11 of the best and worst looks from the 2026 VMAs

There were fashion hits and misses at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images Celebrities weren't afraid to have fun on the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet. Some, like Teyana Taylor and Lisa, arrived in eye-catching sheer gowns or bold sets. Other stars, including Taylor Swift, didn't have their best fashion moment at the VMAs. If you didn't spend your Sunday night watching the MTV Video Music Awards, you missed out. The 2026 VMAs were held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrating the best music videos of the year with live performances. Stars like Raye and Kacey Musgraves took the stage, while Madonna won seven awards at the show, including artist of the year. Plus, Taylor Swift won video of the year for "The Fate of Ophelia" and the inaugural artist director honors, and she debuted her music video for "Patient Zero." The A-list attendees also had fun with their fashion. MTV's red carpet is a little more casual than others, allowing stars to show off daring fabrics or bold silhouettes. Some stars' looks were stronger than others, though. Take a look at the best and worst outfits from the 2026 VMAs. Raye's sparkly gown was glamorous. Raye attends the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2026. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 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. Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2026. John Shearer/WireImage/Rich Polk/Billboard via Getty Images 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. Ciara Miller attends the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards in September 2026. LISA O'CONNOR / AFP via Getty Images 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. Adam Lambert attends the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2026. LISA O'CONNOR / AFP via Getty Images 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. Teyana Taylor attends the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2026. Todd Williamson/CBS via Getty Images 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 attends the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2026. John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images 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, leat