The Most Divisive Red Carpet Looks at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards once again delivered the kind of red carpet where playing it safe was never really an option. Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 27, the ceremony brought together some of music and entertainment’s biggest names, with stars embracing everything from dramatic silhouettes to deliberately unconventional designs.

The VMAs have always encouraged celebrities to take fashion risks, but bold does not automatically mean successful. This year’s carpet produced plenty of memorable looks, along with several outfits that drew criticism for awkward proportions, excessive details or combinations that simply failed to come together.

Here are seven of the looks singled out by the original fashion critique as the night’s biggest misses.

Megan Lawless’ All-Black Look Lacked Definition

Megan Lawless arrived in an all-black ensemble that appeared to combine a bodysuit with a pair of capri-length bottoms.

The problem, according to the critique, was not the decision to experiment but the lack of visual balance. The outfit’s proportions felt awkward, while the absence of contrast made the overall look appear flat.

Lawless’ appearance was nevertheless part of a wider red-carpet trend toward revealing, all-black ensembles. ELLE also highlighted her skin-baring black look among the arrivals at this year’s VMAs.

Emma Bunton’s Dress Had Too Many Conflicting Elements

Emma Bunton has built a reputation for memorable red-carpet fashion, but her 2026 VMAs outfit was described as an unsuccessful experiment.

The dress featured raised shoulders, three-quarter sleeves and a cropped silhouette. Rather than complementing one another, those elements appeared to compete for attention, creating a shape that the critique considered awkward and unflattering.

The issue was less about taking a fashion risk and more about how the different design choices worked together.

Lisa’s Dramatic Red Ensemble Divided Opinions

Lisa arrived in one of the evening’s most eye-catching looks: a sheer red corset-style dress paired with an oversized furry stole that extended into a dramatic train. Other fashion publications also noted the scale and theatrical quality of the ensemble, with Marie Claire describing the combination as a sheer red column gown and voluminous fur stole.

The original critique, however, felt that the furry elements overwhelmed the outfit. The elaborate detailing drew attention away from the relatively simple dress underneath, making the overall effect look more costume-like than sophisticated.

That assessment was far from universal. Other fashion coverage viewed the look as bold and glamorous, underscoring just how subjective red-carpet fashion can be.

Tyla’s Outfit Was Criticized for Feeling Too Familiar

Tyla’s 2026 VMAs look paired a bra with a low-rise skirt, completed with a choker and animal-print details.

The original critique argued that the combination relied too heavily on revealing her figure without bringing enough originality to the styling. The choker was also described as reminiscent of an earlier fashion era, while the overall outfit was considered too ordinary for a red carpet known for experimentation.

The critique did acknowledge elements that worked, including Tyla’s cornrows and the potential of animal print as a statement choice. The issue was how those pieces came together.

Paris Hilton’s Look Took the Superhero Idea Too Literally

Paris Hilton has long been associated with influential Y2K fashion, but the outfit she chose for the 2026 VMAs took a very different direction.

The ensemble appeared to merge a bodysuit, cape and elaborate skirt, with matching gloves and boots adding even more theatrical elements.

Rather than creating a polished statement, the original critique compared the overall effect to a homemade superhero costume. The numerous cutouts and the color choice were also singled out as factors that weakened the look.

Normani’s Outfit Was Overloaded With Details

Normani’s appearance demonstrated another common red-carpet problem: adding too much to an otherwise striking look.

Her outfit featured a large pleated skirt, full-length gloves and an oversized flower positioned at the side. Each element was designed to make a statement, but together they competed for attention.

The original critique argued that the abundance of details ultimately overwhelmed Normani instead of allowing the singer herself to remain the focus.

The verdict was not that the individual elements were necessarily wrong, but that removing just a few of them could have made the entire ensemble much more effective.

Bella Poarch Went All-In on Deconstructed Fashion

Bella Poarch embraced an intentionally deconstructed aesthetic, wearing an avant-garde, Victorian-inspired look with visible corsetry and boning. ELLE similarly described her VMAs ensemble as an experimental design built around exposed corsetry and structure.

But according to the original critique, the execution became the problem.

The visible corset structure could have worked as a deliberate design feature, but the lower lacing was compared to underwear. Additional lace and excess fabric around the waist further complicated the silhouette.

The result was a look that appeared intentionally undone without achieving the polished finish expected from deconstructed tailoring.

When Taking a Fashion Risk Doesn’t Quite Work

The 2026 VMAs red carpet once again demonstrated why the ceremony remains one of the more adventurous nights on the fashion calendar. From Lisa’s dramatic all-red statement to Bella Poarch’s exposed corsetry, many celebrities clearly chose looks designed to attract attention.

But attention alone does not guarantee a successful red-carpet moment. For the seven looks highlighted in this critique, the common issue was less about being daring and more about proportions, styling and whether all the individual elements worked together.

And with the VMAs’ long history of unforgettable fashion risks, these are exactly the kinds of looks that are likely to keep the red-carpet conversation going long after the ceremony ends.