When walking a red carpet, celebrities usually wear an outfit that's as "flattering" as possible. For many, this means something that's fitted perfectly to their frame or in a shade that complements their skin tone. When they nail it, the world comments on how "flawless" they looked and how they showed off their gorgeous curves or killer abs or perfect legs. Despite the fact that not everyone wants to be thin, "flattering" is almost always a synonym for skinny. When you realize that all the standards that make something "flattering" are basically just bullsh*t, there's something so refreshing about the least flattering looks at the Met Gala.
Despite the night's avante garde theme — which brings to mind voluminous dresses, asymmetry, and odd color combos — so many stars still went the traditionally flattering route. We saw quite a few sleek dresses and pretty gowns. But then there were the likes of Solange, Katy Perry, and Rihanna who threw up a big middle finger to all things traditional.
These ladies might not be making any "best dressed" lists. But then again, who cares? And who decides those things anyway? The definition of "flattering" is not only totally subjective, but also kind of worn out. We already know celebrities can look beautiful in a traditional sense, so it was great to see a few step out in looks unlike anything we usually see on the red carpet. Whether it was a big puffy jacket, asymmetrical folds of fabric, or fluffy piles of tulle, these celebs still looked great. Check out some of the "worst" looks below.
1. Helen Lasichanh
In quite possibly the most "unflattering" look of the evening, we have Helen Lasichanh. Her look was big, it was puffy, and it didn't have any arm holes. And yes, she looked cool AF.
2. Tracee Ellis Ross
It's hard to wrap one's mind around what, exactly, is going on with Tracee Ellis Ross' dress. Where are her shoulders? What's with that neck hole? We certainly can't see her shape, and yet she looks totally badass.
3. Katy Perry
Katy Perry, who we all know to be gorg, covered up every last bit of herself in this red tulle number. It was bright and busy, and that's kind of what makes it great.
4. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
So much for taking one thing off before leaving the house, right? The Olsen twins walked the carpet in seemingly everything they own. And they looked fierce doing it.
5. Rihanna
Rihanna's bare legs and lace-up heels could be considered traditionally "sexy" in this look. However, the roundness of the dress — especially around the middle, the very area we are told by society should be as flat as possible — flies in the face of traditional beauty standards.
6. Cara Delevingne
You know how we're told flattering hair should be coiffed, or flowing, or shaped into a sleek pixie? Well, Cara Delevingne did away with all that by completely shaving her head. Instead of a cute cut, she went for silver paint and totally won the night.
7. Solange
If you look up "unflattering" in the dictionary, you'll likely find a photo of a giant, puffy coat. And yet Solange wore one anyway. She's too cool to care about tradition or what's typical for the red carpet. She wore what she wanted to wear and looked great, as always.
Because really, that's what fashion is all about. Regardless of what people claim to be flattering, style is about wearing whatever makes you feel good — whether you're on a red carpet or not.
