The Most Iconic VMA Looks of All Time

September is a busy month for fashion and beauty lovers. It kicks off with New York Fashion Week, which provides a plethora of inspiration from the runways to the sidewalks. As the events come to a close, the beauty set turns its attention to the Video Music Awards. Like clockwork, the red carpet is packed with celebrities and artists wearing the latest fashions and styles. The VMAs have always delivered enticing and eccentric looks, and this season promises to do the same. Before the stars hit the carpet, we’ve gathered some of the most iconic VMA looks from years past.

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Madonna in 1984

To be fair, Madonna has had many iconic VMA looks. But this look, almost 40 years ago, is still one of her strongest. The singer sported this wedding dress look to go along with her iconic hit Like A Virgin, and it was one for the books. From the tulle gown to the lacy body suit and bouncy disco curls, it’s the epitome of ’80s cool-girl.

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Britney Spears in 2001

It’s hard to forget this moment from the 2001 VMAs, when Spears hit the stage in a jewel-toned get-up accessorized with yellow boa constrictor. The look was the perfect pairing for her performance of I’m a Slave, but it was her Y2K beauty look that stole the show. Glittering eyeshadow, pinky nude lip gloss, and body jewelry are just a few of the beauty trends we’re still lusting over today.

 

 

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Lady Gaga in 2010

Lady Gaga knows how to make a bold fashion statement, but her meat dress is one of her most iconic. The famous dress was created by designer Franc Fernandez and went on to be named the top fashion moment of the year by Time. As always, the singer’s makeup and hair were absolutely flawless.

 

 

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Jennifer Lopez in 2021

We love a JLo moment, especially when it includes some of the singer’s signature beauty looks. At the 2021 VMAs, the singer showed off her amazing abs and gorgeous glowy skin. Even her flowing hair and intense smoky eye are goals.

 

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Lil Kim in 1999

It’s hard to think about the VMAs without picturing this bold look from Lil Kim. Dressed head-to-toe in luscious lilac, the look redefined the style of female rappers. The jumpsuit and pasty are a showstopper alone, but her flowing purple hair and floaty bangs take the cake.

 

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Pink in 2000

Pink stunned on the red carpet with this spiky punk hairstyle. The singer donned her signature hot pink hair color with an equally rockstar outfit complete with gold jewelry, ripped jeans and a fur coat.

 

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Spice Girls in 1997

Ah, the Spice Girls. As far as girl groups go, these women never failed to bring a unique set of style wherever they went. In 1997, they brought their signature looks to the VMAs and ruled the carpet.

 

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Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston in 1998

It doesn’t get more iconic than Mariah and Whitney. The powerhouse singers hit the stage wearing matching mocha gowns and natural curls. While Carey opted for romantic loose waves, Houston sported chocolate drop curls. Together, they looked every bit the divas they are.

 

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Jennifer Lopez in 2000

Lopez’s all-white ensemble has all the makings of a classic 2000s look. The low-rise jeans and white tank top are perfectly accessorized with her waist-slung metal belt and silver hoops.

 

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Taylor Swift in 2022

In 2007, Taylor Swift sported a one-shoulder silver-beaded gown to the VMAs. Her acceptance speech was cut short, and the moment became one of the most memorable of the night. In 2022, Swift donned this glittering silver number with a chignon bun hairstyle (similar to her 2007 look) and her bold red lip. While it may not have been intentional, this glamorous look is cemented as one of Swift’s best award show moments.

 

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Rose McGowan in 1998

McGowan’s barely there dress may have been the talk of the 1998 VMAs, but her flawless beauty look is the real takeaway. The bold cherry lip and pencil-thin eyebrows are two of the era’s top trends. Even her dark chocolate hair is stunning against her porcelain skin.