Hollywood's and New York's brightest stars lit up the red carpet at the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala held in New York City on Monday night. In a sea of sparkling nudes and flowing black gowns, a few celebs broke the mold in bright pops of color. But as they celebrated the "American Women: Fashioning a National Identity" exhibit, most were displaying their haute couture finest.

Kristen Stewart hit the carpet in a black Chanel taffeta gown that was very feminine for the "Twilight" star -- and its sheer, beaded skirt was certainly eye-catching. Taylor Swift was all flowy romance in a long, white, vintage-inspired Ralph Lauren dress.

Nicole Richie embraced '70s disco glam in her floor-length silver Marc Jacobs gown, complete with silver sparkles and black velvet belt. Equally disco-chic was Sarah Jessica Parker in a shimmery, nude-colored pleated gown by Halston. She went a little Carrie Bradshaw with her big, matching hair-bow.

Jennifer Lopez's structured, silver Zuhair Murad Haute Couture gown had intense detailing from the bodice, down through the skirt. But Katy Perry had the most unique detailing of all: LED lights sewn into her pastel-pink dress.

Among the other stars who dazzled at the event was Jessica Biel, who kept it sophisticated in her champagne-colored Ralph Lauren Collection silk charmeuse gown (and Justin Timberlake as her best accessory). Gwen Stefani hit the carpet with hubby Gavin Rossdale in a lamé gown from her own L.A.M.B. line.

Zoe Saldana went for a one-sleeved Calvin Klein Collection navy column gown that hugged her svelte frame. Emma Watson also had a one-shouldered gown -- custom-made for her by Burberry. Kate Hudson looked sexy thanks to the thigh-high slit in her blush Stella McCartney gown. Diane Kruger, there with boyfriend Joshua Jackson, kept it simple in her long-sleeved white Calvin Klein Collection gown.

Who do you think looked amazing on the carpet? Who didn't get it right? Tell us in the comments!