The Wait Is Over! Dress Code, Long List of Stylish Black Celebs To Help Host The Met Gala—Revealed

Because May 5 is way too long to wait for this celebration of Black style excellence, we’re looking at some of the host committee members best-tailored fits.

For fashion lovers, the Met Gala is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the season. Besides raising money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, it’s also one of the hottest red carpets around, with stars like Rihanna, Zendaya and Cardi B showing off looks that almost always break the internet.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Fashion Icon Andre Leon Talley’s Best Style Statements

Each year, the gala’s dress code is inspired by the Costume Institute’s exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, allowing guests to interpret the exhibit’s theme in their own way. This year’s exhibit, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” is inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book, “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” and will explore the best of Black men’s style from the 18th century to today.

This week, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced the dress code for this year’s gala, “Tailored for You,” a nod to the exhibit’s focus on suiting and menswear along with a star-studded Met Gala host committee, which includes LeBron James, Usher, Pharrell Williams and Janelle Monáe.

“The theme this year is not only timely but also speaks to our rich culture that should always be widely celebrated,” Usher said in a statement about the event.

Because May 5 is way too long to wait for this celebration of Black style excellence, we’re looking back at some of the host committee members suited and booted in their best-tailored looks. Enjoy!

Doechii

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 02: Doechii attends the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Matt Winkelmeyer

Coming off her amazing GRAMMY win, we have no doubt that Doechii will show up to the Met Gala looking extra fly.

Angel Reese

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: Angel Reese attends the Footwear News Achievement Awards (FNAAs) 2024 at Cipriani South Street on December 04, 2024 in New York City. Photo: Getty Images Craig Barritt/Footwear News

WNBA superstar Angel Reese is a beast on the basketball court. But the Chicago Sky forward’s “Bayou Barbie” alter ego is just as exciting to watch.

Lewis Hamilton

Choosing British Formula 1 racer Lewis Hamilton as one of the Met Gala co-hosts was a no-brainer. Whether he’s wearing jeans, leather or a suit, he always shows up in style.

Dapper Dan

At 80 years old, fashion designer Dapper Dan has been a major player in the fashion game for decades. With all of that style experience under his belt, we can’t wait to see how he’ll interpret this year’s dress code.

Ayo Edebiri

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 05: Ayo Edebiri attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Getty Images Stewart Cook/CBS

When it comes to the next generation of style stars, actress Ayo Edebiri is one to watch.

Usher

Usher at Usher’s Secret Garden Met Gala After Party held at The Times Square Edition on May 6, 2024 in New York, New York. Photo: Getty Images Gilbert Flores/WWD

Ok, who are we kidding? Usher looks good in just about everything. But we have to give him his props, the man knows how to wear a suit.

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monáe at the Fashion Trust U.S. 2024 Awards held on April 9, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Getty Images Gilbert Flores/Variety

When it comes to the Met Gala, singer-songwriter-actress and all-around style icon Janelle Monáe has already given us way too many amazing red carpet looks to count. Her creative interpretations of the theme always leave us wanting more.

Colman Domingo

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Colman Domingo attends The 45th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards at The May Fair Hotel on February 2, 2025 in London, England. Photo: Getty Images Dave Benett

Colman Domingo stays on our best dressed list. While some guys might see the tailored dress code as confining, we think he’ll definitely hit a style home run.

A$AP Rocky

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 04: ASAP Rocky is seen on October 4, 2024 in New York City. Photo: Getty Images XNY/Star Max

Without question, A$AP Rocky is one of the hottest style stars in the game. The rapper has already shown us that he knows how to wear a suit, and since he’ll likely have Rihanna on his arm, we know we’ll be in for a fashion treat.

LeBron James

NBA superstar LeBron James has come into his own as one of the most stylish players in the league.

Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: (L-R) Tonya Lewis Lee and Spike Lee attend the 2022 EBONY Power 100 at Milk Studios Los Angeles on October 29, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images JC Olivera/WireImage

Whether he’s at an awards show or court side at a Knicks game, Spike Lee is known for creative and colorful looks. We can’t wait to see how he and wife, Tonya Lewis Lee interpret this year’s Met Gala dress code.

Jonathan Owens & Simone Biles

Fresh off Simone’s amazing Olympic performance at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, sports power couple Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles will be a great addition to the Met Gala red carpet this year. They’ve already shown and proved that know how to go glam in this pic during an appearance at the White House in 2022.

Pharrell Williams

PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 30: Pharrell Williams attends the #BoF500 Gala during Paris Fashion Week at Shangri-La Hotel Paris on September 30, 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain

We love that Pharrell Williams is never afraid to push the fashion envelope. Since he’s added men’s creative director for renowned fashion house Louis Vuitton to his resume, he’s become an even more important part of the conversation.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Best Black Fashion From Coachella Weekend 1

The Best Black Fashion From Coachella Weekend 1

We’re taking a look at how Teyana Taylor, Karrueche, and the festival crowd are showing off their style on and off the Coachella stage …
The Best Musical Biopics to Stream This Weekend

The Best Musical Biopics to Stream This Weekend

Grab your favorite microphone and get ready to sing along with our curated list of legendary music movies, from “The Jacksons” to “Purple Rain.” …
Zendaya's Character in 'The Drama' Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

Zendaya’s Character in ‘The Drama’ Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

There’s a lot of rightful online chatter about Zendaya’s character in her latest movie. But there’s an even bigger person we need to talk about! …
Why Black Women Are More Affected by Postpartum Depression, But Less Likely to Receive Help

Why Black Women Are More Affected by Postpartum Depression, But Less Likely to Receive Help

Black mothers are disproportionately affected by postpartum depression, but often go without proper diagnosis or care. During Black Maternal Health Week, we highlight the urgent gaps in maternal mental health support …
The Truth About Why This Former Congolese President Was Sentenced to Death

The Truth About Why This Former Congolese President Was Sentenced to Death

Even after a death sentence forced former Congolese President Joseph Kabila back into exile, his story is not over yet …
Why Parents of the 'Black-ish' Generation Are Choosing HBCUs Now

Why Parents of the ‘Black-ish’ Generation Are Choosing HBCUs Now

As more parents rethink what college readiness looks like, historically Black colleges and universities are emerging as a preferred path in today’s shifting educational landscape …
Judge Mathis Finally Secures His Wife Back and the Internet Is Overjoyed!

Judge Mathis Finally Secures His Wife Back and the Internet Is Overjoyed!

Judge Greg Mathis told his fans and followers that he was going to do whatever it took to get his wife back. Now, it looks like his efforts have finally paid off! …
NAACP Joins the Growing Call to Remove Trump From Office Now

NAACP Joins the Growing Call to Remove Trump From Office Now

As President Trump’s approval rating continues to drop, there is a growing call for his removal from office from both sides of the aisle …
Everything You Need to Know About Jackie Young, The WNBA’s First Million-Dollar Player

Everything You Need to Know About Jackie Young, The WNBA’s First Million-Dollar Player

The Las Vegas Aces guard made history as the league’s first seven-figure player …
Video of Black Houston Mom Wrongfully Held at Gunpoint by Police Will Make You Angry

Video of Black Houston Mom Wrongfully Held at Gunpoint by Police Will Make You Angry

A Black woman in Houston is raising alarms after she was wrongfully detained in front of her kids. Police, however, are telling a different story …
New Updates on Rapper Offset After FL Shooting Incident, Here's What We Know

New Updates on Rapper Offset After FL Shooting Incident, Here’s What We Know

We’re keeping our eye on the latest news about Offset, Cardi B’s Ex, who was shot at a casino in Hollywood, Florida …
The Real Story Behind Why Marques Houston Left 'Sister, Sister'

The Real Story Behind Why Marques Houston Left ‘Sister, Sister’

‘Go home, Roger!’ may be a beloved cultural phrase now, but for Marques Houston—it holds bittersweet memories. Let’s get into it! …
Meet the Black Women Responsible for Launching Artemis II

Meet the Black Women Responsible for Launching Artemis II

Black women have played “hidden” roles at NASA since the 1940s. Now, their work is finally being recognized with the Artemis II mission …
Coco Gauff Responds To The Hate She Received For Her 4c Hair In Viral Miu Miu Campaign

Coco Gauff Responds To The Hate She Received For Her 4c Hair In Viral Miu Miu Campaign

After receiving criticism for her hair in a recent Miu Miu campaign, Coco Gauff is calling out the haters for being insecure …
R&B Royalty Usher and Chris Brown Announce a Joint Tour, and Fans are Losing It!

R&B Royalty Usher and Chris Brown Announce a Joint Tour, and Fans are Losing It!

Is Usher or Chris Brown the King of R&B? We’re all about to find out thanks to their upcoming joint tour and fans can’t get enough! …
Trump Under Fire from Former Republican Allies as Marjorie Taylor Greene and Candace Owens Call for New Leadership

Trump Under Fire from Former Republican Allies as Marjorie Taylor Greene and Candace Owens Call for New Leadership

Former GOP allies Marjorie Taylor Greene and Candace Owens blast Donald Trump, calling for new leadership …
Supreme Court Hears Arguments Over Alleged Racial Bias that Led to a Black Man on Death Row

Supreme Court Hears Arguments Over Alleged Racial Bias that Led to a Black Man on Death Row

A now-retired Mississippi DA is at the center of the case before the Supreme Court alleging racial discrimination …
The Truth About the New Stage in Trump's Immigration Crackdown

The Truth About the New Stage in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

Bombshell headlines surrounding DHS and ICE have quieted… But is that all a part of Trump’s greater plan? …
Professor: Why Jay-Z Is Wrong. Black People Need More Than Just A Seat At The Table.

Professor: Why Jay-Z Is Wrong. Black People Need More Than Just A Seat At The Table.

OPINION: Jay Z Says a business that Black people own 1% of should be called Black owned. That sounds good until you realize it buys you almost no power …
New Report Shows Less Support for Black Nonprofits Since 2020 Racial Reckoning

New Report Shows Less Support for Black Nonprofits Since 2020 Racial Reckoning

According to a new report, promised funding for Black-led nonprofits ended sooner than expected, and the consequences are alarming …