The most daring MTV VMAs outfits of all time

When it comes to the red carpet at the MTV VMAs, skin is in. From ultra-plunging necklines to sheer skirts, no outfit is too risqué or revealing for music’s wildest night.

Case in point? Rose McGowan, who turned heads and dropped jaws in this completely see-through dress and exposed thong when she attended the awards with Marilyn Manson in 1998.

“Those kinds of looks were happening on the runway at the time, but I think she was the person who took it from the runway to the red carpet,” designer Maja Hanson, who created the revealing ensemble, told Page Six Style exclusively in 2020.

“I don’t remember anyone doing it before her. Other people have worn similar things since then, but she was the first to really have that ‘wow’ moment.” Getty Images; WireImage

Amber Rose later channeled McGowan’s iconic look with this draped-chain getup by Laurel DeWitt in 2014. FilmMagic

Who could forget Lil’ Kim’s purple embellished jumpsuit and matching pasty from 1999? No wonder Diana Ross couldn’t resist copping a feel. Getty Images

At the 2022 VMAs, Måneskin bassist Victoria De Angelis seemed to pay tribute to Kim with her asymmetrical Gucci top and heart-shaped silver pasty — which wound up censored during the glam rock group’s performance. Getty Images for MTV/Paramount G

Megan Fox stole the show at the 2020 VMAs in her illusion Mugler dress and bedazzled thong. We’re pretty sure her then-boyfriend, Machine Gun Kelly, was a fan. FilmMagic

When Britney Spears ripped off her suit mid-performance in 2000, viewers momentarily thought she might be nude underneath. In reality, she was wearing this embellished bra top and pants. Talk about a sparkly striptease! Getty Images

From the scarf daringly worn as a halter top to the denim skirt so short it could technically qualify as a belt, everything about Christina Aguilera’s outfit at the 2002 VMAs was “dirrty.” Getty Images

Mother Monster as mermaid? At the 2013 awards, Lady Gaga stripped down to this seashell thong bikini while performing “Applause.” Kevin Mazur

Can’t be tamed, indeed: Miley Cyrus dressed up like an S&M chandelier in this custom Versace getup — which essentially amounted to silver suspenders, matching thigh-high boots and a crystal loincloth — when she hosted the 2015 VMAs. Getty Images

In 2021, Jennifer Lopez got all laced up in a David Koma crop top-and-miniskirt set. Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

Ciara kicked the naked dress trend a “level up” in this embellished, super sheer Givenchy in 2013. WireImage

Rita Ora left little to the imagination in this barely-there black Jean Paul Gaultier gown in 2018. Getty Images

It’s Charli, baby! Charli XCX dared to bare in a see-through black lace look by Shawna Wu in 2021. Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

In 2004, Brooke Hogan let it all hang out in this bedazzled bikini top and matching mesh maxi skirt. WireImage

In 2018, Blac Chyna gave viewers an eyeful in this pink chainmail Laurel DeWitt bra and skirt combo, complete with peekaboo thong. Getty Images

Ashanti showed up in this strappy Michael Costello number with only half a skirt in 2021. FilmMagic

Nicki Minaj showed off her “good form” at the 2018 VMAs in a nude thong bodysuit and completely see-through skirt from Off-White. Getty Images

Normani gave viewers a little added motivation to hit the gym in 2019, when she flaunted her enviable abs in this crystal-covered Nicolas Jebran gown. Getty Images

Heidi Klum said “Auf wiedersehen” to undergarments in this gold Dundas gown in 2017. Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez flaunted her famous curves in silver Charbel Zoe in 2014. Getty Images

The 2020 VMAs might’ve been a more low-key affair due to the COVID-19 pandemic — but thanks to Miley Cyrus and her sheer mirror-embellished Mugler gown and matching gloves, the red carpet still felt like a party. Vijat Mohindra/MTV VMAs 2020 via Getty Images

In 2023, Bebe Rexha put her best assets behind her, showing off her booty with a leather dress featuring cheeky cutouts and a horse tail. Getty Images

The “Nasty” girl herself, Tinashe, really put her body on display in 2023 with this X-rated mesh gown with nothing but tape underneath. Getty Images

Addison Rae made the leap from TikTok star to pop star with her song “Diet Pepsi” — and channeled a showgirl in 2024. WireImage