Look for the Story
Before you praise or pan an outfit, ask yourself: Is there a narrative at play? The VMAs are the perfect venue for an artist to tell a story. Think of a look that directly references a new music video, album cover, or a specific musical era. When an artist like
Conan Gray shows up in a nautical-themed outfit, it's not just a random choice; it's likely tied to the theme of his latest album. Similarly, a group like Katseye showing up in coordinated looks for their VMA debut is a statement about unity and branding. A great VMA look is often a piece of performance art that started before the artist even stepped inside the arena. Recognizing the story turns you from a simple critic into a pop culture decoder.
Consider the Venue
This isn’t the Oscars. While other awards shows often favor classic, refined glamour, the VMAs have a long history of being rebellious, experimental, and downright weird. From Lady Gaga's meat dress to Rose McGowan's see-through chainmail dress, the event's DNA is about pushing boundaries. Judging a VMA look by the standards of a state dinner is missing the point entirely. An outfit that might be deemed "too much" or "inappropriate" elsewhere could be perfectly on-brand for music's most chaotic night. The goal isn't always to be pretty; sometimes it's to be memorable, provocative, or just plain fun. The real question should be: Did they understand the assignment for this specific event?
Appreciate the Artistry
Behind every look, there’s a designer, a stylist, and a team of creatives who spent countless hours on its creation. Instead of a snap judgment on whether you love or hate it, take a moment to appreciate the craft. Look at the silhouette, the choice of fabric, the construction, and the detailing. A dress might feature intricate embroidery, a jacket might have an unconventional cut, or the combination of textures might be unique. Even if the final look isn't to your personal taste, you can still respect the artistry. For example, a custom Balmain dress on Doja Cat or a vintage Bob Mackie on Sabrina Carpenter involves a level of design and history worth acknowledging. This shifts the conversation from a simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down to a more nuanced appreciation of fashion as a medium.
Separate the Look from the Person
This is the cardinal rule of non-toxic critique. It’s easy for commentary to slip into personal attacks, especially on social media. The goal is to critique the clothes, not the body or the person wearing them. Frame your opinions around the outfit itself. For instance, instead of saying someone looks bad, you could say the color combination feels jarring or the silhouette doesn't seem to work with the chosen fabric. It’s the difference between saying, “That dress is a mess,” and, “She is a mess.” One is a fashion opinion; the other is just being unkind. The most insightful commentators focus on the styling choices and the success of the aesthetic, keeping the person's worth entirely out of the equation.
Champion the 'Interesting' over the 'Flattering'
The word "flattering" is often used as the ultimate measure of a successful outfit, but on the VMA red carpet, it's frequently the least important metric. High fashion is often about challenging norms, creating a mood, or presenting a new idea. Some of the most iconic looks in VMA history were anything but conventionally flattering—they were interesting, avant-garde, and thought-provoking. Think of artists who play with androgyny, exaggerated proportions, or conceptual themes. When you see a look that makes you stop and think, even if you don't immediately love it, give it credit for being daring. In a sea of safe, pretty dresses, an outfit that makes a bold, weird statement is often the one we remember and talk about for years to come.
