Fashion

16 Best Fashion Moments From MTV’s Video Music Awards

Complete with pink latex and a birdcage

Unlike the Grammys, Emmys, Golden Globes, or any other fancy awards show where high-fashion looks are rampant, the MTV Video Music Awards are a time for the stars to let loose. You can wear a ball gown, as Lorde displays, but you can also get away with sequined harem pants, as Demi proves. It’s still glam, but more exciting.

And while we didn’t get a Gaga meat dress this year, there were some moments that kept us on our toes. Like, Lizzo’s “wedding” dress, Nicki Minaj’s pink latex one-piece, and Lil Mama’s birdcage bag. It was an eclectic night for fashion, for one of the more eclectic awards shows out there. 

Ahead, we round up the 16 most standout looks from the night. Click through to check out our favorites. 

Photo by Christopher Polk / Getty Images

Cardi B’s Christian Siriano number could be mistaken for a dress from the back, but it’s actually a pair of pants with a cape. Perhaps we’re even getting hints of Madonna with her pointed bustier?

Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

We’re more than happy to give Lorde’s lilac Monique Lhuillier gown the green light.

Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Demi Lovato came to slay in a glam Zuhair Murad bodysuit and harem pants.

Photo by Phillip Faraone / Getty Images

A navy silk pantsuit looks right at home on Sydney Sierota of Echosmith.

Photo by Phillip Faraone / Getty Images

Paris Jackson brought a hint of boho to the VMAs, courtesy of Dior.

Photo by Phillip Faraone / Getty Images

It’s before Labor Day, so Katy Perry can get away with wearing this stunning, structural white Stephane Rolland dress. 

Photo by Rich Fury / Getty Images

Is it too early to tell Millie Bobby Brown to stop getting older? Well, nothing says all grown-up like an elegant tiered Rodarte dress and patent black boots.

Photo by John Shearer / Getty Images

We appreciate fashion with a message, and Mel B’s Discount Universe dress, which reads “You Will Never Own Me,” definitely comes with a powerful one.

Photo by Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Vanessa Hudgens brought some heat to the red carpet in a fiery Yanina Couture dress paired with matching red eyeliner. 

Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

It was a family fashion affair tonight for Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award recipient P!nk, who coordinated her outfit with her husband and daughter.

Photo by Rich Fury / Getty Images

The accessory of the night goes to Lil Mama’s birdcage bag (complete with an actual real-life bird) that matched her custom Michael Costello dress.

Photo by Phillip Faraone / Getty Images

Only Nicki Minaj would wear a bubblegum pink latex bodysuit by Atsuko Kudo.

Photo by Phillip Faraone / Getty Images

Teyana Taylor channeling Janet Jackson's 1995 VMA outfit is our favorite homage yet. Her insane abs are a mere bonus.

Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

Hailey Baldwin is a glistening delight in this silver Zuhair Murad jumpsuit.

Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

All Balmain everything was the name of Alessandra Ambrosio’s game this year.

Photo by Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

The truth hurts, as Lizzo’s custom Christian Siriano dress reminds us, and the tea, in this case, is that she had one of the best looks of the night.