From over-the-top ruffles and bizarre feathers to clashing patterns and weirdly-shaped frocks, the 2025 Video Music Awards have been filled with a slew of sartorial nightmares and fashion fails.
The event, which is being hosted by LL COOL J, kicked off at 8pm EST/5pm EST and is streaming live on Paramount+, CBS, and MTV.
It’s set to honor the biggest artists, songs, and music videos of the year, and a slew of A-listers descended upon the red carpet at the UBS Arena in New York ahead the awards show.
And while some wowed in glamorous dresses and stunning looks… others completely missed the mark with their ensembles.
That’s right, many of Hollywood’s most elite failed to impress with their bizarre outfit choices for the glittering soiree.
Ariana Grande led the worst dressed list at the 2025 VMAs in a strapless black and white polka dot frock that had a strange puffy ruffle in the center and hung awkwardly on her frame.
Doja Cat came in second thanks to her colorful purple and yellow plaid mini dress, which had a very low-cut neckline and dramatic sparkling red embellishments along the edges.
She completed the exaggerated ensemble with enormous, platform heels, eye-popping earrings, and a wild blonde wig.
Ariana Grande led the worst dressed list at the 2025 VMAs in a strapless black and white polka dot frock that had a strange puffy ruffle in the center and hung awkwardly on her frame
Doja Cat came in second thanks to her colorful purple and yellow plaid mini dress, which had a very low-cut neckline and dramatic sparkling red embellishments
Paris Hilton showed up in a black leather dress shaped like a flame, which she paired with tights, leather gloves, a choker and pumps – and the ensemble was not her best
Zara Larson left little to imagination with her VMAs outfit. She donned a completely see-through mini dress and blue undies, with dazzling tassels and flowers covering her assets
Between her blue, plaid, patchwork skirt and lacy yellow corset top, Ice Spice’s VMAs look was a sartorial nightmare
Rebecca Black arrived in an unordinary ensemble which consisted of a puffy, lace skirt and fluffy haltered top. She paired it with heels that had brown fur on them
Franke Grande was seen at the event in a yellow and black striped suit. The bright pattern ensured all eyes would be on him… but not for the right reasons
Singer Taylor Momsen wore next to nothing… she donned a black maxi skirt, studded belt, and just a tiny bra on top
Actress and comedian Megan Stalter opted for a white gown that had a large round piece of fabric at the end of the skirt. She paired the strange ensemble with a bedazzled Dunkin bag
FKA twigs raised eyebrows with her revealing look, which was made up of a piece of red fabric that went across her breasts, some sleeves, and a matching skirt
Conan Gray had a lot going on with his sailor-like outfit, including lace and ruffles galore, an oversized collar, and enormous platform boots
Fashion fail! Ciara’s red turtleneck mini dress had a very awkward shape, making it look like an oversized sweatshirt
Paris Hilton showed up in a black leather dress shaped like a flame, which she paired with tights, leather gloves, a choker and pumps – and the ensemble was not her best.
Zara Larson left little to imagination with her VMAs outfit. She donned a completely see-through mini dress and blue undies, with dazzling tassels and flowers covering her assets.
Rebecca Black arrived in an unordinary ensemble which consisted of a puffy, lace skirt and fluffy haltered top.
She paired it with heels that had brown fur on them and resembled some sort of animal.
Between her blue, plaid, patchwork skirt and lacy yellow corset top, Ice Spice’s VMAs look was a sartorial nightmare.
Franke Grande was seen at the event in a yellow and black striped suit. The bright pattern ensured all eyes would be on him… but not for the right reasons.
Singer Taylor Momsen wore next to nothing… she donned a black maxi skirt, studded belt, and just a tiny bra on top.
Actress and comedian Megan Stalter wore a white gown that had a large round piece of fabric at the end of the skirt. She paired the strange ensemble with a bedazzled Dunkin Donuts cup shaped bag.
Singer Maria Zardoya flashed her nipples on the red carpet, despite reports that CBS was cracking down on risqué outfits this year
Summer Walker opted for sparkly blue pants with tassels at the bottom, a white corset top, and a huge fluffy hat. And when we say huge, we really mean huge
Latto’s gown looked more like a blanket wrapped around her than a dress
Chance the Rapper walked the carpet in a brown sweater, baggy pants, sneakers, and a vest, but it looked like he was dressed for the outdoors rather than a star-studded event
Next! Alix Earle’s white dress was a little too boring if you ask us
Actress and singer Michaela Jaé Rodriguez arrived in a cream colored strapless gown that had two big lumps on her hips
What the frock? Singer Ayra Starr looked like she was covered in duct tape as she hit the VMAs red carpet
TV personality Gabby Windey hit the carpet in a nearly-naked look, donning a sheer, lacy black gown that had two big cut-outs around her midriff – leaving her underwear on full display
Singer Lola Young was seen in a black crop to, jacket, and capri pants. She accessorized with a slew of gold belts, chunky necklaces, and high socks, and there was way too much going on
Rapper Sexyy Red donned a tiny leather dress and lace-up boots. But the weirdest part? She brought an actual whip onto the carpet
Model and scientist Rachel Pizzolato’s blue dress landed her on Daily Mail’s worst dressed list thanks to the tentacle-looking pieces of fabric that hung off the skirt
Model and drag queen Symone opted for a red and white ruffled skirt and shirt combo – but the enormous puffy sleeves and matching neckpiece were over the top
FKA twigs raised eyebrows with her revealing look, which was made up of a piece of red fabric that went across her breasts, some sleeves, and a matching skirt.
TV personality Gabby Windey hit the carpet in a nearly-naked look, donning a sheer, lacy black gown that had two big cut-outs around her midriff – leaving her underwear on full display.
Singer Lola Young was seen in a black crop to, jacket, and capri pants. She accessorized with a slew of gold belts, chunky necklaces, and high socks, and there was way too much going on.
Model and drag queen Symone opted for a red and white ruffled skirt and shirt combo – but the enormous puffy sleeves and matching neckpiece were way too over the top.
It comes after The Sun reported that the stars have been warned that they cannot wear anything too ‘raunchy’ to the event.
The VMAs switched to CBS this year after 40 years of airing on MTV, and according to the publication, the network has set strict rules for attendees.
A source told the outlet that ‘revealing outfits’ and ‘unplanned profanity’ are strictly prohibited. In addition, cursing and any other unbecoming behavior will not fly.
‘CBS and MTV have significantly different rules and guidelines that they each have to abide by,’ the insider dished.
‘CBS has much stricter guidelines of what is considered inappropriate and is not allowed to air anything that is considered indecent or profane.’
‘Stars’ reps have been contacted far and wide, warning them not to dress their clients in too provocative of clothing,’ they continued.
‘It will still be a sexier night, but stars are prohibited from showing up in extremely raunchy looks, like the many nearly-naked looks that have been done in the past.
‘They’re hoping for a fun night, but attendees still need to behave properly.’