By definition, the MTV VMAs are about celebrating the year’s best music videos and biggest chart-toppers. But style practically deserves its own category at the ceremony, since the show is just as famous for its outrageous red carpet moments.

Below, we spotlight the night’s best-dressed celebrities, from Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” plaid corset to Sabrina Carpenter’s Madonna moment and Halsey’s leopard-print Versace.

Taylor Swift

The Dawn of a New Tay? Swift seemed to herald the start of a new era of style in this punky plaid Dior look, plucked from the fashion house’s Scottish-inspired 2025 Resort Collection.

The look, which featured a technical taffeta bustier and skirt paired with black velvet shorts and strappy leather gloves, was a bit of a polarizing social media event. But the VMAs are a great place to take fashion risks.

Swift accessorized with 30-carat Lorraine Schwartz earrings set with canary yellow diamonds in black jade, and wore thigh-high Stuart Weitzman buckled boots ($1,232) for an even edgier touch.

Sabrina Timmerman

The “Short n’ Sweet” singer looked like Madonna in the exact Bob Mackie gown the Queen of Pop wore to the 1991 Oscars. The iconic piece, sourced from industry favorite Tab Vintage, was originally inspired by Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” according to Vogue, and fit Carpenter perfectly.

Since diamonds are a girl’s best friend, it’s no surprise that the pint-sized pop artist completed her look with a ton of De Beers bling, plus glossy red lips and bombshell waves that wouldn’t look out of place on a Hollywood starlet.

Halsey

The “Without Me” singer looked stunning in a vintage Versace leopard print dress that perfectly matched her cherry red hair.

And like Carpenter’s dress, Halsey’s gown is 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. “This dress was designed by Gianni Versace for Elizabeth Hurley in 1996 and it hasn’t been worn since, so from 1996 until now — I’m just living it up. I love it!”

Us too, Halsey. Us too.

Megan Thee Stallion

More like high girls summer. This year’s VMAs host stood 10 feet tall in her surreal Nicole + Felicia Couture gown, emphasizing the design’s layers and contours with her blunt bob.

Lisa

The Blackpink beauty turned heads in this custom-made hooded creation designed by Mugler’s Casey Cadwallader. From the corset to the draped bodice to the built-in gloves, her look was as elegant as it was eccentric.

Camila Cabello

Lisa wasn’t the only star to wear a veil at the VMAs; Cabello added a sheer layer over her strapless Tony Ward Couture cologne for extra drama, along with layers of black diamond crosses by Loree Rodkin.

Coco Jones

The “ICU” singer rarely puts a foot wrong on the red carpet, and this sheer silver gown by Lever Couture was another excellent, ethereal choice.

Jones paired it with metallic Stuart Weitzman strappy sandals and a number of Jared Atelier jewels, including two diamond tennis bracelets and a set of sparkly earrings.

Tijl

The South African singer was a ray of sunshine in this yellow Area spaghetti strap corset top and mini skirt from Area’s latest collection, which hit the runway just a few days ago.

Other neon accents – in the form of a turquoise collar, lime green briefs and bright pink earrings and sandals – added even more fun.

Chappell Roan

The “Hot To Go!” hitmaker has had a banner year, shining on the red carpet at her first VMAs in a look that stayed true to her signature playful aesthetic.

Roan went medieval in a sheer Y/Project dress with a green velvet cloak and accessorized with armored boots, chainmail gauntlets, a giant cross pendant, and a razor-sharp metal manicure. She even carried a sword to really hammer (or stab?) the point home.