From Olivia Rodrigo to Doja Cat: The best and boldest red carpet looks at the 2023 VMAs

The red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) has a reputation for delivering top-tier fashion moments, and this year’s ceremony was no exception.

The VMAs were held on Tuesday 12 September, as fans and fellow performers celebrated the best music videos and artists of the year.

Taylor Swift became the artist with the most VMA wins in one night, as the 33-year-old musician took home nine awards including Video of the Year and Artist of the Year.

Nicki Minaj returned as the show’s solo host, and the ceremony was interspersed with performances from Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, Demi Lovato, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Fall Out Boy, Karol G, Kelsea Ballerini, Måneskin, Reneé Rapp, Shakira, Sabrina Carpenter and Future.

While many viewers were looking forward to show-stopping performances from their favourite artists, the VMAs has also been known for pulling out some memorable fashion moments, such as Lady Gaga’s iconic meat dress.

Here’s all the best dressed artists on the 2023 MTV VMAs red carpet:

Olivia Rodrigo

The “vampire” hitmaker Olivia Rodrigo dazzled in a low-cut silver column dress. She styled her long hair brown straight, with a center part.

Doja Cat

Doja Cat wore a barely-there, white Apocene dress that closely resembled spider webs. The look featured sparse, white fabric draped across her body, with a pair of nude underwear hidden underneath the ensemble. She paired her red carpet fashion with see-through heels, diamond drop earrings, and silver bracelets.

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion stunned in a custom-made, sheer black Brandon Blackwood gown. The floor-length dress featured a black bustier top, as she wore matching black underwear underneath the sheer dress.

Demi Lovato

The “Cool for the Summer” singer walked the VMAs red carpet in an all-black look. Lovato opted for an oversized jacket with dramatic shoulder pads, as she wore a black mini-dress underneath. She paired the ensemble with her signature sleek, black hair, long black nails, and heels.

Karol G

Colombian songstress Karol G was a vision in pink as she walked the red carpet in a nude, sheer mesh floor-length dress. As she posed for photos, she wore her matching nude jacket off her shoulders and showed off her long pink tresses.

Saweetie

The “Best Friend” singer, who’s hosting the MTV VMAs Pre-Show this year, took things back to cavemen days with her red carpet look. Saweetie was dressed in a sequin, halter-neck pink cut-out dress embellished with two bones, like something out of The Flintstones.

Cardi B

The “Bodak Yellow” rapper stole the show with her strapless, metallic gown that was adorned with silver hairpins.

Bebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha walked the VMAs red carpet on Tuesday, despite telling fans she was “anxious” about attending the ceremony due to negative comments about her weight. Nevertheless, the singer stunned in a black, latex dress with a cone bra-style bustier, à la Madonna.

Shakira

Shakira, who is up for four nominations, is being honoured tonight with the Video Vanguard Award. The Colombian singer marked the occasion with a gold, cut-out dress that featured a high leg slit and draped neckline. She completed the look with her auburn, wavy hair flowing off her shoulders.

Kelsea Ballerini

Country singer Kelsea Ballerini was a vision in red as she walked the “pink” carpet with her new romance, Outer Banks star Chase Stokes. The couple wore matching red ensembles; Ballerini was dressed in a plunging, cut-out red gown while Stokes opted for a long, red suit jacket, a pair of white trousers, and a black, deep V-neck shirt.

Jared Leto

Actor and singer Jared Leto arrived at the VMAs red carpet with his brother and Thirty Seconds to Mars bandmate, Shannon Leto. The Oscar winner wore an all-black look, sporting bleached eyebrows and dramatic, smoky eyeshadow.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez made her return to the MTV VMAs for the first time since 2015. The “Single Soon” singer is up for not only Song of the Year, but Collaboration of the Year, and the Best Afrobeats VMA Awards. For the occasion, she opted for a stringy, red floral dress with a high leg slit and matching red, strappy heels.

Sabrina Carpenter

The “Nonsense” singer arrived at the VMAs in a white, draped tulle dress, which she wore over a glittering, bustier bodysuit.

Madelyn Cline

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery star Madelyn Cline channelled “balletcore” on the VMAs red carpet. She rocked a pale pink floor-length gown, which featured a two-piece draped bodice.

Reneé Rapp

Best New Artist nominee Reneé Rapp arrived at the awards ceremony in a black, two-piece dress with long sleeves and a high leg slit.

Taylor Swift

Before taking home the award for Best Pop Video for her hit song, “Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift walked the red carpet in a black, button-down Versace dress, which she accessorised with layered gold chain necklaces and a pair of strappy black sandals.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj, the host for this year’s MTV VMAs, has taken wedding fashion to a whole new level. The “Superbass” singer rocked a pink corset bodysuit, which she completed with a sheer, lace skirt and a dramatic vail.

Rita Ora

Rita Ora arrived at the VMAs in a black, off-the-shoulder Rodarte gown with long, oversized sleeves. She finished off the look with a shimmering smoky eye and a pale, pink lip.

Emily Ratajkowski

Emily Ratajkowski took a break from New York Fashion Week to attend this year’s VMAs in a handkerchief dress. The Y2K-inspired ensemble featured a green, criss-cross halter neck and an asymmetrical, abstract skirt. She paired the look with a small, dazzling Fendi purse.