Iconic Outfits That Show There Are No Fashion Rules At The MTV VMAs

When it comes to choosing an outfit for the MTV Video Music Awards, there’s just one rule: there are no rules! The first VMAs took place back in 1984, and the likes of Madonna and Diana Ross took this rule very seriously. The freedom to go wild has endured ever since, and it’s resulted in some of the most outrageous getups in fashion and pop culture history. We’re talking dangerously sheer dresses, cowboy costumes, a gown made of raw meat… you get the picture. So, keep scrolling for the most memorable outfits to appear on the VMAs red carpet – so far, anyway.

Denim for the win

Taylor Swift made history at the 2023 VMAs. She became the first artist to ever win four Video of the Year awards — this time for her self-directed video "Anti-Hero." She made a "swift" exit after the event to celebrate at the Ned NoMad afterparty wearing this head-turning EB Denim "polka dress" and silver glitter platform heels. Like the look of it? You can buy the dress from EB Denim for $480.

The right fluff

Coco Chanel once famously gave the following advice to help women obtain her effortless, classy style. “Before you leave the house,” the legendary designer said, “look in the mirror and take one thing off.” We assume that Pamela Anderson didn’t know of that quote before attending the 1999 VMAs in sequined pants, a corset, and a fluffy, oversized top hat. Either way, Pam, you rocked it!

Wide load

It's possible Demi Lovato needed two tickets to the 2023 VMAs — one for her, and one for her enormous jacket. Just joking, Demi! She lost the showstopper jacket later in the show to perform a powerhouse medley of “Heart Attack,” “Sorry Not Sorry,” and “Cool For the Summer.” It was the first time she'd appeared at the VMAs in six years, and she sure made an impression. 

Kim-oh-no

Busta Rhymes is no stranger to colorful clothes, but the outfit he wore to the 1997 VMAs is in a league of its own. The hip-hop star made waves with his cherry-colored, intricately patterned kimono, paired with matching pants and shoes. And 20 years on, Cosmopolitan named the ensemble as one of the most outrageous outfits ever to be seen on the red carpet, although the magazine also felt that the “kimono… should have never seen the light of day.” We totally beg to differ.