Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • News
  • Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      Expect to see these shades all over Instagram. Read More Next
    • What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      Fashion designer Misha Nonoo weighs in on the essential items that'll make your 'nothing to wear' days a thing of the past. Read More Next
    • "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      As if stress breakouts weren't bad enough. Read More Next
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See All Fashion

    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    It's not as tricky as you think.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See All Celebrity

    The 39 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    Naked dresses are perhaps the most impressive of all red carpet feats. While they may not always make the best-dressed list, they do require a certain breed of celebrity to pull off. Not only do you have to have the balls to risk a wardrobe malfunction, but you have to do it with enough confidence that you look fierce — not terrified — in the photographs. Take Naomi Campbell's appearance in Valentino's couture show during the spring/summer 2019 presentation. The legendary model gracefully strutted down the runway in a see-through gown with a ruffle skirt. (Click through the gallery for the NSFW photo).  Get the inside scoop on all your favorite celebrities with our FREE daily newsletter, InStyle Celebrity. Breaking news, relationship updates, hairstyle inspo, fashion trends, and more direct to your inbox! Let's not forget Rihanna’s infamous CFDA dress either. The girl rocked a completely sheer dress without a bra — and later remarked that her only regret was not wearing a bedazzled thong to match. That, my friends, is dedication. Then, there was the year 2015, when the Met Gala saw not one nor two but three naked dresses on the red carpet, all worn by Hollywood’s hottest A-listers. Jennifer Lopez, above, bared her famous curves in a custom Atelier Versace illusion gown. Beyoncé was nearly naked in Givenchy. And Kim Kardashian West almost looked modest in comparison in her sheer Roberto Cavalli dress, because no one’s getting naked without KKW joining in. Click through to see the best naked dresses of all time.
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty

    How to Treat Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Dermatologists

    If you're struggling with breakouts on your chin and jaw area, read this.
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See All Hair

    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The beginning of the new year comes with the irresistible urge to start over fresh, which means it's a great time to get a haircut.  This decade's first big hair trends include looks at every length that can be tailored to your hair texture and personal style. For anyone with a blunt bob — the most popular haircut of the past few years — you probably already guessed that the cut will still be going strong into the next decade. But there will be a few tweaks. As seen on Kerry Washington, 2020's bob has textured, softer edges, and looks amazing whether you part it down the middle or off to the side.  RELATED: The 10 Hairstyles You'll See Everywhere This Winter But if you swear that 2020 is going to be the year you finally grow out your hair, let Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian's extra-long lengths be your inspiration. Or, you can get the look instantly with the help of some clip in extensions.  To help you figure out how to wear your hair in the new year, we've rounded up the five biggest haircut trends of 2020, so you'll be sure of what you want before you head to the salon in January.  VIDEO: The Five Biggest Haircut Trends of 2020
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle

    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    If you're embarking on the keto diet, here are the must-have items to add to your cart.
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See All Politics & Social Issues

    Joe Biden Broke Barack Obama's Nationwide Popular Vote Record

    Obama's record goes back to 2008.
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    See All Pop Culture

    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Join editor in chief Laura Brown as she talks to trailblazers like Emily Ratajkowski, Michelle Pfeiffer and Storm Reid about their historic "firsts" in the industry.
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping

    Shopping

    See All Shopping

    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    Upgrade your lingerie drawer with these top-rated body shapers.
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Fashion Chevron Right
  3. The Best Fashion from This Year's MTV VMA-Nominated Music Videos

The Best Fashion from This Year's MTV VMA-Nominated Music Videos

By Andrea Cheng
Updated Aug 25, 2016 @ 4:30 pm
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Courtesy

Just when we thought music videos would fall into extinction and meet the same end as other beloved relics from the '90s, like video rental stores (RIP, Blockbuster) or floppy disks, they've gone and done a complete 180 to prove their staying power—even without the help of TRL's Carson Daly. The next generation of music videos that live on YouTube (or Tidal ...) want you to know that they've made a serious comeback with fancy art direction, famous directors, and elaborate visual effects. There are A-list cameos, compelling storytelling narratives, and in some cases, complete visual albums (because when life hands you lemons, you make Lemonade—right, Bey?).

And of course, those neat special effects wouldn't have the same impact without a major dose of fashion (or lack of—see: Kanye West's "Famous" if you don't know what we're talking about). Now that we're counting down to MTV's Video Music Awards (9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 28), the night that honors the best in the music video medium, we found it apropos to take a look back and spotlight the best, most memorable looks from the nominated masterpieces. From Queen Bey's swirly, ruffly Roberto Cavalli dress in "Hold Up" to Rihanna's sparkly spaceage-y jumpsuit—designed by a student from New York's Pratt Institute—in "This Is What You Came for," scroll through for the outfits that deserve awards of their own.

Start Slideshow

1 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beyoncé

Credit: Courtesy Tidal

Music video: "Sorry"

What she wore: An unapologetically bold men's camouflage Neil Barrett suit, complete with a black bralette, a wreath of a necklace, and facepaint. Sorry, I ain't sorry.

1 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Rihanna

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "Work"

What she wore: One music video wasn't enough for Rihanna and Drake's love child, they had to produce two—the first by Director X and the second by Tim Erem. Of course, that meant two outfits for BadgalRiRi, who first wore a racy netted dress over a knit triangle bikini in with a red, green, and yellow color palette and then changed into a shimmery see-through purple tank and a cutaway denim skirt.

2 of 16

3 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Adele

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "Hello"

What she wore: A shaggy coat layered over a checked shirt to belt out her gut-wrenching lyrics. In the middle of the woods. Alone. "Hello from the outside," indeed. 

3 of 16

Advertisement

4 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Drake

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "Hotline Bling"

What he wore: A chunky knit with slouchy sweats and Timberlands—a look so ridiculously simple, yet so memorable that it was one of the hottest Halloween costumes of 2015.

4 of 16

5 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ariana Grande

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "Into You"

What she wore: A Western-inspired outfit comprising a frayed denim jacket, a bustier, and belted booty cut-offs—because what else would you wear in the desert?

5 of 16

6 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Joe Jonas

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "Cake By the Ocean" – DNCE

What he wore: Ivory separates—if only we were all as smooth as this JoBro.

6 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beyoncé

Credit: Courtesy Tidal

Music video: "Hold Up"

What she wore: A fantastic ruffly, twirly, billowy Roberto Cavalli marigold pleated dress that's great for swinging baseball bats, smashing everything in sight (fire hydrants, parked vehicles, and video cams included), and navigating a monster truck.

7 of 16

8 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gigi Hadid

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "Pillowtalk" – Zayn

What she wore: The supermodel wore a couple of outfits in bae's first music video, including a gown scandalously slashed across her chest and this racy black bustier and choker.

8 of 16

9 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fergie, Kim Kardashian West, and Chrissy Teigen

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "M.I.L.F.$" – Fergie

What they wore: When the hottest moms of Hollywood weren't dousing themselves with milk, they twinned in matching piped robes and sexy bodysuits—for a selfie, obvi.

9 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Rihanna

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "This Is What You Came for" – Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna

What she wore: A glittery slouchy, spaceage-y jumpsuit that was designed by Isabel Hall, a graduating design student from Pratt Institute, and sartorially choreographed by RiRi's stylist Mel Ottenberg, who sat front row during Pratt's annual student fashion show.

10 of 16

11 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

FKA Twigs

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "M3LL155X"

What she wore: Amazing oversized '90-style denim separates and a white cut-out bodysuit and wide-leg skirt-pant-hybrid are just two of the coolest outfits in the video.

11 of 16

12 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beyoncé

Music video: "Formation"

What she wore: In a nod to Hurricane Katrina, Beyoncé lounged on a submerged New Orleans police car in red-and-white scribbled-on Gucci separates from the spring 2016 collection with Fallon earrings and combat boots.

12 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Missy Elliott

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "WTF (Where They From)" – Missy Elliott featuring Pharrell

What she wore: There were so many outfits to choose from, like a shattered disco ball jumpsuit or graphic jerseys, but not gonna lie, we're into this plasticky, futuristic-y tracksuit, complete with cool shades and giant hoops.

13 of 16

14 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Justin Bieber

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "Sorry"

What they wore: OK, so Bieber doesn't make an appearance in this music video, but the very '90s-inspired of-the-moment outfits are still worth a shoutout. Chicago Bulls jersey? Check. Acid-wash jeans? Check. Adidas tracksuits? Check.

14 of 16

15 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Zara Larsson

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "Lush Life"

What she wore: Breakthrough artist Zara Larsson reached for the gold in her high-shine sequined bomber.

15 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 16

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gigi Hadid

Credit: Courtesy

Music video: "How Deep Is Your Love" – Calvin Harris and Disciples

What she wore: If there was a Most Music Video Appearances award, it would go to Gigi Hadid, hands down. The girl has been everywhere (Zayn's "Pillowtalk," ex-flame Cody Simpson's videos, Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood"), but in this one, we love the simplicity of the delicate strappy LBD. Minimal design, maximum impact.

16 of 16

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Andrea Cheng

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 16 Beyoncé
2 of 16 Rihanna
3 of 16 Adele
4 of 16 Drake
5 of 16 Ariana Grande
6 of 16 Joe Jonas
7 of 16 Beyoncé
8 of 16 Gigi Hadid
9 of 16 Fergie, Kim Kardashian West, and Chrissy Teigen
10 of 16 Rihanna
11 of 16 FKA Twigs
12 of 16 Beyoncé
13 of 16 Missy Elliott
14 of 16 Justin Bieber
15 of 16 Zara Larsson
16 of 16 Gigi Hadid

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
InStyle InStyle

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Accolades Licensing
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
InStyle is part of the Meredith Beauty Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. InStyle may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.instyle.com

View image

The Best Fashion from This Year's MTV VMA-Nominated Music Videos
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.