Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images; Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images; Scott Gries
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards head back to Los Angeles this Sunday, Sept. 27, and the red carpet promises to deliver. Snoop Dogg is hosting, with MTV Video Music Awards presenters including Teyana Taylor and Tyla taking their places. Over the years, the VMAs red carpet has been the stage for genuinely iconic fashion moments alongside some downright questionable choices. Before this year’s stars step in front of the cameras, let’s revisit some of the looks that had us talking long after the show ended.
From Cardi B’s consistent red carpet mastery to the stumbles we’d rather forget, the MTV Video Music Awards has given us plenty of material to dissect. Here are the best and worst fashion moments from the past decade.
Best: Cardi B (2023)
You already knew Cardi B was making this list. She hasn’t stepped wrong on a red carpet in years, and her 2023 VMAs look proves it again. Pure confidence.
Worst: Doja Cat (2025)
The big hair, the clashing patterns, those heels. We’re just not rocking with this one from Doja Cat at the 2025 show.
Best: Lil Nas X (2022)
If you’re going to command attention on a red carpet, you do it like Lil Nas X did at the 2022 show. This look had serious drama.
Worst: Nicki Minaj (2011)
Nicki’s the queen, no question. But this look? We have questions.
Best: GloRilla (2024)
GloRilla’s Left Eye tribute at the 2024 VMAs was a beautiful homage. The resemblance, the styling, the respect for the legacy. That’s how you do a reference.
Worst: Megan Thee Stallion (2019)
Megan’s pulled off some amazing looks before, but 2019 wasn’t her moment. There’s so much she could’ve done with her presence, and this wasn’t it.
Best: Rihanna (2007)
Simple works. That hot pink sweetheart neckline dress Rihanna wore in 2007 was elegant and effortless. You could tell we were looking at someone who understood fashion.
Worst: Lil’ Kim (1999)
This one’s probably controversial. We know the outfit’s legendary, but for someone as gorgeous as Lil’ Kim, there was room to push further. The color works, though.
Best: Shenseea (2025)
Shenseea showed up at the 2025 VMAs and executed flawlessly. The updo, the jewelry, the dress. Cutesy, sexy, and demure all wrapped together.
Worst: Summer Walker (2025)
That hat? We don’t have the answers. We just know we’re not interested in seeing this look repeated.
Best: Chloe Bailey (2022)
Everything about Chloe Bailey’s 2022 VMAs look is cohesive and clean. The fit, the jewel tone, that locked ponytail. It’s a 10.
Worst: Akon (2019)
Some floral prints are groundbreaking. Others, like the ones on Akon’s jacket at the 2019 VMAs, should probably stay in someone’s trash bin.
Worst: Ice Spice (2025)
The patchwork quilt vibe of clashing patterns on Ice Spice’s dress at the 2025 VMAs isn’t landing. There was real potential here, and instead we got something designed to be forgotten.
★TR★
