The VMAs always deliver unforgettable moments and bold fashion. Unlike the more formal Grammys or Oscars, the VMAs is where artists really get creative with their outfits. This year was no exception, with everything from meat dresses to playful wedding gowns. A notable trend was the dramatic white gowns worn by Katy Perry, Anitta, Sabrina Carpenter, and Lisa from Blackpink—each one making a strong statement. Megan Thee Stallion, the host, wowed in an extravagant black dress by Nicole + Felicia, while Chappell Roan caught everyone’s eye with a regal, Renaissance-inspired look. Here are 13 of the most striking and fearless styles from this year’s VMAs.
1. Taylor Swift in Dior
Taylor Swift has had a whirlwind week! Just a day after her Instagram post showing support for Kamala Harris VMAs, where she looked fantastic as a chic cat lady, she made a splash at the VMAs. She turned heads in a striking yellow plaid Dior outfit from their Scottish-inspired resort collection. The bold checkered pattern was eye-catching and elegant. She added a unique twist with black leather gloves, creating a cool contrast with the bright plaid. Over-the-knee boots rounded out her look, giving her a powerful presence on the red carpet. Swift’s fashion choices have certainly kept her in the limelight this week, blending high fashion with her personal style.
2. Megan Thee Stallion in Nicole + Felicia
The evening’s host looked absolutely stunning in a beautiful black gown by Nicole + Felicia VMAs. The dress hugged her figure perfectly with a fitted bodice, and the sheer skirt, made of black silk taffeta with an origami-inspired design, added a fresh twist to a classic style. The combination of modern flair and Hollywood glamour really made her stand out on the red carpet. Lorraine Schwartz’s diamond earrings dazzled with every movement, while her rings and bangles added even more sparkle. The whole look was both elegant and eye-catching, perfectly blending high fashion with timeless charm.
3. Chappell Roan in Y/Project
Chappell Roan, who’s as much a favorite of other artists as they are of fans, absolutely owned the VMAs black carpet with a Joan of Arc-inspired outfit that was anything but ordinary. Roan wore a mint green velvet robe and a sheer gown with burgundy tulle details from Y/Project, giving off a mix of regal and mystical vibes. But the real showstopper was the Excalibur-worthy sword they carried. It wasn’t just a cool accessory—it made the entire look even more dramatic and bold. Roan’s fearless choice proved they’re not just a performer, but a true trendsetter.
4. Sabrina Carpenter in Vintage Bob Mackie
Carpenter really nailed her Blonde Ambition look in a vintage Bob VMAs Mackie dress that Madonna once wore. The pearly white sequined column gown sparkled with every move she made, oozing glamour. The crystal-encrusted sweetheart neckline was eye-catching, and the De Beers jewelry she paired with it made the outfit even more stunning. This wasn’t just a tribute to Madonna; it also highlighted Carpenter’s fantastic sense of style. The mix of classic elegance and modern sparkle made Carpenter the standout star of the night.
5. Tyla in Area
The “Water” singer totally owned the spotlight in a yellow spaghetti-fringed top and skirt from Area’s newest fall/winter collection VMAs. She added a splash of neon green lingerie underneath for a bold contrast. To complete the look, she wore a standout turquoise-painted lucite collar necklace from Alexis Bittar. The mix of bright colors and unique accessories made her outfit unforgettable. She really turned up the heat and left everyone talking.
6. Paris Hilton in Celia Krithariot
Paris Hilton took us back to the ’00s with a custom Celia Krithariot chainmail dress that gave a fresh twist to her famous mini dress from her 21st birthday party. The new version had chic cutouts and replaced the old metallic choker with a dazzling crystal one. She added silver bangles to both wrists for a modern touch. The outfit honored her classic style but with a contemporary spin. Hilton’s revamped look mixed retro charm with modern flair, making her the center of attention and totally capturing the vibe.
7. Lisa in Mugler
Lisa from Blackpink made a huge splash with her solo red carpet debut in a custom Mugler gown designed by Casey Cadwallader. The dress had stylish gloved sleeves, a corseted bodice, and a dramatic veil that flowed all the way to her hip. She finished off the look with a Bulgari necklace that shimmered with over 15 carats of diamonds. The mix of the VMAs dress’s detailed design and the stunning jewelry made her truly stand out. Lisa’s appearance not only highlighted her unique style but also cemented her status as a fashion icon.
8. Halle Bailey in Sophie Couture
Halle Bailey wore a stunning red Sophie Couture dress with hip cutouts and a plunging neckline that exuded seduction. The actress and singer’s body was emphasised by shimmering beading, and the gown’s fluidity was further enhanced by a fringed hemline.
9. Anitta in Dolce & Gabbana
Anitta really made a statement in a white Dolce & Gabbana mini VMAs dress with a corset and long sheer panels. The outfit perfectly balanced a playful and sophisticated vibe, with a dramatic veil and thigh-high stockings adding an extra dose of drama. The mix of sheer fabric and corset gave her a striking silhouette, almost like something out of “Dune.” Her look combined elegance with a touch of edginess, showcasing her bold fashion sense. The dramatic details made her the standout star of the night, proving she has a real talent for high-impact style.
10. Coco Jones in Lever Couture
Grammy-winning artist Coco Jones dazzled at the VMAs in a Lever Couture creation that gave the impression of being wrapped in shimmering metal netting. The design featured a striking leggy look complemented by a graceful shoulder flounce and a flowing skirt that added movement and elegance. To elevate the outfit further, she accessorized with sparkling Jared Atelier jewelry and matching heels. The combination of the metallic netting and the glamorous accessories made her look both bold and sophisticated. Coco Jones’s ensemble stood out on the red carpet, showcasing her flair for high-impact fashion.
11. Tinashe in Rick Owens
The singer of “Nasty” turned heads in a VMAs black leather top and skirt by Rick Owens that left little to the imagination. The outfit was sleek and edgy, with its form-fitting leather and minimal coverage. To add a touch of toughness, she paired it with a large door-knocker pendant necklace. This bold accessory contrasted nicely with the soft draping of the design, amplifying the overall edgy vibe. The mix of daring leather and statement jewelry made her look both provocative and incredibly stylish.
12. Camila Cabello in Tony Ward
Camila Cabello went for a dark, romantic look in her nude Tony Ward gown, which was adorned with sparkling black lace-like beading. The gown shimmered beautifully, making it a standout piece. Following the trend of the night, she paired it with a black veil that added a dramatic touch. The veil brought an extra layer of intrigue to her outfit. The combination of the sparkling gown and the striking veil made for a captivating and memorable look. Camila’s ensemble perfectly balanced elegance with a bit of edge.
13. Katy Perry in Who Decides War
Katy Perry made a major impression in a VMAs white gown from the emerging brand Who Decides War, which had just been on the NYFW runway a few days earlier. The gown, which showed off her abs and featured web-like white fabric, had a post-apocalyptic feel. The design gave her a hauntingly sophisticated look that was spot on for her. The combination of the cutting-edge fabric and dramatic cut gave her a dark, edgy elegance. By picking this new runway piece, Katy highlighted her bold fashion sense and really made an impact at the event.
