Merlot Was The Standout Shade of the 2025 Met Gala

Along with subtle pinstripes and stunning accessories, the 2025 Met Gala's best looks were characterized by one color in particular. Whether they went pantsless à la Sabrina Carpenter, fully monochromatic like Jodie Turner-Smith in Burberry, or opted for subtle accessorizing like Doechii, this year's Met Gala attendees were all about one shade: merlot.

Jodie Turner-Smith in Burberry

Decked out in Burberry, Turner-Smith was a vision in merlot-red. While monochromatic, her multi-piece 'fit was rich, rather than flat thanks to contrasting textures, from her woven top hat to her truly stunning brocade-printed coat.

Cynthia Erivo in Custom Givenchy Haute Couture.

For the 2025 Met Gala, Erivo opted for drama. Her custom Givenchy by Sarah Burton boots and jacket were encrusted with ruby-red stones, while her corset was laced in the night's standout shade.

Tracee Ellis Ross in Custom Marc Jacobs

The dramatic silhouette of Ross' custom Marc Jacobs look featured a cropped—but still enticingly oversized—merlot jacket. A matching matte merlot ribbon on the band of her hat brought the look, styled by Karla Welch, together.

Sabrina Carpenter in Custom Louis Vuitton

The Bed Chem songstress opted for a silhouette that served her well on her Short n' Sweet tour: the bodysuit. Carpenter swapped her signature rhinestone-bedazzled aesthetic for a true-to-her and true-to-theme maroon-red tophat and tails look—light on the hat, heavy on the tails.

Damson Idris

On the slightly lighter side of the color spectrum, Damson Idris, who arrived in a racing suit and helmet, dramatically revealed a rich red suit on the Met Gala carpet

Doechii in Custom Louis Vuitton

Styled by Sam Woolf in a custom Louis Vuitton shorts suit, Doechii was a vision in luxe logos and shades of cream. Her merlot-red necktie, nearly knee-high socks, and loafers added a welcome bit of colorful contrast.

Teyana Taylor

Pusha T

Amelia Gray

Alicia Keys and Swiss Beatz

Liu Wen