The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards were more than just a night of music; they were a full-on fashion event. From bold gowns to daring stage outfits, the stars brought their A-game to the red carpet and beyond that night. This year’s show gave fans everything, from playful polka dots to glittering sequins, proving that the VMAs are still the place where fashion risks and creativity shine brightest.
It is no surprise that Arianna Grande took some time away from red carpet events to focus on her career as an actress and singer. When she finally made her highly anticipated return, she turned heads, dressing absolutely stunning for the VMAs. The singer arrived wearing a head-to-toe polka dot look, contoured by Fendi, covered in Swarovski jewels. She was styled by none other than Law Roach, an esteemed fashion stylist, who gave the audience a sneak-peak of Arianna’s outfit, posting stunning pictures to Instagram before her arrival. She sure knows how to get people’s attention. Who would have thought polka dot summer was also a look for the red carpet? Being a queen herself, she didn’t have one look but in fact FOUR different looks. Once she’d walked the red carpet, Ari swapped polka dots for sequins as she changed into a shimmering black floor-length gown by Tamara Ralph. The sheer skirt and puffy chiffon sleeves? Obsessed. When it came time to collect her own awards, Ariana turned up the heat and pulled out some dramatic silhouettes, starting off with a glinda-esque ballgown by Steve O Smith, that she wore while accepting the Best Pop award. The corset top and voluminous skirt looked like they’d had a bucket of black paint thrown on them; and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. The saying goes “save the best for last,” and that may have been precisely what Ariana and Law did with this bright white, tutu-inspired dress from Givenchy, designed by Sarah Burton. I mean, what are the VMAs without bold fashion choices?
Another bold fashion choice was made by none other than Doja Cat, styled by Brett Nelson.
Many were unsure why the Jealous Type singer and song of the summer nominee showed up looking like Dolly Parton in 1990, but we are here for it. She showed up in six-inch platforms carrying a Judith Leiber designed, bedazzled purse shaped like red lipstick. Like many of her past red carpet looks, this one creates a unique character, mixing drag culture into looking like the iconic Dolly Parton. She stepped out onto the carpet in a memorable minidress, with a deepV- neck, which she paired with a blonde wig (completed with ’80s bangs), and a red lip. Although her dress was seen as tacky, it was also a daring choice that made many heads turn. Her red lips matching her lipstick purse made many speechless. During her performance, it looked as if she stepped right out of the 1980s. Her performance outfit was a more toned-down version of her red carpet look, but it still matched her retro theme. The star wore a cropped, white shirt and bra top, with a pair of black trousers and comfy Vans sneakers. The quirky fashion choices didn’t end there either. For the remainder of the night, Doja put on a sculptural black mini dress from Jeremy Scott, paired with pointed Louboutin Pumps. Overall, Doja Cat’s outfits showed that she knows how to surprise the crowd and keep her style memorable, making her one of the standout stars of the VMA red carpet.
The extremely memorable star this year was none other than Sabrina Carpenter,
dressed by Valentino. The Tears singer and Best Album winner didn’t have to show up all sophisticated and slinky, but did anyway. It was smart of Sabrina to do something so light, considering all of the criticism she’s been getting for her new album cover of A Man’s Best Friend. Like a lot of Sabrina’s older red carpet looks, this one gives a Madonna vibe. Which I’m loving. It’s grown-up, and sort of delicate, but it still has that crayon colored, girlie feel to it. She, of course, stepped onto the carpet looking iconic as always. Her dress was a totally sheer beaded red gown by Valentino, with a bold turtleneck choice, paired with a fuzzy purple boa. Her hair? Obviously she had to go with her signature: loose waves.Unlike Arianna Grande, Sabrina had FIVE whole outfits. To wrap up her night of fashion changes, Sabrina didn’t stop with her red carpet Valentino look, or her “Swamp Dress.” For her performance of Tears she came out wearing a long-sleeve, off-the-shoulder rhinestone fringe top, paired with a sparkling mini skirt and glittery tights. Midway through the song, she switched into a halter-style, rhinestone bra top with matching sequined bottoms, that gave a fun early 2000s pop star feel. Later, when she accepted her award for Best Album, she rocked an asymmetrical black dress, with rainbow sequin cut-outs that showed off her bold style. Finally, to close out the night at her “Sabrina 54” afterparty with Amazon Music, she wore an archival Bob Mackie bodysuit with neon straps and mirrored details, a look that was once designed for Cher. These five outfits proved that Sabrina owned the VMAs from start to finish.
By the end of the night, it was clear that the VMAs weren’t just about awards and performances, but also about unforgettable style moments. Whether it was Ariana’s dreamy gowns, Doja’s retro Dolly Parton vibe, or Sabrina’s lineup of show-stopping looks, each star made sure to leave their mark. If one thing is certain, it’s that the 2025 VMAs will be remembered as a night where music and fashion went hand in hand, giving fans iconic moments to talk about long after the show ended.
