The Best, Most Stunning Looks from this Year’s Met Gala

The 2014 Met Gala, fashion’s fanciest red carpet event of the year, was held Monday evening in New York City. Old-style glamour ruled the night air as stars of Hollywood and the fashion world converged on the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the annual Costume Institute gala, the biggest event on the New York fashion calendar.

Whereas last year’s theme was punk, this year the dress code was white tie and the theme was “Charles James: Beyond Fashion.” James, a purveyor of glamour, was a mid-20th century designer who specialized in spectacular, sculptured gowns made with intricate draping techniques. The museum’s exhibit of the same name is the inaugural exhibit of the new, $40 million Anna Wintour Costume Center, named for the renowned Vogue editor.

With such a glamazon theme, A-listers looked like beautiful Hollywood bombshells, with trains galore. Truthfully, almost everyone looked amazing but here are the ladies who made me say “wow,” as soon as I saw the photos. Here are my choices for best of the best.

Emmy Rossum in Carolina Herrera

(Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

The Shameless star looked incredible in this lovely floral Carolina Herrera gown. The 27 year-old chose a classic cut with a bright, spring-y retro print and beautiful medium-length train.

Hailee Steinfeld in Prabal Gurung

(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

The True Grit actress, 17, partook in one of the night’s most popular trends – black and white. Her Prabal Gurung dress is outstanding. I love the pink inner fabric of the floor-length satin gown and the sneak peek of her gold Charlotte Olympia shoes. Steinfeld, who arrived on the arm of the dress’s handsome designer, is growing up beautifully and with class.

Suki Waterhouse in Burberry

(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

The model girlfriend of Bradley Cooper looked breathtaking in Burberry and turned heads in this frilly gown. The 22 year-old looked like she stepped straight out of a fairytale in her pink, strapless number. Waterhouse kept the rest of her look simple and fresh-faced with lighter eye make-up, bright red lips, a relaxed undo, and studded sparkly earrings.

Joan Smalls in Vera Wang

(Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

The supermodel had the most talked-about beauty look of the night – bold violet lips that stood out in the crowd and looked totally fabulous. Smalls smouldered in the dark purple lipstick shade that perfectly suited her olive skin. The 25-year-old’s elegant, strapless, silver dress hugged her figure to the top of her thighs, where it gave way to a see-through chiffon skirt that draped beautifully into a small train. The Victoria’s Secret model wore high-heeled silver sandals cuffed at the ankles and her hair in an elegant, yet fun, side braid.

Blake Lively in Gucci

(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

As the face of Gucci’s fragrance, the Gossip Girl actress stunned in a custom designed sparkly Gucci Premiere silk chiffon blush gown embroidered with rose gold paillettes. The 26 year-old paired the fitted bodice, deep neckline, and soft mermaid silhouette with ruby-colored jewels and a pair of blush satin open toe heels. Especially beautiful were the flowing long trains coming off from her shoulders. The actress’ husband, Ryan Reynolds, wore Gucci as well.

Selena Gomez in Diane von Furstenberg

(Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

She might be a bit of a tabloid queen but Gomez knows how to work a red carpet. The singer/actress wore a lovely plum dress by Diane von Furstenberg along with jewels by Lorraine Schwartz. The color and cut of the dress are so sophisticated. Unfortunately, her beautiful look and sophisticated style continue to be overshadowed by silly stories, this time about her and her feud with Taylor Swift. At least it was about how they kissed and made up at the event.

Anne Hathaway in Calvin Klein

(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Hathaway’s dress was less flamboyant and dramatic than many others at the affair, but she looked perfect in this bold red Calvin Klein that showed off her toned midriff. The Oscar-winning actress’ hair and makeup were flawless as well and her long, drop earrings are perfection. Hathaway, 31, posed on the red carpet with Calvin Klein women’s creative director Francisco Costa.

(Lead Image Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

Well done, ladies!