59 of the wildest MTV Video Music Awards outfits of all time

Kirsten AcunaAug 27, 2020, 22:50 IST

Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Miley Cyrus, and Katy Perry have all had memorable fashion moments at the MTV VMAs.Getty Images

MTV's Video Music Awards never disappoint when it comes to memorable fashion moments.
From Lady Gaga's meat dress to Britney Spears' snake performance outfit, here are some of the wildest fashions from the show's history.

This year marks the 38th anniversary of MTV's Video Music Awards, and this year will be a little different with host Keke Palmer.

Instead of an indoors event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, the live show will consist of outdoor performances across New York City with limited or no audience.

The night will include performances the Black Eyed Peas, BTS, daBaby, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, The Weeknd, Miley Cyrus, and more.

Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga lead this year's nominations, with nine apiece. Other nominees include Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, and CNCO. This year's show introduces new categories, including best music video from home and best quarantine performance.

The MTV VMAs will take place Sunday, August 30 at 8 p.m. ET. Before then, here are some of the most memorable outfits to ever hit the red carpet and ceremony.

Anjelica Oswald, Angélica Acevedo, and Aly Weisman contributed to a previous version of this story.

Gwen Stefani covered herself in jewels and henna with a skirt over pants in 1998.

Here's Gwen Stefani's full ensemble. Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

That same year, singer Marilyn Manson and actress Rose McGowan had an interesting couples look. McGowan's dress was barely there.

Marilyn Manson and Rose McGowan at the 1998 MTV VMAs. Barry King/WireImage

Lil' Kim rocked one of her most daring looks in 1999.

The sparkly nipple pasty was — and still is — one of the show's most memorable looks. REUTERS

Pink lived up to her name with this hairstyle in 2000.

Pink was serving looks at the 2000 MTV VMAs. Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Lil' Kim followed up her look with another stunner the following year.

Lil' Kim always had a showstopping look. Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

In 2001, the now-defunct Destiny's Child showed off their Texas roots with fringed, matching outfits.

Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé, and Michelle Williams at the 2001 MTV VMAs. George De Sota/Getty Images

They later changed into these denim ensembles to present.

Destiny's Child presenting at the 2001 MTV VMAs. Scott Gries/ImageDirect

Midriffs were a serious trend in 2001 as displayed here by Lil' Kim, Mya, Christina Aguilera, and Pink.

Lil' Kim, Mya, Christina Aguilera, and Pink at the 2001 MTV VMAs. George De Sota/Getty Images

That same year, Britney Spears performed her famous snake dance as she sang "I'm a Slave 4 U."

Britney Spears performed at the 2001 MTV VMAs. Beth A. Keiser/AP

Christina Aguilera continued the midriff trend in 2002, taking it to a whole new level.

Eminem and Christina Aguilera at the 2002 MTV VMAs. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Britney Spears wore a leather outfit as she presented Michael Jackson with a birthday cake.

Britney Spears and Michael Jackson at the 2002 MTV VMAs. Scott Gries/ImageDirect/Getty Images

And host Jimmy Fallon wore some interesting costumes, like this Robin-inspired getup.

Jimmy Fallon at the 2002 MTV VMAs. Scott Gries/Getty Images

In 2003, Christina Aguilera walked the red carpet in a pink, feathery dress.

Christina Aguilera at the 2003 MTV VMAs. Evan Agostini/Getty Images

But she changed into an '80s-themed costume for this memorable moment during the show.

Britney Spears, Madonna, and Christina Aguilera at the 2003 MTV VMAs. Scott Gries/Getty

In 2004, Jay Z and Beyoncé were still the golden couple. They married four years later.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z at the 2004 MTV VMAs. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

That same year, Paris Hilton channeled her inner pageant queen.

Paris Hilton at the 2004 VMAs. Alberto Tamargo/Getty Images

The Polyphonic Spree showed up barefoot in solid colors.

This was an unexpected moment on the red carpet. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Fergie was still a member of the Black Eyed Peas.

The Black Eyed Peas at the 2004 MTV VMAs. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

And Lil' Kim almost bared it all in a zebra-printed dress by designer Carlos Miele.

Lil' Kim looked like she was having the time of her life. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

During the 2005 show, actress Eva Longoria presented in a bathing suit.

Eva Longoria at the 2005 MTV VMAs. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

In 2006, Jennifer Lopez showcased a turtleneck dress and matching headpiece.

Jennifer Lopez at the 2006 MTV VMAs. Scott Gries/Getty Images

Rihanna showed off her spiked short hair and took the stage in an edgy leotard for her 2008 performance of "Disturbia."

Rihanna performed at the 2008 MTV VMAs. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Host Russell Brand let his hair run wild that year.

Russel Brand at the 2008 MTV VMAs. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

In 2009, Lady Gaga arrived in a memorable black feathered outfit, but that wasn't her only outfit for the night.

Lady Gaga on the red carpet at 2009's MTV VMAs. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

While singing "Paparazzi," Gaga ended her performance smeared with "blood" to portray the idea that "fame kills."

Lady Gaga performed "Paparazzi" at the 2009 MTV VMAs. Christopher Polk/Getty Images

And she didn't disappoint with her lacy, masked outfit to accept the best new artist award presented by Eminem.

Lady Gaga at the 2009 MTV VMAs. Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Then in 2010, Lady Gaga came to the show in this meat dress.

Lady Gaga at the 2010 MTV VMAs. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Katy Perry also changed multiple times during the 2011 VMA's but wore this to accept the video of the year award.

Katy Perry accepts an award at the 2011 MTV VMAs. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

That same year, Nicki Minaj did not hold back with her intricate and colorful outfit.

Nicki Minaj at the 2011 MTV VMAs. Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Rebel Wilson, 2012's host, presented with The Wanted in a silly T-shirt.

Rebel Wilson and The Wanted at the 2012 MTV VMAs. Kevin Winter/Getty

That same year, Nicki Minaj wore a lace bodysuit to accept her best female video award for "Starships."

Nicki Minaj at the 2012 MTV VMAs. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

In 2013, Katy Perry walked the red carpet with Richard Simmons.

Richard Simmons and Katy Perry at the 2013 MTV VMAs. Larry Busacca/Getty Images for MTV

But Miley Cyrus really stole the show by arriving in this bejeweled ensemble.

Miley Cyrus at the 2013 MTV VMAs. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Later, she wore a bear leotard on stage.

Miley Cyrus performing at the 2013 VMAs. Lucas Jackson / Reuters

She ended the show with a performance in a nude two-piece. The performance was with Robin Thicke and went viral.

Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus performed at the 2013 MTV VMAs. Rick Diamond/Getty Images

No one quite knew what to expect when Lady Gaga emerged wearing this all-white outfit and square for her 2013 performance, but it lent itself to a number of costume changes.

Lady Gaga at the 2013 MTV VMAs. Rick Diamond/Getty Images for MTV

No one quite knew what to expect when Lady Gaga emerged wearing this all-white outfit and square for her 2013 performance, but it lent itself to a number of costume changes.

Katy Perry and Riff Raff channeled Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in the all-denim outfits they wore in 2014.

Katy Perry and Riff Raff at the 2014 MTV VMAs. Jason Merritt/Getty Images for MTV

The 2015 VMA's were full of bright and fun outfits, like Frankie Grande's glittery chest.

Frankie Grande at the 2015 MTV VMAs. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

But nothing topped host Miley Cyrus. She changed into a number of outfits, like this daring look.

Miley Cyrus during the red carpet at the 2015 MTV VMAs. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

She swapped it out for this barely-there look.

Miley Cyrus had several unforgettable looks at the 2015 MTV VMAs. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Cyrus topped herself one more time as a colorful rainbow.

Miley Cyrus at the 2015 MTV VMAs. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Frankie Grande showed up on the carpet in 2016 with "RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars" stars dressed in some iconic past outfits like Lady Gaga's meat dress, Lil' Kim's purple pasty dress, and Britney Spears' snake outfit.

Frankie Grande and the stars of "RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars" at the 2016 MTV VMAs. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Frankie Grande showed up on the carpet in 2016 with "RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars" stars dressed in some iconic past outfits like Lady Gaga's meat dress, Lil' Kim's purple pasty dress, and Britney Spears' snake outfit.

Nev Schulman and his then-pregnant wife Laura Perlongo took the carpet in 2016, but she wasn't wearing a shirt under her jacket.

Nev Schulman and Laura Perlongo at the 2016 MTV VMAs. Jamie McCarthy/Getty

In 2016, social media star Baddie Wrinkle went all out in a nude jumpsuit.

Baddie Wrinkle at the 2016 MTV VMAs. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

"Teen Mom" Farrah Abraham dressed as Wonder Woman in 2016.

Farrah Abraham at the 2016 MTV VMAs. Jaime McCarthy / Getty Images

Nicki Minaj rocked a pink latex top with matching pants in 2017.

Nicki Minaj attends the 2017 MTV VMAs. Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Jared Leto's sparkly jacket cape shined on the carpet that same year.

30 Seconds to Mars at the 2017 MTV VMAs. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

2017 host Katy Perry wore a spacesuit during part of the show.

Katy Perry flies into 2017 the MTV VMAs. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

She also wore a robotic baby at one point that same year.

Katy Perry at the 2017 MTV VMAs. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

In 2018, Amber Rose channeled a devil in this latex number.

Amber Rose at the 2018 MTV VMAs. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Asian Doll wore a "Clueless" inspired outfit.

Asian Doll at the 2018 MTV VMAS. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Nicki Minaj paired a leotard with a long see-through skirt in 2018.

Nicki Minaj turned a one-piece into a dress. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Rita Ora opted for a sheer gown again at the 2018 VMAs.

Rita Ora attends the MTV VMAs. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

"Orange Is the New Black's" Dascha Polanco turned heads in a grey see-through dress.

Dascha Polanco attends the MTV VMAs. Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for MTV

Madonna wore a printed tunic and silver-horned headpiece with layered necklaces.

Madonna poses in the press room at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards Press Room at Radio City Music Hall on August 20, 2018. Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images

Veronica Vega wore a skirt made of enlarged dollar bills.

Veronica Vega attends the 2019 MTV VMAs. Kevin Mazur/WireImage via Getty Images

Taylor Swift wore one of her most colorful outfits to the 2019 VMAs.

Taylor Swift attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. Bryan Bedder/WireImage via Getty Images

Ava Max wore a superhero-inspired look.

Fans weren't sure what to make of Ava Max's superhero look, but she was teasing an upcoming music video. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/WireImage

Rapper Justina Valentine made a statement with a colorful pantsuit.

Valentine's vibrant hair matched her outfit. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/WireImage

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59 of the wildest MTV Video Music Awards outfits of all time

Gwen Stefani covered herself in jewels and henna with a skirt over pants in 1998.

That same year, singer Marilyn Manson and actress Rose McGowan had an interesting couples look. McGowan's dress was barely there.

Lil' Kim rocked one of her most daring looks in 1999.

Pink lived up to her name with this hairstyle in 2000.

Lil' Kim followed up her look with another stunner the following year.

In 2001, the now-defunct Destiny's Child showed off their Texas roots with fringed, matching outfits.

They later changed into these denim ensembles to present.

Midriffs were a serious trend in 2001 as displayed here by Lil' Kim, Mya, Christina Aguilera, and Pink.

That same year, Britney Spears performed her famous snake dance as she sang "I'm a Slave 4 U."

Christina Aguilera continued the midriff trend in 2002, taking it to a whole new level.

Britney Spears wore a leather outfit as she presented Michael Jackson with a birthday cake.

And host Jimmy Fallon wore some interesting costumes, like this Robin-inspired getup.

In 2003, Christina Aguilera walked the red carpet in a pink, feathery dress.

But she changed into an '80s-themed costume for this memorable moment during the show.

In 2004, Jay Z and Beyoncé were still the golden couple. They married four years later.

That same year, Paris Hilton channeled her inner pageant queen.

The Polyphonic Spree showed up barefoot in solid colors.

Fergie was still a member of the Black Eyed Peas.

And Lil' Kim almost bared it all in a zebra-printed dress by designer Carlos Miele.

During the 2005 show, actress Eva Longoria presented in a bathing suit.

In 2006, Jennifer Lopez showcased a turtleneck dress and matching headpiece.

Rihanna showed off her spiked short hair and took the stage in an edgy leotard for her 2008 performance of "Disturbia."

Host Russell Brand let his hair run wild that year.

In 2009, Lady Gaga arrived in a memorable black feathered outfit, but that wasn't her only outfit for the night.

While singing "Paparazzi," Gaga ended her performance smeared with "blood" to portray the idea that "fame kills."

And she didn't disappoint with her lacy, masked outfit to accept the best new artist award presented by Eminem.

Then in 2010, Lady Gaga came to the show in this meat dress.

Katy Perry also changed multiple times during the 2011 VMA's but wore this to accept the video of the year award.

That same year, Nicki Minaj did not hold back with her intricate and colorful outfit.

Rebel Wilson, 2012's host, presented with The Wanted in a silly T-shirt.

That same year, Nicki Minaj wore a lace bodysuit to accept her best female video award for "Starships."

In 2013, Katy Perry walked the red carpet with Richard Simmons.

But Miley Cyrus really stole the show by arriving in this bejeweled ensemble.

Later, she wore a bear leotard on stage.

She ended the show with a performance in a nude two-piece. The performance was with Robin Thicke and went viral.

No one quite knew what to expect when Lady Gaga emerged wearing this all-white outfit and square for her 2013 performance, but it lent itself to a number of costume changes.

Katy Perry and Riff Raff channeled Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in the all-denim outfits they wore in 2014.

The 2015 VMA's were full of bright and fun outfits, like Frankie Grande's glittery chest.

But nothing topped host Miley Cyrus. She changed into a number of outfits, like this daring look.

She swapped it out for this barely-there look.

Cyrus topped herself one more time as a colorful rainbow.

Frankie Grande showed up on the carpet in 2016 with "RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars" stars dressed in some iconic past outfits like Lady Gaga's meat dress, Lil' Kim's purple pasty dress, and Britney Spears' snake outfit.

Nev Schulman and his then-pregnant wife Laura Perlongo took the carpet in 2016, but she wasn't wearing a shirt under her jacket.

In 2016, social media star Baddie Wrinkle went all out in a nude jumpsuit.

"Teen Mom" Farrah Abraham dressed as Wonder Woman in 2016.

Nicki Minaj rocked a pink latex top with matching pants in 2017.

Jared Leto's sparkly jacket cape shined on the carpet that same year.

2017 host Katy Perry wore a spacesuit during part of the show.

She also wore a robotic baby at one point that same year.

In 2018, Amber Rose channeled a devil in this latex number.

Asian Doll wore a "Clueless" inspired outfit.

Nicki Minaj paired a leotard with a long see-through skirt in 2018.

Rita Ora opted for a sheer gown again at the 2018 VMAs.

"Orange Is the New Black's" Dascha Polanco turned heads in a grey see-through dress.

Madonna wore a printed tunic and silver-horned headpiece with layered necklaces.

Veronica Vega wore a skirt made of enlarged dollar bills.

Taylor Swift wore one of her most colorful outfits to the 2019 VMAs.

Ava Max wore a superhero-inspired look.

Rapper Justina Valentine made a statement with a colorful pantsuit.