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My Favorite Looks from the 2023 VMA’s

Allie Riegel Student Contributor, Pennsylvania State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Lindsay Thompson-Music Festival Miami Ultra Lights Stage Concert Balloons Music Edm
Lindsay Thompson / Her Campus

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) took place in Newark, New Jersey on Sept. 12 and attendees of the awards show brought their best looks.

The VMAs are known to bring some of the craziest fashion ensembles ever seen in pop culture, and last night kept to this tradition.

Without further adieu, here’s a breakdown of some of my favorite looks:

Chloe Bailey

SO BOLD! Chloe Bailey definitely knows how to show up to a red carpet, so it didn’t surprise me that she took everyone’s breath away with her 2023 VMA look.

The dress’s colors went so well with her complexion and accentuated her beauty. I always count on Bailey to be on the best-dressed list of any event.

This may have been my favorite look of the night.

MTV Instagram Post of Bailey
Sabrina carpenter

Words that come to mind when I see this look: angelic, elegant, and glamorous.

I absolutely loved Sabrina Carpenter’s whole ensemble. I thought it was giving the same vibes as her various costumes from her “emails i can’t send” tour.

Not only did her VMA carpet fit steal the show, but so did her performance of “Feather” and “Nonsense.” I’ll say it was one of my favorite performances and looks of the night!

Carpenter’s style has evolved so well throughout the years and I hope to see her at other high-profile events in the future.

Rolling Stone Instagram Post of Carpenter
Selena gomez

How could you not absolutely love this outfit?

Selena Gomez really knows how to pull off red, and the detailing of her dress is stunning.

In addition to absolutely crushing it with this look, she also took home a VMA for her song “Calm Down,” made in collaboration with Rema.

Gomez’s Instagram Post
stephen sanchez

Stephen Sanchez’s VMA look gave off the perfect 1950s feel, which totally matches the aesthetic of his music and persona.

I loved the twist on the traditional black suit, with the masculine-meets-feminine feel.

The oversized satin bow may seem to be the centerpiece of the outfit, but the bag was what really pulled the piece together. I hope to see more daring looks like this.

Stephen Sanchez Instagram
Olivia rodrigo

I can’t say anything other than WOW. So simple, yet so extravagant.

Olivia Rodrigo brought the pop-star image to the VMAs, with her dress being not the only thing dazzling.

Rodrigo also had one of her first performances of songs, “vampire” and “get him back!” off of her new album, “GUTS.”

I can’t wait to see all of the other pieces Rodrigo will wear during her “GUTS” era.

Rolling Stone Instagram Post of Rodrigo
Karol g

Karol G was all smiles upon her arrival to the VMAs.

Now this was the show-stopper for me. Her dress was SO gorgeous and the details within the slip dress/coat were unreal.

I thought that her pink hair was the cherry on top that made the outfit one of my favorites of the night.

Karol G really knows how to make an entrance when it comes to red carpet.

MTV Instagram Post of Karol G
madelyn cline

Madelyn Cline never misses when it comes to rocking a red carpet, especially at the VMAs.

In the past, Cline has been praised for her versatile range of looks at various star-studded events. Just two years ago in 2021, she broke the internet with her “revenge dress” worn at the VMAs after her split from Chase Stokes.

It’s safe to say that Cline and her stylist know what they’re doing.

Madelyn Cline Instagram Post
chase stokes (And Kelsea Ballerini)

Chase Stokes brought a pop of color to the carpet alongside his girlfriend, Kelsea Ballerini. The pair walked the carpet together in matching attire.

Whereas I thought Kelsea’s look was simple, Stokes brought a look that fans haven’t seen him in before — and he sure knows how to rock red!

MTV Instagram Post of Stokes and Ballerini
Taylor swift

I mean, how could I not include Taylor Swift on this list?

Being one of the biggest celebs to attend the show, Swift was nominated for 11 VMA’s and took home nine of those. These wins officially made her the second-most awarded artist in VMA history.

Her whole outfit was giving off “reputation” vibes, which caused fans to think she was going to announce the release of her “reputation (Taylor’s Version)” album.

If you forgot, the 2022 VMAs was where Swift dropped the release date for her “Midnights” album, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she was already alluding to the release of a new era.

Rolling Stone Instagram Post of Swift

Overall, I was blown away by this year’s VMA fashion. There were definitely a lot of black and white themes, but the pops of color are what drew me in.

I’m looking forward to see what the 2024 VMAs hold!

Allie is a PSU student studying Public Relations & minoring in Recreation, Parks & Tourism Management. In her free time she enjoys listening to music, traveling, reading, and painting!