The Best Dressed of The 2026 MTV VMAs

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift brought a striking mix of velvet and liquid shine to the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards in a Tamara Ralph Fall 2026 Couture gown. The fitted black velvet halter bodice gave way to an asymmetrical silver sequined skirt with a dramatic front slit and sheer panels, finished with crystal-wrapped Le Silla stilettos. But the real showstopper was the jewelry: Leviev and Anita Ko diamond drops, a 4.56-carat natural diamond ring by Etho Maria and a Forever Diamonds New York ring joined her signature stack, while a dusty rose lip and freshly trimmed bronde lob offered a softer finish. Fresh off the release of her ultra-viral “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore” album, the pop princess and major nominee let the jewels, and that much-discussed new ring, take center stage.

Sombr

Sombr made a decidedly daring entrance at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards in a custom ERL Fall 2026 faux-fur skunk coat, worn shirtless with low-rise flared leather trousers and a statement belt emblazoned with “SEX.” Layered Tom Binns silver and pearl skate-chain jewelry and smoky black eye makeup added to the rebellious, rock ’n’ roll attitude. For his tribute to the late George Michael, the “Back to Friends” singer traded the ERL coat for Michael’s original customized Harley-Davidson leather jacket from the 1988 Faith Tour—a fitting piece for a performance honoring the four-time VMA winner.

Stella Letfy

Stella Lefty traded country-pop conventions for full romantic drama at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, arriving in a Claire Pettibone Fall 2015 Bridal gown. The beaded lace silhouette, fringed cap sleeves and softly undone updo gave the “Boston” singer a decidedly Regency-inspired air, while a delicate statement necklace added another layer of old-world glamour. The Best New Artist and Song of the Summer nominee proved that a bridal-inspired moment can feel right at home on the VMAs red carpet.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan leaned into a distinctly romantic kind of drama at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, wearing Look 40 from Erdem’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection, styled by Marc Forné. The sharply tailored black tuxedo, sculpted shoulders and high, stiff collar brought a wonderfully Byronic sensibility, while cascading white ostrich feathers, satin and tulle spilled from the waist for a touch of theatrical irreverence. Spinelli Kilcollin jewelry completed the look, which felt entirely in keeping with Sivan’s penchant for turning classic tailoring into something a little more unexpected.

Paris Hilton 

Paris Hilton delivered a full-on showgirl fantasy at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, stepping onto the red carpet in a custom rhinestone-encrusted The Blonds minidress that shimmered from every angle. The ’80s-inspired padded shoulders, cowl neckline and daring cutouts were matched with crystal-covered opera gloves, a densely embellished choker and custom Christian Louboutin over-the-knee gladiator boots, making the entire look feel unapologetically maximalist. A freshly debuted blunt blonde bob, smoky eyes and glossy nude-pink lip brought a sleek finish to the “Stars Are Blind” singer’s sparkling spectacle.

Shaboozey

Shaboozey brought his own take on Western dressing to the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards in a head-to-toe Chrome Hearts leather look. The “Cowgirl” singer and Best Country nominee kept the silhouette rooted in cowboy codes while giving the ensemble a darker, more considered edge, finished with a seriously oversized statement buckle. The skinny tie and vest may be debatable, but there’s no denying Shaboozey knows how to make a Western-inspired look feel entirely his own.

Normani 

Normani made a sculptural statement at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards in a Robert Wun Couture gown from the Fall/Winter 2025 collection. A liquid-metal bronze-gold bodice with built-in opera gloves, melting into a sharply pleated black mermaid skirt, punctuated by an oversize, sculptural floral detail blooming from one shoulder. Despite a last-minute tear in the gown that had to be quickly pinned by her hairstylist and seamstress, the “Motivation” singer made it to the carpet looking completely composed, proving that even a red-carpet emergency can’t disrupt a good fashion moment.

RAYE

RAYE embraced the kind of old-Hollywood glamour that has become something of a signature at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, arriving in a glittering Georges Hobeika Couture gown. The sheer halter silhouette was entirely encrusted with swirling silver crystals and teardrop pearls, while the draped neckline and carefully considered lining kept the otherwise translucent design beautifully balanced. Styled with Angara jewelry and icy silver-blue satin pumps, the Song of the Year nominee looked impeccably polished from head to toe—and the “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” singer clearly knew exactly how to make the sparkle work.