The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards are right around the corner, and with the show comes a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the most iconic outfits to ever hit the carpet.
And indeed, the VMAs have definitely been a night that has served up some of the most jaw-dropping looks.
After all, no one will ever forget Lady Gaga's 2010 meat dress, which saw the singer dressed head to toe in raw beef. In addition to chunky silver jewelry and a bubble-gum pink hairstyle, Gaga completed her beef-wrapped look with both a hat and boots made out of meat.
Plus, back in 2002 Britney Spears rocked an all-black halter dress—which was a far cry from her usual glitzy gowns at the time—just two years after Pink wowed fans with her fluorescent pink spiked hair and fur length coat. And before them came Lil Kim and her head-to-toe lilac ensemble for the 1999 ceremony that left part of the rapper's chest exposed, covered only by a sequined, seashell nipple cover.
Now, ahead of the 2023 VMAs—held September 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT—we have no doubt stars like Demi Lovato, Doja Cat, Shakira, Kelsea Ballerini and more will wow us when they step out at New Jersey's Prudential Center.
Until then, keep reading to look back on the riskiest looks to come from the award show over the years.
Lady Gaga
Ahh the meat dress. Who could forget this wild moment from the 2010 VMAs? (The answer is no one.)
Doja Cat
The "Paint the Town Red" rapper freed the nipple in a web-inspired gown by Monse at the 2023 ceremony.
Britney Spears
At the 2002 show, the "Stronger" singer said goodbye to the frilly, girly and glitzy gowns she was then-known for, shocking the crowd with an edgy halter dress, lace-up heels, gloves and captain hat.
Nicki Minaj
The "Starships" emcee arrived at the 2011 show in this larger-than-life ensemble—the remnants of stuffed animals lined her legs, people.
Pink
Raise your glass to this fierce lewk. Not one for following trends, the singer graced the 2000 red carpet with vibrant pink spikey hair, low-rise jeans, a gold sequins halter top and bold coat.
Megan Fox
The Jennifer's Body actress bared her own bod in a nearly-naked look at the 2021 ceremony.
Lil Kim
Back in 1998, the rapper gave new meaning to color coordination. Her wig, jumpsuit, pasties and lipstick all matched, making this lilac look instantly iconic.
Lil Nas X
The "Montero" rapper had everyone calling him by his name when he showed up at the 2022 ceremony in a massive feathered skirt and matching headpiece by Harris Reed.
Madonna
Vogue! The pop star struck a pose at the 1984 awards ceremony in her iconic white-hot dress, lace gloves and statement jewelry pieces.
Miley Cyrus
The Disney Channel alum came in like a wrecking ball in 2015, letting it all hang out in this bedazzled chrome number.
Amber Rose
Rawr: In 2018, the model accessorized her bondage-inspired, red latex bodysuit with a cat mask and whip, of course.
Christina Aguilera
In 2002, the "Dirrty" singer's Y2K uniform pretty much consisted of this always—barely-there mini skirts, scarves as tops and page boy-esque hats.
Diplo
One word: Yeehaw! The DJ surprised fans and viewers at the 2019 event with his wildly colorful get-up. From his patterned suit to the matching cowboy hat and flashy belt buckle, this was an unforgettable red carpet moment.
Gwen Stefani
The No Doubt frontwoman's iconic 1998 style will forever be admired, including this get-up. The blue hair, matching bikini top, face jewelry and hula-hoop skirt paired with pants truly embodied the "more is more" approach.
Tinashe
Is somebody gonna match her freak? The "Nasty" singer bared almost all during the 2023 ceremony.
Justina Valentine
A fashion statement, literally. The "Candy Land" rapper had an important message to share as she walked the red carpet in a rainbow-colored jumpsuit.
Jennifer Lopez
The same year J.Lo wore her legendary green Versace dress, she also rocked this all-white ensemble to the 2000 MTV VMAs. From the bedazzled bandana to the glitzy Sean John crop top, this was the epitome of the early aughts.
Cindy Crawford
The Versace design that dropped jaws and turned heads. The supermodel sizzled at the 1992 ceremony with this dominatrix-esque dress.
Katy Perry
The "Fireworks" singer brought the glitz and the glamour to the 2008 ceremony. However, she kept her ensemble playful and flirty with purple heels, a feathered accessory, a diamond hairpiece and a patriotic purse.
Destiny's Child
Triple threat! The trio mixed dazzling with daring at the 2000 show. From the bedazzled bustiers to the latex leather bottoms, Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé and Michelle Williams stunned in these uniquely designed outfits.
Ava Max
Bam! The "Sweet But Psycho" singer was a force on the 2019 red carpet with her superhero-inspired ensemble.
Sky Days
The Black Ink Crew star wasn't afraid to show some skin in 2018 with her sparkly pasties, which perfectly matched her glitzy suit.
Bebe Rexha
The "I'm Gonna Show You Crazy" singer wasn't horsing around at the 2023 ceremony, showing up in a black gown that featured a long tail and butt cheek cutouts.
Baddie Winkle
Channeling her best Britney Spears in "Toxic," the influencer's 2016 red carpet outfit packed major personality.
Rose McGowan
Before Rihanna hit the CFDA Awards in 2014, there was the Charmed actress at the 1998 MTV VMAs in this see-through number.
Rita Ora
She never lets us down! Arriving on the red carpet in 2018, the singer left little to the imagination with this sheer gown.
Bella Hadid
The supermodel left the typical dress at home, and instead, opted for something fun, flirty and fierce in 2019.
Macy Gray
Back in 2001, Instagram wasn't yet a thing, so Macy took it upon herself to throw in some shameless self-promotion.
Jessie J
We applaud the singer's determination to not let her injury get in the way of a fabulous outfit in 2011.
Amber Rose & Blac Chyna
Twins! Leave it to stars to make a serious statement on the 2015 red carpet.