Thought the iconic fashion at the Met Gala ended when the red carpet was over? Think again.
In true A-lister style, the exclusive attendees swapped out their dramatic gowns worn on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the 'Fashion is Art' dress code for something a little more practical to party in - without sacrificing an ounce of glamour.
The afterparty dress has become its own fashion category - arguably just as influential as the red carpet itself. While the main event is all about couture craftsmanship and theme interpretation, afterparty style leans into wearability and trend-setting silhouettes that actually translate into real-world wardrobes (though some may argue that many of this year's dresses would also do just that...)
This year's main after parties came courtesy of Saint Laurent, who hosted an exclusive soiree at People's Bar, BOOM - the private events space situated at the top of The Standard in New York, and The Amber Room lounge.
The best Met Gala 2026 afterparty looks:
© GC ImagesHailey Bieber
Hailey stunned in a sculpted white mini dress with an asymmetrical neckline at the Saint Laurent party.
© Getty Images for Saint LaurentKendall Jenner
Strapless bodices were a standout trend on the red carpet, which Kendall continued with to head to the Saint Laurent afterparty. Her look was the epitome of cool-girl chic.
© Getty Images for Saint LaurentMargot Robbie
As if we couldn't love the Australian actress even more, Margot Robbie opted for a classic pair of comfy jeans to party the night away in. She paired them with a simple white base layer and a metallic multicoloured jacket for a touch of glamour. Iconic.
© Getty Images for Saint LaurentKaty Perry
The Firework singer oozed spring-chic in a long-sleeved powder pink mini dress with a statement hem.
© Getty Images for Saint LaurentMaude Apatow
Maude looked effortlessly chic in a white dress featuring lace cap sleeves.
© Getty Images for Saint LaurentKarlie Kloss
Karlie swapped out her Dior red carpet gown for a party-approved little black cut-out mini dress.
© Yvonne Tnt/BFA.com/ShutterstockJanelle Monáe
We're obsessed with Janelle's 80s-coded statement shoulder-padded mini.
© WWD via Getty ImagesVenus Williams
Venus, who was one of this year's co-chairs, attended the Amber Room's afterparty in a stunning strapless mini featuring a bubble hem skirt.
© Yvonne Tnt/BFA.com/ShutterstockA$AP Rocky
A$AP oozed cool in tones of white, red and green - a stark contrast from his vibrant pink jacket from the red carpet.
© Getty Images for Saint LaurentAdwoa Aboah
Adwoa brought vibrancy to the after-hours events, and we love it. She opted for a sheer purple midi layered with a fluffy-trimmed rose-printed jacket.
© Getty Images for Saint LaurentTate McRae
Tate continued with her theme of gold for the evening, swapping her Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown doe a slinky see-through midi number.
