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red carpet derby
August 28, 2016

The 13 Best, Worst, and Most Feathery Looks on the 2016 VMAs Red Carpet

By Véronique Hyland

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Photo: Getty Images

Though she usually prefers to close out a red carpet, Beyoncé kicked things off this time at the VMAs in feathered Francesco Scognamiglio couture, setting the tone for the evening — where attendees seemed to step it up a bit more, fashion-wise, than in the past. The VMAs are known for being a bit of a sartorial free-for-all, but there were no Miley-esque fembot looks in evidence this year: Even provocateurs like Nicki Minaj and Britney Spears opted for gowns that could have passed muster at the Golden Globes.

Not everyone was quite as fine-feathered as Queen B, though. The night also saw evening waist-trainers, weirdly placed feathers, and, well, maternity body harnesses. (Thinking-face emoji.) Hey, anything goes at the VMAs.

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1 / 13 Photos
Best Feathered Shoulders: Beyoncé in Francesco Scognamiglio Couture She looks like a beautiful bird of prey. Extra points for Blue Ivy in ... Best Feathered Shoulders: Beyoncé in Francesco Scognamiglio Couture She looks like a beautiful bird of prey. Extra points for Blue Ivy in a tutu. Photo: 2016 WireImage
Best Red-Carpet Stance: Nicki Minaj in Bao Tranchi The new ANTM should teach this exact pose, which is perfectly calculated to show off her cutou... Best Red-Carpet Stance: Nicki Minaj in Bao Tranchi The new ANTM should teach this exact pose, which is perfectly calculated to show off her cutout gown. Photo: 2016 WireImage
Best “Hell Yeah, I’m Back” Look: Britney Spears Not that she ever went away, but this daring angled cutout dress is as almost as good for her “Gl... Best “Hell Yeah, I’m Back” Look: Britney Spears Not that she ever went away, but this daring angled cutout dress is as almost as good for her “Glory” comeback campaign as her charming Carpool Karaoke spot was. Photo: 2014 Getty Images
Most Ill-Considered Choker: Ariana Grande Given that she has, in our opinion, the album of the summer, Grande could have stepped it up. Her off-t... Most Ill-Considered Choker: Ariana Grande Given that she has, in our opinion, the album of the summer, Grande could have stepped it up. Her off-the-shoulder bandeau, black trousers, and choker aren’t just a rehash of fast-fashion trends right now: They’re kind of boring. (Which she is assuredly not … have you listened to “Side to Side”?) Photo: 2016 Kevin Mazur
Most Kimye Look: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Sheer and body-con for Kim, Famous-logo white tee and jeans for Kanye: Yep, this feels like par fo... Most Kimye Look: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Sheer and body-con for Kim, Famous-logo white tee and jeans for Kanye: Yep, this feels like par for the course for these two. Photo: 2014 Getty Images
Nakedest Dress of the Night: Ashley Graham The naked-dressing trend continues apace, and the model is proof that you don’t need to be sample-size... Nakedest Dress of the Night: Ashley Graham The naked-dressing trend continues apace, and the model is proof that you don’t need to be sample-size to work it. Photo: 2014 Getty Images
Not Coming to a Destination Maternity Near You: Laura Perlongo Catfish Nev’s fiancée perplexingly picked an open military jacket... Not Coming to a Destination Maternity Near You: Laura Perlongo Catfish Nev’s fiancée perplexingly picked an open military jacket and a diamond harness for her big night out. Photo: 2014 Getty Images
Best Power Suit: Amber Rose Now that she’s a boss, with her own management company and cosmetics line, why not go for a classic black power suit?... Best Power Suit: Amber Rose Now that she’s a boss, with her own management company and cosmetics line, why not go for a classic black power suit? Worn coyly over a lacy bra, of course. This is Amber we’re talking about. Photo: Getty Images
Best Sneakers on the Red Carpet: Tove Lo Why suffer? Photo: 2016 WireImage
Most Unrecognizable: Halsey With flowing Lana del Rey–esque locks and a sheer jumpsuit, she’s done a 180 from her usual casual style. Photo: 201... Most Unrecognizable: Halsey With flowing Lana del Rey–esque locks and a sheer jumpsuit, she’s done a 180 from her usual casual style. Photo: 2016 WireImage
Worst Feathered Everything: Hailey Baldwin in Georges Chakra Couture Maybe she’s just mourning the whole Bronte Blampied situation, but this blac... Worst Feathered Everything: Hailey Baldwin in Georges Chakra Couture Maybe she’s just mourning the whole Bronte Blampied situation, but this black feathered getup just seems glum. Photo: 2014 Getty Images
Best Maximalist Teens: Chloe and Halle From the ornate nose jewelry to their sparkling dresses and hair jewelry, the Beyoncé protég... Best Maximalist Teens: Chloe and Halle From the ornate nose jewelry to their sparkling dresses and hair jewelry, the Beyoncé protégés are living up to their mentor when it comes to fashion cred. Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Strangest Choice to Waist-Train on the Red Carpet: Lion Babe Even the Kardashians take theirs off once in a while. Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
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  • cut homepage lede
  • beyonce
  • francesco scognamiglio
  • hailey baldwin
  • amber rose
  • chloe and halle
  • tove lo
  • lion babe
  • nicki minaj
  • georges chakra couture
  • vmas 2016
  • red carpet derby
  • britney spears
  • ariana grande
  • halsey
  • kim kardashian
  • kanye west
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