The Looks of the MTV VMAs 2023

Sep 19

Gorgeous, Gorgeous Gowns

From the pink carpet to the afterparties, these were the outifits that we haven’t been able to stop thinking about.

THE PINK CARPET

Selena Gomez

*source:* DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS | GETTY IMAGES

Oscar de la Renta really knows their way around a floral gown. It also helps that Selena Gomez is wearing said floral gown. A fun and flirty crimson twist on the traditional print, this piece features floral qppliqué and a high slit that makes me want to go dancing. Completing the look is some blinding flower-inspired bling.

BTW, can we get some commotion for the heels? It feels like it’s so rare that people actually match the colour of their shoes to their dress. Thank you to her stylist.

Karol G

Another triumph for sheer outfits, thanks to Karol G in a nude lace Ashi Studio gown. What really makes it work is the matching distressed coat.

Alejandra Espinoza

The little safety pin closures on this two-piece Philip Plein number? Cute. Thin, geometric shades and velvet knee-high boots exude femme fatale. She’s giving Carmen San Diego, if Carmen liked black and staying put for pictures.

Coco Jones

While I’m not a fan of the belt buckle trend myself, Moschino knows their way around a leather fit. They sent Coco Jones out onto the pink carpet as a deconstructed leather jacket, and it genuinely does work. Big and bold jewellery are just the icing on top of this leathery cake.

Olivia Rodrigo

On the heels of her sophomore release, Olivia Rodrigo stepped out in a glittering custom Ludovic de Saint Serin gown that featured* over 150,000 Swarovski crystals. Not that a dress that blinged out needs any help shining, but her simple beauty and hair look certainly helped make the gown, the main attraction.

Rita Ora

Rita Ora has been turning in some chic, mature looks since settling down. This black off-shoulder Rodarte piece is no different: witchy yet subtly seductive. Thanks to a pair of gargantuan, sparkly Marc Jacobs Kiki booties, Ora elevates an otherwise – look— literally and figuratively. She’s Morticia Adams at the club.

(Now I’m imagining those shoes in Olivia Rodrigo’s outfit)

NLE Choppa

Although the cowboy tassels are very “Lil Nas X performing Old Town Road in 2019,” NLE Choppa revives the cowboy look with a little suede and royal purple.

A little bit of ice doesn’t hurt either.

Yung Miami

In a couture-risqué bodysuit by Han Kjøbenhavn, Yung Miami bared it all. The dramatisized off-shoulder with its floor-length sleeves, oversized sunglasses, and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry is easy to love or hate, and we’re still debating whether it’s a look or a lewk.

Megan Thee Stallion

In a sheer, corset-inspired Brandon Blackwood gown, Megan Thee Stallion reminds everyone why she penned the 2020 hit Body. What drew my eye is the beautiful, capital C Jacob and Co. Choker, the disco ball against the otherwise subtle outfit.

Nicki Minaj

Will you marry ME, Nicki? The host of the VMAs made it a Pink Friday with this Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress-inspired number. From the corset, to the lace mermaid-cut skirt, to the perfect veil? No notes.

Taylor Swift

In a Versace dress with ruched detailing and a sexy high leg slit, it’s giving Reputation Taylor’s Version (coming soon, we hope. Fingers crossed). We can't help but notice Swift's layers of jewelry—a reference to the Bejeweled music video? What does that mean? There’s just too many Easter eggs, or are we just looking too much into it?

Nelly Furtado

Keeping it simple yet elegant, Nelly Furtado went aaaall the way backless. She’s still got it. Now when is she dropping the new album with Timbaland?!

Glorilla

Would you like a dress with that statement necklace? David Koma took neckwear off the docket with this halter-neck piece shown on GloRilla.

Mäneskin

I’ve got to give it to Mäneskin. The group is always dressed for the same event.

Ayra Starr

The afrobeats songstress dazzled in a coquettish, off-shoulder mini from Mugler. Reminiscent of a chic showgirl, or a hot ostrich, strategically exposed pink satin ruffles give the dress a much-needed pop of contrast.

The wristwatch choker is a quirky touch; moreover, a timely reminder that watches are more fashionable than functional nowadays.

ASHANTI

As Stefon would say, Ashanti’s outfit is the hottest club in New York (or New Jersey): turtles making out on a woman’s breasts, a single styled bang, and a clutch screen-printed with an old photo of Ashanti and Nelly??? This look was such a trip, it deserved a section of its own.

I may not understand, but I stand.

WHAT’S THAT SONG ABOUT THE AFTER-PARTY OF THE AFTER-PARTY

Selena Gomez

*source:* GILBERT CARRASQUILLO | GETTY IMAGES

Selena Gomez—now forgive me, because I am about to make a pun—is always on point. I can’t help it! This is such a pointy fit: from the neckline of her deep purple, Undone by Kate mini, to the tasseled out, sparkly and silver Aupen handbag; down to her black stilettos. It’s a lot of sharp, offset by the smile she’s sending to some lucky bastard off-camera.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift had a lot to celebrate after winning nine awards, including video of the year and song of the year for "Anti-Hero," Album of the Year for "Midnights," and Artist of the Year. Swift kept the denim trend strong by wearing EB denim paired with an Aquazurra bag and heels, and jewelry from Joseph Saidian & Sons and Melissa Kaye tied together with her signature red lip. Giving off 1989 Taylor's Version, which can't come soon enough!

Saweetie

This Kim Shui dress look straight out of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, and it has its fun. Neon tulle fluttering around a cheeky corset, paired with an appropriately extravagant pearl necklace. But what really makes this look is her hair, which is twisted into a giant bow. Saweetie is the gift that gives.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey looked stunning in her orange pleated halter gown by Le Thanh Hoa, despite not walking the pink carpet. It’s low back and high leg slit with a gold chain strap matching her jewelry was immaculate.

We still do very much want to be a part of her world.

Saucy Santana

Though decked out in all Balmain, the certified Material Gworrlll turned my head with his unique use of a designer coffee cup. It’s the queer iced coffee meme come to life; though, instead of strolling into class thirty minutes late, he’s pulling up to the MTV Video Music Awards.

Fresh X Reckless

…they’re having fun! So, I’m not going to yuck their yum. I will be having vivid nightmares about the stuffed duck biting either Fresh or Reckless on the pants, and the gorilla feet shoes—if I keep staring at this photo, I will develop new phobias.

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Trisha Lim

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