It’s that time of year again, folks — the Met Gala is just around the corner! And as we all know, the Met Gala is the perfect opportunity for attendees to showcase the most daring, avant-garde and eye-catching looks on the carpet. This year’s theme is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” which will celebrate the life and work of  Karl Lagerfeld.

Lagerfeld was one of the most influential designers and creative minds of our generation. He was the creative director of Fendi for over 54 years and during his tenure, Lagerfeld helped transform Fendi from a small family-owned business into a global luxury brand. Along with his eponymous label, Lagerfeld is most known for his time spent at Chanel. The designer served as creative director for the French fashion house for 36 years. Lagerfeld is credited with revitalizing the brand and turning it into one of the most successful fashion houses in the world. 

Most years, the majority of stars in attendance try to honor the theme in one way or another, whether by wearing something made by the designer or fashion house being honored, or through other inventive creations. We anticipate many will pay tribute to Lagerfeld either by donning some of his greatest works or by channeling his distinctive personal style.

But who said only celebrities get to have all the fun? In the spirit of the exhibition’s 2023 theme, we’re going to break down how to “Lagerfeld your look” by taking inspiration from the late, great Karl Lagerfeld. So, buckle up and get ready to unleash your inner Lagerfeld with these fabulous styling tips. You’ll be turning heads and stopping traffic with your fabulous sartorial choices in no time!

Embrace Monochrome Magic 

One of Karl’s signature style staples was his penchant for monochromatic ensembles. Donning chic black and white outfits can create a bold, striking statement. To achieve this look, consider a sophisticated black suit accented with silver or gold accessories. Remember, the key is to mix and match textures and patterns to avoid looking too flat.

Chanel Métiers d’Art fashion show at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas on December 10, 2013. (Cooper Neill / Getty Images for Chanel)
FILES – Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld appears at the end of the Chanel Paris Shanghai fashion show in Shanghai on December 3, 2009. Sharp-tongued German designer Karl Lagerfeld thinks intellectuals have let sartorial standards slip and now dress like “slobs,” according to remarks published on November 10, 2010. AFP PHOTO/PHILIPPE LOPEZ (Photo by PHILIPPE LOPEZ / AFP) (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
247003 71: Designer Carl Lagerfeld stands next to model Claudia Schiffer at the 1995 VH1 Fashion and Music Awards December 3, 1995 in New York City. The awards show honored the year’s best fashions and most fashionable musical artists and was broadcasted live from the Lexington Armory. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Liaison)

Invest in a High Collar

Lagerfeld was rarely seen without his iconic high-collared shirts. They added an air of regality and elegance to his look. To channel Lagerfeld’s vibe, opt for a dress or shirt with a high collar, or add a statement-making detachable collar to your outfit. This extra detail can elevate your look from ordinary to extraordinary.

Chanel Autumn Winter 2008
Paris Haute Couture
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PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 15: Designer Karl Lagerfeld attends the ‘Karl Lagerfeld: a visual journey’ photographs exhibition opening at La Pinacotheque on October 15, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage)

Flaunt Fingerless Gloves

Fingerless gloves were another Lagerfeld favorite, and they’re the perfect accessory to add some edge to your wardrobe. Look for luxurious materials like leather or lace, and don’t be afraid to play with textures and embellishments. 

Fashion designer and creative director of Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld listens to a question during an interview in a room housing the “Patio from the Castle of Velez Blanco” from Spain at a press preview of “Chanel”, an exhibition of the history of the fashion House of Chanel, 02 May, 2005, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The exhibit is open from 05 May to 07 August. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo by STAN HONDA / AFP) (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images)
PARIS – JANUARY 27: A model walks the runway at the Chanel fashion show during Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2009 at Pavillon Cambon Capucines on January 27, 2009 in Paris, France. (Photo by Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/WireImage)

Choose Bold Sunglasses

Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic sunglasses were a crucial part of his mystique. To emulate this trend, opt for oversized, bold frames that command attention. Don’t shy away from embellishments or unique shapes – remember, Karl was all about making a statement!

Karl Lagerfeld, deutscher Modeschöpfer, Designer, Kostümbildner, Kreativdirektor und Chefdesigner von Chanel, Portrait circa von 1984
German designer Karl Lagerfeld poses next to a Chanel jet after the 2007/08 Chanel Cruise Show he presented at the Santa Monica Airport, California, 18 May 2007. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
PARIS – SEPTEMBER 14: Karl Lagerfeld posing at the Karl Lagerfeld Exhibition Launch at Maison Europeenne de la Photographie on September 14, 2010 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michel Dufour/WireImage)

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize!

Lagerfeld was known for his love of statement accessories, so it’s essential to incorporate some eye-catching pieces into your look. The designer had a knack for pieces that add a touch of edge and glamour. He loved cool Chrome Hearts accessories that toughed up his otherwise chic look. He also had an affinity for things with sparkle so try layering necklaces or a brooch to give your look some shine. And, of course, don’t forget to add a bit of Chanel – after all, Karl was the creative genius behind the brand for over 30 years.

NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 10: Designer Karl Lagerfeld walks the runway at the Karl Lagerfeld Fall 2006 fashion show at the Cedar Lake Emsemble during Olympus Fashion Week on February 10, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 04: Designer Karl Lagerfeld walks the runway during the Chanel show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2017 on October 4, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage)
FRANCE – MARCH 02: Lagerfeld Gallery, Fall Winter 2005-2006 Ready to Wear Fashion Show : Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France on March 02, 2005 – Designer Karl Lagerfeld. (Photo by Pool BASSIGNAC/ROSSI/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 19: Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld and Alek Wek walk the runway during the Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2004 fashion show as part of the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week on January 19, 2004 in Paris, France. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
PARIS – DECEMBER 02: Fashion deigner Karl Lagerfeld shops at Place Vendome on December 2, 2008 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lorenzo Santini/FilmMagic)

Do Denim

Lagerfeld loved a denim moment. The designer wasn’t afraid to mix a high-low aesthetic, wearing a chic tailored jacket with a classic pair of jeans. It created a cool juxtaposition that is easy to recreate.

PARIS – MARCH 5: Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld with models on the catwalk, Chanel ready-to-wear Fall-Winter 2004-2005 fashion collection March 5, 2004 in Paris, France. (Photo by Eric Ryan/Getty Images)
*** Local Caption *** Karl Lagerfeld
SAINT-TROPEZ, FRANCE – MAY 10: Karl Lagerfeld play bowling at place des Lices on May 10, 2010 in Saint-Tropez, France. (Photo by Michel Dufour/WireImage)
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 09: Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld and Natalia Vodianova walk the runway during the Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2002-2003 fashion show as part of the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week on July 9, 2002 in Paris, France. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Confidence Is Key

Finally, the most important ingredient to channeling your inner Karl Lagerfeld is confidence. Own your look and exude the same self-assurance that Lagerfeld brought to everything he did. Stand tall, strut your stuff and let your outfit do the talking.

As you pay tribute the the icon and his legacy remember – in the immortal words of Lagerfeld himself: “Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality.” Interpret away!