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, as the show’s just as famous for its outrageous red carpet moments.
Ahead, we’re spotlighting the night’s best-dressed celebrities, from Taylor Swift’s “Reputation”-coded plaid corset to Sabrina Carpenter’s Madonna moment to Halsey’s leopard-print Versace.
Taylor Swift 
Comprised of a technical taffeta bustier and skirt teamed with black velvet shorts and strappy leather gloves, the look proved plenty polarizing on social media — but the VMAs are the perfect place for taking fashion risks.
Swift accessorized with 30-carat Lorraine Schwartz canary yellow diamond earrings set in black jade, plus thigh-high buckled Stuart Weitzman boots ($1,232) for even more edge.
Sabrina Carpenter 
The “Short n’ Sweet” songstress made like Madonna in the exact Bob Mackie gown the Queen of Pop wore at the 1991 Oscars. Procured from industry favorite Tab Vintage, the iconic garment was originally inspired by Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” per Vogue, and fit Carpenter flawlessly.
Given that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, it’s no surprise that the petite pop artist topped off her look with plenty of De Beers bling, plus a glossy red lip and bombshell waves worthy of an Old Hollywood starlet.
Halsey 
The “Without Me” singer looked red-hot in a vintage leopard-print Versace dress that perfectly matched her cherry-colored hair.
And like Carpenter’s, Halsey’s dress is a piece of fashion history: Elizabeth Hurley first wore it in 1996.
“This dress was literally a miracle to find,” 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 to me right now — I’m just living it up. I’m loving it!”
So are we, Halsey. So are we.
Megan Thee Stallion 
More like haute girl summer. This year’s VMAs host looked 10 feet tall in her surrealist Nicole + Felicia Couture gown, playing up the design’s layers and contours with her blunt-cut bob.
Lisa 
The Blackpink beauty turned heads in this custom hooded creation designed by Mugler’s Casey Cadwallader. 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 sporting a veil at the VMAs; Cabello added a sheer layer on top of her strapless Tony Ward Couture column for a little added 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 gossamer silver gown from Lever Couture was another excellent, ethereal choice.
Jones paired it with strappy metallic Stuart Weitzman sandals and a sprinkling of Jared Atelier jewels, 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 Area corset top and miniskirt from Area’s most recent collection, which debuted on the catwalk mere days ago.
Other pops of neon — in the form of a turquoise collar, lime briefs and hot pink earrings and sandals – punched up the fun factor even further.
Chappell Roan 
The “Hot To Go!” hitmaker’s been having one hell of a year, and graced the red carpet at her first VMAs in a look true to her signature playful aesthetic.
Roan went medieval in a diaphanous Y/Project gown topped with a green velvet robe and accessorized with armored boots, chainmail gloves, a giant cross pendant and a razor-sharp metal manicure. She even carried a sword to really hammer (er, stab?) the point home.
