The Most Unforgettable Looks from the 2016 VMAs Red Carpet
Get inspired by 2016 VMAs red carpet fashion—from daring dresses to bold suits—worn by music's biggest stars.
The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have consistently been a showcase for avant-garde fashion and bold sartorial statements. At the 2016 VMAs, music’s top celebrities brought risk-taking glamour, creativity, and individual personality to the iconic white carpet, delivering memorable fashion moments that continue to resonate in style history. From dazzling gowns to sharp suits, the range of looks demonstrated how the VMAs remain a playground for personal expression and show-stopping style.
Table of Contents
- A Brief Overview: What Sets the VMAs Red Carpet Apart?
- Iconic Appearances: The Stars Who Stole the Show
- Dynamic Duos & Standout Groups
- The Most Unexpected and Daring Fashion Choices
- Trend Highlights: Defining the 2016 VMA Aesthetic
- Hair & Makeup: The Finishing Flourishes of VMA Style
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Brief Overview: What Sets the VMAs Red Carpet Apart?
The VMAs red carpet is famous for being less restricted than other award shows. Stars experiment with flamboyant silhouettes, playful embellishments, and style risks they might not take at more traditional events. The 2016 VMAs were no exception, with musicians, models, and actors alike collaborating with celebrated designers and pushing the boundaries of both elegance and eccentricity. From ethereal gowns to athleisure-inspired ensembles, every guest seized the opportunity for a statement-making entrance.
Iconic Appearances: The Stars Who Stole the Show
Beyoncé: The Reigning Queen of the Night
Beyoncé once again claimed the spotlight with a Francesco Scognamiglio creation—a nearly theatrical gown with feathered shoulders and sparkling embellishments. She arrived with her daughter Blue Ivy and members of the Lemonade cast, transforming the carpet into a fashion moment about power and unity. Beyoncé’s look embodied pure glamour and continued her legacy of VMA dominance.
Britney Spears: Back in Black
All eyes turned to Britney Spears, who mesmerized in a cutout black Julien Macdonald dress that highlighted her signature curves. Her look struck a balance between raw edge and classic pop icon style, signaling her celebrated return to the VMAs stage after a decade-long hiatus.
Kim Kardashian & Kanye West: Minimalist Meets Urban Edge
The power couple turned heads with their contrasting styles. Kim opted for a sheer, ruched mini-dress by John Galliano for Vivienne Westwood—her wet-look hair and natural makeup emanating effortless confidence. Kanye chose an oversized white tee and distressed jeans—cementing his reputation for laid-back streetwear cool and proving that understated can be impactful.
Ariana Grande: Breaking the Mold
Ariana Grande surprised fans by ditching her usual mini skirt for a bold ensemble: a custom Alexander Wang lacy black crop top paired with wide-leg tuxedo pants. This look signaled a playful shift in her style narrative, combining high-glam with tomboyish flair, while she sported her signature high ponytail.
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Rita Ora: Textures and Attitude
Rita Ora’s Marc Jacobs look was all about high-octane drama. She wore a feathered, see-through, cutout gown with layered, punk-inspired details. Her beauty choices matched the dress’s drama: spiky platinum hair and dark, smoky eyes for an unapologetically bold entrance.
Heidi Klum: Metallic Muse
Supermodel Heidi Klum shimmered in a form-fitting Roberto Cavalli mini-dress bursting with metallic beading. She paired it with strappy gold heels and sleek straight hair, proving why she remains an enduring red carpet favorite.
Hailee Steinfeld: Colorful Couture
Hailee Steinfeld’s Balmain mini-dress was an explosion of color and pattern—featuring intricate beading, bold color-blocking, and a modern silhouette that mingled youthful fun with red carpet sophistication.
Alessia Cara: Understated Cool
Known for her laid-back approach, Alessia Cara wore a metallic Topshop pantsuit—a chic departure from the super-glam looks dominating the carpet. Her loose hair and minimal jewelry underlined her down-to-earth, confident vibe.
Tinashe: Modern Elegance
Singer Tinashe donned a red Juan Carlos Obando gown with a plunging neckline and layered choker. The look merged sultry drama and contemporary lines, emphasizing her flair for fashion-forward choices.
Nick Jonas: Flash of Silver
Nick Jonas stood out in a Louis Vuitton metallic suit. Its slim fit and shimmering fabric channeled high-fashion edge while still being VMAs-worthy playful.
Jaden Smith: The New Age Maverick
Always one to push fashion boundaries, Jaden chose a deconstructed Undercover suit with layered shirts underneath. The mismatched, cutting-edge aesthetic was signature Jaden—unexpected, youthful, and boundary-breaking.
Alicia Keys: Barefaced Brilliance
Making a statement beyond her red-and-black Just Cavalli dress, Alicia Keys appeared sans makeup as part of her ongoing embrace of natural beauty. The move, paired with her paisley-print wrap dress, sparked wide conversations on beauty standards and confidence.
Dynamic Duos & Standout Groups
The VMAs frequently see show-stopping couples and groups, whose collective impact can rival that of any solo fashion moment.
- Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson: Olympic champion Michael Phelps kept it classic, while fiancée Nicole brought understated glamor with a draped evening gown.
- Fifth Harmony: The girl group wowed in coordinated—yet distinctively individual—black outfits, blending textures, cutouts, and silhouettes for maximum group effect.
- Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys: The stylish couple merged comfort and daring; Alicia chose a bohemian printed gown, and Swizz donned edgy streetwear.
- Kim Kardashian and Kanye West: Blending minimalist and urban influences, their outfits garnered as much attention for chemistry as for design.
The Most Unexpected and Daring Fashion Choices
Certain celebrities seized their VMA moment with venturesome departures from red carpet norms. Some of the most talked-about risks included:
- Cassie: She debuted a neon yellow buzzcut and metallic suit, a futuristic androgynous twist that epitomized the no-limits VMAs spirit.
- Dascha Polanco: She opted for a wild, voluminous sheer two-piece with bold patterning, illustrating the diversity of body-positive fashion.
- Ty Dolla $ign and Puff Daddy (Sean Combs): Both embraced flashy metallics and oversized silhouettes, embracing ’90s-inspired hip-hop luxury.
- Hailey Baldwin: Her sparkly Georges Chakra Couture jumpsuit proved one-pieces can be just as headline-worthy as gowns.
Trend Highlights: Defining the 2016 VMA Aesthetic
The 2016 VMAs saw a convergence of striking trends. Fashion-forward artists curated their looks with the future in mind, while referencing past and present style motifs:
- Cutouts and Sheer Details: Dresses and suits featured bold slashes, see-through panels, and creative baring of skin. Britney Spears, Cassie, and Rita Ora were the flagbearers of this racy trend.
- Metallics: Silver, gold, and holographic finishes prevailed, giving a futuristic twist to traditionally glamorous silhouettes—a theme seen on Heidi Klum and Nick Jonas.
- Wide-Leg Pants and Jumpsuits: Ariana Grande and Hailey Baldwin showcased how pants and jumpsuits can rival the drama of any gown. This trend provided comfort, power, and edge.
- Bold Suits and Androgynous Tailoring: Many stars, both male and female, opted for tailored suits and unexpected androgynous styling, underlining that true glamour defies gender conventions.
- Statement Accessories: Outfits were completed with towering heels, chunky chokers, and eye-catching earrings. Extravagant embellishments, from feathers to crystal beading, punctuated the carpet with playful excess.
Trends Table: Who Wore What?
| Celebrity | Designer/Label | Notable Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Beyoncé | Francesco Scognamiglio | Crystal embellishments, feathers, ethereal gown |
| Britney Spears | Julien Macdonald | Cutouts, body-con silhouette |
| Kim Kardashian | John Galliano for Vivienne Westwood | Sheer fabric, draping, ‘wet look’ |
| Heidi Klum | Roberto Cavalli | Metallic mini, beading |
| Cassie | N/A | Suiting, neon buzzcut |
| Ariana Grande | Alexander Wang | Cropped top, wide-leg pants |
| Nick Jonas | Louis Vuitton | Metallic suit |
| Alessia Cara | Topshop | Pantsuit, minimalism |
| Rita Ora | Marc Jacobs | Feathers, cutouts, see-through |
| Jaden Smith | Undercover | Deconstructed suit |
Hair & Makeup: The Finishing Flourishes
Whether dramatic or natural, hairstyles and makeup looks formed a crucial part of the statement. Alicia Keys’s no-makeup stance continued to inspire. Stars like Kim Kardashian popularized ‘wet look’ hair, while high ponytails—exemplified by Ariana Grande—retained their reign. Glittery eye makeup, bold brows, and natural, glowing skin were also popular, reflecting the VMAs’ spirit of individuality.
- Best Braided Hairstyles: Ariana Grande’s sleek, high pony with a braid accent.
- Standout Beauty Trend: Embracing fresh-faced beauty (Alicia Keys), and platinum blonde extremes (Rita Ora).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who wore the most daring dress at the 2016 VMAs?
A: Several stars made bold choices, but Beyoncé’s bejeweled, feathered gown and Rita Ora’s edgy Marc Jacobs dress are widely cited as the most daring of the night.
Q: Which male celebrity stood out on the 2016 VMA red carpet?
A: Jaden Smith drew attention for his avant-garde layered outfit, while Nick Jonas impressed with his metallic Louis Vuitton suit.
Q: Were there any major fashion surprises from regular style icons?
A: Ariana Grande broke from her usual uniform by choosing wide-leg pants and a cropped top, surprising fans and style watchers alike.
Q: What was the biggest group fashion moment?
A: Fifth Harmony stunned the white carpet with coordinated black ensembles, each bringing their personality into a shared, impactful statement.
Q: Which trends defined the 2016 VMA fashion scene?
A: The night was dominated by cutouts and sheer paneling, metallics, androgynous suiting, and experimental hair and makeup.
Final Thoughts: The Enduring Impact of 2016 VMAs Fashion
The 2016 VMAs red carpet cemented its place as a pivotal moment in style history, representing both boundary-pushing innovation and a renewed conversation about self-expression. With iconic attendees from Beyoncé and Britney to Jaden Smith and Ariana Grande, the night echoed a larger movement in fashion: the rise of individuality, confidence, and fearless creativity. The VMAs remain a wild, unpredictable, and thoroughly entertaining showcase where music and fashion blend in the most unforgettable ways.
References
- https://www.wmagazine.com/gallery/mtv-vmas-2016-red-carpet
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g6084/best-dresses-suits-vma-red-carpet-2016/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/news/a63238/ariana-grande-dress-mtv-vma-2016/
- https://www.elle.com/fashion/celebrity-style/news/g28693/red-carpet-dresses-vma-awards-2016/
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