2026 VMAs: The Night’s Most Memorable Worst-Dressed Celebrity Looks

Since 1984, celebrities stepping onto the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet have delivered some of pop culture’s most unforgettable fashion moments. But for every star who arrives looking flawless, there’s another who leaves fans wondering, “Why?” The 2026 celebration of music, fashion and film was no exception, with several celebrities missing the style mark in ways Charli XCX’s “Music, Fashion, Film” sandwich could not disguise.

Before the September 27 ceremony at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, viewers already had one major fashion moment to anticipate: Madonna was set to open the show. The “Bring Your Love” singer has long been known for taking bold style risks, and she established that reputation at the very first MTV VMAs with her iconic “Like a Virgin” wedding dress and cheeky “boy toy” belt. Other performers at the 2026 ceremony included Lisa, Shaboozey, Gunna, Kacey Musgraves, GENER8ION, Yung Lean, Sienna Spiro, Sombr, Teddy Swims and RAYE. Snoop Dogg hosted, while Taylor Swift — who still has not released photos from her star-studded wedding to Travis Kelce — received the inaugural Artist Director Honors award.

Swift’s new honor arrived shortly after the release of her “Cleveland!” bonus track, which poses the pointed question, “And with all of that money, why’s she dressed like trash?” We wouldn’t be quite so ruthless while channeling the late red-carpet critic Joan Rivers, but several of the night’s looks were undeniably disappointing.

Chanel West Coast’s most outrageous outfits have not typically leaned heavily into Western style, but that changed at the 2026 VMAs. The “Ridiculousness” personality appeared to be embracing her “Lil’ Bit Country” era, though the result was less “Choosin’ Texas” and more a confusing collision of trends. Leopard print, multiple layers, an oversized pendant and an asymmetrical skirt competed for attention. Even the addition of a cowboy hat couldn’t convince us that this city slicker was ready for the saddle.

TikTok star Bella Poarch has traveled a long way from her lip-syncing videos, now sharing the VMAs red carpet with Madonna. Her deconstructed lace gown may have been intended as a tribute to the Material Girl’s famous bridal look, but there simply wasn’t enough fabric to make the reference work. Instead, the outfit recalled the Marie Antoinette-inspired dress Madonna wore to the 1990 VMAs after it had been scorched away, leaving behind a corset, lace thigh-highs and frayed, ragged layers.

When excessive fabric is the only selling point of an outfit, the final result can feel like a whole lot of nothing. “American Idol” alum Adam Lambert is usually reliable when it comes to glamorous, theatrical fashion, but his oversized black robe ranked among the evening’s biggest disappointments. On a Ryan Murphy production, we might expect a dramatic surprise hidden underneath — perhaps enormous spider legs echoing the heavy-metal lettering on his headpiece. The feathered accessory spelling out his name was eye-catching, though similar head-turning pieces have already been worn by Lady Gaga and Britney Spears.

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Wearing something this subdued to an event known for spectacular fashion should be “Illegal.” Ariana Grande landed on our 2025 MTV VMAs worst-dressed list for her “polka-don’t” gown, and PinkPantheress delivered a similarly sleepy take on the print trend. Between the ruffles, tiered floor-length skirt and oversized bust bow, the “Stateside” singer looked more prepared for a stylish lakeside brunch than one of music’s biggest red carpets.

The concept behind Troye Sivan’s look was easy enough to understand: Feathers and draped fabric can turn a basic suit into something more dramatic. Unfortunately, the execution missed the mark. Instead of elevating the “Party” singer’s tailoring from formulaic to fabulous, the feathered detail made it seem as though he was trying to rival Britney Spears’ famous snake moment by smuggling a feathered companion into the Peacock Theater.

Lisa may not have landed among the night’s best dressed, but at least her plush red cape looked comfortable enough for a nap. The dramatic garment gave the impression that she was sinking into an oversized sofa chair or being wrapped up by Gossamer, the enormous, furry sneaker-wearing monster from the Looney Tunes cartoons. The cape’s cartoonish effect was reinforced by a gown that did little to refine the look, resembling a Victoria’s Secret nightgown expanded into a floor-length dress.

If Tyla’s only objective at the 2026 MTV VMAs was to look ready for a “Hot & Sexy (Girls Trip),” she succeeded. Still, the “Water” singer had the star power to deliver something far more memorable than an outfit that might have left Britney Spears’ snake worried about its post-performance future. Tyla appeared to be shedding a low-rise snakeskin skirt from the late 1990s, paired with a bra that looked like a vintage Victoria’s Secret design. She looks stunning in almost anything, but this combination of dated clubwear and lingerie did not show off her full fashion potential.

Layering tulle over a dress and declaring it fashion is a long-standing red-carpet tradition, but some stars take the feminine impulse so far that they end up looking like shapeless loofahs. Why anyone would want to channel one of the most bacteria-covered objects in a bathroom remains unclear, yet Meek fully embraced the effect at the VMAs. The “Fabulous” singer added leg accessories that resembled football-pad laces and matching pants. So, even though Travis Kelce was not in attendance, Taylor Swift at least had a small reminder of him nearby.