Celebrity Style

All The Best 2022 MTV VMAs Red Carpet Looks

The biggest and the baddest.

by Dominique Norman
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 28: Lizzo attends the 2022 MTV VMAs at Prudential Center on August 28, 2...
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So far, the 2022 MTV VMAs black carpet (the annual Video Music Awards’ alternative to a traditional red carpet) has been star-studded with an array of trends and brimming with hints of what’s to come throughout the show. From Lizzo’s high-fashion goth ensemble to Dove Cameron’s glitzy cutout dress, the night served up a visual buffet of incredible looks.

The awards show is also known for its risky — and risqué — fashion moments, and this year was no different: Lil Nas X showed up shirtless, Taylor Swift arrived dripping in crystals, and plenty of styles were seemingly inspired by looks of VMAs past, like Lil’ Kim’s pasty moment and a nod to past Video Vanguard Award winner Missy Elliot. VMAs newcomers got in on the action, too (see: Saucy Santana’s BDSM inspired look during a pre-show performance).

As a kickoff to Fashion Month, the VMAs definitely brought it in terms of Twitter-worthy style moments, with aesthetics ranging from Barbiecore and punk to goth and over-the-top glitz. With performances from Lizzo, Jack Harlow, Dove Cameron, and 2022 Video Vanguard award winner Nicki Minaj, the night was packed with delicious fashion looks. Ahead, a bunch of the best.

Lizzo

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Intentional or not, Lizzo’s outfit definitely reminded me of Missy Elliot’s blow-up trash bag look from her “Supa Dupa Fly” music video.

Taylor Swift

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Lil Nas X

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Lil Nas X went for a look reminiscent of Iman’s Met Gala outfit from Camp: Notes on Fashion.

Lili Reinhart

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Reinhart’s sheer, flowy gown is everything. The long sleeves, keyhole cutout, the sheer overlay, and head-to-toe lace combined punk and high glam.

Chlöe Bailey

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Chlöe Bailey’s futuristic silver glitter gown included a structured bodice and thigh-high slit.

Sabrina Carpenter

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Sabrina Carpenter wore a floral Moschino gown with waist cutouts and a large keyhole in the bodice.

Jack Harlow

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In head-to-toe chocolate leather, Jack Harlow brought a Matrix-esque look to the black carpet.

Dixie D'Amelio

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The TikTok star wore a classic, floor-length shimmery gown with a mock turtleneck.

Sofia Carson

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Actress and singer Sofia Carson brought glam to the red carpet with a hooded sweetheart gown.

Avril Lavigne

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Avril brought back her traditional punk look, complete with low-rise, baggy pants and a belt chain.

Dylan O'Brien

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Can we start a petition to get more suits like this on red carpets?

Dove Cameron

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Singer Dove Cameron went for a ’90s punk/goth look with bondage style accents on a full-length floral dress.

Shenseea

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Paco Rabanne meets Rick Owens, and I’m living for it.

Becky G

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The cut outs here — my jaw actually dropped to the floor.

Latto

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Latto’s mini blazer dress with waist ties was basically the neon green version of Barbiecore.

Monet X Change

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Monet X Change opted for a flower power moment that was a modern take on the ’70s flower child trend.

Anitta

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Anitta’s fiery red gown combined Lil’ Kim’s infamous pasty moment and a Bridgerton-inspired corset.

Conan Grey

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The platforms, the sheer duster, the lace edge work, the flared pants — so much to see in just one look.

Saucy Santana

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If Old Hollywood icon Mae West was a “Material Girl,” this is what she would wear.

Chloe Fineman

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Actress and comedian Chloe Fineman went futuristic, wearing a silver quilted gown reminiscent of a pillowy sleeping bag. The dress was “Cart Couture” by threeASFOUR from Instacart’s “The World Is Your Cart” campaign.

Doechii

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The power shoulders here are sharp enough to cut somebody — and, tbh, it’s just the way I like it.

Samy Hawk

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New artist Samy Hawk wore a custom leather jacket and wide brim hat. BRB, going to go full Basquiat on my leather jacket ASAP.

Lauren Spencer-Smith

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Singer Lauren Spencer-Smith was feeling lucky in an oversize, bright green streetwear-meets-workwear look.

Cyn Santana

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Reality star Cyn Santana wore an orange leather trench coat with a surrealist exposed nipple dress.