The MTV Video Music Awards have always given artists room to dress on their own terms. At the 2026 ceremony in Los Angeles, that meant sharp tailoring, dramatic black outfits, bright colour and plenty of sparkle.
Taylor Swift, LISA, Charli xcx and Troye Sivan were among the stars who made the red carpet worth watching before the awards began. Here are the looks that stood out.
Taylor Swift Brings the Sparkle
Swift arrived in a Tamara Ralph corset dress with a shimmering skirt. The fitted top gave the outfit a clean shape, while the sparkle made it feel right for one of music’s biggest nights. It was glamorous without competing with the occasion. Swift went on to win Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors.
LISA Makes a Statement in Red
LISA chose a red dress by The Attico, paired with a matching cape by Quine Li. The strong colour and flowing cape made her look instantly recognisable on the carpet. It was a confident choice for an artist who later won Best Pop for “Dream” featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi.
Charli xcx Keeps It Sharp
Charli xcx took a darker route in a black Saint Laurent skirt set. Its exposed midriff and sleek silhouette gave the look an edge that suited her style. Among the evening’s gowns and glitter, the outfit stood out through its simplicity and attitude.
Troye Sivan Adds a Twist to Tailoring
Troye Sivan wore Erdem, pairing a tailored suit with an unexpected feather detail at the back. From the front, the look was polished; from another angle, it was playful. That small surprise made it one of the carpet’s most memorable takes on formalwear.
Teyana Taylor Goes for Drama
Teyana Taylor appeared in a black lace Zuhair Murad look with a plunging neckline. The intricate fabric gave the outfit texture, while its dark palette kept the overall effect strong and focused. It was a striking example of the bold dressing the VMAs encourage.
Tyla Turns Up the Colour
Tyla brought a different energy in an electric blue, snakeskin print look by Mowalola. The bra top and low-rise skirt nodded to early 2000s fashion, but the vivid colour made the outfit feel fresh on this year’s carpet.
Black may have been a favourite at the 2026 VMAs, but no single style defined the night. Swift chose shine, LISA and Tyla brought colour, and Charli xcx, Sivan and Taylor each gave formalwear a distinct personality. That range is what makes the VMAs red carpet fun to follow.