The VMAs: best and worst

Photographs: REX Features

While we’d love to monologue about Taylor Swift’s snoozefest of a comeback video, or how Kendrick Lamar is finally getting some of the recognition he deserves, we’re actually here to talk VMAs red carpet style. 

Known for an eccentric dress code, the VMAs have seen Lil Kim don her infamous purple jumpsuit, Beyonce and Blue Ivy in equally dramatic gowns, and Britney in her Vegas-inspired wedding dress, so we always expect our faves to do the most. This year, the stars played it safe, with some of those deciding to go all out, missing the mark. 

Here’s our round-up of the best and worst from last night. See if you agree, and tell us what you think in the comments below.  

Best dressed: Katy Perry

While we might be confused by Katy’s current direction in life, there’s no denying that her choice of red carpet gown was a hit. The architectural curves gave it a modern feel that was further enhanced by the statement earrings.

Best dressed: Teyana Taylor

This homage to Janet Jackson’s 1995 VMAs outfit was everything we could have hoped for and more (those abs are something else). The look was unexpectedly pared back, and very 90s Calvin Klein which we enjoyed.

Best dressed: Lorde

Lorde looked lovely in her cascading lavender gown. While it may have been a bit too safe for some, there’s no denying that she was incredibly pulled together and had a belle-of-the-ball air about her.

Best dressed: Paris Jackson

Paris ticked all the right boxes for us in her Dior ensemble, with the sheer fabric adding just the right amount of risqué. She’s been pulling out all the stops recently and we’re excited to see where she takes her new sense of style.

Best dressed: Cardi B

While the fit could have been better, we appreciate Cardi B’s flare for drama and her nod to one of Madonna’s most iconic stage outfits.

Worst dressed: Pink

Oh dear. While the matching family outfits and Pink’s speech on stage about her daughter were incredibly heart-warming, this look was a bit too early-2000s-Avril-Lavigne-time-travels-back-to-the-50s for us. Perhaps a little less volume on the bottom would have saved these pants.

Worst dressed: Jared Leto

It may be Gucci, but this cape just feels wrong when combined with a pair of aviators from 2007, distressed skinny jeans and sneakers. When will Jared Leto realise that throwing on some Gucci doesn’t make you instantly stylish?

Worst dressed: Kesha

While we love the colour and layered tulle, unfortunately, the amount of fabric on this dress was totally overwhelming, and took the focus away from Kesha herself.

Worst dressed: Demi Lovato

Demi’s look confused us. From the waist up, it was a 10/10, but from the waist down, not so much. There’s a confusing harem pants situation going on down there that we just can’t get behind.

Worst dressed: Lil Mama

From the pointless bird cage that she lugged down the red carpet, to the cheap fabric on her red dress, this look didn’t quite do it for us.