The MTV VMAs Red Carpet Looks That Shocked and Amazed Us

by Allyson Payer

The MTV Video Music Awards may have gone on last year, but it's 100% back in 2021, folks—and that includes the red carpet. The VMAs red carpet has long been known as one of the boldest and most experimental of the year (Lady Gaga's meat dress in 2010 pretty much solidified that), so jaw-dropping looks are to be expected. This year, the big show is back at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and anticipation is high.

Appearances by Camila Cabello, Chlöe Bailey, Doja Cat, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Kacey Musgraves, Lil Nas X, Machine Gun Kelly, Shawn Mendes, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, and Simone Biles (just to name a few) are expected and the anticipation is high. The red carpet may not be as jam-packed as in previous years, but the memorable fashion is hardly in short supply. Check out our favorites below and be sure to return as we'll be updating it with fresh new looks throughout the night.

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Rob Kim/FilmMagic

WHO: Olivia Rodrigo

WEAR: Versace dress

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Noam Galai/MTV VMAs 2021/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

WHO: Jennifer Lopez

WEAR: David Koma outfit; Femme shoes; YEPREM and Kavant & Sharart jewelry

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Astrid Stawiarz/WireImage

WHO: Doja Cat

WEAR: Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood dress

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Rob Kim/FilmMagic

WHO: Camila Cabello

WEAR: Alexis Mabille dress; KATKIM earrings

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Jeff Kravitz/MTV VMAs 2021/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

WHO: Kacey Musgraves

WEAR: Valentino Couture dress, hat, and gloves; Schutz shoes

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Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV/ ViacomCBS

WHO: Lil Nas X

WEAR: Versace outfit

Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian VMAs 2021

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Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

WHO: Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian

WEAR: Thom Browne suit; Olivier Theyskens dress; Lorraine Schwartz jewelry

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Kevin Mazur/MTV VMAs 2021/Getty Images for MTV/ ViacomCBS

WHO: Normani

WEAR: Patrycja Pagas outfit

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly VMAs 2021

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Kevin Mazur/MTV VMAs 2021/Getty Images for MTV/ ViacomCBS

WHO: Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly

WEAR: Mugler dress; Lorraine Schwartz jewelry (on Megan Fox); Dolce & Gabbana suit; Christian Louboutin shoes (on Machine Gun Kelly)

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Kevin Mazur/MTV VMAs 2021/Getty Images for MTV/ ViacomCBS

WHO: Ciara

WEAR: Tom Ford dress

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Astrid Stawiarz/WireImage

WHO: Madison Beer

WEAR: Dolce & Gabbana dress; Wolford tights; Gianvito Rossi shoes; KATKIM ring; Mimi So earrings

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ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

WHO: Bia

WEAR: Bottega Veneta dress, bag, and shoes

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Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV/ ViacomCBS

WHO: Shawn Mendes

WEAR: Mans suit; Judy Turner Liza tank top

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Astrid Stawiarz/WireImage

WHO: Leslie Grace

WEAR: Oscar de la Renta dress

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Astrid Stawiarz/WireImage

WHO: Avril Lavigne

WEAR: Area outfit

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Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

WHO: Alicia Keys

Wear: Louis Vuitton outfit

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ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

WHO: Billy Porter

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Rob Kim/FilmMagic

WHO: Dixie and Charlie D'Amelio

WEAR: Aliétte dress (on Dixie D'Amelio)

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ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

WHO: Billie Eilish

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Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

WHO: Simone Biles

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Astrid Stawiarz/WireImage

WHO: Paris Hilton

WEAR: The Blonds dress

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ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

WHO: Halle Bailey

WEAR: Mônot dress

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ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

WHO: Chloë Bailey

WEAR: Marni dress; Lorraine Schwartz jewelry

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Astrid Stawiarz/WireImage

WHO: Anitta

WEAR: Miss Sohee dress; Wempe jewelry

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Jeff Kravitz/MTV VMAs 2021/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

WHO: Winnie Harlow

WEAR: LaQuan Smith outfit; Christian Louboutin shoes; Messika jewelry

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Kevin Mazur/MTV VMAs 2021/Getty Images for MTV/ ViacomCBS

WHO: Rita Ora

WEAR: Vera Wang outfit; Lorraine Schwartz jewelry

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Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV/ ViacomCBS

WHO: Shay Mitchell

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