Every year, some Met Gala attendees seem to miss the memo on the theme—and 2025 was no exception. Despite a clear “Tailored” dress code, many stars appeared to think the theme was “Pants Optional,” showcasing bare legs and bodysuits on the red carpet.
Pharrell Williams, this year’s co-chair and Louis Vuitton’s menswear director, led the pants-free charge. He dressed multiple guests—including his wife Helen and BLACKPINK’s Lisa—in bodysuits and tights. Lisa’s look, however, sparked controversy for featuring a Henry Taylor print with what many believe is Rosa Parks’ face placed questionably on her outfit.
Sabrina Carpenter also ditched pants in a look that gave “sexy circus ringmaster,” prompting comparisons to Barry Keoghan’s 2024 outfit. Even Doechii arrived in LV shorts, while Hailey Bieber wore a blazer mini dress by Saint Laurent. Doja Cat at least offered some intrigue in a sculptural Marc Jacobs bodysuit.
Charli XCX and Cynthia Erivo technically wore skirts, but their undergarments were on full display. Online chatter wondered if these bodysuits were nods to Zelda Wynn Valdes, creator of the Playboy Bunny costume—a theory that fits with some attendees’ past fashion choices.
But most likely, it was just a trend fueled by Pharrell’s vision: at the 2025 Met Gala, tailoring meant showing a lot of leg.