Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 7, 2025 · Entertainment

VMAs 2025: Fashion Faux Pas Galore with Ariana Grande at the Top!

Ariana Grande led the worst dressed list at the 2025 VMAs in a strapless black and white polka dot frock that had a strange puffy ruffle in the center and hung awkwardly on her frame

VMA FASHION DISASTERS: Stars Strut their Stuff, But Not Exactly Their Best

The 2025 Video Music Awards have officially kicked off, and with it, a parade of fashion flops that are making us wonder if some A-listers have abandoned all sense of style. The annual event, hosted by the one and only LL COOL J, is streaming live on Paramount+, CBS, and MTV, but unfortunately, not everyone has brought their A-game to the red carpet.

While some stars stunned in glamorous gowns and dashing ensembles, others looked like they raided a bad 80s fashion store and put together an outfit from scraps. We've got the tea on who wore what – and it's safe to say that some of these looks are giving us major eye-rolling moments.

Doja Cat came in second thanks to her colorful purple and yellow plaid mini dress, which had a very low-cut neckline and dramatic sparkling red embellishments

The Worst-Dressed List

Let's get right into it! Ariana Grande took the top spot on our worst-dressed list with a questionable black and white polka dot frock that seemed to be screaming for attention. The strapless number had a strange puffy ruffle in the center, which only added to its overall awkwardness. We're not sure what possessed her stylist to pair this monstrosity with Ariana's stunning features, but it's safe to say that this look is a total no from us.

Coming in at a close second was Doja Cat, who rocked a colorful purple and yellow plaid mini dress that left little to the imagination. The low-cut neckline and dramatic sparkling red embellishments along the edges made for an over-the-top ensemble that was more suited to a Vegas showgirl than a VMA attendee. We're also not sure what possessed her to complete this look with enormous platform heels, eye-popping earrings, and a wild blonde wig – but we're guessing it was all about making a statement.

Paris Hilton showed up in a black leather dress shaped like a flame, which she paired with tights, leather gloves, a choker and pumps - and the ensemble was not her best

But Doja wasn't the only one who overdid it; Paris Hilton showed up in a black leather dress shaped like a flame that she paired with tights, leather gloves, a choker, and pumps. We're not sure what kind of message she was trying to send with this getup, but we can confidently say that it's not exactly her most stylish outing.

More Fashion Fails

Zara Larson left little to the imagination in a completely see-through mini dress and blue undies, complete with dazzling tassels and flowers covering her assets. We're not sure what kind of message she was trying to send with this look – but we're guessing it's more about attention-grabbing than actual style.

Zara Larson left little to imagination with her VMAs outfit. She donned a completely see-through mini dress and blue undies, with dazzling tassels and flowers covering her assets

Rebecca Black arrived in an unordinary ensemble consisting of a puffy, lace skirt and fluffy haltered top, paired with heels that had brown fur on them. We're not sure what kind of statement she was trying to make with these furry shoes – but we can confidently say that they're the most eye-catching part of her outfit.

Franke Grande looked like he raided his grandma's closet for a yellow and black striped suit that guaranteed all eyes would be on him... but not for the right reasons. We're guessing he was going for "retro" chic, but ended up looking more like he's stuck in a time warp.

Singer Taylor Momsen wore next to nothing – literally – donning a black maxi skirt, studded belt, and just a tiny bra on top. We're not sure what kind of message she was trying to send with this look, but we can confidently say that it's more about shock value than actual style.

Rebecca Black arrived in an unordinary ensemble which consisted of a puffy, lace skirt and fluffy haltered top. She paired it with heels that had brown fur on them

Actress and comedian Megan Stalter wore a white gown with a large round piece of fabric at the end of the skirt, paired with a bedazzled Dunkin' Donuts cup-shaped bag. We're not sure what kind of statement she was trying to make with this look – but we can confidently say that it's more about attention-grabbing than actual style.

The Rest

TV personality Gabby Windey hit the carpet in a nearly-naked look, donning a sheer, lacy black gown that had two big cut-outs around her midriff. We're not sure what kind of message she was trying to send with this look – but we can confidently say that it's more about shock value than actual style.

Franke Grande was seen at the event in a yellow and black striped suit. The bright pattern ensured all eyes would be on him... but not for the right reasons

Singer Lola Young was seen in a black crop top, jacket, and capri pants, accessorized with a slew of gold belts, chunky necklaces, and high socks. We're guessing she was going for "edgy" chic – but ended up looking more like she's stuck in a bad 90s time warp.

Model and drag queen Symone opted for a red and white ruffled skirt and shirt combo that looked like it belonged on the cover of a bad fashion magazine from the 80s. The enormous puffy sleeves and matching neckpiece were way too over-the-top – but we can't help but admire her boldness.

The Rules: A Look Back

Singer Taylor Momsen wore next to nothing... she donned a black maxi skirt, studded belt, and just a tiny bra on top

This year, The Sun reported that stars have been warned not to wear anything too "raunchy" to the event. According to a source, CBS has set strict rules for attendees, prohibiting revealing outfits and unplanned profanity.

"It's going to be a sexier night, but we're hoping for a fun night with everyone behaving properly," said an insider. "Stars' reps have been contacted far and wide, warning them not to dress their clients in too provocative of clothing."

We can confidently say that some stars took this warning as a challenge – resulting in the fashion disasters we've seen on the red carpet tonight.

Actress and comedian Megan Stalter opted for a white gown that had a large round piece of fabric at the end of the skirt. She paired the strange ensemble with a bedazzled Dunkin bag

The Verdict

So who won and lost at the 2025 VMAs? While some stars stunned in glamorous gowns and dashing ensembles, others looked like they raided a bad 80s fashion store and put together an outfit from scraps. We've got the tea on who wore what – and it's safe to say that some of these looks are giving us major eye-rolling moments.

Stay tuned for more updates from The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com) as we bring you all the juicy gossip, fashion fails, and behind-the-scenes drama from this year's VMA red carpet!

Summer Walker opted for sparkly blue pants with tassels at the bottom, a white corset top, and a huge fluffy hat. And when we say huge, we really mean huge

What the frock? Singer Ayra Starr looked like she was covered in duct tape as she hit the VMAs red carpet

TV personality Gabby Windey hit the carpet in a nearly-naked look, donning a sheer, lacy black gown that had two big cut-outs around her midriff - leaving her underwear on full display

Singer Lola Young was seen in a black crop to, jacket, and capri pants. She accessorized with a slew of gold belts, chunky necklaces, and high socks, and there was way too much going on

Model and scientist Rachel Pizzolato's blue dress landed her on Daily Mail's worst dressed list thanks to the tentacle-looking pieces of fabric that hung off the skirt

Model and drag queen Symone opted for a red and white ruffled skirt and shirt combo - but the enormous puffy sleeves and matching neckpiece were over the top