How to Dress Like a Karl Lagerfeld Model in The Spirit of the Upcoming 2023 Met Gala?

The Met Gala – one of the biggest fashion extravaganzas of the year – is slowly approaching, and everyone is waiting in anticipation to see the celebrity interpretations of this year’s theme. If you haven’t had time to follow the latest updates on the event, you’re probably wondering what the theme will be. The 2023 Met Gala is set to pay tribute to the genius of the late Karl Lagerfeld by honoring his legacy and innovative imagination. In the spirit of the upcoming glamorous event, we’re going to dive into Lagerfeld’s fashion vault and see how we can incorporate some of his iconic designs and personal style staples into our wardrobe.

Who is Karl Lagerfeld, and why is the Met Gala Paying Homage to his Art?

Karl Lagerfeld is one of the most recognizable designers of our generation. A true fashion extraordinaire, one of his most significant cultural contributions is undoubtedly his brilliant work for Chanel. He was a creative director of the brand for over 30 years and fully revived the decade-old fashion house. Chanel was a legacy, and he single-handedly turned it into one of the most influential and powerful fashion companies not only through his innovative vision but also his adaptivity which enabled him to change with the times. Lagerfeld spent 54 years of his life at Fendi with tremendous contributions to the family-owned Italian brand, helping them introduce themselves in a whole new light with distinctive silhouettes and recognizable patterns which won the label worldwide recognition. Karl Lagerfeld was a man of many talents, and his interests spread further afield. He was a passionate photographer and collaborator, some of his most iconic joint projects being with labels like Coca-Cola and Mattel’s Barbie. The 2023 Met Gala theme named “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” honors his tremendous contributions to the shaping of the modern fashion world.

Here’s How to Dress Like a Karl Lagerfeld Model

Unlike many other designers who derive inspiration from the past, Karl Lagerfeld has always been an innovator focused on the present while inventing for the future. Regardless of Chanel’s legacy, his designs have always developed in perfect synchronicity with the current pop culture trends. Outside his career in Chanel and Fendi, Lagerfeld has designed for a multitude of renowned fashion houses such as Balmain, Valentino, Chloe, and Jean Patou, as well as his own brand. While we may not all be able to afford high-fashion couture pieces, his designs are so unequivocally iconic, that they remain a prototype for many other emerging designers, as well as mainstream fashion. If you too want to look like a Karl Lagerfeld muse, take a look at the following outfits inspired by his creative footprint.

Black and White Bouclé Jacket and Mini Skirt

Undeniably one of Chanel’s most iconic pieces of clothing is the Bouclé jacket. The silhouette is inspired by male tailoring from the 50s and is designed as a rebellion against the slim-fitted restricting clothes that women have been expected to wear during that time. The mini skirt is another Chanel staple that can be seen in almost every single one of their collections, usually as a two-piece set with a jacket or a blazer in a matching bouclé fabric pattern.

Chunky Pearls Layered Necklace

Another iconic contribution from Karl Lagerfeld to the Chanel line is the long-layered necklace with chunky pearls that are inspired by Coco Chanel’s affinity for pearl necklaces.

Ivory Shirt with Black Bow Tie

This massively recognizable shirt silhouette with a black bow tie is another timeless Chanel-inspired design that’s become the epitome of French chic and is probably an inseparable part of almost every woman’s wardrobe.

“It’s not a bag, it’s a Baguette!”

We’ve all seen it, we saw Carrie Bradshaw go to Hell and back for it, and with the 90s returning at full speed it’s increasingly becoming one of the most popular bags for 2023. I’m talking about the Fendi Baguette! Maybe you’ve heard its name, but did you know that it was actually designed by Karl Lagerfeld himself? If there is one thing you want to do to honor both Lagerfeld and your wardrobe, add this bag to your fashion wishlist – it’s worth it!

How to Dress Like Karl Lagerfeld?

Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic personal style became a brand of its own. The fingerless leather gloves, tailored black suit, signature white shirt, and dark-lens sunglasses are the main elements of the late designer’s uniform. Mixing classic silhouettes, with edgy rock and roll details, Karl has managed to create a timeless curation of design pieces that will forever be reminiscent of his creative genius. Let’s take a look at some outfits inspired by the iconic style of Karl Lagerfeld.

Sequin Suit with Pearl Accessories

A dazzling twist of the classic Karl suit with the incorporation of key elements from his closet – the leather gloves, white shirt, black tie, and mysterious dark sunshades.

Signature Karl-Inspired Tailored Suit

This navy tailored suit with flared pants and striped blazer is heavily reminiscent of Karl Lagerfeld’s personal style and his designs for Chanel. Of course, we can’t do a Karl-themed outfit without finishing off with a pair of black sunglasses!

Karl Lagerfeld Inspiration – Diamonds, Satin, and Full-On Glam

A super chic and elegant reimagining of Karl Lagerfeld’s signature appearance, these white satin pants in combination with a matching white shirt and black bow tie just scream French glam!