Fashion’s most glamorous night may be known for champagne toasts and afterparties, but a growing number of stars are showing us that style shines brightest with a clear head. This year’s Met Gala—celebrating Superfine: Tailoring Black Style and its exploration of dandyism, suiting, and self-expression—was the perfect stage for sober and sober-curious celebrities to serve looks as bold as their journeys.
From tailored triumphs to conceptual chaos, the red carpet brought out the full spectrum of sober fashion. Some attendees hit the theme “Tailored for You” with precision, fusing personal narrative with couture craftsmanship. Others, despite their usual clarity of vision, may have missed the mark with ensembles that were more confused than curated.
Here’s our rundown of the best—and not quite best—dressed sober icons who graced The Met steps with style, strength, and sobriety:
Best Dressed:
We have been giving flowers to Demi Moore for her award season run for her role in The Substance. Demi Moore wore a Thom Browne masterpiece crafted to resemble a men’s tie. The iconic actress wore a sculptural gown whose bodice mimicked a knot and whose flowing skirt formed the tie’s neck, while a bold loop crowned her head like a wearable headpiece. But it was the detail that truly stunned: over 1.4 million beads—including bugle beads, rectangular sequins, and cut glass—adorned the look, requiring more than 7,600 hours of craftsmanship. Paired with black-and-white pom-pom heels, Moore proved that timeless beauty isn’t just skin deep—it’s sewn into every exquisite stitch.
Doechii wore this classic Louis Vuitton piece, reminding me of the textiles used on their Speedy bags. The way she held herself in this look and the attitude she brought to it sold this look for me. The artist opened up in 2024 about her recovery journey and has written extensively on her sobriety and living with an anxiety disorder through her music.
Sydney Sweeney is a sober, curious queen who decided not to drink alcohol at the age of 12 and has said she has “never been interested” in drinking. Sweeney wore a custom Miu Miu gown made of black sequinned fabric, featuring a modest train, short sleeves with fringe detailing on one side, and a distinctive asymmetric cutout at the chest.
Diana Ross needed no introduction to designer and stylist Ugo Mozie, who created the elaborate coat and train she sported to The Met Gala. This sober icon stole the carpet for me.
Like Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya chooses to go sans alcohol. She was styled by Law Roach (of course) and wore a custom Louis Vuitton design by Pharrell Williams.
Worst Dressed:
Emma Chamberlain may be a Met Gala mainstay, but this year’s custom Courrèges look felt more like a futuristic afterthought than a tribute to Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. While the asymmetrical silhouette and daring backless cut aimed for edgy elegance, the overall execution veered off theme and lacked the craftsmanship the night demanded. The sheer opera gloves, maroon manicure, and silver specs added texture but not cohesion, and her spiky platinum pixie, though bold, clashed with the look’s minimalist lines. Emma’s ensemble felt more styled for shock than substance in a room celebrating tailored storytelling.
Dua Lipa has been a red carpet darling in recent years, but her 2025 Met Gala look felt more costume than couture. While the intention to honor the “Tailored for You” theme was there, via a sequined tweed jacket nodding to Chanel’s structured legacy, a mashup of textures and embellishments muddled the execution. The open-back chiffon dress, oversized bow, organza cape, and overload of crystals, pearls, and feathers created more chaos than cohesion. Rather than a tailored tribute, the look read as a fashion identity crisis buried under layers of excess.
Alicia Keys may have aimed for bold coordination with husband Swizz Beatz, but her 2025 Met Gala look missed the mark with a heavy-handed execution. Dressed in a custom Moncler burgundy pinstripe suit paired with a floor-length puffer shawl and a beaded headpiece, Keys’ ensemble felt more après-ski than artful tailoring. While the nod to suiting was present, the bulky outerwear clashed with the evening’s emphasis on refined structure and sleek silhouettes. Despite the rich color palette, the overall effect was more bundled than breathtaking—a rare fashion misstep for the usually effortless style icon.
What did you think? Did we hit or miss on our best and worst dress selections for The Met Gala 2025?
The 2025 Met Gala Series by Alexandra Nyman:
WALK YOUR TALK: The Met Gala Best and Worst Dressed Menswear
WALK YOUR TALK: Best And Worst Dressed At The Met Gala: Plus Size Edition
WALK YOUR TALK: Unpacking The MET Gala 2025 Theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style
Walk Your Talk Throwback: Check out The Met Gala recap from 2024:
- Sobriety Had a Major Moment at the 2024 MET Gala
- The Best and Worst Looks of the 2024 MET Gala
- Best Dressed Men at the 2024 MET Gala
WALK YOUR TALK: This must-read section is a haven for sober fashionistas, delivering original content from our fabulous Sober Curators – Kate Vitela and Alexandra Nyman. Living a sober life doesn’t need to be dull, and we’re here to smash the stigma surrounding addiction by showcasing that life can indeed be lived to the fullest without alcohol and in fabulous outfits. If you were anything like us in your drinking years, getting dressed to party and the pre-funk that went with that was usually part of the plan. After putting down the bottle(s), we’re even more excited about getting ready for life, and you should be too!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
