Kamala Harris | Source: Getty Images

Kamala Harris, 60, Stuns in Loose Black Dress With White Detail for the 2025 Met Gala — Photos

May 06, 2025

09:01 A.M.

The former US Vice President was accompanied by her husband, Doug Emhoff, as she made a surprise appearance on Monday night.

Kamala Harris made an unexpected fashion statement at the 2025 Met Gala, trading her signature pantsuit for a loose black dress with white detailing. While many were excited to see her in a new style, others felt the look missed the mark.

A fan's comment on Kamala Harris outfit at the Met Gala, from a post dated May 6, 2025 | Source: Facebook/democrats

Harris, who has largely stayed out of the public eye since the November 2024 election, was noticeably absent from the red carpet during the 2025 Met Gala. However, photos popped online of her appearance at the celebration for the Costume Institute's exhibition, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Harris wore a bespoke black and cream gown by Off-White, a creation from the brand's creative director, IB Kamara. The dress was made from luxurious cady silk and paid tribute to the night's theme with intricate details, including a dramatic one-sided floor-length sleeve, a pleated skirt, and a long scarf that cascaded gracefully down.

Fans had so much to say about Kamala Harris's look, with many expressing surprise over her departure from her signature pantsuits. One fan expressed, "Kamala, known for wearing pantsuits, is wearing a dress? Missed opportunity here. PS. I miss her."

Kamala Harris's dress, from a post dated May 6, 2025 | Source: Instagram/off____white

Other fans echoed similar sentiments, "This woman lived in pant suits. Why on earth is she wearing a loose fitting dress when the theme was tailoring?"

Kamala Harris's dress, from a post dated May 6, 2025 | Source: Instagram/off____white

Another commenter had mixed reactions, penning, "Love her but I've had enough boring black and white fits for a lifetime after tonight." More fans bluntly said, "No ma'am. It's so blah. Absolutely no spice."

Kamala Harris's dress, from a post dated May 6, 2025 | Source: Instagram/off____white

The dress itself also sparked debate about its fit. "Underwhelming and off theme," said one observer, while another wondered, "What had happened to her suit uniform??😕😕😕😕 The dress is nice tho [sic] just not for tonight's theme!!"

Kamala Harris's dress, from a post dated May 6, 2025 | Source: Instagram/off____white

Some fans were more critical, pointing out, "Is she really that wide? Or is the dress that unflattering?" Another netizen added, "Dress swallows her. 😔." However, not all reactions were negative. One fan celebrated the change, "Finally seeing her wearing a dress. 👏👏👏."

Part of Kamala Harris's dress, from a post dated May 6, 2025 | Source: Instagram/off____white

The 2025 Met Gala made history as the first time the main exhibition had a menswear focus, which likely fueled expectations for Harris to step out in a suit. Even so, her past wardrobe choices have been intentional, with suits often serving a strategic purpose rather than simply reflecting personal style.

However, Kamara said he approached Harris's look with a focus on elegance and simplicity, crafting a design that honored the evening's celebration of Black culture and style. "Utilizing a mix of silk fabrications and precise tailoring, we added subtle flares, allowing her own dandyism to shine through — like the dramatic sleeve and elongated scarf," he explained.

Kamara and the Off-White team also saw Harris as the embodiment of dandyism, defined by confidence and fortitude. For them, her journey and influence made her a powerful symbol of resilience and inspiration, making the opportunity to dress her for the Met Gala not just an honor but a deeply meaningful moment for the entire brand.

Meanwhile, Harris's husband, Doug Emhoff, kept things traditional at the Met Gala in a classic black tuxedo by Brunello Cucinelli, complete with a bow tie and crisp white shirt.

Dough Emhoff and Kamala Harris, from a post dated March 6, 2025 | Source: Instagram/douglasemhoff

He shared two touching photos from the evening, capturing candid moments of him smiling at his wife with the same love and adoration he's often shown her over the years. Emhoff wrote, "We spent a beautiful evening at the Met celebrating the Costume Institute spring exhibition, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.' Thank you to all involved for a beautiful evening."

Harris has also spoken out, commending the Costume Institute and the broader efforts of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for spotlighting powerful, agenda-shaping expressions of creativity.

A closed sign is seen outside of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, on March 13, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

She recognized the importance of exhibitions like "Superfine," which elevates the Black dandy as a symbol of self-expression and resistance, offering a meaningful platform for cultural dialogue. To her, art has long played a vital role in shaping culture and influencing politics and policy.

"Artistic expression — whether it's dance, music, visual arts, or fashion — has a way of capturing the mood and language of the people without words. Art has the power to shape the conversation about where we are today and where we need to go," Harris noted.

Kamala Harris greets supporters at Norwest Art Gallery, a local Black-owned small business, in Detroit, Michigan, during a campaign stop on October 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Aside from Harris and Emhoff's sweet appearance at the 2025 Met Gala, other stars brought bold statements and eye-catching fashion to the iconic steps.

Take a look at more standout moments from the night below.

US gymnast Simone Biles arrives at the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025.

Venus Williams strikes a pose at the 2025 Met Gala celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5 in New York City.

Heidi Klum attends the 2025 Met Gala celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5 in New York City.

Sydney Sweeney dazzles at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Pamela Anderson at the Met Gala on May 5, 2025, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Diana Ross steals the show at the 2025 Met Gala celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" on May 5, 2025, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens are giving couple goals at the Met Gala celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" on May 5, 2025.

Zoe Saldaña shows off her figure in a monochromatic look at the 2025 Met Gala in New York City.

Anne Hathaway keeps it chic and simple with her jewelry taking center stage at the 2025 Met Gala celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Whoopi Goldberg makes a grand entrance with her tuxedo-inspired look and top hat at the 2025 Met Gala celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Demi Moore in an unforgettable avant-garde black and white dress at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, 2025, in New York City.

Olympic track and field sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson brought Spring colors to the 2025 Met Gala carpet on May 5, 2025, in New York.

US singer-songwriter Alicia Keys and her husband, US rapper Swizz Beatz, complemented each other with matching looks at the 2025 Met Gala.

US fashion designer Vera Wang at the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025, in New York.

Sabrina Carpenter goes pantsless in a tuxedo-inspired bodysuit at the Met Gala with the theme "Tailored for You" on May 5, 2025.

Tyla at the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, celebrating the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

At the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, Angela Bassett arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for an evening themed "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Shakira attends the 2025 Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday, May 5.

Cardi B turns heads at the 2025 Met Gala, held May 5 at the Met in NYC, which honored the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Kendall Jenner attends the 2025 Costume Institute Benefit, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5.

Kim Kardashian at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5 in New York City, honoring the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Madonna attends the 2025 Costume Institute Benefit, themed "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5.

Keke Palmer attends the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, celebrating the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Nicole Kidman attends the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, celebrating the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Zendaya attends the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, celebrating the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

10 Celebrity Couples That Sparked Discussion at the 2025 Met Gala — Photos

Kamala Harris' Outfit at the NAACP Awards Caught Attention: 'Not Tailored Well at All'

'Too Much': Halle Berry, 58, Causes a Stir with Her 'Risky' Sheer Gown with Black Stripes at the 2025 Met Gala - Photos

Halle Bailey at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Halle Berry attends the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, celebrating the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Gayle King attends the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, celebrating the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Cynthia Erivo at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Miley Cyrus at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Dressed for fashion’s biggest night, Serena Williams made her entrance at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5 at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, where this year’s theme was "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," the 2025 Met Gala welcomed Nicki Minaj to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5.

Met Gala co-chair A$AP Rocky joined Rihanna at the 2025 event held on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Kylie Jenner steps out for the 2025 Met Gala on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, celebrating the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Teyana Taylor attends the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, celebrating the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

The 2025 Met Gala celebrated "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" on May 5, with Jenna Ortega among the stars arriving at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

"Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" was the focus of the 2025 Costume Institute Benefit, where Hailey Bieber made an appearance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5.

Dua Lipa at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."