The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are heading back to Los Angeles this Sunday, Sept. 27, and you already know the red carpet is where things can get interesting. Snoop Dogg is taking the hosting duties, with Black stars including Teyana Taylor and Tyla among the presenters.
Over the years, the VMAs red carpet has given us plenty of unforgettable fashion moments, from genuinely iconic to downright questionable. So, before this year’s stars step in front of the cameras, let’s revisit some of the good and bad looks that had us talking long after the show ended!
Best: Cardi B- 2023
You already know Cardi B was going to be at the top of our list for one of the best! She hasn’t met a red carpet look that she hasn’t slayed in a long time, and her fit at the 2023 VMAs further proves that!
Related: Black Fashion Hits and Misses From the 2025 MTV VMAs
Worst: Doja Cat- 2025
Between the big hair, the pattern on the dress, and the outrageous heels, we’re just not so sure we’re rocking with this look from Doja Cat at the 2025 show. Can you really blame us?
Best: Lil Nas X- 2022
Talk about drama! If you’re going to have all eyes on you on a red carpet, you might as well do like Lil Nas X at the 2022 show and give them something worth looking at!
Worst: Nicki Minaj- 2011
Nicki, we get it. You’re the queen of rap. But we can’t lie and say this look didn’t make us want to snatch the crown away from you ASAP because what even is all of this mess??
Best: GloRilla- 2024
We all love a good reference and homage, and the Left Eye one GloRilla put on for the 2024 VMAs was just too good. They almost look like kin, and we truly love to see it!
Worst: Megan Thee Stallion- 2019
Megan Thee Stallion has definitely pulled off some amazing looks in her lifetime, but unfortunately, the 2019 VMAs were not one of those. And it’s such a shame considering how wonderful her physique is!
Best: Rihanna- 2007
Sometimes the best looks are the most simple, and this hot pink, sweetheart neckline dress that Rihanna wore in 2007 after “Umbrella” put her on the map was exactly that. Who knew we were looking at a budding fashion icon in the making?
Worst: Lil’ Kim- 1999
OK, we know this one might be a hot take given how legendary this outfit is! But for someone as gorgeous as Lil’ Kim, she could’ve come a lot harder than this. The color looks great on her, though!
Best: Shenseea- 2025
From the updo to the simple jewelry that doesn’t take away from the dress, Shenseea popped out at the 2025 VMAs and showed all the girls how to look very cutesy, very sexy, and very demure all at the same time!
Worst: Summer Walker- 2025
Summer, please. This hat?? We still have questions that we probably won’t get answered. But we definitely don’t need to see this look ever again.
Best: Chloe Bailey- 2022
The best thing about Chloe Bailey’s look at the 2022 VMAs is that everything just looks cohesive and clean. The fit is good, the jewel tone is good, her loc’d ponytail is good. 10s all across the board!
Worst: Akon- 2019
There are some florals that are groundbreaking. Then, there are others like the ones on Akon’s jacket at the 2019 VMAs that should just be burned, or at the very least, thrown into somebody’s trash bin.
Worst: Ice Spice- 2025
The mix-up or mash-up of all these patterns on Ice Spice’s quilt-looking dress at the 2025 VMAs doesn’t do anything for us. She really could’ve given us something to talk about instead of something that we so desperately want to forget.
