By definition, the MTV VMAs are about celebrating the best music videos and biggest chart-toppers of the year. But style practically deserves its own category at the ceremony, as the show is just as famous for its incredible red carpet moments.
Below, we’re highlighting the night’s best-dressed celebrities, from Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” plaid corset to Sabrina Carpenter’s Madonna moment to Halsey’s leopard-print Versace.
Taylor Swift
The beginning of a new Tay? Swift seemed to herald the start of a new style era with this punky, checked Dior look from the house’s Scottish-inspired Resort 2025 collection.
The look, consisting of a technical taffeta bustier and skirt combined 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 canary yellow diamond earrings by Lorraine Schwartz in black jade and thigh-high buckled boots by Stuart Weitzman ($1,232) for even more character.
Sabrina Carpenter
The “Short n’ Sweet” singer looked like Madonna, wearing the exact same Bob Mackie dress the Queen of Pop wore to the 1991 Oscars. The iconic garment, sourced from industry favorite Tab Vintage, was originally inspired by Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” according to Vogue, and fit Carpenter perfectly.
Considering diamonds are a girl’s best friend, it’s no surprise that the petite pop artist completed her look with plenty of bling from De Beers, glossy red lips and stunning waves worthy of an old Hollywood starlet.
Halsey
The “Without Me” singer looked stunning in a vintage leopard print dress by Versace that perfectly matched her cherry-colored hair.
And like Carpenter’s dress, Halsey’s dress is also a piece of fashion history: Elizabeth Hurley first wore it in 1996.
“It was literally a miracle to find this dress,” Halsey told MTV on the red carpet. “The dress was designed by Gianni Versace for Elizabeth Hurley in 1996 and hasn’t been worn since. From 1996 to now – I’m just living life to the fullest. I love it!”
So are we, Halsey. So are we.
Megan Thee Stallion
More like High Girl summer. This year’s VMA host looked 10 feet tall in her surreal Nicole + Felicia Couture gown, accentuating the layers and contours of the design with her blunt-cut bob.
Lisa
The Blackpink beauty turned heads in this custom hooded creation by Casey Cadwallader of Mugler. From the corset to the draped bodice to the built-in gloves, her look was equal parts elegant and eccentric.
Camila Cabello
Lisa wasn’t the only star to wear a veil at the VMAs; Cabello wore a sheer layer over her strapless Tony Ward Couture gown for a little added drama, along with layers of black diamond crosses by Loree Rodkin.
Coco Jones
The “ICU” singer rarely makes a mistake on the red carpet, and this sheer silver dress from Lever Couture was another excellent, ethereal choice.
Jones paired it with strappy metallic sandals from Stuart Weitzman and a handful of jewels from Jared Atelier, including two diamond tennis bracelets and a set of sparkling climber earrings.
Tyla
The South African singer was a walking ray of sunshine in this yellow spaghetti-fringed corset top and mini skirt from Area’s latest collection, which debuted on the runway just a few days ago.
Additional neon elements – in the form of a turquoise collar, lime green briefs and bright pink earrings and sandals – increased the fun factor even further.
Chappell Roan
The “Hot To Go!” singer has had an insane year, gracing the red carpet at her first VMAs in a look that stayed true to her signature playful aesthetic.
Roan dressed medievally in a sheer Y/Project dress with a green velvet robe, armored boots, chainmail gloves, a giant cross pendant, and a razor-sharp metal manicure. She even carried a sword to drive home (er, pierce?) her statement.
