Why Sabrina Carpenter Was the Unquestionable Best Dressed at the 2024 VMAs
A dazzling nod to pop culture, old Hollywood glam, and the ongoing evolution of Sabrina Carpenter’s iconic red carpet style.
The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards were full of iconic moments, but one red carpet appearance stood head and shoulders above the rest. Sabrina Carpenter, the chart-topping pop sensation, delivered a dazzling fashion statement that not only honored pop culture legends but also solidified her position as this year’s standout style star. Here’s an in-depth look at how Sabrina’s look captivated audiences and earned her Cosmopolitan’s definitive title of Best Dressed at the VMAs.
A Night of Pop and Pages of Fashion History
Beyond her chart-topping singles, Sabrina Carpenter’s 2024 VMAs appearance became an instant classic for fashion lovers around the world. With accolades rolling in for her chart performance and musical output, she managed to channel the glamor of Hollywood’s past while rewriting what it means to be a modern pop icon. Styled by Jared Ellner, Sabrina walked the carpet in a vintage Bob Mackie gown — a dress with a storied celebrity history.
- The strapless white gown is covered in radiant sequins from top to bottom, catching every light with its hand-applied crystals and beadwork.
- The corseted silhouette and scalloped sweetheart neckline echo timeless red carpet elegance.
- Adding to the allure, she accessorized with luminous De Beers diamond jewelry, including a collar necklace with a delicate drop pendant and shimmering earrings.
Vintage Inspirations: An Homage to Style Icons
Carpenter’s outfit wasn’t just a lovely dress — it was a sartorial tribute. The exact Bob Mackie gown first made headlines when Madonna wore it to the 1991 Academy Awards. At that event, Madonna paired it with a plush fur stole for ultimate old-school glam. But Madonna and Sabrina aren’t the only two style mavens to have claimed this dress’s history. In its journey through the American pop culture canon, it has also been seen in the beloved sitcom The Nanny, worn by Fran Drescher’s fabulously bold character.
Sabrina added her own twist. Where Madonna gave us pure Old Hollywood, Sabrina blended in playful nods to Marilyn Monroe. This was clearest in her beauty look — voluminous, soft curls styled with her signature bangs, icy eyeshadow, and a dramatic ombré lip, all reminiscent of the most famous blonde bombshell in history.
Sabrina’s 2024 VMAs Look: The Details
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Dress | Vintage Bob Mackie, strapless white, sequins and crystal embellishments, corset bodice |
| Status | Previously worn by Madonna (1991 Oscars), Fran Drescher (The Nanny) |
| Jewelry | De Beers diamonds, including a collar necklace with drop pendant |
| Hair | Classic Marilyn Monroe-inspired curls, signature bangs, side part |
| Makeup | Icy eyeshadow, soft winged eyeliner, deep ombré lip |
| Stylist | Jared Ellner |
The Evolution of Sabrina Carpenter’s VMA Style
Part of what makes Sabrina’s 2024 appearance so compelling is her track record — she’s consistently delivered memorable looks at the VMAs, each one a calculated fusion of nostalgia and modernity.
- 2023 VMAs: Sabrina appeared as a modern-day Victoria’s Secret angel. Her custom Vera Wang creation included a rhinestone bustier and dramatic white tulle skirt, channeling angelic confidence and runway energy.
- 2022 VMAs: She referenced 1950s elegance in a black Rabanne gown adorned entirely with sequins. Oversized cut-outs and a headband over curled hair added playful retro drama.
- 2018 VMAs (Her Debut): Younger Sabrina made an impression with an asymmetrical white, one-shoulder dress and nude patent leather pumps — a preview of her future penchant for glamorous twists on classic colors and shapes.
What others are reading
White, sequins, and old Hollywood nods have defined her red carpet story, but each year brings fresh details. It’s this evolution and thoughtfulness that make her current moment stand out even more.
Best-Dressed Criteria: Why Sabrina Won the 2024 VMAs Red Carpet
According to Cosmo’s fashion director, Sabrina Carpenter didn’t just win “Best Dressed” as a nice nod — she owned the night on the following merits:
- Inventive use of celebrity fashion history: Wearing an archival gown with a celebrated Hollywood narrative, Sabrina paid homage without looking costume-like.
- Masterful styling: Under Jared Ellner’s guidance, her look straddled vintage glam and modern pop presence, making the ensemble fresh and relevant.
- Flawless beauty execution: From her hair to her makeup, every element was perfectly coordinated to amplify the outfit’s impact without overshadowing the dress itself.
- Cultural resonance: Her look resonated with both fashion aficionados and mainstream viewers, earning accolades across social media and press outlets immediately post-show.
The Pop Star as Style Icon
Fashion and music have always intertwined, but in 2024, pop stardom demands commanding both. For Sabrina Carpenter, the VMAs red carpet was not just about self-expression, but about engaging in a visual dialogue with pop culture and history. Whether channeling Madonna, Marilyn, or the campy wit of The Nanny, she brought humor, intelligence, and glamor to the event — all while still remaining distinctly herself.
- Confidence and authenticity: Sabrina’s choice of vintage high-wattage glam never felt forced. She owned each vintage reference, turning a potential costume into a uniquely modern celebration of her personal aesthetic.
- Boldness of choice: Selecting and updating an archival Bob Mackie piece reflects immense awareness of fashion as conversation — turning past moments into today’s trends.
This fusion of historical awareness, executional precision, and knowing self-branding is the mark of a true modern style icon.
How Sabrina’s VMAs Look Made an Impact
Sabrina’s red carpet walk trended across all major social networks, but the ripple went further:
- Industry insiders praised the look for its unmistakable sense of occasion and reverence for archival fashion.
- Fans highlighted the way her nods to both Madonna and Marilyn Monroe added layers of meaning beyond surface-level glamor.
- Fashion journalists and editors ranked the gown among their top VMAs looks in years, citing it as an instant classic and a possible “most influential” red carpet moment of the season.
Within hours, conversations about vintage Bob Mackie and celebrity style history surged, and requests for sequined white gowns spiked across influencer channels — an immediate sign of sartorial influence.
FAQs About Sabrina Carpenter’s 2024 VMAs Look
Who designed Sabrina Carpenter’s 2024 VMAs gown?
The gown was designed by Bob Mackie, a legend known for dressing icons like Cher, Madonna, and Diana Ross.
Has this dress been seen before?
Yes. Madonna originally wore the dress at the 1991 Academy Awards. It was later seen on Fran Drescher’s character in The Nanny during the late ’90s.
How did Sabrina Carpenter style her hair and makeup for the event?
Her hair was styled in Marilyn Monroe-inspired curls with signature bangs, complemented by icy eyeshadow, defined eyeliner, and a deep ombré lip.
What jewelry did Sabrina choose for the red carpet?
She wore De Beers diamond jewelry, including a statement collar necklace and drop earrings for additional sparkle.
How does this look compare to her previous VMAs appearances?
Sabrina’s 2024 look is widely celebrated as her most show-stopping VMAs appearance yet, capping a progression of increasingly glamorous, thoughtful red carpet moments.
Looking Ahead: Sabrina Carpenter’s Place in Red Carpet Fashion
This year’s best-dressed moment cements Carpenter’s place not just in music, but in the annals of red carpet fashion. By drawing from pop culture’s past and confidently layering her own touches, she’s shown that self-aware, clever homage can trump even the loudest new trends. If her past trajectory is any indicator, the fashion world will be watching closely at every subsequent award show she graces.
Top Takeaways from Sabrina Carpenter at the 2024 VMAs
- Sabrina redefined pop star style by blending vintage references and modern flair.
- The vintage Bob Mackie gown made the moment feel both historic and relevant.
- Every styling choice, from De Beers diamonds to beauty looks, demonstrated close attention to detail and self-assured creativity.
- Her appearance sparked renewed public and industry interest in archival Hollywood glam and fashion history.
As the conversation around the 2024 VMAs continues, one thing remains clear: Sabrina Carpenter didn’t just dress for the moment — she became the moment. Her look will be discussed, referenced, and emulated for seasons to come, an enduring testament to her influence and artistry both onstage and off.
References
- https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/sabrina-carpenter-2024-mtv-vmas-red-carpet-vintage-white-gown/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a62166017/sabrina-carpenter-vmas-2024-best-dressed/
- https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/celebrity-style/a62168151/sabrina-carpenter-2024-vmas-dress/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a62169181/sabrina-carpenter-vmas-after-party-dress/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT72L9cZr68
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