Best Dressed: 2025 MTV VMAs

I’d like to imagine that if actual paper invites were sent out for the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) that they would include a dress code, calling for “pop culture avante garde.” Music is one of the most expressive art forms, and the VMAs allow attendees to really put it all out there with fashion. They don’t need to wear a traditional suit or gown, they just need to be unique and different. Every year, a handful of VMAs attendees meet my dress code for “pop culture avante garde,” and earn themselves a spot on my best dressed list. This year, the list is small because apparently people can’t read the dress code on the invites living in my head, and some think avante garde means weird, whereas I’d say it’s just “slighty wacky,” but there were still some standout looks. Here’s a look at my picks for best dressed on the 2025 MTV VMAs red carpet.