Every outfit Taylor Swift has worn at the VMAs, ranked from least to most iconic

Amanda KrauseSep 9, 2023, 17:10 IST

Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards on September 13, 2009.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Taylor Swift has attended the MTV Video Music Awards nine times since 2008.
She wore one of her most iconic looks — a sparkling gown from Kaufmanfranco — in 2009.

Taylor Swift attended the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards in a white J. Mendel suit.

Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards on September 6, 2012.PA Images/Getty Images

She made an appearance onstage with Nicki Minaj in 2015, but her sparkling outfit wasn't the most memorable.

Taylor Swift performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 30, 2015.John Shearer/Getty Images

The beige Dolce & Gabbana dress she wore to perform "Innocent" in 2010 didn't stand out when she stepped away from her stage set.

Taylor Swift performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, 2010.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

For her first VMAs in 2008, Swift wore an outfit that was a bit more fun but still understated.

Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards on September 7, 2008.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

The glittering dress she wore to host MTV's pre-show that year was classic Swift.

Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards on September 7, 2008.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Swift wore a shiny ensemble to perform "Lover" and "You Need to Calm Down" at the awards show in 2019.

Taylor Swift performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 26, 2019.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Ten years earlier, she wore a vintage A-line dress to perform at the show.

Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards on September 13, 2009.PA Images/Getty Images

It was an exciting moment when Swift kicked off the "Red" era at the 2012 VMAs.

Taylor Swift performs at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 6, 2012.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

The same goes for her "1989"-inspired outfit in 2014.

Taylor Swift performs at the MTV VMAs in Inglewood, California, on August 24, 2014.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Whether you love it or hate it, Swift's long-sleeved romper in 2014 stands out among her VMAs fashion.

Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards on August 24, 2014.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

Her red-carpet look in 2015 was also unique and memorable.

Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards on August 30, 2015.Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

The sleek gown Swift wore in 2013 was extremely bold for the musician.

Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards on August 25, 2013.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Swift's colorful blazer in 2019 might not have been everyone's cup of tea, but it was still iconic.

Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards on August 26, 2019.Paul Bruinooge/Getty Images

Swift had a lot of fun with her VMAs fashion in 2022.

Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2022.Christopher Polk/Getty Images

She was also truly bejeweled when she first arrived on the red carpet.

Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2022.Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Swift's most iconic VMAs outfit, however, was a different sparkling number.