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!
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.
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.
A lewk that's to die for! The songstress turned heads in 2018 with a golden heart and daggers chestpiece and feathered halo headpiece 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 manny! 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.
In 2021, the supermodel rocked a sheer, rainbow-striped Dior jumpsuit which reportedly took 600 hours to make. A wacky headpiece and matching cane rounded out the look.
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.
The Pose star arrived to 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.
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!
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 served up an elegant extraterrestrial look in 2021 with a Miu Miu gown and an eye-catching headpiece embellished with star designs, 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. Because no detail goes untouched, the singer accessorized with a jewel and pearl embellished robe (with a cape neck, no less) and an equally as dazzling papal mitre.
In 2016, the English singer's classic suit was taken to the next level with robot-esque arm plates by Versace.
Oh baby! The "Lost" singer, wearing a black Prada jacket, arrived to the event in 2021 carrying a robot-like 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 bohemian-esque vintage Comme des Garcons Rei Kawakubo designs. Their all-over lace dresses were given an 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? Her a 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 simple nude slip gown 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.
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."
Let's all take a moment of silence to swoon over Gaga's drool-worthy accessories. She brought a variety of props with her to the 2019 affair, including larger-than-life umbrellas, a massive telephone, her glam squad and a wagon full of booze and bags.
Feathered sandals, a lace-adorned mask and voluminous wings made the actress' Valentino little black dress anything but basic in 2016.
The "Sorry" singer looked ready for business in 2021 wearing a Balenciaga suit, styled with a black briefcase emblazoned with the logo of his brand, Drew House. He also donned Nike Air Force One's that had drawings of the company's graphics.
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+ activist Marsha Johnson, the beauty influencer 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 pink hair.