As Coco Chanel once said, "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off."
It's been a fashion decree ever since. However, there's one event where it's thrilling and encouraged to break the rules: the Met Gala.
Over the years, Hollywood's A-list have ascended the steps of New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art wearing towering stacks of hats, ornate hairpieces, feathered angel wings and even toting decapitated heads and locks of hair.
At the 2019 Met Gala, the Camp: Notes on Fashion theme allowed for over-the-top additions to a sea of already daring ensembles.
Billy Porter made a one-of-a-kind entrance, proving that a diamond bracelet pales in comparison to having handsome men as your arm candy. The actor, channeling his inner Egyptian god, perched atop a throne as six shirtless men carried him in. Moreover, he donned a dramatic 24-karat gold headpiece and 10-foot wings that enveloped the red carpet.
And that's just one example of how accessories can bring life to an ensemble. With the return of the Met Gala just days away, get reacquainted with the best accessories of all time in our gallery below!
Lady Gaga shut down the 2019 pink carpet with her outfit changes and larger-than-life accessories, including look-at-me umbrellas, a massive telephone, her glam squad and a wagon full of booze and bags.
For when you don't have a plus one! Jokes aside, the Gucci-clad actor made 2019 Met Gala attendees gasp with his creepy accessory: a severed replica of his own head.
In 2021, the Canadian musician went for a look inspired by Frank Herbert's sci-fi novel Dune, which included a sheer Iris Van Herpen gown and chrome face mask, which was actually an original prop from David Lynch's 1984 film adaptation of the book. Oh, and she also carried a sword repurposed from an AR-15.
Year after year, SJP has made elaborate headpieces her thing at the Met Gala. This Philip Treacy one she wore in 2015, along with an Oscar de la Renta creation, was a standout. When it works, it works!
The Dirty Computer singer went for a bright and bold Picasso-inspired ensemble by Christian Siriano at the 2019 fashion affair. Her towering stack of hats by Sarah Sokol Millinery, robotic eye and matching clutch were the perfect finishing touches to her eye-catching vibe.
In 2021, the Euphoria star sipped into an alien alter-ego, wearing a silver two-piece Prada ensemble complete with a spidery figure attached to her nose and foggy contact lenses.
The Pose star arrived at the 2019 Met Gala with six shirtless men carrying him like an Egyptian royal. Along with his arm candy and gold bodysuit by The Blonds, Billy showed off his massive gold wings and diamond-studded headpiece.
A lewk that's to die for. The songstress turned heads in 2018 with a golden heart and dagger chest piece and feathered halo headband to go along with her Gucci gown.
Come on Barbie, let's go party! The "Golden Hour" singer played dress up at the 2019 fashion extravaganza with the help of Jeremy Scott for Moschino. Her hot pink blow-dryer handbag, lavish fuzzy boa and metallic pumps tied the glamorous get-up together.
Not your average mani! Clad in Miu Miu, The Great actress flaunted her flamingo pink nails in 2019, which were embellished with mini charms.
Designer Harris Reed, who partnered with Dolce & Gabbana, told Vogue it took 400 hours of "hand-tacking, hand-gluing, hand-embellishing, gold-leafing, finessing" to bring the supermodel's look, including the Vivienne Lake-collaborated hat, to life.
Giddy up. J. Lo went for a western look in 2021, wearing a brown Ralph Lauren number, teamed with a brown distressed cowboy hat and plated necklace.
Princess Diana wowed at the 1995 Met Gala with her risqué blue slip dress and larger-than-life pearl-embellished necklace.
A work of art! In 2019, the Black-ish star complemented her slinky black Moschino dress with a gilded frame. The actress explained the picture frame pays tribute to artist Lorraine O'Grady.
Out of this world! The Mary Poppins actress had everyone starry-eyed in 2021 with her bedazzled Miu Miu gown and celestial headpiece embellished with stars, crystals and pearls.
In 2017, Solange stepped out in a futuristic black latex-like frock by Iris Van Herpen and paired it with a black head-wrap and a halo headpiece. And carrying Florida Water in a fishnet pouch? Instantly iconic.
Gold combs with clenched fist handles adorned the Black Panther actress' hairstyle to accessorize her Versace look in 2019.
The fashion icon graced the 2018 red carpet with a John Galliano Pope-inspired 'fit. And because no detail goes unnoticed, the singer accessorized with a jewel and pearl embellished robe (with a cape neck, no less) and an equally dazzling papal mitre.
In 2016, the English singer's classic suit was taken to the next level with robot-inspired arm plates by Versace.
Oh baby! The "Lost" singer, wearing a black Prada jacket, arrived to the event in 2021 carrying a green doll. In an interview with E! News, he called the doll his "son" and said it was named "Cody."
More is more! The twins turned heads at the 2017 ceremony with their vintage Comme des Garçons designs by Rei Kawakubo. Their all-over lace dresses were given extra edge with the addition of their statement jewelry pieces, colorful jackets and flashy headpieces.
When the Met Gala calls, Frances delivers. Case in point? She wowed with her massive Philip Treacy headpiece at the 2018 event, teamed with her Valentino gown.
All in the details! The singer-songwriter dazzled in 2016 in her silver-chain headpiece and nose jewelry to complement her nude slip dress and matching harness by Atelier Versace.
Things got hairy on the red carpet of the 2017 Met Gala when the artist arrived in Louis Vuitton with a fistful of hair in hand.
For the 2022 affair, the supermodel's look was worthy of display at a museum with her sculptural headpiece and coordinating architectural dress.
The Dickinson star made a tongue-in-cheek statement by bringing a camera to the 2019 event, while also wearing an extravagant gown by Viktor & Rolf Haute that exclaimed, "No photos please."
Feathered sandals, a lace-adorned mask and voluminous wings made the actress' Valentino little black dress anything but basic in 2016.
The singer and record producer nailed the 2016 theme—"Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology." His futuristic, yet fashionable helmet brought his Gucci floral blazer and suit to the next level.
As a tribute to LGBTQ+ pioneer Marsha P. Johnson, Nikkie de Jager added a flower crown to her tulle turquoise Edwin Oudshoorn Couture gown in 2021.
Give us a second to pick our jaws up from the floor! The "Rumors" singer was the definition of glamour in 2019 with her Marc Jacobs flamingo pink feather cape, sheer polka dot gloves, bedazzled headband and bright hair.