The Trainwrecks of Met Gala 2023

Many celebs came to slay, others like Lil Nas X, Ice Spice, Kerry Washington and more …not so much.

Photo: Getty Images Sean Zanni / Contributor

Met Gala Monday has concluded and now it’s time for a moment of reflection. The fashion night of the year was filled with gorgeous gowns and perfectly tailored suits, but you know there are always some people who miss the mark, Black and white. Here are the worst outfits of the evening, sorry to these people.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Here’s 100 years of the Best Black Dandyism Heading Into Met Gala 2025

Ariana DeBose

Photo: Getty Images John Shearer / Contributor

Ariana DeBose in fact did not do the thing. Some would appreciate the pop of color, others would say this look is quite horrid.

Letitia Wright

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Letitia Wright was serving us county mayor chic with this blinged-out collar. Sorry girl, this was not it.

Aurora James

Photo: Getty Images Jamie McCarthy / Staff

I think Aurora James chose an outfit for a different event! This was not giving Met Gala, but rather a summer vacation fit. No ma’am.

Ice Spice

Photo: Getty Images Theo Wargo / Staff

Now we love Miss Ice Spice but this gown looks like it was thrown on her last minute. For her first Met Gala, a unique outfit would’ve solidified her as a fashion girl, but this completely missed the mark. At least the hair was on point!

Lil Nas X

Photo: Getty Images Sean Zanni / Contributor

I will always give credit for being out of the box, but this kind of sucks. This look from Lil Nas X is widely off-theme, serving more alien superstar than high fashion, but at least we can see his abs!

Erykah Badu

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola / Staff

What in God’s green earth? The abominable snowman? Oh no, that’s Erykah Badu. What’s going on here? We can always guarantee our girl will raise an eyebrow when it comes to her fashion sense. She didn’t disappoint…well she did, kind of.

Kerry Washington

Photo: Getty Images Taylor Hill / Contributor

This look isn’t bad, but it’s just okay. The necklace doesn’t work for this outfit and this silhouette is played out. Love you, Kerry Washington, but it’s boring.

Serena Williams

Photo: Getty Images Theo Wargo / Staff

Although Serena Williams made a major life announcement in this outfit (her second pregnancy), the dress was less than nice. The tulle at the bottom is tragic, to say the least.

Mary J. Blige

Photo: Getty Images Sean Zanni / Contributor

No Mary! I love the dedication to the boots but this is terrible, terrible, terrible. The makeup is murky, the tailoring is off, and she didn’t look happy to be there.

Quinta Brunson

Photo: Getty Images Michael Buckner / Contributor

Quinta Brunson’s hair is fabulous but this dress is one of her worst looks of the year. Quinta has become a fashion girl in the making, but this was the wrong choice.

Janelle Monáe

Photo: Getty Images Sean Zanni / Contributor

Depending on who you ask, Janelle Monáe slayed yet again or took the L. This transforming look on the stairs was a spectacle, and by the time she got inside the event, she was only in a black bathing suit.

Cara Delevingne

Photo: Getty Images Theo Wargo / Staff

I think Cara Delevingne’s stylist has beef with her, because what on God’d green earth is she wearing? Cara was close friends with Karl and wanted to look like him, but this is ugly.

Harvey Guillen

Photo: Getty Images Michael Buckner / Contributor

If you watched the carpet live, then you saw Harvey Guillen interviewing stars on the carpet. You also saw how hideous and ill-fitting this get-up was. I almost had to close my eyes every time this outfit popped up on my screen.

Florence Pugh

Photo: Getty Images ANGELA WEISS / Contributor

Bless Florence Pugh’s heart, her stylist was not feeling her. This feather crown is almost laughable and the dress is simply, bad. Her newly shaved head is badass though!

Rami Malek

Photo: Getty Images Taylor Hill / Contributor

Rami Malek looks like he stole this outfit from a flight attendant. Let’s try again next year if you even get invited.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Black Stars Who Shined at 2026 American Black Film Festival Honors

Black Stars Who Shined at 2026 American Black Film Festival Honors

From the Oscar nominees like Ryan Coogler to veterans like Vivica A. Fox, check out some of our faves who slayed on the ABFF 2026 red carpet! …
If You Want a Bob Without the Commitment, These Wigs Will Get You Right

If You Want a Bob Without the Commitment, These Wigs Will Get You Right

Like Beyoncé’s new bob? Want to try a bob without making the big chop; these bob wigs let you have the best of both worlds …
Trump Locks Horns With Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Over This Scary Environmental Disaster

Trump Locks Horns With Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Over This Scary Environmental Disaster

After more than 240 million gallons of sewage spilled into the Potomac River, President Trump is calling out Gov. Wes Moore …
Why Lil Durk's Music Will Play a Huge Role in His Murder-for-Hire Case

Why Lil Durk’s Music Will Play a Huge Role in His Murder-for-Hire Case

A federal judge has just issued his complicated ruling over song lyrics and Instagram DMs connected to Lil Durk’s upcoming trial …
Clifton Powell Crashes Out When Challenged To Be More Accountable To Black Women, Black Twitter Responds

Clifton Powell Crashes Out When Challenged To Be More Accountable To Black Women, Black Twitter Responds

Powell was a part of a round table discussion titled “Black Men Trust Black Women.” …
Exclusive: Raphael Saadiq Opens Up About Being With D'Angelo Days Before His Passing

Exclusive: Raphael Saadiq Opens Up About Being With D’Angelo Days Before His Passing

Oscar-nominee and legendary singer Raphael Saadiq sat down with The Root where he reflected o his deep friendship with the late D’Angelo …
Why Tyra Banks Was Always the <i>Real</i> Problem on 'ANTM'

Why Tyra Banks Was Always the Real Problem on ‘ANTM’

Thanks to Netflix’s new documentary, Tyra Banks’ time as host and producer of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ is getting looked at with fervent scrutiny! Let’s break down why …
Celebs Pay Tribute to The Rev. Jesse Jackson

Celebs Pay Tribute to The Rev. Jesse Jackson

After the shocking news of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s passing, celebrities are sending their condolences to the Jackson family …
Photo: Getty Images Michael DeMocker

Black Mardi Gras Facts They Don’t Teach You in School

The annual Mardi Gras celebration has greater ties to Black history and culture than what meets the eye …
'ANTM's' Miss J Shares a Heartbreaking Health Update -- and Infuriating Tyra Banks News

‘ANTM’s’ Miss J Shares a Heartbreaking Health Update — and Infuriating Tyra Banks News

After years of teaching young aspiring models to werk the runway, “America’s Next Top Model” coach Miss J Alexander reveals a terrifying health scare in 2022 …
America is Experiencing the Age of the Dominus: Our Moment of Truth

America is Experiencing the Age of the Dominus: Our Moment of Truth

OPINION: We struggle to find the language appropriate to describe President Donald Trump’s second term. It’s all more nuanced than most folks think …
Jesse Jackson, One of the Last Civil Rights Era Legends, Dies at 84

Jesse Jackson, One of the Last Civil Rights Era Legends, Dies at 84

Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and protégé of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., died at home surrounded by family …
Wild New Development After Michigan Man Finds Remains of Two Murdered People in New Home's Shed

Wild New Development After Michigan Man Finds Remains of Two Murdered People in New Home’s Shed

A Michigan double homicide investigation went cold after a couple’s remains were found in a shed by a new homeowner in 2023— until now …
Florida Pastor TD McNutt Faces New Outrage After Teen Accuser's 'Coerced' Apology Video Sparks Concern

Florida Pastor TD McNutt Faces New Outrage After Teen Accuser’s ‘Coerced’ Apology Video Sparks Concern

After Florida Pastor TD McNutt was charged with cruelty toward a child, TikTok alleged he “forced” his teen accuser to apologize …
Don Lemon Breaks Silence Over That Viral Video of His Husband Not Playing About Him!

Don Lemon Breaks Silence Over That Viral Video of His Husband Not Playing About Him!

After Don Lemon went viral about his real life “bodyguard,” the former CNN anchor is opening up about how he knew Malone was “the one.” …
President Barack Obama Just Gave The Answer To One of The Biggest Conspiracy Theories Ever

President Barack Obama Just Gave The Answer To One of The Biggest Conspiracy Theories Ever

Wait, President Barack Obama just admitted that he believes in the existence of aliens? …
Photo: Getty Images Kevin Dietsch

Why Biden Deserves a Place On the Black Mount Rushmore But These Other Presidents …Hell No

When it was about the business of Black Americans, Biden handled far more of it than Presidents like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, etc …
Pastors On Whether The Black Church Is Ruining Women’s Chances at Marriage?

Pastors On Whether The Black Church Is Ruining Women’s Chances at Marriage?

As Black women carry leadership and spiritual responsibilities in the church, faith leaders explore whether the Black church supports their paths to marriage or creates challenges in navigating modern dating …
Beyoncé's New Look Has Hair Stylists Preparing for a New Trend

Beyoncé’s New Look Has Hair Stylists Preparing for a New Trend

According to one hairstylist on TikTok, the bob is making a comeback in 2026 …
All About Bobby Garnett, the Black Godfather of Vintage Fashion Who Inspired Ralph Lauren

All About Bobby Garnett, the Black Godfather of Vintage Fashion Who Inspired Ralph Lauren

From high-end fashion designers to Hollywood costume designers, Bobby Garnett’s vintage clothing collection has had a major impact on the fashion industry …