There's no awards show quite like the MTV Video Music Awards. The annual ceremony is back—and in person—this year at taking place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Synonymous with unforgettable music moments (can you believe Britney Spears's "Slave 4 U" snake performance was 20 years ago?), the event is also known for standout, brow-raising red carpet looks. From host Doja Cat, to headlining performers like Lil Nas X and Kacey Musgraves, check out the boldest and best looks from the red carpet, ahead.
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.
Host Doja Cat slayed in a black and maroon bodysuit and statement red over-the-knee platform boots. She accessorized with a stone-beaded necklace and wore matching red hair streaks.
Ashanti is serving ultra sexiness in a harness-detailed dress by Michael Costell0 that shows off her effortless glow.
Lis Nas X made a memorable entrance on the carpet in a lavender two-piece set from Atelier Versace with an off-the-shoulder top and statement train. He paired the look with a mullet hairstyle.
The Pretty Little Liar’s star sported a corset-style mini dress with brushstroke details on the red carpet.
The couple was well-coordinated without overtly matching in sequined outfits. Fox dazzled in Mugler while beau, MGK went for a red suit by Dolce & Gabbana.
Kacey Musgraves went all-purple in a Valentino ruched mini dress and feathered headdress reminiscent of Lady Gaga's campy New York street style moment.
The "Save Room For Us" singer hit the red carpet in a sexy leather bralette and coordinating lace up pants.
Dove Cameron appeared on the carpet in an all-gray ensemble featuring a bandeau top, midi skirt, gloves and a matching off-the-shoulder pouch bag. She paired the look with silver heels.
Coordinating neon looks by AREA hit the red carpet thanks to Ru Paul’s Drag Race, season 13 stars.
The teen-star wears a fitted Atelier Versace dress from the Spring/Summer 2001 couture collection.
Madison Beer went for vintage Dolce & Gabbana for the VMAs red carpet — keeping the rest of the styling to a minimum to let the dress stand out.
The trends of Y2K are here to stay and the guest’s Baby Phat look just further proved it.
Keeping in line with the menswear theme of oversized “zoot suits”, Tainy opted for a green iteration with a simple chain-link necklace.
Poarch went full goth glam for the red carpet, complete with sheer lace and a ruffled bustier to match.
In the spirit of edginess that the show’s red carpet is known for, Hossler opted for a tweed suit (sans shirt) with platform shoes.
Championing emerging brands, Normani sported a two-piece coordinate set from London-based brand, Patrycja Pagas that specializes in vegan leather.
Leslie Grace opted for a draped dress from Oscar de la Renta’s Fall/Winter 2020 collection.
No stranger to a standout look, Petras wore an instantly recognizable look from Richard Quinn’s Fall/Winter 2021.
If you follow the artist on Instagram, then you know that his purple ombré suit is completely on brand.
In true Paris fashion, she sported an over-the-top, disco-like dress by The Blonds that shimmered from every angle.
A true icon, Lauper stayed true to her punk rock aesthetic with a peplum leather jacket and tulle skirt like it’s the 1980s.
The California native kept it cool on the red carpet with a laidback short suit and a plain white tee.
The rapper showed off her curves in a form-fitting gown that caught the light perfectly, regardless of the angle.
With sequins and sparkles the unofficial theme of the evening, the rapper took a more playful approach with a strapless mini dress.
Set to perform, Chloe took a more playful approach with a foiled ball gown from Marni’s Fall/Winter 2021 collection.
Sheeran in a look at the VMAS that’s instantly recognized as Versace by the black and gold baroque motif splattered across his jacket.
Leave it to Billy Porter to show up to the VMAs in a well-tailored metallic suit that stands out on the red carpet.
The singer makes a strong case for a less traditional take on the bare midriff trend with a cropped blazer set from Fendi’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection.
The model sported a full look from LaQuan Smith’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection, which just debuted in NYC earlier this week.
Also on the docket to perform, Keys sported a bold jacket from Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2021 runway.
The eldest Kardashian sister sported a lace-up black mini dress from Olivier Theyskens’ Fall/Winter 2021 collection.
The always cool Billie Eilish went for a pared-back sweater look for the VMAs red carpet.
The Tik-Tok star serves us Romy and Michele realness in baby pink.
The artist is ready for fall in a double-breasted velvet suit with polished loafers