12 best-dressed celebs at MTV VMAs 2024: From Taylor Swift in plaid to Camila Cabello’s goth bride look
While the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards may not be as esteemed as those at the Oscars or Cannes, it still has a unique sense of drama. The annual award show has been renowned for its outrageous fashion since Madonna performed 'Like a Virgin' at the inaugural VMAs in 1984—nearly 40 years ago. This year was no different, as the 2024 VMA red carpet featured Halsey’s vintage Versace gown as well as Taylor Swift's iconic yellow plaid appearance on Wednesday, September 11. Several celebrities showed up on this year's red carpet in true gothic fashion, donning dark ensembles, including Suki Waterhouse and Camila Cabello. Here are the top 12 fashion highlights of the evening.
1. Taylor Swift
The 'Tortured Poets Department' hitmaker brought back the tartan, plaid, and checks fashion trend to the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet. Taylor Swift wore a patterned Christian Dior gown from the brand's Resort 2025 collection to the ceremony in Elmont, New York, inspired by a similar outfit worn by the character Cher Horowitz in the 1995 film 'Clueless', per CNN. Swift's high-low outfit included a flowing train with a bubble hemline and a taffeta tartan corset along with velvet shorts with a high waist. The singer matched her Stuart Weitzman thigh-high boots with fingerless, elbow-length leather gloves as an accessory.
2. Camila Cabello
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Singer Camila Cabello embraced a gothic appearance with intricate and detailed embroidery on her strapless Tony Ward gown, per WWD. The 'I Luv It' singer accessorized her outfit for the event with a sheer black veil adorned with lace accents that flowed beyond her arms. The dress was covered in elaborate beadwork and applique that created the illusion that it was made of nude fabric.
3. Sabrina Carpenter
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Sabrina Carpenter, a first-time contender for the VMAs, evoked classic Hollywood glitz in a strapless vintage Bob Mackie gown that Madonna wore to the 1991 Oscars. Silver beaded embroidery encircled the top of the stunning white gown with a sweetheart neckline, showcasing Carpenter's beautiful De Beers necklace. Her Marilyn Monroe-esque features were combined with a Madonna-like vibe by Evanie Frausto who styled her stunning blonde hair into lavish curls.
4. Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes showed up wearing a silk shirt, flared trousers, and a wool Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo. The 26-year-old 'There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back' singer was beaming and posed for pictures upon arriving at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. Mendes looked sharp and chic on the red carpet in the classic black ensemble complete with black shoes.
5. Chappell Roan
The 'Good Luck, Babe' singer looked like a medieval princess with her sheer burgundy gown, blazing red hair, forest green jacket, and a long toy sword. Chappell Roan wore a floor-length, deep V-neckline goth-inspired Y/Project gown while walking on her own carpet, brought to her by a helper costumed like a medieval knight. The translucent, layered dress had neutral half-slips that ended mid-thigh, with vertical stripes in maroon and ghost-gray.
6. Lisa
Lisa of Blackpink chose a dramatic custom Mugler design for her first solo appearance on the red carpet at the music awards gala, aiming toward a theatrical aesthetic. Lisa's unique Mugler creation included a veil, fabric draping, and a corseted bodice with semi-exposed boning. Moreover, the Blackpink singer's outfit had a glittering embellishment at the bodice's top. The dress featured long sleeves that reached Lisa's fingertips along with a veil framing her face.
7. Tyla
Tyla, the 22-year-old South African celebrity, added some color to the evening by donning a fluorescent yellow outfit from Area's latest collection that debuted at the New York Fashion Week. The Grammy Award-winning singer wore a coordinated miniskirt and spaghetti-fringed yellow corset top for the awards show. The triple nominee's skirt had a high-low appearance, with the spaghetti fringe forming a train behind her.
8. Suki Waterhouse
Suki Waterhouse stunned on the red carpet at the 2024 MTV VMAs wearing a silk Dolce & Gabbana dress. The dress featured cutouts on the bodice and sides, with its skirt reaching Suki's high waist, and linked to the bodice's cups with thin straps. She accessorized the outfit with black satin heels and a cropped bolero embellished with feathers.
9. Jordan Chiles
Olympian Jordan Chiles added a sporty twist to her silver 2024 MTV VMAs look. The gymnast and gold and silver medallist donned an ensemble from Off-White's ready-to-wear fall 2024 collection, which made its catwalk premiere at Paris Fashion Week in February. The outfit included a flowing silver top that matched the high-waist short shorts. The outfit also featured opera gloves and a high neckline with black and red detailing that matched the evening gloves.
10. Halle Bailey
Halle Bailey wore a strapless Sophie Couture red gown with a small fringe flowing from the bottom trim and a split neckline. Her strappy red heels peeked out from under the hanging material of her gorgeous gown as she grinned at the camera.
11. Halsey
Halsey arrived at the MTV VMAs sporting a hairstyle inspired by GloRilla's Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes and a red-hot cheetah print vintage Versace gown last worn by Elizabeth Hurley in 1996. The singer and About-Face beauty founder combined the Gianni Versace-designed silk chiffon gown with burnished rings, drop chain-link earrings, and matching burgundy nail art.
12. Quavo
Rapper Quavo was among the many stars who showed up at the 2024 VMAs red carpet dressed in all-black. The rapper walked the dark carpet in a fitted black satin suit complete with platform heels and boot-cut pants. He completed the look with silver chains and rings.
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