The most elegant outfits on the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 red carpet

All eyes were on New York’s UBS Arena on Wednesday night as MTV’s Video Music Awards (VMAs) were rescheduled to avoid conflicting with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris’ US presidential debate.

About 40 years ago, in 1984, Madonna sang “Like a Virgin” at the inaugural VMAs while wearing a wedding dress. Since then, the annual award presentation has been renowned for its outrageous fashion. Additionally, several people seemed to honour the Queen of Pop on the red carpet this year.

Both Addison Rae and Anitta chose daring bridal looks; the latter’s Dolce & Gabbana ensemble was finished with a veil and high shoes. Sabrina Carpenter, a contender for MTV’s Best New Artist, showed up donning a strapless vintage Bob Mackie gown that Madonna had worn to the 1991 Academy Awards.

On a nostalgic evening, there were several other fashion throwbacks, such as GloRilla’s Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes-inspired hairdo and Halsey’s vintage Versace gown, which Elizabeth Hurley last wore in 1996. In an edgier version by Dior, Taylor Swift seemed to be channelling the iconic yellow plaid outfit worn by the character Cher Horowitz in the 1990s hit film *Clueless.* On social media, others made jokes about Lil Nas X’s striking helmeted ensemble, claiming it was a nod to another iconic figure from the 1990s: the Pink Ranger.

The red carpet this year was all black, and several celebrities showed up dressed inappropriately ominous hues and gothic styles. Some who chose to wear exquisite (and, in some cases, feathery) black gowns were Suki Waterhouse and Margaret Qualley, who were dressed in Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel, respectively. Singer Benson Boone paired embroidered shoes with a see-through, lacy black shirt.

In another instance, award host Megan Thee Stallion’s striking interpretation of the little black dress featured a skirt that extended out above and below the knee instead of stopping at the waist, along with a corseted bodice. Chappell Roan, who is shortlisted for Best New Artist and known for her popular song “Good Luck, Babe!“, went full gothic, wearing a floor-length Y/Project gown with long nails poking out from fingerless chainmail gloves and a cross necklace. Who is Chappell Roan? Known for her unique style and bold musical choices, she’s certainly one of the most talked-about rising stars, and her song “Good Luck, Babe!” continues to gain traction across platforms.