Celebrity Style
The 10 Wildest 2000s VMAs Outfits Ever, From Rihanna To J.Lo
The MTV red carpet has seen some fabulous ‘fits through the years.
Historically, the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet has been a place where stars tend to go all out fashion-wise. I'm talking about risky, statement-making looks that make you do a double take.
There was Rose McGowan's epic, booty-baring naked dress in 1998 and Britney Spears' dominatrix-inspired outfit in 2002. And who could forget Gaga's 2010 look rendered from actual raw meat? (Um, definitely not me.) There's just something about the VMAs that gives way to irreverent style choices. Which, in turn, makes for a very exciting red carpet.
Beyond the bold moments just mentioned, we've also seen some iconic matching 'fits, striking hot pink looks (pre-Barbiecore craze), and an abundance of show-stopping dresses featuring cut-outs, feathers, and other embellishments. That’s to say, for those who prefer timeless, elegant fashion — this really isn't the awards show for you.
Anyway, who’s to say what our favorite stars will wear at the upcoming VMAs — but, just by looking at the list of nominees (plenty of fierce dressers there), I think we can expect the night to be anything but dull sartorially.
In the meantime, scroll through to look back at some of the most memorable VMAs red carpet outfits of the 2000s. Strap yourself in first, ‘cause some of these looks are pretty f*cking wild.
1Jennifer Lopez, 2000
Decked out in Diddy’s label Sean John (they were dating at the time) and sporting a matching bandana, J.Lo made major waves when she stepped out in this all-white ‘fit.
2Destiny’s Child, 2001
This coordinated girl group style moment — brought to us by Beyonce's mom, Tina Knowles — will forever be imprinted on my brain. Utterly fab.
3Britney Spears, 2002
All eyes were on the Princess of Pop when she rocked this black leather-and-lace look complete with fingerless gloves, a peaked hat, and lace-up pumps.
4Christina Aguilera, 2003
In ‘03, Christina Aguilera hit the red carpet in this hot pink feathered mini dress. I simply cannot look away.
5Paris Hilton, 2004
Another feathery look I’d be remiss not to mention: this naked number adorned with crystals and peachy feathers by Roberto Cavalli.
6Rihanna, 2007
Flash-forward a few years for another Barbie-esque moment, this time from Riri. This electric pink Armani Privé column gown is kind of giving Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes vibes.
7Lady Gaga, 2010
You knew this was coming. To this day, I still can’t really wrap my head around the fact that Gaga wore a dress made of raw meat. The look included a matching hair piece, purse, and platform shoes, too — naturally.
8Nicki Minaj, 2011
The following year, our 2022 VMAs co-host showed up in this Harajuku-inspired look complete with a pre-pan face mask and an ice cream cone necklace. The rapper is truly one-of-a-kind.
9Amber Rose, 2014
Here, Amber Rose offered up her own take on Rose McGowan’s famously daring VMAs look in this silver chain dress.
10Katy Perry & Riff Raff, 2014
On the same red carpet, Katy Perry and rapper Riff Raff paid homage to the iconic matching denim ‘fits Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake wore to the 2001 American Music Awards.
