11 of the best and worst looks from the 2026 VMAs

Raye's sparkly gown was glamorous.

Raye, who was nominated for song of the year and best visual effects at the VMAs, arrived in a silver Georges Hobeika couture gown.

The halter gown was adorned with crystal embellishments that formed a floral pattern on the skirt. It sat atop sheer fabric, making the sparkly detail pop more.

The combination of the simple silhouette and intricate detailing made Raye's look one of the best on the red carpet that night.

Taylor Swift's dress had potential, but it needed some tweaks.

Swift took home the VMA for video of the year in a Tamara Ralph gown.

The gown's bodice was black, with a high neckline. It had sheer cutouts on the sides that flowed into a sheer back, which was interrupted by a panel of corset ties running down the middle.

An asymmetrical, crystal-adorned skirt sat on her hips. It gathered around her waist before flowing down. A slit opened on one side, revealing her Le Silla shoes.

There was a lot to like about Swift's dress, like the sleek front of the bodice and the daring slit. However, the ties at the back weren't as glamorous as the rest of the look. It would have made a stronger statement if the back had been entirely sheer.

Likewise, the skirt felt disconnected from the top because of the contrast in fabric. A skirt in a similar style made of the same fabric as the bodice could have looked more cohesive.

Ciara Miller's matching set for the VMAs was a fun, themed look.

Miller appeared in Shaboozey's "Cowgirl" video, which was nominated for best country and best cinematography at the VMAs.

Her ensemble offered a playful yet fashion-forward nod to the video. Her brown leather bra coordinated with her low-rise pants, which had crisscross ties running down the front and sides. Platform heels and a large belt tied the look together.

Adam Lambert's dress may have worked better with some additional detailing.

Lambert arrived at the VMAs, where he performed in a George Michael tribute, wearing a custom Charles de Vilmorin ensemble.

His cape-style, black dress had billowing sleeves and flowed to the floor. He paired the gothic gown with a headpiece that read "Adam."

The headpiece was fabulous, but it was overshadowed by the heavy dress. If the cape had more shape or detailing, it might have let the rest of Lambert's look shine more.

Teyana Taylor's daring dress stood out on the red carpet.

Nominated for best collaboration, Taylor is often the best-dressed on a red carpet. The 2026 VMAs were no exception, thanks to her daring Zuhair Murad gown.

The black gown had the silhouette of a retro robe, with a low neckline, a dramatic cinch at Taylor's waist, and feathered trims lining the neckline, sleeves, and hem.

The rest of the dress was made of sheer fabric, with crisscrossing sparkly black fabric over it. Dramatic and sexy, the outfit was by far one of the most memorable of the event.

Sombr's look would have been better if he had ditched an accessory.

Sombr wore a custom ERL ensemble to the VMAs, where he was nominated for song of summer, best alternative, and best art direction.

He looked every bit the rockstar in the ensemble, which included a faux-fur-striped coat worn with no shirt, leather pants, and several necklaces.

However, his belt buckle that read "sex" felt a bit too on the nose. A different belt buckle could have made the ensemble feel less like a costume.

Lisa stunned in a dramatic red gown.

Lisa won the best pop video award at the 2026 VMAs, and she was a winner on the red carpet, too.

She wore a bold red gown from The Attico. It had a corset bodice, and though the entire dress was slightly sheer, it had even more transparent cutouts on the sides.

She contrasted the daring gown with a massive Quine Li faux-fur coat in the same shade of red. It puffed out around her shoulders, and a train trailed behind her.

The look combined the best bits of old Hollywood glamour with a modern edge.

Paris Hilton's outfit had too many cutouts.

Hilton arrived at the VMAs as a presenter in a silver look designed by The Blonds.

Her minidress was made of a chainmail-like material. It had a scooped neckline, a miniskirt with ruched draping, and cutouts on the bodice. She paired the dress with glittery accessories, including a thick choker, elbow-length gloves, and semi-sheer boots.

Because Hilton's accessories were so dramatic, the dress' cutouts were too much. A simpler silhouette would have made the accessories look less overwhelming.

Tyla looked effortlessly cool in a matching set.

Bikini tops don't always work on a red carpet, but Tyla, who was a presenter at the VMAs, pulled it off in her Mowalola ensemble.

Her blue bra and low-waisted skirt both had a snakeskin pattern, as did her white pumps. The whole look felt retro, which she played up with a choker and anklet.

The look was funky and sultry, making it a great fit for the VMAs.

Normani's dress had too many dramatic elements.

Normani attended the VMAs in a Robert Wun gown.

The dress had a metallic, gold bodice with a high neckline and a dropped waist. A pleated, full skirt flowed around Normani's thighs, and the long sleeves were transparent, ending in gloves. A massive, floral rosette sat on one shoulder for added drama.

The dress had pretty elements, but overall, it seemed to weigh Normani down. Because the top was so dramatic, a simpler skirt would have lightened the whole look.

David Corenswet's suit was casual and cool.

Corenswet, a presenter at the VMAs, wore a gray suit.

His jacket was double-breasted, and he wore a tank top underneath it rather than a dress shirt for a more laid-back feel. A chain sat on his neck for a touch of glamour.

The star looked effortlessly cool.