There are awards shows, and then there are the MTV VMAs, at which celebrities and their stylists let their freak flags fly more openly than pretty much anywhere else outside their own homes. Ahead, see the most outré outfits to ever walk music's red carpet.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Lady Gaga (2010)
Had to. Also because of what it looked like five years later.
Dave Navarro (2003)
Before there was the cold shoulder shirt...there was the cold bicep.
OutKast (2001)
And this is why some people think statues should be erected of them. Where can I get Big Boi's pants, by the way?
Destiny's Child (2001)
Love how they are arranged in descending order of carwashiness.
Madonna (1990)
Madge for Dangerous Liaisons: The Remake.
Lil' Kim (2000)
One might think she tripped and fell into some construction fencing on the way there.
Pamela Anderson (1999)
While Pam stopped at the carnival.
*Nsync (2000)
All of their hair. Three out of five of their sunglasses. And JC CHASEZ'S COAT OMG.
Christina Aguilera (2002)
Truly iconic.
Pink (2000)
The pose really makes it, doesn't it?
Macy Gray (2001)
Before there were targeted Facebook ads...
Macy Gray (2001)
There was your own body/billboard.
B2K (2002)
Altogether, they're probably wearing the equivalent of, like, two cows' skins.
Gwen Stefani (1998)
The weirdest thing is every single part of this outfit is either firmly back or on its way in 2017. Scary.
Lenny Kravitz (2004)
Rose McGowan and Marilyn Manson (1998)
The naked dress that really started it all.
Rose McGowan and Marilyn Manson (1998)
And shut it down, at the same time.
Amber Rose (2014)
Because Hollywood loves nothing more than referencing itself.
Riff Raff and Katy Perry (2014)
What did I just say?
Fergie (2006)
She is the Duchess, after all.
Alicia Keys (2001)
This is amazing for the amount of different textures alone.
LMFAO (2011)
Dress for every awards show like it's your last. Because it very well could be.
Nicki Minaj (2011)
Like Diana Vreeland said, "the eye must travel from one's cotton-candy beehive to one's stuffed-animal foot thingy (paraphrased)."
Dennis Rodman (2000)
This is exactly where we're heading in fashion, and frankly, I do not mind it.
Miley Cyrus (2013)
Also the events that occurred while she was wearing this outfit.
Nicki Minaj (2012)
The seaming effect is very nice, actually.
Lady Gaga (2009)
[Phantom of the Opera theme plays.]
Lil' Kim (1999)
Never forget.
-
Halle Bailey Opens Up About Having "Severe" Postpartum Depression
"It's to the point where it's really bad."
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
While In Character Filming ‘Never Been Kissed,’ Drew Barrymore Was Told to Tone It Down Because “You’re Just Looking Too Unattractive”
The studio told Barrymore she’d gone too far with the “Grossie” when it came to Josie Geller.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Does Katie Holmes Have a New Favorite Shoe Trend?
She swapped her usual sneakers for $150 Mary Janes.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published