The 2025 Video Music Awards offered more than just music—they delivered a spectacle of fashion hits and misses. From oversized ruffles to see-through outfits, the red carpet at New York’s UBS Arena became a stage for daring choices, some of which flopped spectacularly.
Hosted by LL COOL J and broadcast live on Paramount+, CBS, and MTV, the event celebrated the year’s biggest artists, songs, and music videos. While a handful of stars wowed in stunning ensembles, others left fashion critics and fans questioning their wardrobe decisions.
Ariana Grande topped the list of the evening’s questionable fashion moments. The pop superstar stepped out in a black-and-white polka dot strapless dress featuring a puffy ruffle down the center. Intended to be playful, the frock hung awkwardly and created a silhouette that critics described as frumpy rather than fabulous.
Doja Cat’s Bold but Busy Look
Doja Cat was another red carpet contender for fashion debate. She arrived in a purple-and-yellow plaid mini dress with a plunging neckline, decorated with sparkling red embellishments. Her look was amplified by sky-high platform heels, oversized earrings, and a platinum blonde wig, leaving fans divided. Social media buzzed with both amusement and disbelief, with some calling the outfit “chaotic genius.”
Paris Hilton and Other Red Carpet Experiments
Paris Hilton went for a dramatic statement in a black leather dress shaped like a flame, paired with tights, gloves, a choker, and pumps. The ensemble was striking but overly complicated, proving that bold doesn’t always equal stylish.
Zara Larsson opted for sheer drama, wearing a see-through mini dress with bright blue undergarments, accented by tassels and floral appliqués. Gabby Windey pushed the envelope even further in a lacy black gown with cut-outs that exposed her underwear. Online reactions were split, some praising confidence while others criticized the excess.
Unconventional Choices Make Headlines
Rebecca Black’s puffy lace skirt paired with a fluffy halter top and brown-fur heels left critics puzzled. Ice Spice also drew attention in a mix of a blue plaid patchwork skirt and yellow lace corset top, earning a spot on many “worst dressed” lists. Fans jokingly described the outfit as mismatched and visually overwhelming.
Frankie Grande grabbed eyes in a yellow-and-black striped suit. The bold pattern ensured attention, but many joked it resembled a bumblebee rather than a red carpet look.
Minimalism Meets Controversy
Several stars chose minimalistic ensembles that sparked debate. Taylor Momsen wore only a black maxi skirt, studded belt, and tiny bra, while FKA twigs paired a single red fabric strip with a matching skirt. Social media was ablaze with opinions, questioning whether these looks were daring or just overexposed.
Megan Stalter turned heads with a white gown featuring an oversized circular attachment at the hem, accessorized with a bedazzled Dunkin’ Donuts-shaped bag. Symone’s red-and-white ruffled skirt and shirt combo, complete with huge sleeves and a matching neckpiece, also raised eyebrows for being over the top.
Busy Accessories Overload
Lola Young tried to merge edgy and casual, wearing a black crop top, jacket, and capri pants, accessorized with gold belts, chunky necklaces, and high socks. The overall effect was chaotic, proving that sometimes less really is more.
Stricter Guidelines Under CBS
This year marked a shift as CBS took over broadcasting from MTV after 40 years. Reports revealed that stars were warned against overly revealing outfits or unplanned profanity. According to insiders, CBS enforces stricter rules on what is considered appropriate for broadcast, aiming to prevent anything indecent or profane from airing.
Representatives were contacted ahead of time to ensure clients dressed in line with the guidelines. “The night can still be glamorous and sexy,” a source explained, “but extreme looks from past VMAs are off-limits. Attendees are expected to behave properly while still having fun.”
Public Reaction Ignites Social Media
Despite stricter rules, the red carpet quickly became a trending topic online. Fans flooded social media with memes, jokes, and debates over the most outrageous outfits. While the awards celebrate music, the 2025 VMAs proved that celebrity fashion can steal the spotlight just as easily as the trophies.
In the end, the night offered a mix of elegance, experimentation, and missteps. The conversation around the red carpet was almost as exciting as the awards themselves, proving that fashion disasters—or triumphs—can leave a lasting impression long after the music stops.
