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
Root 100 Nominee Nicholas Ryan Gant Breaks Down the Secret Meaning of His New Single

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

Eddie Murphy's Top Movies Ranked By the Box Office, In Honor of His 65th Birthday

Eddie Murphy’s Top Movies Ranked By the Box Office, In Honor of His 65th Birthday

Eddie Murphy is officially 65! In honor of his birthday, let’s take a look at his most successful films. You might be surprised at what made the cut! …
The Heartbreaking Struggles of Tiger Woods From Billion Dollar Icon to the Disastrous Crashes That Nearly Stole His Life

The Heartbreaking Struggles of Tiger Woods From Billion Dollar Icon to the Disastrous Crashes That Nearly Stole His Life

From jaw-dropping scandals to headline-grabbing mishaps, we’re unpacking the wild story of Tiger Woods’ tumultuous superstardom in the public eye …
Brandy Shares Where She Stands Now With Brother Ray J

Brandy Shares Where She Stands Now With Brother Ray J

There’s been a lot of chatter from Ray J in the past about where things stands with his sister Brandy. Now she’s sharing her side of the story …
How One Black Man’s Journey for a New Eye Color Turned Into a Medical Disaster That Has TikTok Users Shook

How One Black Man’s Journey for a New Eye Color Turned Into a Medical Disaster That Has TikTok Users Shook

Since hitting streaming services this year, a 2023 documentary following a man’s journey to change his eye color is going viral on TikTok and leaving everyone shook …
Is Medicaid, Childcare on the Chopping Block?

Is Medicaid, Childcare on the Chopping Block?

During a private Easter luncheon at the White House, Trump told guests it’s just “not possible” for the country to pay for Medicaid, Medicare and daycare …
Everything to Know About Pam Bondi, the Loyal Attorney General Trump Just Fired

Everything to Know About Pam Bondi, the Loyal Attorney General Trump Just Fired

Here’s everything to know about the life and career of former AG Pam Bondi who was just fired by President Trump …
Inside the Killing of a Rising Florida Vice Mayor— And The Husband Now Charged With Her Murder

Inside the Killing of a Rising Florida Vice Mayor— And The Husband Now Charged With Her Murder

Nancy Metayer Bowen was weeks away from announcing a Congress bid. Instead, a wellness check revealed a nightmare, and a husband charged with her murder …
Black America Rallies Behind Justice Kentanji Jackson as She Shreds Trump’s Birthright Challenge

Black America Rallies Behind Justice Kentanji Jackson as She Shreds Trump’s Birthright Challenge

Ketanji Brown Jackson stood out from several justices appearing to be skeptical of the president’s argument against the Citizenship Clause in the 14th Amendment …
In Resurfaced Video, Wanya Morris Speaks Relationship With 16-year-old Brandy

In Resurfaced Video, Wanya Morris Speaks Relationship With 16-year-old Brandy

Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris is back in the hot seat on social media for some resurfaced comments he made about his past relationship with Brandy Norwood. Let’s get into it! …
Black America Reacts to Shocking Gucci Mane Kidnapping

Black America Reacts to Shocking Gucci Mane Kidnapping

Rapper Gucci Mane faced the unthinkable after he was allegedly kidnapped and robbed. And now folks online can’t stop talking about it! …
Black America Reacts to Trump Firing Attorney General Pam Bondi

Black America Reacts to Trump Firing Attorney General Pam Bondi

Black Twitter is buzzing with comments about President Trump’s decision to fire Attorney General Pam Bondi …
New Study: DNA Testing Could Be the Key to Saving Black Women With Breast Cancer

New Study: DNA Testing Could Be the Key to Saving Black Women With Breast Cancer

Led by Dr. Sonya Reid, a Black physician, a new study shows how DNA-based tumor analysis can help close the survival gap for Black women with aggressive breast cancer …
Why the Internet is Obsessed With This Black Woman's Disability-Friendly Recipes That Don’t Require Stoves, Knives or Standing

Why the Internet is Obsessed With This Black Woman’s Disability-Friendly Recipes That Don’t Require Stoves, Knives or Standing

No standing. No cutting. No problem! Meet the Black content creator who creates disability-friendly recipes that’s taking the internet by storm …
WATCH: The Wild Moment a Woman Tries to Ram 2 Chainz Off the Road 

WATCH: The Wild Moment a Woman Tries to Ram 2 Chainz Off the Road 

Rapper 2 Chainz’s regular commute included a wild confrontation with a driver who tried ramming his car— and it was all caught on camera …
Meagan Good Finally Responds to Skin Bleaching Backlash

Meagan Good Finally Responds to Skin Bleaching Backlash

Meagan Good is finally clearing the air and addressing the criticisms she’s received over past skin bleaching claims …
Florida Vice Mayor Found Dead Inside Home as Police Investigate Husband for the Crime

Florida Vice Mayor Found Dead Inside Home as Police Investigate Husband for the Crime

The city of Coral Springs celebrated the election of first Black and Haitian American female commissioner. Now, they’re forced to mourn her shocking murder …
After Tyler Perry Attempts to Pay TSA Works Himself, DHS Finally Steps In

After Tyler Perry Attempts to Pay TSA Works Himself, DHS Finally Steps In

To help ease financial pain on TSA amid the government shutdown, billionaire Tyler Perry stepped in… and then, this happened …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
The Shocking Reason Why Leslie Jones Says the 'Tradwife' Life is Not for Her

The Shocking Reason Why Leslie Jones Says the ‘Tradwife’ Life is Not for Her

Leslie Jones may be single, but that doesn’t mean she’s rushing to walk down the aisle anytime soon. Now, she’s sharing the surprising and hilarious reason why …
Chess, Not Checkers: The Calculated Brilliance of Cardi B’s Corporate Takeover

Chess, Not Checkers: The Calculated Brilliance of Cardi B’s Corporate Takeover

Cardi B admitted many folks assume she’s an “airhead,” however, she’s using the misconception to her advantage. It’s time we stop underestimating her …