MTV VMAs: Riskiest Fashion Moments of All Time 

If there’s a place for celebs to make a fashion statement, it’s the MTV VMAs red carpet.

After all, the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet has seen celebrities rock some of the most unforgettable looks—from edible dresses to barely-there ensembles. And with the 2024 VMAs quickly approaching, it is only fitting to reminisce on the most iconic looks to grace the award show.

For instance, it is hard to forget the moment Lady Gaga stepped onto the carpet in 2010 covered head to toe in raw beef. From her dress down to her beef boots and matching hat, this mouth-watering outfit was one for the books. And then, of course, there was Nicki Minaj’s youthful outfit the following year. At the 2011 awards, the “Starships” rapper took inspiration from her favorite childhood companions and lined her legs with stuffed animal remnants.

If one thing is constant at the VMAs, it’s that celebs will not miss the opportunity to make a statement with their bold attire. Dating back to the first ever VMAs in 1984, Madonna stunned in her iconic white-hot dress, lace gloves and belt that flashed the words “BOY TOY.” As if that wasn’t fashion-forward enough, Lil’ Kim took to the carpet in 1998 with a perfectly color-coordinated lilac outfit, covering her chest with a sequined nipple cover to match her risqué jumpsuit. 

But when it comes to showing a little skin, Tinashe came pretty close to matching her freak. The “Nasty” singer bared almost all during the 2023 ceremony, covering up with a few pieces of strategically placed tape and a mesh, sparkly dress. That same year, Doja Cat took it a step further and freed the nipple in a web-inspired gown that left little to the imagination.

With Y2K fashion back in full swing, it only makes sense to highlight Christina Aguilera’s 2002 look, featuring pieces that would fit right in now and others that have stayed firmly back in the early aughts. With a barely-there jean mini skirt and, a scarf as a top and a page boy-esque hat, the pop star was the perfect representation of the early 2000s. 

Now, ahead of the 2024 VMAs—which will take place on Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT—the anticipation is higher than ever to see what stars like Chappel Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Katy Perry will be wearing when they step out at the UBS Arena in New York.

In the meantime, keep reading to look back on the riskiest VMAs looks throughout the years. 

Ahh the meat dress. Who could forget this wild moment from the 2010 VMAs? (The answer is no one.)

The "Paint the Town Red" rapper freed the nippe in a wed-inspired gown by Monse at the 2023 ceremony.

At the 2002 show, the "Stronger" singer said goodbye to the frilly, girly and glitzy gowns she was then-known for, shocking the crowd with an edgy halter dress, lace-up heels, gloves and captain hat. 

The "Starships" emcee arrived at the 2011 show in this larger-than-life ensemble—the remnants of stuffed animals lined her legs, people.

Raise your glass to this fierce lewk. Not one for following trends, the singer graced the 2000 red carpet with vibrant pink spikey hair, low-rise jeans, a gold sequins halter top and bold coat.

The Jennifer's Body actress bared her own bod in a nearly-naked look at the 2021 ceremony.

Back in 1998, the rapper gave new meaning to color coordination. Her wig, jumpsuit, pasties and lipstick all matched, making this lilac look instantly iconic.

The "Montero" rapper had everyone calling him by his name when he showed up at the 2022 ceremony in a massive feathered skirt and matching headpiece by Harris Reed.

Vogue! The pop star struck a pose at the 1984 awards ceremony in her iconic white-hot dress, lace gloves and statement jewelry pieces.

The Disney Channel alum came in like a wrecking ball in 2015, letting it all hang out in this bedazzled chrome number. 

Rawr: In 2018, the model accessorized her bondage-inspired, red latex bodysuit with a cat mask and whip, of course.

In 2002, the "Dirrty" singer's Y2K uniform pretty much consisted of this always—barely-there mini skirts, scarves as tops and page boy-esque hats.

One word: Yeehaw! The DJ  surprised fans and viewers at the 2019 event with his wildly colorful get-up. From his patterned suit to the matching cowboy hat and flashy belt buckle, this was an unforgettable red carpet moment.

The No Doubt frontwoman's iconic 1998 style will forever be admired, including this get-up. The blue hair, matching bikini top, face jewelry and hula-hoop skirt paired with pants truly embodied the "more is more" approach.

Is somebody gonna match her freak? The "Nasty" singer bared almost all during the 2023 ceremony.

A fashion statement, literally. The "Candy Land" rapper had an important message to share as she walked the red carpet in a rainbow-colored jumpsuit.

The same year J.Lo wore her legendary green Versace dress, she also rocked this all-white ensemble to the 2000 MTV VMAs. From the bedazzled bandana to the glitzy Sean John crop top, this was the epitome of the early aughts.

The Versace design that dropped jaws and turned heads. The supermodel sizzled at the 1992 ceremony with this dominatrix-esque dress.

The "Fireworks" singer brought the glitz and the glamour to the 2008 ceremony. However, she kept her ensemble playful and flirty with purple heels, a feathered accessory, a diamond hairpiece and a patriotic purse.

Triple threat! The trio mixed dazzling with daring at the 2000 show. From the bedazzled bustiers to the latex leather bottoms, Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé and Michelle Williams stunned in these uniquely designed outfits.

Bam! The "Sweet But Psycho" singer was a force on the 2019 red carpet with her superhero-inspired ensemble.

The Black Ink Crew star wasn't afraid to show some skin in 2018 with her sparkly pasties, which perfectly matched her glitzy suit.

The "I'm Gonna Show You Crazy" singer wasn't horsing around at the 2023 ceremony, showing up in a black gown that featured a long tail and butt cheek cutouts.

Channeling her best Britney Spears in "Toxic," the influencer's 2016 red carpet outfit packed major personality.

Before Rihanna hit the CFDA Awards in 2014, there was the Charmed actress at the 1998 MTV VMAs in this see-through number. 

She never lets us down! Arriving on the red carpet in 2018, the singer left little to the imagination with this sheer gown.

The supermodel left the typical dress at home, and instead, opted for something fun, flirty and fierce in 2019.

Back in 2001, Instagram wasn't yet a thing, so Macy took it upon herself to throw in some shameless self-promotion.

We applaud the singer's determination to not let her injury get in the way of a fabulous outfit in 2011.

Twins! Leave it to stars to make a serious statement on the 2015 red carpet.