2026 MTV VMAs Red Carpet: The Best, the Boldest and the Most ‘Wait, What?!’ The outfits, from Belmont Cameli’s Canadian tuxedo to Taylor Swift’s glittering glow

The MTV Video Music Awards red carpet has always been more daring than hesitant. It’s given us Lady Gaga’s meat dress, Britney Spears’ biker chic, Lil’ Kim’s purple pasties, Pamela Anderson’s pink feathered dress on the Mad Hatter, Miley’s metal suspenders (and nothing else) and the first of many, many (seriously). so Several) Madonna iterations: The “Boy Toy” Bride. This is not the place for classic tuxes or basic black dresses – give us your ripped-up, your rocker, your edgy look.

While MTV has changed radically over the years, the VMAs’ dress code has not. This year’s attendees — including the ever-evolving Madonna — kept up tradition, offering plenty of leather, lace, bare skin and looks that needed a second look. Not every outfit is a hit, but boldness will always be rewarded in this crowd. Something extraordinary…

Most fashionable of late: Taylor Swift

Leave it to Taylor Swift to turn the last few minutes of the red carpet into the main event. As the last star to walk the carpet, Swift — or “Mrs. Kels,” as many photographers addressed the newlyweds — made the wait worthwhile in a black and silver look with a fitted halter bodice and a shimmering draped skirt. Her glam was killer — featuring sharp black eyeliner and a blunt shoulder-skimming haircut — and fitting for someone who made VMAs history with the inaugural Artistic Director Honors Award. It seems Swift has earned the right to take her time.

Best Western (tie): Olandria and Ciara Miller

And we’re not talking about hotels. The VMAs turned west (literally) this year and saw enough leather, lacing, and rodeo-ready looks to make it one of the most competitive categories of the night. Madisyn Ryan made a strong case For the title, but we’re calling it a tie between love island Alumni Olandria and Ciara Miller summer house And dancing with the stars fame. Miller leaned into cowgirl territory with a tiny leather top, lace-up pants and a low-slung belt — especially fitting after starring in Shaboozie’s “Cowgirl” music video — while Olandria took the combination of leather and lace in a decidedly more glamorous direction with her intricately constructed floor-length gown. Consider two very different ways to Yeehaw it.

most morticia: charlie xcx

Morticia Addams, but make her a pop star with really nice abs. That’s what Charli XCX was expressing with her Gothic glam look. She wore black from head to toe, pairing a cropped velvet top (note those dramatic sleeves and that peekaboo bodice!) with a floor-skimming skirt and sleek hair. There was a lot of fabric involved, but somehow her midriff still managed to be the star of ‘Fit’.

Sexiest Badass: Sombre

Sombre walked the carpet wearing a big black and white striped fur coat, with nothing underneath but layers of necklaces and a rhinestone belt buckle that read “Sex” — perhaps a nod to Madonna? With leather pants, high heels and her signature smoky black eyeliner, the whole thing landed somewhere between Pepé Le Pew and rock star.

Most mature: Paris and Nicky Hilton

Sister, sister – and of course shine, shine. Paris and Nicky Hilton coordinated in head-to-toe glitter, with Paris totally being a future showgirl in a draped mini and seriously strappy thigh-high boots. Meanwhile, Nicki opted for a slinky, floor-length gown. Different shapes, same functions: There’s no such thing as too much glitter when you’re an heiress.

Biggest Red Flag: Lisa

Red flags should generally be avoided. It was impossible to take my eyes off Lisa.

The singer looked dapper in a sheer, corseted red gown, topped with a voluminous fur-like veil that extended into an even more voluminous train. With four nominations and one performance, Lisa clearly had no interest in entering quietly.

Best Period Piece: Stella Lefty

The breakout “Boston” star went full period drama in an ivory lace gown with delicate beading that looked more appropriate for an Edith Wharton adaptation than the VMAs. Old-world romance was an unexpected choice for one of this year’s hottest newcomers, whose rapid rise, billionaire father and similarity to existing hit songs have already made her a magnet for Internet buzz.

Most Platonic Couple: Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli

There is nothing to see here, closed premises fan. Ella Bright (in a slinky black gown) and Belmont Cameli (in an all-denim Canadian tuxedo) stepped out together on the VMAs carpet, after weeks of online speculation about whether the onscreen lovers were secretly dating or whether they were feuding. Bright previously called Cameli “literally my brother” and the pair looked quite united – even coordinating their sunglasses for the occasion. Just the two totally idealistic costars seem to be flying – and putting the rumors to rest.

Best Distressed: Killer

Slayyter’s dress looked like she walked through it — in the best way. The singer took the nude dress trend in a slightly more undone direction with a nude, body-skimming gown covered in deliberately torn layers, delicate embroidery and strategically placed sheer panels. A long piece of fabric draped over one arm added some red carpet drama. Turns out, torn edges can be cleaned up nicely.

Most Sculptured: Normani

Normani transformed herself into a work of art. Her metallic, second-skin bodice extended to her fingertips, while a dramatic explosion of feather-like pieces on one shoulder gave the look an almost three-dimensional quality. Then, below the knees, the silhouette changed again to a sweeping black pleated skirt. Something new was seen from every angle.

Going for Gaga: Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert has never been one for subtlety, and why start at the VMAs? The singer swept the carpet in a voluminous black satin robe inspired by André Leon Talley, but the real conversation starter was above the neck: an Isabella Blow-esque headpiece that spelled out “ADAM,” also the name of her upcoming album. Between the architectural topper, sweeping silhouette, and full-glam makeup, this look was Lady Gaga at her finest avant-garde. Mother Monster would approve of this.

Best Accessory: Sienna Spiro

Trust us, that’s Sienna Spiro down there. The Best New Artist winner briefly posed for paparazzi duty on the red carpet and took out a Kodak disposable camera to capture the VMAs from the other side of the lens. Her sparkling nude gown was quite photogenic in itself. But pictures or it didn’t happen, right?

Best Group Project: JYT

No group at JYT came into the project unprepared. Five members – Joe Bus Signed a fashion deal with Gap – Mixing oversize tailoring, textured knits, cropped jackets and lots of wide-leg pants, the look coordinated while sticking to a black, gray and white palette without going completely too-mature. Boy-band Milan has officially grown up.

‘You’re my boy, Blue!’ Best reason to scream: Magnus Farrell

Forgive me old school Reference, but Magnus Ferrell (son of actor Will Ferrell) gave us no choice.

The Best New Artist nominee wore a monochromatic powder blue hue, wearing a silk embroidered shirt and wide-leg trousers with a matching tie. Black mavericks broke the color story – but otherwise, you’re our boy, Blue.

Gothiest Glam (tie): Teyana Taylor and Bebe Rexha

The Goths came out to play at the VMAs — and it was too close to call. Teyana Taylor went full-on romance in a sheer, beaded black gown embellished with dramatic flowers. Bebe Rexha took the boudoir route, pairing a black lace corset and high-low skirt with thigh-high lace-up boots and enough crosses to keep out any unwanted spirits.