MTV VMAs 2023 Best Dressed on the Red Carpet

The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet kicks off at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on Tuesday, Sept. 12. With preshow appearances from Saweetie and Sabrina Carpenter and Nicki Minaj acting as emcee, we can expect fashion that is nothing short of statement-making — and there’s good reason for that. The MTV VMAs have given rise to some of the most memorable, downright-outrageous red carpet looks throughout history, from Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress (which symbolized her support of the 2011 Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy repeal) to Miley Cyrus’s revealing Atelier Versace harness that was dripping with crystals at the 2015 ceremony.

This year’s list of nominees puts Taylor Swift in the spotlight with eight nods and also recognizes artists including SZA, Cyrus, Minaj, Doja Cat, Kim Petras, and Sam Smith. Olivia Rodrigo will perform music from her second studio album, “Guts,” which means we can expect definite style references to the ’90s on stage after the red carpet wraps.

In 2022, Lizzo made the case for edge in a voluminous Jean Paul Gaultier number, Swift arrived in a tiny chain-mail Oscar de la Renta minidress, Lil Nas X showed his affinity for Harris Reed’s couture garments in a dramatic feather-tiered skirt and matching headpiece, and Carpenter tapped into the hip-cleavage trend in a colorful Moschino halter gown with 3D florals.

Look back at the 2022 MTV VMAs red carpet, then scroll through the 2023 arrivals ahead to see how musicians continue to up the ante when it comes to their glam at this iconic award show.