First the Royal Wedding, then the surprise OBL news, and now The  Met Ball Gala (the real Super Bowl of fashion). Hooray! I’ve been busy playing favorites and choosing the Coolest Dressed List. Who made the cut? Those whose looks I actually want to emulate, those who made me look (and think) twice, and those who look like they’re wearing the dress, not the other way around. And of course, those who found a way to stand out from the fashion pack with a few quirky-cool touches, without looking like total fashion victims. Rising to the top? Sarah Jessica Parker in a modern-vintage long-sleeved gown by Alexander McQueen, the man being honored last night. Why? It’s hard to pull off a long-sleeved gown without looking like a late ’70s/early ’80s country star and SJP f does just that, looking modern, yet timeless at once. It’s unusual to see something short at the Met Ball, but Alexa Chung’s short shift by Christopher Kane feels downtown and effortless (plus, those scalloped edges and that scalloped bag!). Diane Kruger always looks like a billion bucks and hits a home run, yet again, in her slit-up-to-there Jason Wu .

It’s hard to pull off simple without looking boring, but Dianna Agron did it in a sleek red Michael Kors dress. Anna Wintour, who always looks a little dowdy and conservative (uh oh, did that just get me officially banned from the fashion queendom?), surprised in a modern rainbow Chanel gown. Color me delighted. Speaking of color, Michelle Monaghan popped in sleek pink, looking fresh and divine (ixnay the matching bag though, it’s a little too promsy womsy).

Chanel Iman looked Breakfast at Tiffany’s chic in a snowy lace Dolce & Gabbana shift that I would sell my left arm for. No, my right. Ginnifer Goodwin took a risk in her futuristic emerald Topshop Unique look and I liked it. The shoes and necklace were perfection, and I even dug her blue eyeshadow and edgy ‘do.  I rarely like a dress that is two different lengths (designers, just make up your mind!), but Hailee Steinfeld is so charming that she — and the Stella McCartney dress — won me over.

Finally, some ladies looked even better in groups, including this gang of Marni-clad misfits must-gets in an array of printed perfection (I’m especially fond of the Mrs. Robinson look on Giovanna Battaglia on the far right). Jenna Lyons always adds something cool to stand out from the pack and this time was no exception. Why not toss on a cashmere sweater over your feathery gown to tomboy-chic it up? And, let’s not forget model Arizona Muse, whose flapper-girl dress and hair style I’m crushing on hard. How about you? Whose look do you love the most?

[Photos via Style.com]