images Theo Wargo

Even when she does something simple, it’s a stunning work of art.

2023 Vanity Fair Oscars Party

Photo: Getty Images Jon Kopaloff

She’s definitely giving off “devil on your shoulder” vibes with this gorgeous red gown.

2022 Met Gala

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola

Cardi is a woman who knows how to find the textures, colors and patterns that match her skin perfectly.

2021 American Music Awards

Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman

The “Invasion of Privacy” artist was hosting the show, so you knew she was bringing something special. She certainly went for memorable and unexpected with this creative look.

2019 Met Gala

Photo: Getty Images Neilson Barnard

Anyone else would’ve been swallowed up by this huge gown. But Cardi stands out amongst all the fabric and feathers.

2019 MTV VMAs

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola

While this isn’t her most interesting look, it shows her potential to become a fashion icon.

2019 Swisher Sweets Awards

Photo: Getty Images Jean Baptiste Lacroix

Don’t ever discount how Cardi uses her various hair colors to match the overall aesthetic of her look.

2018 MTV VMAs

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy

The way she’s giving off “young Dorothy Dandridge” vibes here, we knew we were being introduced to someone special.

2018 Met Gala

Photo: Getty Images Neilson Barnard

The theme was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination” and Cardi absolutely understood the assignment.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Oscars Biggest Black History Moments Over the Years

The Oscars Biggest Black History Moments Over the Years

With the 2026 Oscars just days away, let’s take a look at some of the best Black, history-making moments at the Academy Awards over the years! …
Exclusive: Marla Gibbs, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

Exclusive: Marla Gibbs, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

The Root Exclusive Series: Black History Month was established 100 years ago, in February 1926. To commemorate this momentous occasion, 100 Black thought leaders and creators share their collective wisdom and insight for the culture in this ongoing series …
Family Claims Black Man Left Bleeding Out While EMS Treated White Cop’s ‘Anxiety Attack’

Family Claims Black Man Left Bleeding Out While EMS Treated White Cop’s ‘Anxiety Attack’

A Black man who was shot by Bridgeport police and later died had to wait 10 extra minutes for an ambulance after a cop took the first one to treat her anxiety …
Ray J's Mom Calls Out the Kardashians in Latest Legal Fight

Ray J’s Mom Calls Out the Kardashians in Latest Legal Fight

As the legal back and forth between Ray J, Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner rages on, his mother is entering the chat and speaking her peace! …
Rappers Try to Stop a Black Texas Man's Execution Based on His Song Lyrics

Rappers Try to Stop a Black Texas Man’s Execution Based on His Song Lyrics

Rappers are banding together to advocate for a Texas man set to be executed next month largely due to his incriminating song lyrics …
After the 'End' of the Target Boycott, Organizer Nina Turner Says CVS is Next

After the ‘End’ of the Target Boycott, Organizer Nina Turner Says CVS is Next

Former Ohio Sen. Nina Turner is calling on Black folks to stop spending at another billion-dollar corporation after a Tennessee Senate bill is causing a stir …
A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd's Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas' Death

A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd’s Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas’ Death

D4vd was named a “target” in the investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything you might’ve missed until now …
We Loved "Sinners," But Ryan Coogler, We Need You to Answer These Questions

We Loved “Sinners,” But Ryan Coogler, We Need You to Answer These Questions

While ‘Sinners’ prepares to make potential Oscars history on Sunday, there a still some fun questions that the film doesn’t answer. Let’s get into it! …
The Friendship Between These NYC Besties Will Make Youou Cry

The Friendship Between These NYC Besties Will Make Youou Cry

The TikTok page @NYC_Besties has been capturing the stories of best friends in New York City, but their most recent post will touch your heart …
The Best Black Celeb Looks at 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood

The Best Black Celeb Looks at 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood

From Teyana Taylor and Ryan Destiny to Chloe Bailey and more, these Black women shined bright at ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood celebration. Let’s get into their looks! …
SC Rep. Jim Clyburn's Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

SC Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

After 85-year-old Rep. Jim Clyburn announced his run for an 18th term, Black folks online shared plenty of thoughts …
Why Oscar-Nominated Film 'The Alabama Solution' Is More Than Just a Prison Documentary

Why Oscar-Nominated Film ‘The Alabama Solution’ Is More Than Just a Prison Documentary

“The Alabama Solution” is what happens when you let inmates tell the unapologetic truth about their living conditions and the abuse allegedly at the hands of correctional officers …
Pastor Goes Viral for Demanding Congregants’ Tax Returns—And The Internet Is Gagging

Pastor Goes Viral for Demanding Congregants’ Tax Returns—And The Internet Is Gagging

The viral pastor told church members to bring copies of their tax returns, saying he’s tired of congregants “playing in his face” when it comes time for tithes and offerings …
Psychology Behind the Internet's Obsession With Punch, the Abandoned Monkey While Immigrant Kids Are Stripped From Their Parents

Psychology Behind the Internet’s Obsession With Punch, the Abandoned Monkey While Immigrant Kids Are Stripped From Their Parents

We explore the dark truth of why the internet rallies more around a zoo monkey than detained kids separated from their immigrant parents …
Professor: Why Black Men Are Upset By Black Boys Wearing Bonnets

Professor: Why Black Men Are Upset By Black Boys Wearing Bonnets

Black boys are not trying to look feminine. They are just taking care of the hair they actually have …
All the Fly Looks Oprah Winfrey Served at Paris Fashion Week 2026

All the Fly Looks Oprah Winfrey Served at Paris Fashion Week 2026

Oprah Winfrey deserves her flowers for these show-stopping looks that set the streets of Paris on fire during fashion week. Let’s take a look at what she wore …
Bam Adebayo's Historic 83-Point Night Becomes a 'Love & Basketball' Moment With WNBA Star A'ja Wilson

Bam Adebayo’s Historic 83-Point Night Becomes a ‘Love & Basketball’ Moment With WNBA Star A’ja Wilson

Bam Adebayo made history with an 83-point performance that broke Kobe Bryant’s legendary record. But his heartfelt postgame moment with girlfriend A’ja Wilson quickly stole the spotlight …
Brian McKnight Is Not Happy With Rickey Smiley

Brian McKnight Is Not Happy With Rickey Smiley

The R&B singer is suing the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, host Karen Clark, and Urban One, claiming they defamed him amid ongoing family disputes with his ex-wife and estranged children …
Get To Know the Dream Team Behind Michelle Obama's Gorgeous Braided Looks

Get To Know the Dream Team Behind Michelle Obama’s Gorgeous Braided Looks

Have you ever wondered who the women are behind Michelle Obama’s gorgeous hairstyles? We’ll fill you in …
The Chilling Details of the Houston Man Who Allegedly Kept Disabled Wife Captive for Years in a House Full of People

The Chilling Details of the Houston Man Who Allegedly Kept Disabled Wife Captive for Years in a House Full of People

Police say James Earl Johnson held his 46-year-old disabled wife captive in a bedroom under lock and key, with no phone access, for five years in Houston …