Does Kim Kardashian’s Schlumpy Gray Cardigan From Met Gala Work With Any Outfit?
A haute couture sweater brings a touch of comfort to the red carpet at the Met Gala or the prow of a superyacht.

Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty/Reuters
After Monday’s Met Gala, red carpet watchers couldn’t stop talking about a pilling gray sweater clutched to Kim Kardashian’s bust.
Were people fascinated by the clash of textures between the soft, cashmere sweater and the shiny, hard metallic gown? Or were people connecting to the makeshift shrug, thinking, “Hey, I got an old cardigan like that in my closet!”
Kardashian explained the sweater’s presence with this scenario: “It’s the wildest night of my life in a garden. And I just ran out and grabbed my boyfriend’s sweater and threw it on and had to get to work,” she told Vogue. (The real answer is John Galliano showcased the look in his spring/summer Martin Margiela Artisanal collection.)

Andrew Kelly/Getty/Andrew Kelly/Getty
So the schlumpy gray sweater is basically comfort food for people who don’t eat comfort food. And based on Kardashian’s explanation, it seems like that feeling of warmth and support would complement any outfit. So we tested this theory on two of Kardashian’s past Met gala ensembles… and then tried it on a few others throughout history.
ADVERTISEMENT
Get the best of The Beast delivered right to your inbox
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
2021 Met Gala, Kardashian in Balenciaga
Wait, I grabbed a gray sweater? From behind the mask everything looks black.

Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty
2023 Met Gala, Kardashian in Schiaparelli
Pearls and cashmere…a country club staple gets a billionaire twist.

Photo Illustration by Elizabeth /Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty
2004 Super Bowl Halftime Show, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake
A little cardigan could have saved Jackson from so much misery and unfair criticism.

Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty
2023, Lauren Sanchez-inspired figurehead on Jeff Bezos’ superyacht Koru
It gets cold at sea so bundle up.

Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty/Backgrid
2000 Grammy Awards, Jennifer Lopez in Versace
Would J.Lo’s look have reached iconic status if she’d thrown on a ratty gray sweater? Probably not.

Photo Illustration by Elizabeth /Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Reuters
Early 1500s, Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci
A worthy update of Mona Lisa’s slouchy look. Now all she needs is eye lashes and lip filler and she’s red carpet ready.

Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty/Leonardo da Vinci
March 22, 2000 Queen Elizabeth II
Oh, yeah, she pulls it off. Queen knows Queen.

Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Reuters
2023-24, Taylor Swift, Eras Tour opening outfit
Swift, who launched the European leg of her tour Thursday, probably wouldn’t go near this look after making her feelings toward Kardashian clear with the release of the sly and catchy diss track “thanK you AImee” on “The Tortured Poets Department.”

Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty
Still, Kardashian’s scenario would work great for Swift who actually does have a boyfriend with a very soft, light gray cardigan.

Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/Getty/Rachpoot/Getty
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.

