News Awards & Events Red Carpet From 1995 to Now: The Wildest Grammy Gowns Ever By Andrea Cheng Andrea Cheng Andrea Cheng is a New York-based writer and editor who covers all things fashion, celebrity style, beauty, and trends. She was previously the Digital Fashion News Editor at InStyle. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on March 29, 2022 @ 05:00PM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Photo by David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images On music's biggest night, the only thing more exciting than finding out who won the Record of the Year is who is wearing who, or in some cases, what, because one thing's for sure: Grammys fashion is not for the faint of heart. That's why we dug into our archives in search for the craziest, most risqué looks to have ever graced the Grammys red carpet, from 1995 on. From Mary J. Blige's wild leopard-print (on her hood—and tunic—and pants) in 1996 to Lady Gaga's theatrical Giorgio Armani micro-dress (not to mention, her intergalactic headpiece by milliner Philip Treacy) in 2010 to Lady Gaga again in 2016, who wore a spectacular Marc Jacobs design that paid tribute to the late David Bowie. As we brace ourselves with more outrageousness at the 2022 Grammys on April 3, we're taking a look back at our favorite jaw-dropping moments from Grammys past. 01 of 45 Megan Thee Stallion, 2021 Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Megan's super-high slit has become something of a signature for the superstar rapper, but we're not mad, especially when it's in a sweet tangerine hue and she's dripping in diamonds. 02 of 45 Billie Eilish, 2020 Billie Eilish matched her green roots to the green details in her Gucci suit. 03 of 45 Dua Lipa, 2021 Photo by Francis Specker/CBS via Getty Images Dua Lipa paid homage to pop stars past in this butterfly-embellished Versace gown, which had a sheer overlay and pastel beading. 04 of 45 Noah Cyrus, 2021 Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Noah Cyrus's sculptural dress featured a deep sweetheart bodice and statement-making back. 05 of 45 Ariana Grande, 2020 Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage Ariana Grande's Giambattista Valli gown was larger than life. Fitting for someone with the voice of a generation. 06 of 45 Lizzo, 2020 Photo by David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Lizzo's Atelier Versace dress, faux-fur shrug, and Lorraine Schwartz jewels were definitely fitting for the night, which saw her take home so many gramophone trophies. 07 of 45 Kacey Musgraves, 2019 Photo by David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Kacey Musgraves picked up an armload of awards at the 2019 show and wore a few Valentino looks in the process, but she arrived on the red carpet in this blush-hued tulle confection. 08 of 45 Cardi B, 2019 Photo by Dan MacMedan/Getty Images Leave it to Cardi to wear archival Thierry Mugler on music's biggest night. 09 of 45 Katy Perry, 2019 Photo by Dan MacMedan/Getty Images Katy Perry's Balmain gown was a departure for the label, eschewing skin-tight, broad-shoulder silhouettes for something more sculptural and ... sci-fi? 10 of 45 SZA, 2018 Photo by Dan MacMedan/WireImage An ethereal Versace gown isn't usually a Grammys pick, but SZA swapped the usual look-at-me combo of skin and bling for this floor-sweeping combo of beading and tulle. 11 of 45 Pink, 2018 Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Pink's dress featured pink feathers along with blue ones, black plumes, and purple marabou, too. She added a thick belt and a white rose to the look. 12 of 45 Heidi Klum, 2018 Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Heidi Klum paired a lace bodysuit with a sheer dress that featured swathes of Swiss dots, intricate lace, and delicate ruffles. 13 of 45 Paris Jackson, 2017 Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic Paris Jackson paired her Balmain dress with an iridescent clutch. A super-high slit and side cutouts added flashes of skin and gave her a chance to show off her collection of tattoos. 14 of 45 Chrissy Teigen, 2017 Photo by Phil McCarten/CBS via Getty Images Chrissy Teigen wore a laced-up, cutout, illusion dress to the 2017 show — her husband John Legend wasn't nominated that year, but the pair did attend the show. 15 of 45 Lady Gaga, 2017 Photo by Phil McCarten/CBS via Getty Images Lady Gaga wore a Chrome Hearts ensemble for another memorable arrival. 16 of 45 Lady Gaga, 2016 Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP In a style tribute to the late David Bowie (slash, Ziggy Stardust), Lady Gaga took to the red carpet in bright red strands, a custom Marc Jacobs design, complete with towering platforms. 17 of 45 Madonna, 2015 REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni The Material Girl left little to the imagination in this Givenchy corset. 18 of 45 Lady Gaga, 2015 Courtesy Lady Gaga shined in a revealing Brandon Maxwell gown with a strategically placed emerald necklace from Lorraine Schwartz. 19 of 45 Beyonce, 2014 Steve Granitz/WireImage Ooh la la! Beyonce worked her curves at the 2014 Grammy Awards in a white lace body-hugging Michael Costello creation that revealed glimpses of skin in all the right places. 20 of 45 Alicia Keys, 2014 Steve Granitz/WireImage Alicia Keys took the plunge on the red carpet in a down-to-there cobalt blue Armani Prive number. 21 of 45 Kelly Rowland, 2013 Kevin Mazur/WireImage "I feel comfortable," presenter Kelly Rowland said of her form-fitting black Georges Chakra mermaid-style gown accented with sheer cutouts. She accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and a box clutch. 22 of 45 Kimbra, 2013 REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni Kimbra, who was nominated with Gotye for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Somebody That I Used to Know," opted for a bejeweled number by Aussie designer Jaime Lee Major. She accented her tulle gown with a classic red lip. 23 of 45 Janelle Monae, 2013 Janelle Monae chose a body-hugging menswear-inspired ensemble, complete with a vest and embellished jacket with coat tails. 24 of 45 Fergie, 2012 Jason Merritt/Getty Images "I had two choices and this was the safe one," Fergie said of her Jean Paul Gaultier tangerine couture lace dress, which she accessorized with Neil Lane jewelry. We'd love to see the less-tame alternative to this skin-baring number! 25 of 45 Nicki Minaj, 2012 Larry Busacca/Getty Images For The Recording Academy Best New Artist nominee Nicki Minaj arrived with a bishop in tow, coordinating his white vestments with her own devilishly scarlet Atelier Versace cape boasting intricate black beading. 26 of 45 Robyn, 2012 Jeff Vespa/WireImage What inspires Robyn's irresistible dance music? "Life," the double nominee said on the red carpet. No clues as to what inspired her Calvin Klein ensemble accented with platform boots and mega-edgy jewelry. 27 of 45 Rihanna, 2011 Krista Kennell/Sipa Press Sultry Rihanna played peek-a-boo in a frilled illusion gown from Jean Paul Gaultier. "He's one of my favorite designers," she said. "I pretty much snatched [the dress] off the runway." 28 of 45 Nicki Minaj, 2011 Kevin Mazur/WireImage "This outfit is a masterpiece by Givenchy," said Nicki Minaj, who was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. "[It's] Lioness meets her cub, meets fierce-osity meets fabulousity meets runway, meets everything, darling." 29 of 45 Katy Perry, 2011 Larry Busacca/Getty Images For The Recording Academy An angelic looking Katy Perry called her Giorgio Armani Prive ensemble "classic, but with a theatrical edge." The look paired a Swarovski crystal-encrusted bustier with an iridescent ruffled skirt and feather wings. 30 of 45 Lady Gaga, 2010 Dan MacMedan/WireImage.com Giorgio Armani designed a trio of stellar ensembles for Lady Gaga's Grammy night, including this crystal-studded bodysuit and ultra-minidress. Milliner Philip Treacy collaborated on her intergalactic headpiece. 31 of 45 M.I.A., 2009 Sara De Boer / Retna Ltd. A 9-months-pregnant M.I.A. performed on her baby's due date in a sheer House of Holland dress with strategically placed patches. 32 of 45 Gwen Stefani, 2005 KMazur/WireImage for The Recording Academy Double nominee Gwen Stefani went sheer with a ribbon-trimmed translucent dress from Viktor & Rolf over a pair of briefs. 33 of 45 Avril Lavigne, 2003 KMazur/WireImage, Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com Best New Artist nom Avril Lavigne brought her own liner notes to a self-designed ensemble. In keeping with her theme, she added a skull-and-crossbones belt buckle and a well-worn pair of Converse. 34 of 45 Eve, 2002 Vince Bucci/Getty Images Rapper Eve brandished her Best Rap/Sung Collaboration honor in a mind-bending Jean Paul Gaultier ensemble. A short-long print top paired with side-tie hot pants. 35 of 45 Erykah Badu, 2002 Frank Trapper/Corbis "The most rock and roll accessory I have on tonight is my headband," Erykah Badu told InStyle. "It's made of copper leather, which I cut myself." Her avant-garde ensemble also included a draped dress with a leather sash, silver moonboots and waist-length green extensions. 36 of 45 Alicia Keys, 2002 Gilbert Flores/celebrityphoto.com "Out of the box is my theme tonight," Alicia Keys told People of her Christian Dior ensemble. Aside from the sari-inspired hooded gown worn over embroidered jeans, Keys turned heads with her Swarovski crystal-studded eye makeup. 37 of 45 Sheryl Crow, 2002 KMazur/WireImage A floor-length coat did little to cover up Sheryl Crow's mini Henry Duarte jumpsuit. "Turning 40 really agrees with me," she told People. "I'm busting out." 38 of 45 Toni Braxton, 2001 KMazur/WireImage Toni Braxton wore Richard Tyler (and lots of double-stick tape) to pick up her Best Female R&B Vocal Performance trophy. "I've always gone a little risque with all my other awards [show outfits]," she told People. "I decided that before I got married and had babies, I'd wear this." 39 of 45 Christina Aguilera, 2001 Laura Farr/Newsmakers/Getty Images Christina Aguilera showed some skin in a Trish Summerville gown with a lace-up neckline (and matching bra). Aside from her major braids, the double nominee made a beauty statement with a dress-matching temporary rose tattoo on her lower back. 40 of 45 Destiny's Child, 2001 David McNew/Newsmakers/Getty Images Matching Grammys, matching outfits-the trio picked up a pair of gramophones each wearing coordinating custom ensembles by Tina Knowles. "She's the only person who knows what we want," daughter Beyonce told People. 41 of 45 Missy Elliott, 2000 FITZROY BARRETT-GLOBE PHOTOS, INC Talk about razor-sharp tailoring! Missy Elliott opted for a purple Versace two-piece covered in blades. 42 of 45 Mya, 1999 Frank Trapper/Sygma/Corbis Nominated for her "Ghetto Supastar" collaboration, R&B songstress Mya walked the red carpet in a pajama-inspired brocade tube top, cropped pants and oversize coat. 43 of 45 Monica, 2000 JEFF VESPA/IPOL/GLOBE PHOTOS A studded leather suit from D&G was a rock and roll choice for R&B singer Monica. 44 of 45 Mary J. Blige, 1996 SGranitz/WireImage Who's that mystery woman? A shades-wearing Mary J. Blige picked up her first Grammy for the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in head-to-toe leopard print. The covered-up look included a hood and gloves. 45 of 45 Annie Lennox, 1995 Steve Granitz/WireImage "What else is a girl going to wear to the Grammys?" joked Annie Lennox of her dominatrix-meets-Minnie Mouse ensemble.