A Night at the MET

By Natalie Naccarato

Sigh...beauty overload! Last night was the Costume Institute Gala. A benefit where the who's who of the fashion world and Hollywood come together at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC for the fashion world's biggest party of the year. The gala always provides such style inspiration. This year the MET celebrated the opening of a new exhibit entitled American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity. Well these (mostly) American women did not disappoint. You will find plenty to inspire your sartorial choices for upcoming events. Below are our fave's of the night grouped by trends we spotted. Let us know your favourite!

Shine on:

The metallic trend is still going strong. There was no shortage of shine last night. Below are Nicole Ritchie in Marc Jacobs and Sarah Jessica Parker in Halston Heritage.

Suit up:

We were loving the ladies who showed us that woman don't have to wear dresses to look glamourous. Below are Alexa Chung in 3.1 Phillip Lim and Ricky Lauren (wife of Ralph) in Ralph Lauren.

*Style Note: Watch for the women's suit to gain even more popularity once Sex and the City 2 premieres. We spotted the look on Carrie at Stanford's wedding!

Afternoon Tea:

The Ladies Who Lunch look is definitely making a strong comeback. As seen on the runways of Prada, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton and on the popular television show, Mad Men. This ladylike look is a throwback to old glamour and is a welcome and refreshing change. Below are Carey Mulligan in Miu Miu, and Rachel Bilson in Louis Vuitton.

Show Some Leg:

In stark contrast to Afternoon Tea were the sexy skin baring looks on Sienna Miller in Emilio Pucci and Gisele Bundchen in Alexander Wang. Lesson learned - if you've got it, flaunt it!

Statuesque:

This is the more conservative sister theme of Show Some Leg. Still great to show off a hot figure, but leaves much more to the imagination. This look is great in solid neutrals. Below are Zoe Saldana and Diane Kruger both in Calvin Klein Collection and Jessica Stam.

*All photos from www.style.com