Blake Lively is partying in style, just hours after announcing that his “It Ends With Us” lawsuit had reached a settlement. The actress was all smiles at fashion’s biggest night, the Met Galamarking one of his high-profile appearances since his legal battle began in 2024, and his first since the resolution. Lively’s appearance at the Met Gala was her first since co-chairing the event in 2022.
Blake Lively steps out in style after settlement
On May 4, Blake Lively’s attorney, along with “It Ends With Us” attorneys, released a statement announcing the settlement of the case, two weeks before the scheduled trial date. “Raising awareness and making a meaningful impact on the lives of survivors of domestic violence – and all survivors – is a goal we support,” the statement said.
No further details about the case were disclosed in the release, noting only that the settlement signifies the “closure” of a matter that has troubled both parties for nearly two years.
That same evening, Lively celebrated by attending the 2026 Met Gala in a Versace dress fit for a princess. The actress had a beaming smile as she posed for photos and showed off her outfit.
The actress’ archive Versace dress
The theme of the 2026 Met Gala was “Costume Art,” encouraging attendees to wear fashionable works of art. Lively chose to wear a pastel-colored Versace dress from the Spring 2006 archives, with a 13-foot train.
The brand’s artistic director, Donatella Versace, said Vogue“Blake looks stunning in the Atelier Versace archives. She’s had so many iconic Versace moments at the Met, and tonight is no exception.”
According to the leading fashion magazine, the dress was inspired by 18th-century Venetian Rococo paintings. The bodice had a structured silhouette and was embroidered with pastel gemstones, while the skirt created a three-dimensional structure reminiscent of Baroque church architecture, with soft colors depicting a sunset. “As with large ceiling decorations, it is not just a dress to wear, but a space to inhabit,” noted the Italian luxury fashion house.
Blake Livley accessorized with her children’s artwork
The actress’s accessories were also carefully chosen. There was particular interest in her handbag, which held special meaning for Lively. Even though she attended the event without her husband, Ryan Reynolds, she brought a piece of her family with her.
She paired her dress with a custom Judith Leiber Couture bag that incorporated paintings of her four children with Reynolds: James, Inez, Betty and Olin. “I’m shy too, so I just like having the kids around. Isn’t that special?” » Lively said on the red carpet.
The brand’s creative director, Jana Matheson, said Vogue“We used a four-sided clutch shape, so each of her children’s drawings could be included. What better way to bring your four little ones to a black tie event than by carrying them with you on your clutch?”
The actress was co-chair of her last Met Gala
2026 marks Lively’s return to fashion’s biggest night since 2022, when she co-hosted the Met Gala with Reynolds, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Regina King. That year, the theme was “In America: A Fashion Anthology.”
During their latest appearance at the Met Gala, husband and wife wore Versace. Lively chose a column dress from the brand’s archives, adorned with crystals, sequins, metallic leather and an oversized bow tied at the waist. The actress stunned onlookers when the knot was untied, revealing a long, ombre train reminiscent of the colors of the Statue of Liberty.
Blake Lively on her fashion philosophy
Lively’s return to the Met Gala marks her 11th appearance at the prestigious event. The actress attended for the first time in 2008, wearing a Ralph Lauren dress. Over the years, she has presented a range of designer looks from brands including Burberry, Gucci, Chanel and Marchesa, while returning to Versace on five occasions.
In 2024, Lively shared her fashion philosophy, calling it a “method of dressing.” “My style is everywhere. I don’t think anyone would say, ‘Oh, that’s great!’ I tend to dress like my characters when I’m shooting a film because fashion is always the gateway,” the actress explained. “My wardrobe is an amalgam of all of that, and my own style is an amalgam of all of that. I’m just kind of a mix of all of that,” she explained.