VMAS 2026: The most questionable looks — and those who pulled it off

Entertainment
28 Sep 2026 • 6:28 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

VMAS 2026: The most questionable looks — and those who pulled it off

Since its inception in 1984, the MTV Video Music Awards have been a spectacle for weird and wonderful red carpet looks.

Today, it is still one of the most illustrious awards showcases, where stars test out their most scene-stealing outfits. After all, it was where Rose McGowan turned heads in her naked dress made from string (in 1998), Lil’ Kim walked the red carpet in seashell nipple pasties (1999) and Lady Gaga donned her infamous meat dress (2010).

This year’s show, hosted by Snoop Dogg, took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where Madonna took home the award for Artist of the Year.

Read on to see who won the night, sartorially speaking — and who looked out of place.

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton was ‘Space Barbie’ personified in this silver cowl-neck dress with thigh-high matching boots (Getty Images)It’s fun and random. It’s very VMAs... (Reuters)

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has entered the building. The black bodysuit is extremely sleek and chic, but the contrast with the skirt isn’t working for me (Getty Images)Dare I say the skirt looks a bit like a bath towel wrapped around the waist... (Getty Images)

Lisa Rinna

Lisa Rinna brought the VMAs drama in a white optical illusion naked dress, which featured a bodice moulded from her body (Getty Images)Rinna ditched her typical brunette look for a peroxide pixie cut (Getty Images)

Troye Sivan

I’m confused by this Troye Sivan look. It’s giving Victorian child at the top and 1920s flapper dancer from the waist down... (Getty Images)A quirky take on the classic tuxedo, I guess? (Reuters)

Raye

British singer Raye looks stunning in this diamante silver gown with a cowl neck. She’s always channelling old Hollywood glamor and this look is no different! (Getty Images)

Sombr

Musician Sombr appeared topless in a pair of leather pants and a fur coat, accessorized with a belt that says ‘sex.’ It’s a choice (Getty Images)It’s slightly... frightening (Getty Images)

Tyla

Tyla looked absolutely stunning in this look. But how much snakeskin is too much snakeskin? (Getty Images)The singer wore snakeskin print all over, down to the choker and the shoes (Getty Images)

Lisa

Blackpink’s Lalisa Manobal may have won the night with his crimson cascading gown and oversized fur coat. It’s breathtaking and perfectly eccentric (PA)Lisa understood the VMAs assignment: go hard or go home (Getty Images)

Chloe Bailey

Singer Chloe Bailey wore one of the most decadent gowns of the night, complete with intricate beadwork and embroidery (Getty)Bailey’s dress featured a sheer tulle skirt with diamante detailing (Getty) Read More

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