10 Fashion Edicts From The Last 10 Years of The VMAs

A cursory glance back at 10 years of red carpet and stage style at MTV’s Video Music Awards might leave the impression that the first rule of getting dressed for the VMAs is there are no rules. Au contraire. There are several unstated yet very firm dictates that can and should guide many outfit choices. We’ve broken them down for you right here.

1. WHEN IN DOUBT, GO WITH A LBLD (LITTLE BLACK LEATHER DRESS)

Just as the little black dress is the safety net of women everywhere, the little black leather dress is a reliable go-to for an awards ceremony where style choices range from meat dresses to Oscar-worthy gowns. Emma Stone, Jessica Alba and Nicky Hilton are positive proof of this.

2. THERE IS SUCH A THING AS TOO SHORT

As frequent offender Christina Aguilera (seen here in her “Dirrty” days of 2002 and her tropical bird period following year) and singer-songwriter Bonnie McKee illustrate, not being able to sit down or bend over is a bad look. Don’t get us started on that scarf top.

3. THIS IS THE TIME TO GET WACKY

Katy Perry wore a yellow cube on her head in 2011, while J Lo’s VMAs outfits have included a dress whose velvet sleeves threatened to choke her and a mod, sparkly Sixties look complete with a headscarf. These awards are a chance to let your freak flag fly.

4. IN FACT, ARRIVING OR PERFORMING IN FULL COSTUME IS ENCOURAGED

Jack Black as Elvis in 2006. Nicki Minaj as Harajuku Barbie last year. Lady Gaga, always. Costumes are a big highlight of the VMAs. Just look at Gaga’s surprise turn as Jo Calderone—one of the 2011 broadcast‘s most talked-about moments.

5. BUT A LONG, BRIGHTLY-COLORED DRESS IS ALSO A GREAT WAY TO MAKE A STATEMENT

Want to stand out without baring skin, hitting Halloween Express or draping yourself in raw meat? Try one bold color, head-to-toe. It worked for Beyoncé in 2011, Rihanna in 2007 and Eve in 2001.

6. IF YOU’VE GOT GREAT ABS, YOU BETTER FLAUNT THEM

And if you don’t, you’d be well advised to cover them up. Shakira and Rihanna have both taken advantage of their toned midsections in years past. Belly baring (plus a big snake) also worked for Britney Spears in 2001, but proved disastrous during her comeback attempt of 2007.

7. A BODYSUIT IS PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE FORMAL ATTIRE

Just ask Robyn or better yet, Amber Rose. Three years ago, Wiz’s girl wore a snake-print onesie that was surprisingly flattering. Presumably, this was before Kanye got into the phase of dressing his girlfriends in only black-and-white. Also, this photo may illustrate why Ye thought it was okay to go up on stage to interrupt Taylor Swift’s award speech. Someone take that bottle from him!

8. OVERSIZE JEANS AND A T-SHIRT TELEGRAPHS “LAZY,” NOT “CASUAL”

We’re looking at you, Dane Cook. Not that you need to go all Pitbull-in-a-three-piece suit, but maybe wear a better shirt or cooler jeans?

9. DON’T NEGLECT BASIC GROOMING

Run a comb through that hair, Russell!

10. CERTAIN MUSIC ICONS CAN WEAR WHATEVER THE HELL THEY WANT

Exhibit A, Cher. See also: Cee Lo and the Beastie Boys, who in green jumpsuits managed to hold their own against Bigfoot on stage in 2004.

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