Athletes know how to turn the carpet into their own court, and these stars pulled up to the Met Gala ready to play.
The Met Gala is the fashion world’s Super Bowl. Designers, much like coaches, spend months crafting the perfect outfits in line with the Met Gala’s theme. And for a single evening in May, their players — actors, musicians, artists, celebrities, and even athletes — put their best foot forward to bring these fashion statements to life on the carpet.
The entire world watches and, of course, judges. Who had the best outfits? Who was the most on-theme? Who was the shocker of the evening?
Well, we’re here to participate, too. Here are the stunning outfits the athletes wore to the 2024 Met Gala, ranked.
9. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade is arguably one of the most fashionable NBA players, and though he no longer graces the court, he still graces every red carpet he walks on with style. In the 2024 Met Gala, the athlete showed up in a subtle lilac Versace suit.
Eye-catching, yes. But, Wade’s entire look feels more complete only when he stands next to his stunning wife, Gabrielle Union, who sports an ombré Michael Kors dress that makes her shimmer like a mermaid.
8. Stefon Diggs
NFL star Stefon Diggs nearly missed the chance to attend this year’s Met Gala due to heavy rains in Houston, but thankfully, he was able to make it to New York — otherwise, his custom H&M suit would have gone to waste.
Diggs worked closely with the fashion brand to bring this look to life, from the sketches to the fittings. The midnight blue, shimmery suit was made from vintage fabrics, and the relaxed fit of the suit contrasts well with the sharp look of the fabric.
7. Serena Williams
Serena Williams is one of the athletes that fans almost always expect to see at the Met Gala, especially after she has served many incredible looks in past iterations. But this year, she went with a color that perfectly represents the 23-time Grand Slam Champion’s illustrious career.
According to Vogue, Williams worked with Balenciaga to pull off this elaborate golden gown that features a dramatic train, which was made out of 25 meters of gold foil-laminated taffeta.
6. Nelly Korda
World No. 1 golfer and Nelly Korda proved that she isn’t just an icon on the course — she knows how to rock the carpet just as well.
The 13-time LPGA Tour winner showed up to the 2024 Met Gala as one of the most on-theme athletes of the evening. Wearing a red-and-green floral gown designed by the iconic Oscar de la Renta, she was the epitome of “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” With simple and understated pieces of jewelry, she truly let the dress speak for itself.
5. Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr. is one of the most fashionable players in the NFL, and this reputation shined through at this year’s Met Gala.
Wearing a sleek black suit lined with beautiful floral embroidery, not only was he dressed perfectly for the theme, but he also showed that a simple, classic suit can always act as a blank canvas for something with a little more edge.
4. Venus Williams
Scales? Polka dots? A disco ball? Not exactly.
Venus Williams’ stunning look for the 2024 Met Gala is actually made of tiny mirrors intricately placed upon a sheer gown. Designed by Marc Jacobs, the look was meant to represent the fragility of the outfits these celebrities wear to the carpet. And they pulled off this metaphor almost too perfectly, as while Williams was getting dressed, one of the tiny mirrors had cracked.
3. Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons had one of the most elaborate outfits at the 2024 Met Gala, especially as far as the athletes of the evening go.
This Thom Browne piece featured many intricately designed details — a plaid pattern, an embroidered flower, and sequins, not to mention the clock on his briefcase. This ensemble was a part of the fashion house’s fall 2024 collection, and it’s a clear spin on the theme, as well as the “Garden of Time” dress code.
2. Angel Reese
WNBA star Angel Reese made her Met Gala debut — which also falls on her 22nd birthday — in memorable fashion, as not just one of the best-dressed athletes of the event, but one of the best-dressed, period.
Wearing a 16Arlington by Marco Capaldo mint-green dress with feathers around her hips and a floor-length sheer skirt, the basketball star is proving that she is not just a fierce force on the court, but she can also score big on the carpet.
1. Lewis Hamilton
At first glance, Lewis Hamilton’s outfit to the 2024 Met Gala might look very simple and understated, especially against some of the louder looks of the night. But, as always in fashion, the devil is in the details.
In an interview with Vogue, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion explained that this Burberry ensemble was inspired by an 18th-century gardener, John Ystumllyn, who was taken from Africa to Wales as a slave and became the first Black gardener in Wales.
Inspired by this story, Hamilton worked with his stylist and Daniel Lee to come up with this all-black look — a black coat with black floral details over a double-breasted suit. In addition, inside the coat is a hidden poem entitled “The Gardener” by Alex Wharton. And to tie it all together, he also accessorized with jewelry to match, highlighted by a thorn necklace, mimicking the thorns of a rose.
No one hit the mark quite like Hamilton did, and for that reason, he is easily the best-dressed athlete at the 2024 Met Gala.
Banner images from Indie 505, The Tennis Letter, and Overtime on X.
Related Stories:
9 Times Lewis Hamilton Proved He Was a Style Icon
Postseason Runway Diaries: The Fashion Trends We’re Loving In The 2024 NBA Playoffs
Need Some Style Tips? These 5 NBA Players Can Be Your Next Fashion Inspirations