The most daring looks celebrities have worn on the VMAs red carpet over the years

Amanda KrauseAug 26, 2022, 05:20 IST

Lil' Kim at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 9, 1999.Trevor Gillespie/Getty Images

The MTV Video Music Awards has been held annually since 1984.
In the decades since, stars like Lil' Kim and Lady Gaga have worn daring outfits on the red carpet.

At the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards in 1984, Madonna shocked the nation with her see-through wedding dress and risqué performance.

Madonna at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 14, 1984.Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Images

Cher took sheer fashion a step farther in 1987, wearing a mesh minidress with sparkling details.

Cher at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 1987.Barry King/Getty Images

Actress Julie Brown arrived at the 1989 event in a unique, pink-and-black dress and statement hat.

Julie Brown at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 6, 1989.Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images

Arsenio Hall's blue suit and bold accessories stood out in 1990.

Arsenio Hall at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 9, 1990.Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

After winning two awards at the 1991 ceremony, LL Cool J hit the red carpet in leather sweatpants and no shirt.

LL Cool J at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 5, 1991.Ron Galella/Getty Images

Cindy Crawford stunned at the 1992 VMAs in a now-famous Versace dress.

Cindy Crawford and Denis Leary at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 9, 1992.Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images

Toni Braxton shined on the 1994 red carpet in a sheer, gold minidress.

Toni Braxton at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 8, 1994.Ron Galella/Getty Images

Geena Davis also wore gold in 1996, though her dress reached the floor and was backless.

Geena Davis at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 5, 1996.Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

There were lots of daring looks at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards, including those worn by the Spice Girls.

The Spice Girls at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 4, 1997.Terry McGinnis/Getty Images

Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and Lil' Kim were also there in crystal-covered bras and striking skirts.

Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and Lil' Kim at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 4, 1997.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Rose McGowan wore one of the most daring looks ever seen on a VMAs red carpet in 1998.

Rose McGowan at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 10, 1998.Ron Galella/Getty Images

Actress and model Rebecca Romijn also surprised fans that year in a dress that looked like it was covered in hair.

Rebecca Romijn at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 10, 1998.Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Lil' Kim had one of the most vibrant and shocking outfits at the 1999 event.

Lil' Kim at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 9, 1999.Trevor Gillespie/Getty Images

That same year, there was no missing Pamela Anderson's tight corset and larger-than-life hat.

Pamela Anderson at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 9, 1999.Evan Agostini/Getty Images

Lil' Kim stole the show once again in 2000.

Lil' Kim attends the MTV Video Music Awards held at the Radio City Music Hall on September 7, 2000 in New York City.Robin Platzer/Twin Images/Online USA

Following her lead, Christina Aguilera posed on the red carpet that year in a skin-baring outfit.

Christina Aguilera at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 7, 2000.Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

In 2001, Britney Spears arrived wearing a see-through dress crafted from black lace.

Britney Spears at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 6, 2001.George De Sota/Getty Images

But Macy Gray arguably had the most unique outfit idea out of everyone that year.

Macy Gray at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 6, 2001.Kevin Mazur/Frank Micelotta Archive/Getty Images

When Christina Aguilera returned to the VMAs in 2002, she wore a scarf wrapped around her chest as a halter top.

Christina Aguilera at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 29, 2002.Evan Agostini/Getty Images

By 2003, Aguilera was the unofficial queen of daring fashion at the annual event.

Christina Aguilera at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2003.Evan Agostini/Getty Images

Paris Hilton sparkled on the 2004 red carpet while wearing a gown made from see-through mesh, pink feathers, and crystals.

Paris Hilton at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 29, 2004.Peter Kramer/Getty Images

Ice-T and Coco seemingly coordinated their bold looks for the 2005 show.

Ice-T and Coco at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2005.Evan Agostini/Getty Images

Lady Gaga had multiple outfit changes at the 2010 event, but it was her meat dress that stole the show.

Lady Gaga at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, 2010.Getty Images

Nicki Minaj mixed countless prints and fabrics for her one-of-a-kind outfit in 2011.

Nicki Minaj at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2011.Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Ciara stunned in 2013 with an optical-illusion gown that made her look as if she were only wearing jewels on her body.

Ciara at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 25, 2013.Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Amber Rose bared it all in 2014 when she wore a garment made entirely from silver chains.

Amber Rose at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 24, 2014.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Miley Cyrus hosted the 2015 VMAs, and wore more accessories than clothes.

Miley Cyrus at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 30, 2015.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kim Kardashian also had a memorable fashion moment that year: a green maternity gown with criss-cross straps.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 30, 2015.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Her outfit the following year was even more daring.

Kim Kardashian at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2016.Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Nicki Minaj also stood out in 2016 in a blue gown with sheer panels.

Nicki Minaj at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2016.Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Heidi Klum continued the "naked" fashion trend at the 2017 event.

Heidi Klum at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 27, 2017.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Dasha Polanco took daring lace to a new level in 2018.

Dasha Polanco at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 20, 2018.Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images

Normani dazzled in 2019 when she wore a sparkling dress with a daring cutout and thigh-high slit.

Normani at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 26, 2019.John Shearer/Getty Images

Miley Cyrus returned to the VMAs red carpet in 2020 wearing a see-through dress covered in tiny mirrors.

Miley Cyrus at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 30, 2020.Vijat Mohindra/Getty Images

Kim Petras chose head-to-toe latex for her second MTV VMAs appearance in 2021.

Kim Petras at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, 2021.ANGELA WEISS/Contributor/Getty Images

Whereas Megan Fox went with a barely-there Mugler dress that hugged her body.

Megan Fox at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, 2021.Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

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