Why Jennifer Garner Hasn’t Gone to the Met Gala Since 2007 Debut

It’s certainly magical to look back on. At the time, Jennifer—who shares kids Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 14, with ex Ben Affleck—was fresh off the release of the romantic drama Catch & Release earlier that year. And for her one and only Met Gala, she sported a bold red, strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline. 

And while her Valentino ensemble could just as easily be rocked on the red carpet today, her styling is perfectly of the era. The 13 Going on 30 actress wore her hair in a side, twisted bun with her fringe side-swept to one side. She accessorized with dangly gold earrings and a red clutch. 

Of course, Jennifer isn’t the only former attendee who has expressed hesitation about gracing the steps of the Met again. Gwyneth Paltrow previously claimed she’d “never” go to the Met Gala again in 2013, telling USA Today at the time the event was “boiling,” "crowded," and “so un-fun.”

Though she eventually returned in 2017, and again in 2019, she’s still not fully sold on the gala. 

“I have sort of a love-hate relationship with the Met Ball,” Gwyneth wrote in a post on Goop in March, “that’s well documented.”

Unlike Jennifer, the Marty Supreme actress just might walk up the steps at the upcoming “Costume Art” themed evening. However, there is one part of the party she’ll never participate in. 

“I’m me—so I’m never going to the Met Ball in like, a hot dog costume or whatever, you know?” Gwyneth added. “I always have to be myself, first and foremost. Like, I’m not going in a costume; I’m going in a dress.”

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