15 of the Most Talked About Outfits in VMA History

The MTV Video Music Awards has always been a fashion show stopper. It’s a show where pushing boundaries is encouraged and expected. Over the years, we’ve seen the good, bad, and sometimes questionable looks. Some have been so over the top; we continue to talk about them to this day. I mean, who can forget Lil Kim’s purple mermaid outfit? So many people have copied it during the Halloween seasons. Then, what about Nicki Minaj’s 2011 Harajuku-inspired get up? That left a lot of people scratching their heads. And, a red carpet wouldn’t be a red carpet without the presence of Queen Bey! Who can forget Beyoncé’s and Blue Ivy’s 2016 angelic-looks? We live for the best, worst, and scratch-your-head worthy red carpet looks. The 2020 VMA’s may have had a slightly different look with the show airing virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that didn’t stop us from taking a stroll down the red carpet memory lane. ALSO READ: Keke Palmer Has a New Animated Show Coming In honor of the 2020 Video Music Awards, we counted down the 15 most talked-about outfits in VMA history.

1. TLC AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 1999

T-Boz, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Chilli of TLC wore coordinating black outfits at  The 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.

2. LIL KIM AT THE VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 1999

Lil’ Kim wore her infamous mermaid-inspired ensemble created by Misa Hylton at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.

3. AALIYAH AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2000

Aaliyah looked radiant in a black and yellow animal print dress at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.

4. MACY GRAY AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2001

Macy Gray did some self-promotion at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards clad in a dress that advertised her album.

5. DESTINY'S CHILD AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2001

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Destiny’s Child arrived to the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards in western-inspired coral and teal outfits designed by Tina Knowles Lawson.

6. NICKI MINAJ AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2011

Nicki Minaj arrived to the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in a strange, avant-garde costume.

7. BEYONCE AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2011

Beyonce Knowles showed off her beautiful baby bump at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

8. AMBER ROSE AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2014

Amber Rose wore a barely-there ensemble at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.

9. BLAC CHYNA AND AMBER ROSE AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2015

Blac Chyna and Amber Rose made a bold statement at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards in matching ensembles made by local Philadelphia designers. 

10. BEYONCE AND BLUE IVY AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2016

Beyonce and daughter Blue Ivy Carter made quite an entrance at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards.

11. CARDI B AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2017

Cardi B gave angelic vibes at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards in a white jumpsuit.

12. NICKI MINAJ AT THE VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2018

Nicki Minaj showed some skin at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards in a sheer Off-White ensemble.

13. TEYANA TAYLOR AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2018

Teyana Taylor attended the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards giving the ultimate body goals.

14. LIZZO AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2019

Lizzo attended the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards in a festive red Moschino gown.

15. H.E.R. AT THE MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, 2019

H.E.R. attended the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards in a chic Valentino set accessorized with a huge, very alive snake.