By definition, the MTV VMAs celebrate the year’s best music videos and hottest chart-toppers. But fashion should actually be its own category at the ceremony, since the show is also known for its over-the-top style. Red Carpet Moments.
Ahead, we spotlight the best dressed celebrities of the night, including Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ Plaid Corset arrive Sabrina Carpenter’s Madonna Moment arrive Halsey’s leopard print Versace.
Taylor Swift
The dawn of a new Tay? Swift seems to herald the beginning of a new era of fashion This punk-check Dior look is from the label’s Scotland-inspired Resort 2025 collection.
The look, which consisted of a technical taffeta bustier and skirt paired with black velvet shorts and strappy leather gloves, caused quite a stir on social media — but the VMAs are the perfect place to take fashion risks.
Swift accessorized with 30-carat Lorraine Schwartz yellow gold and diamond earrings set in black jade and thigh-high clasps Stuart Weitzman boots ($1,232) for more advantages.
Sabrina Carpenter
“Short n’ Sweet” singer Wear a Bob Mackie dress like Madonna The Queen of Pop wore these earrings at the 1991 Academy Awards. Retro labelsThis iconic garment was originally inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s performance in the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. From Vogueand is perfect for carpenters.
Given that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, it’s no surprise that the petite pop star wore plenty of De Beers jewellery, bright red lipstick and sexy waves worthy of an old-school Hollywood star.
Halsey
The “Without Me” singer looked hot and sexy in a vintage leopard print Versace dress that matched her cherry hair perfectly.
Like Carpenter’s, Halsey’s dress is a piece of fashion history: Elizabeth Hurley first wore it in 1996.
“It was a miracle to find this dress,” Halsey told MTV on the red carpet. “It was designed by Gianni Versace for Elizabeth Hurley in 1996, and I haven’t worn it since, so from 1996 to now — I’ve lived my life. I love it!”
Us too, Halsey. Us too.
Megan Thee Stallion
More like superior Summer for girls. This year’s VMA host looked 10 feet tall in a surreal Nicole + Felicia Couture gown, with her short bangs accentuating the layering and silhouette of the gown’s design.
Lisa
The Blackpink beauty turned heads in a custom hoodie designed by Casey Cadwallader of Mugler. From the corset to the draped bustier to the built-in gloves, her look was both elegant and eccentric.
Camila Cabello
Lisa wasn’t the only star to wear a veil at the VMAs; Cabello also added a sheer veil over a strapless Tony Ward Couture column for a little extra drama, while also wearing layers of black diamond crosses by Loree Rodkin.
Coco Jones
The “ICU” singer rarely goes wrong on the red carpet, and this tulle silver gown from Lever Couture was a stunning, ethereal choice.
Jones accessorized with metallic, strappy Stuart Weitzman sandals and some Jared Atelier jewelry, including two diamond tennis bracelets and a set of sparkling mountaineering earrings.
Terra
The South African singer looked like a walking sunbeam in a yellow spaghetti-strap fringe bustier and mini skirt from Area’s latest collection, which debuted on the catwalk just days earlier.
Other neon touches—a turquoise collar, chartreuse briefs, hot pink earrings and sandals—add further interest.
Chappell Rowan
The “Hot To Go!” hitmaker has had an amazing year and made her VMAs red carpet debut with a playful look that was as true to her usual aesthetic as ever.
Rowan went medieval in a sheer Y/Project gown with a green velvet robe, accessorized with armored boots, chainmail gloves, a giant cross pendant, and sharp metallic nails. She even carried a sword to show off (er, stab?) her sharp metallic nails.