The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards didn’t just celebrate music—the red carpet was a full-on fashion frenzy. At UBS Arena in New York, the VMAs once again proved that they are where daring style moments meet fearless personalities.
Women’s Fashion: Drama, Sophistication, and a Shot of Retro
The women on the VMAs red carpet this year contributed everything from jaw-dropping glamour to cheeky references to the past. Sabrina Carpenter started it off with a show-stopping red lace gown that shimmered with sequins and subtle floral motifs. It was timeless yet new—the kind of dress that commands attention without overdoing it. Sabrina worked it with effortless elegance, showing she is more than ready for her red-carpet moment.
And then there was Ariana Grande, who pushed the envelope by wearing a flirty, playful dress with polka dots for a party rather than her usual fare. Its peplum waist and light-catching crystals made for a fresh, free-spirited look that everyone would remember. Ariana’s toothy grin said it all—she was having fun, and so were we observing her.
Doja Cat, never one afraid to make a statement, took us back to the ’80s in a Balmain dress with a harlequin print. The geometric design and fuller silhouette exuded retro chic, while her red lip and loose waves completed the look with impeccable vintage styling. It was a reminder that sometimes the way forward is back in fashion.
Summer Walker added a vintage wow by recreating Pamela Anderson’s iconic 1999 VMAs look—but in a modern twist. The fuzzy pink beret and corset and shiny Bermuda shorts brought retro glamour back, and the fact is some styles never go out of fashion.
And then there were Tate and Tyla McRae, who maintained things chic but minimalist. Tyla’s tiny tweed dress brought timeless fabric with a youthful silhouette, and Tate floated down the carpet in a white maxi dress comprised of sheer fabric that appeared to be a nod to the early 2000s it girls. These looks were demure but powerful reminders that sometimes less is more.
Men’s Fashion: Breaking Boundaries with Style
While the women introduced drama, the men introduced attitude. Lenny Kravitz, the quintessential rockstar, donned a shirtless plaid suit, accessorizing it with chunky gold chain necklaces and giant sunglasses. It was quintessential Lenny—rebellious, cool, and stylish with ease.
Then, Conan Gray completely defied expectations by showcasing a navy-inspired denim dress. Yes, you heard that correctly. This performance-wear ensemble, weighing approximately 30 pounds, featured puffed sleeves, a corseted waist, and an abundance of ruffles. It was bold, gorgeous, and defied every notion of what constitutes menswear—and we loved every second of it.
GloRilla also made an entry in a bespoke plaid suit but put her own twist on it by adding white frilly socks and a neon pink purse. The look was the ultimate mix of boss style and young playfulness, the type of attire that has you second-guessing and smiling.
Other guys got in on the action too, experimenting with wide lapels, odd colors, and goofy accessories, leaving little doubt that men’s fashion at the VMAs is no longer about regulations—it’s about character.
A Red Carpet to Remember
The 2025 VMAs reminded us that fashion isn’t about the clothing—it’s about storytelling. The night was an impeccable blend of old-school glamour, irreverent nostalgia, and fearless imagination. For fashion enthusiasts, it was a thrilling spectacle in which everyone’s personality shone just as bright as the flashing lights.
The 2025 VMAs were not just about the music—they were a style showcase that stole the spotlight and will not be forgotten anytime soon.
