Memorable American Music Awards Outfits That Would Still Look Great in 2022

The American Music Awards will air on ABC Sunday, November 20th this year and we’re (im)patiently counting down the minutes to the red carpet.

We understand that the purpose of the AMAs is to celebrate music and the talented artists churning out our favorite tracks (here’s looking at you, Taylor Swift), but fashion has become a focal point of the night, too. Some of the most iconic fashion moments in awards show history have taken place at the AMAs, and flipping through old photographs of yesteryear’s chart-toppers is proof that these memorable ensembles still serve as style inspiration for modern-day looks — both in and outside the Hollywood bubble.

This year, trend forecasters predict celebrities will be serving up AMAs fashion flashbacks, specifically those most notable from the early aughts. It’s no secret that trends from the 2000s and 2010s have — for better or worse — cropped up over the last few years, so what better time than the present for the industry’s biggest names to dust off their corsets and tracksuits? Or, better yet, bring back the Canadian tuxedo Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake made headlines for, once upon a time? 

Ahead, we’re rounding up a handful of memorable AMA fashion moments reminiscent of trends that were popular then and are becoming popular now. Only time will tell if we’ll spot some outfit repeaters on the red carpet.

Christina Aguilera’s Low-Rise Pants in 2000

Hate them or love them, low-rise bottoms are, well, on the rise again. But before the belly-baring, whale-tale peeking pants had their modern-day renaissance, the style gained popularity in the early 2000s, and celebrities like Christina Aguilera were at the forefront of the trend. Case in point, the singer’s AMA “What A Girl Wants” performance outfit, complete with hip-hugging, red snakeskin pattern bottoms and a baby blue cropped tank top bedazzled with rhinestones.

Britney Spears & Justin Timberlake’s Denim on Denim in 2001

Blue denim reigned supreme in the early aughts — and not just in terms of bottoms. For example, who could forget Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s statement in denim-on-denim at the 2001 AMAs?

The Baby One More Time vocalist stunned in a sleeveless denim dress with a sweetheart neckline, patchwork detailing, and train, accessorizing with a diamond choker necklace, earrings, stacked silver bangles, and a chain link belt — which was also bejeweled with diamonds. The former NSYNC member, on the other hand, opted for jeans and a matching denim sports jacket, completing the look with a silver chain around his neck, shaded sunnies, and a denim cowboy hat.

Destiny’s Child Members in Matching Sets in 2001

Matching sets have maintained their spot as a wardrobe staple, as many options are simultaneously cozy enough for relaxing yet sleek enough to wear to work. This, however, is likely old news to former Destiny Child members Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowlands, and Michelle Williams, who wore matching sets long before the 2020s, stepping out in coordinating outfits at 2001 AMAs. The white, pink, and black paisley-esque pattern was such a statement in and of itself that their looks required minimal accessorizing.

Missy Elliot’s Tracksuit in 2003

Missy Elliot sporting an Adidas tracksuit on the red carpet is iconic for so many reasons, one of them being the fact that the comfy-cool athleisure look defied gender norms at a time when the majority of women walking the red carpet were wearing gowns, dresses, or a skin-baring something. But it’s also worth noting that Elliot was, clearly, ahead of her time, as the red and yellow track pants and matching zip-up ensemble made a clear statement: comfortable can be cool — an ideal we’re only just starting to fully embrace.

Beyonce’s Gold Satin Dress in 2007

Beyonce stunned in a gold satin gown on the 2007 AMAs red carpet, and while it’s likely that the material will pop up at this year’s show, too, we have a feeling the fabric will feel a little less...formal. Celebrities have started wearing underwear as outerwear, and this includes pieces like lingerie-style slip dresses that are often made from silky, satin material. It’s giving “shock factor” while Queen B’s throwback look gave “regal.”

Taylor Swift’s Sequined Mini Dress in 2013

Nine years later and it’s true; Taylor Swift is still bejeweled when she walks in the room. Back in 2013, the “Midnights” singer rocked a gold sequined mini dress with a black belt at the waist and strappy gold heels for her footwear. The sparkle was subtle compared to the glitzy number she wore to the 2022 VMAs and we expect there’s more bling to come on the AMAs red carpet this year.