2026 VMAs: The Absolute Worst-Dressed Celebrities
The celebs who sashay down the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards have been making their marks in pop culture history with iconic style moments since 1984, but for every star who has shown up looking fly, there has been one whose outfit left us asking, "Why?" Sadly, the 2026 iteration of the music visuals celebration didn't buck tradition, and a few celebs didn't nail the filling of Charli XCX's "Music, Fashion, Film" sandwich.
Ahead of the September 27 awards ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, fans already knew there was one style moment worth tuning in for, thanks to the announcement that Madonna would be opening the show. The "Bring Your Love" singer always brings her fashion A-game, and the Material Girl set the sartorial bar high at the very first MTV VMAs with one of the most memorable outfits in awards show history: her "Like a Virgin" wedding dress, complete with that cheeky "boy toy" belt. Here in 2026, the night's other big performers included Lisa, Shaboozey, Gunna, Kacey Musgraves, GENER8ION, Yung Lean, Sienna Spiro, Sombr, Teddy Swims, and RAYE. Snoop Dogg hosted the event, and Taylor Swift (who still hasn't shared any photos of her star-studded wedding with Travis Kelce) was presented with the first-ever Artist Director Honors award.
Swift's special accolade was fresh off the release of her "Cleveland!" bonus track, in which she asks the profound question, "And with all of that money, why's she dressed like trash?" We would never be so cruel when channeling the patron saint of red carpet hatin', Joan Rivers, but these looks really let us down this year.
Chanel West Coast took a wildcat to the wild wild west, and it went as you'd expect
In the past, Chanel West Coast's wildest fashion moments haven't included a lot of western influence, but that changed at the 2026 VMAs. The "Ridiculousness" set's resident giggler has gone a "Lil' Bit Country," but instead of "Choosin' Texas," she's choosin' ... whatever this mess is. There's too much going on with the leopard print, layers, large pendant necklace, and asymmetrical skirt. Unfortunately for the reinvented rapper, topping this chaotic outfit with a cowboy hat isn't doing enough to convince us that this city slicker knows her way around a saddle.
Did someone give Bella Poarch a torch?
TikTok star Bella Poarch has come a long way since her lip-syncing days — now she's walking the same VMAs red carpet as Madonna. Maybe her deconstructed lace gown was supposed to be an homage to the Material Girl's famous bridal look, but Poarch didn't have quite enough material to sell it as such. Instead, her sad ensemble looked like someone took a torch to the Marie Antoinette dress Madonna wore at the 1990 VMAs, leaving behind nothing but her corset, lace thigh-highs, and raggedy, scorched drawers.
Adam Lambert gave us American Horror Story: Idol
When the amount of fabric you've got on is all you've got, then what you've really got is a whole lot of nothing. "American Idol" alum Adam Lambert always hits the right notes with his glam, but his voluminous, boring black robe was one of the most disappointing looks of the night. If this were a Ryan Murphy show, we'd expect him to be hiding some crazy jump scare under there, like massive spider legs that match the heavy-metal scrawl of his headpiece. And while seeing his name written over his head in feathers was sorta cool, both Lady Gaga and Britney Spears have already sported similar accessories.
PinkPantheress's polka-dot dress lacked bite
It should be "Illegal" to wear something so boring to an event where celebs are expected to step out in something that's at least a little outrageous. Ariana Grande made our 2025 MTV VMAs worst-dressed list for her "polka-don't" gown, and PinkPantheress did something similar with this polka-doze of a dress. With the ruffles, floor-length tiered skirt, and bow on the bust, the "Stateside" singer would fit in better at a swanky lakeside bistro popular with ladies who brunch.
Was Troye Sivan trying to smuggle an ostrich into the event?
If you squint, maybe you can see the vision here: Adding feathers and draped fabric to a classic suit could be a fun way to take it from formulaic to fabulous. But unfortunately for Troye Sivan, the execution was a little off, making it look like the "Party" singer was trying to top Britney Spears' iconic snake moment by sneaking a feathered friend into the Peacock Theater.
Lisa was really sinking into that red recliner on her back
Lisa didn't make the best-dressed list, but at least a girl can dream — by lying down on top of her plush red cape and taking a nap. The dramatic garment made it look like Lisa was sinking into an extra fluffy sofa chair or getting hugged from behind by Gossamer — ya know, that big hairy lug of a sneaker-wearing monster who sometimes pops up in Looney Tunes cartoons. Lisa's cape also had a cartoonish quality, and her gown did nothing to elevate the taste level, as it was giving Victoria's Secret nightie with a floor-length skirt.
Instead of shedding that snakeskin on the red carpet, Tyla should have picked another outfit
If Tyla's only goal at the 2026 MTV VMAs was to look ready for a "Hot & Sexy (Girls Trip)," then mission accomplished. But we would have loved to see more from the "Water" singer than an outfit that would have had Britney Spears' poor snake fearing its post-performance fate. Tyla looked like she was molting a low-rise snakeskin skirt circa 1999, and Victoria's Secret definitely sold that bra around the same time. Sure, she's stunning no matter what she wears, but she can do so much better than dated clubwear and lingerie.
At least Meek looked happy as a locker room loofah
Slapping layers of tulle on a dress and calling it fashion is a time-honored tradition, and some stars just can't fight that girly urge to loofah-ize themselves in shapeless frocks. Why anyone would want to channel one of the most bacteria-ridden items in a bathroom remains a mystery, but Meek embraced the loofah look at the VMAs. The "Fabulous" singer also added some leg accessories that resembled the laces on football pads and pants, so even though Travis Kelce couldn't make the event, at least there was something there to remind Taylor Swift of him.