Embrace Sheer and Sparkle
One of the most dominant themes of the night was the use of sheer, sparkly, and “naked” dress styles. Raye stunned in a silver couture gown with crystal embellishments over a sheer base, while Teyana Taylor opted for a dramatic, glitter-flecked sheer dress with feathered
trim. Taylor Swift's look also featured sheer cutouts and a crystal-adorned skirt. You can translate this trend by looking for pieces with strategic illusion panels or by layering a sheer, sparkly top over a simple camisole or bandeau. A crystal-embellished accessory, like a handbag or a pair of shoes, can also provide that touch of VMA glamour without requiring a full see-through commitment.
Go Bold with Monochromatic Red
Head-to-toe color always makes a statement, and this year, the shade of choice was a powerful, unapologetic red. Lisa of Blackpink was a standout in a bold red gown paired with a massive faux-fur coat in the exact same hue. The key to this look is commitment. To make it work for you, try pairing items you already own in similar shades of red. Don’t worry if they don’t match perfectly; tonal variation can add depth. A red knit sweater with red trousers or a simple red dress paired with red heels creates an instantly polished and high-impact outfit that feels intentional and confident, straight from the red carpet playbook.
Incorporate Modern Corsetry
Structured bodices and corset details were everywhere, adding a blend of old-world glamour and modern edge. Lisa's red gown featured a corset bodice, and Taylor Swift's dress included a panel of corset ties down the back. This trend is surprisingly easy to adopt. A simple corset-style top can be paired with anything from high-waisted jeans for a casual-cool look to a flowing skirt for a more formal occasion. Look for tops with structured boning or lace-up details in the front or back. It's a way to add architectural interest and shape to your silhouette without needing a custom-fit gown.
Try a Two-Piece Set
The matching set continues to be a red carpet favorite for its effortless chic. At the VMAs, Ciara Miller sported a brown leather bra top with coordinating low-rise, lace-up pants, while Tyla wore a snakeskin-print bra and skirt set. The beauty of a two-piece set is its versatility. Worn together, it’s a complete, show-stopping look. But you can also break the pieces apart—pair the top with jeans or the bottoms with a simple white tee—to get more mileage from your wardrobe. Look for sets in interesting textures like faux leather or bold prints to capture that VMA-level confidence.
Experiment with Daring Cut-Outs
From subtle side panels to dramatic backless designs, cut-outs were a major story. Taylor Swift’s gown featured sheer cutouts on the sides, and Lisa's dress had transparent panels that added a modern twist to a classic silhouette. This trend can be as bold or as modest as you want. A top with a small keyhole detail at the neckline, a dress with cut-outs at the waist, or a sweater with open-shoulder details are all accessible ways to play with this idea. It’s all about showing a hint of skin in an unexpected way, adding an element of surprise and edginess to an otherwise simple piece.
