Let's just get this out there at the very beginning: I'm old and square and I have absolutely no idea who 90% of these people are. I've heard of Pink, Katy Perry, and Mel B., and that's about it. But I do have a pretty good sense of fashion, and I even have a decent sense of what's appropriate at a somewhat edgy red carpet event such as the VMAs. So I'll do my best to be fair in my reviews of the wild and crazy outfits that were on parade. Some of the artists did a great job at making wild and crazy work for them, and some...a little less so. Let's get on with it!
There were a few trends that I'll use to categorize some of the looks, and then I'll review some looks that were less easily classified.
Sheer and Tight
This has been a trend on red carpets for quite some time now, but the VMAs really ran with it. Mostly black, often lace, occasionally metallic, some peeps of undergarments and some full-on visible, there were a wide variety of takes on this trend.
Alessandra Ambrosio paired a buttoned-up black lace shirt-dress with slick lace hose and black stilettos. It was a great combination of covered-up and revealing. A slick, edgy look that worked really well.
Amber Rose opted for a skin-tight black mermaid dress with a peekaboo pattern that was also covered up and revealing at the same time. Slinky and almost-goth, it showed off her voluptuous figure in a sexy but tasteful way.
Bebe Rexha's gown was more pattern than lace, with a modesty panel across the wide decolletage and a see-through skirt with an opaque short skirt underneath. The whole dress, but especially the bodice, looked uncomfortably tight, and although I loved the lines and the silhouette, it might have been more flattering on a slightly less curvaceous figure, or with a slightly less tight fit. (Skim, don't cling!)
Chantel Jeffries went super-simple in a gold slip dress over high-cut panties. Points to the designer for somehow making the top of the dress opaque but suddenly allowing a peep of panty at the bottom without any discernible transition. In fact, even the bottom of the dress seems to only be transparent when it moves or when the light hits it a certain way, which creates a great peekaboo effect.
Demi Lovato's black lace took the form of a jumpsuit with harem pants. I actually liked the puffy, spangled harem pants, with their angled yoke which flattered her slender figure, but the top was a little too see-through for my taste. A bit more coverage - even just a denser lace pattern - across the bust would have brought this to the next level. Crazy but cool.
Hailey Baldwin hit it out of the park with her silver lace jumpsuit. The plunging neckline, the oval satin sash, the wide-legged pants, the vertically-patterned lace, even the barely-visible boy-cut shorts all worked together to make a strikingly gorgeous look.
Heidi Klum made a rare fashion misstep in this gold lace dress that had a great concept but poor execution. The overlay fabric was drop-dead gorgeous, and I loved the criss-cross pattern under the bust and the high yoke at the neck. But the wide, tight keyhole opening appeared to be straining, and the way the lace pattern fell at her crotch made her underwear look as bulky as a diaper. It was a good effort, but it fell a bit short.
Justina Valentine went for simple sexy with a sheer chiffon slip dress over retro-styled black high-cut underpants and matching bra. The word "Chill" emblazoned in red matched her bright red curly locks and provided a great pop of color that brought the outfit to life. Simple, but effective.
Paris Jackson also paired a generally see-through dress over conservative undergarments, but the styles just didn't pair well. The sheer skirt over fitted shorts actually worked for me - I loved the stylized map on the sheer upper skirt with ethnic-looking art panels along the bottom. But the casual, sporty bra disrupted the lines of the structured bodice, making her look extremely flat-chested and spoiling the gorgeous embroidered art. I would love to have seen this with a lined band across the chest instead of a bra underneath. It would have saved the whole outfit.
Sibley Scoles emphasized short and tight rather than see-through. Her micro-mini dress of gold spangled lace plunged at the neckline, with a subtle modesty panel with a spray of jewels along her collarbone. I loved the subtle hint of dark red in the beading and the scalloped hem. It was a gorgeous dress, but it kept the focus on the wearer. Great look.
Tiffany Hadesh went with a short silver lace sheath with a round neck and long sleeves. The pattern of the lace became more open toward the hem, forming a long diamond pattern which drew in the eye and flattered her somewhat straight figure. It was simple, but pretty.
Vanessa Hudgens combined see-through sections with bright color in this fun, fire engine red gown. The bodice and top and bottom of the skirt were covered with a ruffled 3D lace pattern, with a wide swath of sheer fabric from thigh to just below the knee, and sheer sleeves and yoke on the bodice. The upper part of the skirt was lined with a structured underskirt that created a bit of flare, resulting in a fun and interesting silhouette.
Traditional Gowns
"Traditional" is really just a base here, although there were some truly traditional (read: conservative) gowns, both ballgowns and more slender columns. I like to see some of the couture twists that make an ordinary red carpet gown into a VMA red carpet gown.
Alissa Violet wouldn't have looked out of place at the Oscars in this strapless plum satin column with slit and long train. The fabric was a bit crinkled at the waist, but otherwise the gown had lovely clean lines and looked beautiful on her. But it wasn't especially memorable, especially in this context.
Andrea Russet's take on a ballgown felt more VMA-appropriate to me. The traditionally full white lace skirt flared into a great line from the plunging neckline which revealed just a peep of the tattoo on her sternum (not generally my thing, but it worked really well with the gown). Somehow the sweet white lace and demurely waved hair paired with the "bad girl" tattoo really rocked.
Christina Milian also wore an Oscar-worthy gown. The steel grey-blue gown had a simple spaghetti-strap bodice and a slim skirt beautifully draped at the hip with an open slit at the front. The gown moved gracefully and its simplicity called attention to the wearer rather than the gown.
Gigi Gorgeous was a good example of a great concept but poor execution. Her corset-style white column featured long vertical seaming and interesting straps across the bust with lace and metal detailing, but the bodice was not well-fitted to her extremely full bust and focused too much on her generous cleavage. Perhaps a different hairstyle might have saved the look, but it just didn't work for me.
Hazel-E followed the current cold shoulder trend in this shaggy black gown with wide keyhole and peekaboo skirt. While I like the detailing along the keyhole, it makes her figure look...less than perky, and the long marabou fringe along the arms paired with the ruffled skirt makes the whole look seem somewhat droopy and tired.
Ivana Baquero looked cute but conservative in her metallic-on-white print halter gown. The criss-cross neckline and attached sleeves were cute, but the overall look was just a bit blah for me. I think the same dress in a really vivid solid color like cobalt blue or deep copper might have been a better choice.
Jenelle Evans wore a two-piece gown with a black organza A-line skirt and a brightly-patterned, midriff-baring halter. I loved the contrast of the two pieces, but I'd have liked it better if Evans didn't look so miserable wearing it.
Julia Michaels went for a more traditional look in this flared ballgown with a corset-style bodice. The spangled fabric that faded from midnight blue into silver was my favorite part. It wasn't a knockout, but it was certainly respectable, flattering, and appropriate.
Katy Perry sported one of the most avant garde looks of the evening in this gravity-defying asymmetrical white column. I really wanted to love it, but it was just a little too out of proportion for me. I think that if the right shoulder had been just a little narrower, or edged with a softer fabric, or even if her hair and makeup had been dialed back a bit, it would have felt more in balance. But as it was, it felt like she was trying a little too hard.
Kesha was a good example of a dress overwhelming its wearer. First, the sheer volume of the too many layers of ruffles weighted her down, then the broad puffs of tulle on the shoulders drew the eye outwards, and finally the overall color melted into her hair and skin. Poor Kesha deserved better, and from the expression on her face, she knew it.
Ignoring the birdcage (!?!!) for a moment, Lil Mama sported a long, draped coral chiffon gown. The ruffled neckline echoed the soft drape of the front slit and the graceful puddling of the train, and the wide black choker and long dark hair nicely framed her face and focused attention there. If the birdcage had been smaller and had been a functional purse rather than just a random birdcage, this look would have gotten a 10 from me, but I have to knock her down to a 9. Wait - there was a live bird in the birdcage? Make that a 6. Poor bird. I hope she brought teeny tiny earplugs for it.
Lorde wore a pale lavender ballgown with a simple crushed bodice and a full eyelash skirt. I'm not generally a fan of large swaths of eyelash fabric (it always makes me think of muppets), but the delicate color and graceful lines actually work here, especially paired with her understated makeup and simple half-updo. Well played.
Sofia Carson wore an all-black ensemble that perfectly matched her shiny, shiny sleek hair. With a deeply plunging, ruffle-edged neckline held in place with a modesty panel, the gown flared into a full A-line skirt with a chiffon overlay that swept and moved beautifully. Dramatic and chic.
Vanessa Morgan went in an entirely different direction in her pirate/gladiator/superhero-inspired gown. The floral top features long bell sleeves and a deep v-neck held closed with fabric bands, and the black skirt consists of a narrow front panel with two wide slits all the way up to the waistband, with a full back and just a hint of a train. Paired with knee-high gladiator sandals and long wavy locks, this sweet warrior look is tough but endearing.
Yara Shahidi wore a softly draped and wrapped mustard gold one-shouldered gown with a black sash and shoulder rosette. The color wasn't really right for her, and the style itself seemed too old for her. it seemed like it should work, but it just didn't.
Suits, Pants, and Rompers
It's not uncommon to see a man-style suit on any red carpet, either worn relatively traditionally or creatively (Celine Dion in her backwards tux, anyone?), but the VMAs often bring out pantsuits, pants paired with unusual tops, and rompers and one-pieces of various kinds. As always, some are more successful than others.
Arielle Vandenberg broke out the leopard print in this stylized suit with flared cropped pants and square-shouldered jacket worn over a black lace corset and black ankle boots. I thought the flared short pants with a gap at the top of the boots looked clunky and shortened her legs, and the line of the lace in the corset was oddly truncated by the waistband of the pants. Slightly longer pants and a fully-lace bodice would have turned this meh look into a great one.
Cardi B. was a knockout in this white pantsuit with full skirted train. The futuristic lines of the bodice and the crisp structure of the pants were perfectly tailored. This is the kind of look that was meant for the VMAs. Big win.
Farrah Abraham belongs in this category because, technically, she was wearing pants, but clearly this outfit is all about the boots. The fabulous boots. And when you have a single accessory that is this fabulous, you want everything else to get out of the way. Her tight white pants and simple white fitted V-neck top with just a hint of angled detail on the shoulders was just right to fade into the background without being boring. I only wish she'd been carrying a tiny matching gold clutch to make this look perfect.
Laura Marano wore a black satin suit with silver detailing. Her jacket was fitted and flared, with a shawl collar and barely flared sleeves, and her pants flared dramatically at the ankle. As much as I loved the jacket, the line of the pants didn't work for me. Had they been either straight leg or flared a few inches lower, I think the silhouette would have worked much better.
Nicki Minaj was painted into a skin-tight, bubblegum pink, vinyl catsuit with giant cutouts over the breasts, accessorized with a wide diamond choker and cuffs, and pink and orange stilettos. There's no doubt that she has a stunning figure, but it would have been better served in something just a little less tight and shiny. Also, my boobs hurt in sympathy.
Pink absolutely rocked the house in this fabulously stylized three-piece, pinstriped suit with super-wide trousers that almost looked like a gown. The formality and masculinity of the suit combined with the soft fullness of the pants and the casual feel of the loosened tie hit all the right notes for this event. This was the best look of the night for me.
Renee Bargh was another big yes for me in this tailored scarlet romper. The cropped pants are just the right length and width, and the crispness of the squared shoulders and open angled neckline are softened just enough by the draped lapel and curve of the lines over the hip. It's bright and comfortable and eye-catching.
Sammi Sanchez went for a take on 1950s chic, pairing a tight-fitting black pants with a black vinyl halter and matching wide corset, with a sheer peach organza jacket and leopard print platform boots. She had me right up to the boots. Finish off this outfit with peach or coral point-toed pumps instead of the boots and this look would be at the top of my list.
Sydney Sierota opted for a lovely deep blue satin double-breasted jacket with brass buttons and matching pegged pants. The severe cut of the jacket gives just a hint of a military flavor, but the soft fabric and the puff at the ankle add femininity. This was a lovely young take on the suit, and Sierota wore it well.
Sophie Beem wore an outfit that can perhaps best be described as "pajamas with matching bikini". Her casual, candy-striped outfit was droopy and wrinkly, and although it would have been adorable at the beach or a sleepover, it was hopelessly inappropriate and out of place on the red carpet - even the VMA red carpet.
Short Dresses
The term "short dresses" encompasses almost everything on the red carpet that hasn't already been covered above. Everything from traditional cocktail dresses to two-piece microminis to slip dresses to whatever falls under this category.
Caroline D'Amore brought ethnic charm to the traditional little black dress in this gorgeously and colorfully embroidered minidress. The lines are simple, with a broad round neck and slightly flared sleeves, but the floral pattern is all the detail this look needs. Terrific.
Chanel West Coast (? I'm not even going to ask) sported a two-piece red and black patterned dress with matching long jacket. I liked the simple clean lines of the straight-cut, lapel-less jacket, the tube top, and the fitted skirt, and I liked that it was paired with a black bag on a long gold chain and cool retro sunglasses. But the black socks with black pumps was a big no for me.
Erin Lim brought a touch of sci-fi flair to her short black and silver wrap dress, with its wildly flared and oversized angular shoulder pads. I liked the lace sleeves and the simple straight lines of the dress contrasted with the busy but subtle metallic print, and the straight lines of the sash and its extra-long trailing ends were a great touch. A good look.
Jasmine Sanders seemed to be channeling either Pocahontas or the perhaps Attack of the 50-ft. Woman in this ragged metallic two-piece dress. The top isn't too bad, but the skirt looks like it accidentally ripped in several places as she was getting out of the limo. Too messy and forced for me.
Jeanine Mason was perky and adorable in this snug white dress with a series of black and silver bands at the neck, bust, and waist. Revealing but solidly in place, this dress wouldn't look out of place at a club, but it fit right in at the VMAs as well.
Liza Koshy sported a great double-breasted black and white velvet wrap dress. Its deep neckline had a graceful curve, the sleeves had a generous flare at the wrists, and the hemline was just barely asymmetrical - all details that turned what could have been a bland dress into a really great one.
Mel B. wore a gold sequined sheath dress emblazoned with the words "YOU WILL NEVER OWN ME" in rainbow lettering. Accessorized with scarlet pointy pumps and a sideswept hairdo, she indeed owned the red carpet.
Millie Bobby Brown was overwhelmed by her frothy, ruffled, black and gold dress. The long ruffles and loose fit looked baggy and droopy, and the dress itself couldn't seem to decide whether to be prairie, prom, or goth. From the neck up, she looked fabulous, but the rest of the look was just a hot mess.
Defying Categorization
Some looks will never fit into a single category (and that's probably a good thing).
Lizzo seemed to be attempting to channel a bride with her romance novel cover white gown (printed with letters which may or may not have formed words - they weren't readable, in any case), bridal headpiece, and thigh-high white stockings with garters, for some inexplicable reason paired with silver sneakers. Maybe it ties into some album she's touting, but for the uninitiated it just looked weird.
Noah Cyrus may have been attempting to feature her cool boots in the same way as Farrah Abraham, but it just didn't work. The voluminous tunic creates shadows at the top of her legs and jumps to the foreground instead of framing the boots, and the overly-jet black hair competes with the shiny boots. Add in the ridiculously down on the nose pink Lennon glasses and it's just a mess all over.
So - whose look worked for you, and whose look needs to go back to the drawing board??
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