See Taylor Swift's Amazing VMA Style Evolution

For her first time at the VMAs, Swift hosted MTV's pre-show in a sequined mini dress which was cute and age-appropriate for the then-18-year-old. These days it's hard to catch the 5-foot-11 star without heels on, but simple black flats were her go-to while she was on camera. Maybe she didn't want to tower over the Jonas Brothers when she interviewed them? 

After her hosting gig was over, Swift changed into a feminine beige bustier dress by KaufmanFranco and Giuseppe Zanotti sandals. 

Before that infamous run in with Kanye West on stage, Swift hit the red carpet in a one-shoulder KaufmanFranco beaded gown and her signature crimson pout. "Red lipstick gives me power," she told us.  

After winning her first Moon Man for Best Female Video ("You Belong With Me"), the singer changed into a vintage red cocktail dress. "She has a way of wearing a garment that might be 50 years old and making it completely modern and relevant," says her stylist.

To perform "Innocent," Swift kicked off her shoes and sang her heart out in a nude strapless D&G number that looks very similar to her KaufmanFranco dress from 2008.

After skipping the 2011 show, the star switched it up in 2012 by choosing a white silk crepe tuxedo jacket and tailored pant by J. Mendel. "The idea for the suit originally came from Taylor and her stylist, Joseph Cassell," says designer Gilles Mendel. "It was the first time she ever wore a suit on the red carpet and they challenged me to come up with something that would look sexy and glamorous, but extremely refined."

In a plunging Hervé Léger by Max Azria bandage gown and Lorraine Schwartz jewels, Swift showed she was all grown up. That night, she also took home Best Female Video for "I Knew You Were Trouble". 

Last year, Swift got playful in a blue alphabet-printed romper by Mary Katrantzou. "The calligraphic letters that float across the lace are actually inspired by turn-of-the-century school books, which felt appropriate because her songs have such a strong sense of narrative," says Katrantzou. "She wore it with such confidence, and she had the best legs that night!" 

Taylor Swift wore a top and pants by Ashish, shoes by Christian Louboutin, rings by Ofira, and earrings by Lorraine Schwartz.