After the wraps, guests don’t head home and turn on Netflix. For most, the ball is just the beginning of a night of partying. Given the unwieldy nature of most gala looks – imagine dancing on a tabletop in that Guo Pei cape Rihanna wore back in 2015 – an outfit change is usually in order.
Celebrities typically make a quick switch at their hotels or in the backseats of their SUVs, all so they can dazzle the paparazzi once more. This tradition of wearing multiple fashions is relatively new – in the ’90s and early ’00s, guests were comparatively low-key – but these days there is always a second designer look waiting in the wings.
The best after-party looks adhere to a relaxed philosophy. You should be able to move, breathe, and most importantly, dance. Forget giant gowns: miniskirts and patterned pants make more sense – especially when you’re carrying the night’s theme into the wee hours.
Attendees can do a complete 180 – think Blake Lively switching from ruffled Marchesa on the red carpet to a T-shirt and leather skirt for a party at the top of the Standard Hotel in 2010 – or choose to step out with a daring skin reveal – ie, Rihanna’s jaw-dropping backless slip dress in 2014.
For the gala’s most risk-taking stars, the only real rule is to go bold, or go home. In Lanvin. In Jason Wu. In Valentino. In Saint Laurent. In Zac Posen. In Balmain.
