The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards gave us more than just musical moments to remember. On the red carpet, celebrities made bold fashion choices that had everyone talking. From jaw-dropping elegance to eyebrow-raising misses, the night’s outfits stirred major reactions from fans and critics alike.
The MTV Video Music Awards have always been a stage for bold fashion statements, and this year was no different. On September 11, 2024, the red carpet buzzed with a mix of daring ensembles and classic styles that left a lasting impression. Some stars played it safe, others ventured into more experimental territory, but no one went unnoticed.
Stars like Sabrina Carpenter embraced timeless elegance with a vintage twist, while others, including Taylor Swift, sparked debate with their more unconventional choices. We’ll dive into the night’s standout looks, from the stunning best-dressed moments to the more controversial outfits that had fans talking for all the wrong reasons.
Let’s start with the showstoppers—those who impressed the fashion world and left viewers in awe.
- Sabrina Carpenter’s Archival Sparkle
- Camila Cabello’s Return to Brunette Glamour
- Halle Bailey’s Bold Red Ensemble
- Chappell Roan’s Medieval Warrior Vibes
- Lisa’s Monochromatic Elegance
- Paris Hilton’s Tacky Crystal Ensemble
- Taylor Swift’s Confusing Corset Combo
- Addison Rae’s Risqué Tutu Look
- Katy Perry’s Shredded Bralette Mishap
- Megan Thee Stallion’s Black Gown Misfire
- Miranda Lambert’s Unflattering Suit
Sabrina Carpenter’s Archival Sparkle
Sabrina Carpenter made a stunning entrance at the 2024 MTV VMAs, turning heads with a look straight out of fashion history. The “Espresso” singer chose a sparkling vintage gown originally worn by Madonna at the 1991 Oscars.
Madonna at the 63rd Annual Academy Awards on March 25, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
Sabrina Carpenter at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The white dress featured a sweetheart neckline adorned with silver beading, perfectly complementing Carpenter’s delicate jewelry. She completed the look with voluminous blonde curls that gave off major Madonna vibes, paying homage to the pop icon.
Sabrina Carpenter at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Sabrina Carpenter in the press room at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans couldn’t get enough of her look. Comments like “Sabrina is the best-dressed woman” flooded social media, with others praising her for the elegant throwback. “She is so gorgeous” one fan raved, while another declared, “Love Sabrina’s look. She looks elegant.”
Sabrina Carpenter at the UBS Arena in New York on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Camila Cabello’s Return to Brunette Glamour
Following Carpenter’s classic look, Camila Cabello embraced gothic elegance with her sheer black lace gown and coordinating veil. Having recently ditched her platinum blonde locks, Cabello returned to her signature deep brunette hair, and the contrast made her ensemble even more striking.
Camila Cabello at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Camila Cabello at the MTV Video Music Awards 2024 on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
She layered cross necklaces over the dress, adding a touch of edge to the otherwise classic look. Viewers were quick to express their approval online, with fans calling her a “queen” and praising the return of her brunette hair.
Camila Cabello at the VMAs on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Camila Cabello at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
One comment perfectly summed up the consensus: “She has to be the best dressed without any doubt.” It’s clear Cabello’s dramatic but refined outfit was a hit with fans.
Halle Bailey’s Bold Red Ensemble
Adding to the bold fashion moments was Halle Bailey, whose monochromatic red look lit up the carpet. The trim, strapless bandage dress, paired with matching shoes, featured bold cutouts that added an interesting edge to the sleek design.
Halle Bailey at the 2024 VMAs on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Halle Bailey on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Bailey’s choice to keep everything in the same striking red tone created a cohesive, eye-catching look that had fans buzzing. Viewers praised her daring fashion choice, with one fan calling her “the best-dressed.”
Halle Bailey at the MTV Video Music Awards 2024 on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Halle Bailey at the VMAs on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Another one said, “Red is such a beautiful color on her! The cut is interesting, I love it.” It’s safe to say Bailey’s daring approach to fashion paid off, earning her a spot among the evening’s standout stars.
Chappell Roan’s Medieval Warrior Vibes
While many stars opted for traditional red carpet glam, Chappell Roan chose to debut in something entirely different. She went all out with a medieval-inspired look that certainly made waves. She donned a pistachio velvet robe with gold embroidery and ruched sleeves, giving her the appearance of a warrior queen.
Chappell Roan at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Chappell Roan at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
But it wasn’t just the robe that caught attention. Roan completed the look with an armored manicure and even carried a sword, cementing her bold and unique fashion statement.
Chappell Roan attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York | Source: Getty Images
Chappell Roan attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in Elmont, New York on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans were quick to hail her as one of the night’s best-dressed stars. Comments such as “The winner of the night” and “She’s incredible” flooded social media, with many praising her originality and creativity.
Lisa’s Monochromatic Elegance
Closing out the best-dressed list was Lisa, whose cream-colored Mugler gown exuded effortless elegance. The corseted bodice, with a flowing veil-like drape, gave the Blackpink singer an ethereal look that fans couldn’t get enough of. Her silver accessories only added to the refined feel of the ensemble.
Lisa of Blackpink is seen at the the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Lisa is seen at the the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans were in awe of her look, with some calling her a “fashion icon” and a “rockstar.” One particularly enthusiastic fan declared, “She looks stunning! A rockstar and fashion icon,” echoing the widespread admiration for her monochromatic, effortlessly chic outfit.
Lisa attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While some stars left fans in awe, others missed the mark entirely. The next set of outfits stirred major reactions, but not for the reasons their wearers might have hoped.
Paris Hilton’s Tacky Crystal Ensemble
Paris Hilton is no stranger to making bold fashion statements, but this time her choice left fans less than impressed. The multi-hyphenate arrived at the VMAs in a crystal-strewn, ripped silver dress, complete with a matching clutch and shoes.
Paris Hilton attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Paris Hilton arrives at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Her sleek, wet-hair look didn’t help elevate the outfit, which many felt missed the mark entirely. Social media wasn’t kind to Hilton’s look, with fans calling it “horrible” and “tacky.”
Paris Hilton attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Paris Hilton attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
One viewer wrote, “There are so many better-looking dresses she could have chosen to wear,” capturing the general sentiment that this wasn’t Hilton’s best fashion moment. Her choice was seen as one of the night’s biggest misses.
Paris Hilton attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Paris Hilton on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Taylor Swift’s Confusing Corset Combo
Taylor Swift’s high-low ensemble was one of the night’s most talked-about looks, but not for the right reasons. She wore a taffeta tartan corset with a flowing train, paired with high-waisted velvet shorts and thigh-high boots.
Taylor Swift attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Taylor Swift attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While Swift is known for pushing fashion boundaries, this combination left many viewers confused. To top it off, she accessorized with fingerless elbow-length leather gloves. Fans were quick to voice their disappointment online.
Taylor Swift accepts the Best Collaboration award for “Fortnight” at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Taylor Swift attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
One particularly biting comment read, “Somewhere a dining room table is missing its tablecloth,” while others questioned her choice of stylist. Another user went as far as to call the look “terrible” and likened it to a “bondage outfit.” For Swift, this was a rare fashion misstep that failed to win over the crowd.
Taylor Swift at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Taylor Swift during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Addison Rae’s Risqué Tutu Look
Addison Rae grabbed attention on the red carpet but for all the wrong reasons. The social media star wore a satin bra-and-panty set with an oversized tutu attached. Designed by New York-based designer Claire Sullivan, the outfit sparked one of the biggest fashion debates of the night.
Addison Rae attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Addison Rae attends the 2024 MTV VMAs on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Viewer reactions were harsh, with one user quipping, “Needs to go back home and get dressed,” while another compared the ensemble to “granny panties and pillows.”
Addison Rae on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Addison Rae on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The risqué nature of the outfit didn’t sit well with many, with some fans criticizing the lack of class. Rae’s fashion risk didn’t pay off, landing her squarely on the worst-dressed list.
Addison Rae on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Addison Rae on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Katy Perry’s Shredded Bralette Mishap
Katy Perry’s bold and often quirky style choices usually work in her favor, but this shredded white bralette and low-rise skirt combo missed the mark. The edgy look seemed unfinished and didn’t win over fans, who expected more from the pop icon.
Katy Perry on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Katy Perry on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Social media was flooded with negative reactions, with one viewer asking, “Seriously!!! Why would anybody seriously walk out of the house looking like that?”
Katy Perry on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Katy Perry on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Another commented, “No class at all,” summing up the overall dissatisfaction. It was clear that Perry’s attempt to make a statement fell flat, leaving many wishing for a more polished look.
Katy Perry on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Katy Perry on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Megan Thee Stallion’s Black Gown Misfire
Megan Thee Stallion is usually a red carpet standout, but her choice for the 2024 VMAs missed the mark. She wore a glamorous black gown featuring a bodysuit underneath, with a sheer pleated skirt adding drama to the look.
Megan Thee Stallion on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Megan Thee Stallion on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While the idea was high fashion, the execution didn’t land as expected, with some fans feeling the outfit was too heavy and unflattering. Reactions on social media ranged from mixed to negative.
Megan Thee Stallion on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Megan Thee Stallion on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
One fan commented, “You could put her in a burlap sack and she would look fantastic. But this dress [though]… no no no,” while another harshly compared the outfit to a “black garbage bag.” Megan’s usual style prowess couldn’t save this look from being one of the night’s biggest misses.
Megan Thee Stallion on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Megan Thee Stallion on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Miranda Lambert’s Unflattering Suit
Miranda Lambert opted for a black suit with paisley lapel designs and turquoise rhinestones, continuing the turquoise theme with her jewelry. While the idea of a tailored suit can be chic, this particular outfit came across as forced and awkward.
Miranda Lambert on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Miranda Lambert on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans felt the country star’s look lacked the sophistication that could have elevated the ensemble. Social media users didn’t hold back, with one commenter advising, “Put on a shirt for real.”
Miranda Lambert on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Others felt the look was ill-fitting and unimpressive, with another quipping that it resembled a “dress barn pant suit special.” Unfortunately, Lambert’s attempt to blend tailored elegance with bold design elements didn’t quite come together.
Miranda Lambert on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Miranda Lambert on September 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fashion at the 2024 MTV VMAs was nothing short of eventful. It featured timeless, elegant choices that wowed fans with bold and questionable risks that left viewers perplexed. Whether remembered for their daring creativity or puzzling missteps, these outfits made sure the 2024 VMAs will be a night to remember—for better or worse.