What I wore to Vogue's Met Gala party

Deconstructing a look

After the initial elation of seeing that invitation land in my inbox, the second emotion I felt was panic. This was the fashion Super Bowl and I’d be hanging with the sartorial version of the Patriots during their dynasty.

What. To. WEAR?!

With this year’s theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, along with the “Tailored for You” dress code, some general ideas began percolating. Suiting - yes. Tailored or even exaggerated silhouettes, yes. But where would I go from there? What’s classic and timeless, fits with the theme, but also trendy enough to not just blend in, but stand out?

At first, I was heavily inspired by Ralph Lauren’s latest pre-fall collection because of all the cravats and dandy-ish frippery. Dandyism plays in heavily with the Superfine theme, so I felt it was a natural path from A to Z.

But, as I crafted the first draft of a look - a fitted blazer (classic!) with a frilly neckpiece (theme!), layered belts (trendy!), it was just too many ideas. Also, I think the cravat made me look like an old-timey judge. Hand me the powdered wig already! Hard pass.

Next, I wondered if a fitted blazer dress would work. I happened to be at a yoga retreat in the Berkshires where there was this GORGEOUS boutique called Casablanca that catered to very upscale clientele. When I told Christian, the store’s stylist, what event I’d be going to, he pulled out a fabulous fringed Maison Margiela blazer with a nipped in waist that looked to-die-for with the black Moschino heels he had me try on. I was in love, but unfortunately the blazer was way over $1k more than what I had planned on spending, so alas, I went home sans Margiela. Boo hoo.

(Image credit: Farfetch)

Then, I tried to recreate the look with a black blazer I had, along with a black fringe skirt. It sort of looked like the Margiela look, and I did love it - even threw on a frill at the neck again - but it just wasn’t right. I decided to go thrifting, and if you’re in the Boston area, that means only one thing - The Garment District.

Holy smokes. The Garment District had soooo many incredible vintage looks that were cool, tailored, dandy-ish, and yet relevant. I was very close to wearing a sequined black suit with a cropped jacket when I found THE ONE.

When you know, you know.

She was a 1983 satin Liz Claiborne jumpsuit with massive shoulderpads and a fitted waist. She was elegance, she was grace. I jumped for joy when my husband found a matching blazer (also with giant shoulder pads!) to go on top. It was so chic, retro, in-theme, and somehow looked modern. It looked…dare I say… Vogue-worthy.

So, I had the base of the look, but how to style? There were tiny gold cuff buttons, but should I go silver accessories instead? What kind of belt do I go with? Should I take a risk with my snakeskin cowboy boots just to mix things up?

Some of what I ultimately landed on was simply a matter of logistics. The grey belt with the round gold buckle I had taken off my favorite Donna Karan blazer was the best size and fit for the look, and I had sumptuous grey leather knee-high boots that matched perfectly, so I went with that pairing. Because of the gold in the belt, I landed on big gold earrings in theme with the eighties-inspired silhouette.

Pulling back, and looking at the outfit as a whole, I was pleased…it was tailored for me.