Blake Lively marks ‘fearless, confident’ return to 2026 Met Gala

Blake Lively made a confident return to the 2026 Met Gala, marking her first appearance at the fashion event since 2022.

The Gossip Girl alum attended the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute gala on May 4, where this year’s theme was “Costume Art.”

She arrived in an archival Atelier Versace gown from the spring 2006 collection, complete with a dramatic 13-foot train, paired with custom Lorraine Schwartz jewellery.

A source close to the event described Lively as “strong, confident, fearless,” adding that she appeared composed throughout the evening.

“She smiled, and she looked comfortable,” the source said, noting that she engaged openly with other guests and “didn’t avoid anybody or any conversations.”

“She was chatting, she was present, she was standing strong,” the insider added.

Lively was an invited guest of Vogue and was seated at editor-in-chief Anna Wintour’s table inside the gala. Her look was completed with soft, flowing curls, minimal makeup, and a custom Judith Leiber clutch featuring artwork created by her four children.

Her appearance also marked a notable personal moment, coming shortly after the resolution of a legal dispute involving Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, which was settled just days before the gala. The case had been scheduled to go to trial later this month.

Lively last attended the Met Gala in 2022, when she served as co-chair alongside her husband Ryan Reynolds for the “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” theme.

Her 2026 return reinforces her status as one of the event’s most closely watched red carpet figures, blending classic Hollywood glamour with renewed public attention.