Glitzy dresses and see-through gowns were both trending at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards with varying levels of success. Stars like Jennifer Lopez, Karlie Kloss and Olivia Munn shined in sparkling pieces, while Tiffany Haddish, Shanina Shaik and Rita Ora played a little peekaboo. Black and white reigned supreme, but color still found its way to the red pink carpet with one dynamic dress filling the quota all on its own. The beauty looks were also noteworthy with exaggerated eyeshadow, a bounty of bangs and eye-catching red lips.
Check out all the award show action in the slideshow above.
2018 MTV VMAs
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Jennifer Lopez
The night’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award winner sizzled in Versace. Jennifer Lopez’s silver gown boasted a significant slit perfect for flaunting those matching sandals.
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Blake Lively
Blake Lively suited up in a white Ralph & Russo ensemble. While her tailored blazer and crisp button-down were pretty impressive, we couldn’t stop staring at her super roomy wide-leg pants.
Image: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for MTV
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Cardi B
Cardi B showed some skin in a custom purple velvet Nicolas Jebran dress. Colorful Lorraine Schwartz jewelry jazzed things up.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Millie Bobby Brown
It was a black Rosie Assoulin Fall 2018 outfit for Millie Bobby Brown last night. Knowing the tulle shoulder accents would drive eyes upward, the actress opted for basic black sandals to cap off the look.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj turned heads decked out in a nude bodysuit (somewhat) covered up by a sheer slip from Off-White’s Fall 2018 offering. Hoop earrings and extremely long pigtails wrapped things up.
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Kylie Jenner
Surprisingly, Kylie Jenner kept things pretty low-key by simply opting for a white Tom Ford blazer dress. Olgana Paris sandals rounded out the outfit.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Karlie Kloss
Karlie Kloss’ shiny Elie Saab Resort 2019 dress included two high leg slits, allowing her to display those golden Giuseppe Zanotti sandals.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello went full-on glam in this tie-dye Oscar de la Renta Resort 2019 strapless gown. Drop earrings and silver ankle-strap sandals polished off the look.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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SZA
SZA hit the plush pink carpet in a pink Rodarte Spring 2018 look. Black suede Giuseppe Zanotti lace-up sandals with pink butterfly embellishments kicked things up a notch.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Tiffany Haddish
Tiffany Haddish hopped on board the see-through trend with this black and white Naeem Khan. She accessorized with Chopard jewels and crystal Sophia Webster platforms.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande rocked a futuristic minidress, but her glittery over-the-knee boots stole the spotlight.
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Shanina Shaik
Shanina Shaik made quite an impression in this white Naeem Khan sheer jumpsuit. Eye-catching earrings and Gianvito Rossi sandals balanced out the look.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Amandla Stenberg
Amandla Stenberg stepped out in a Prada Resort 2019 set featuring a colorful floral top and tan leather miniskirt. Neutral pumps and a Jennifer Meyer anklet completed the fun look.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Anna Kendrick
Anna Kendrick’s feathered frock came courtesy of Ralph & Russo. The haute couture piece was pretty flashy as were her Roger Vivier sandals.
Image: Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images
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Olivia Munn
Olivia Munn opted for a sparkling purple David Koma Fall 2018 strapless dress for the awards. She accessorized with layered necklaces and complementary sandals.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Winnie Harlow
There was a lot going on with Winnie Harlow’s Zuhair Murad haute couture gown, from its sheer nature to all that fringe. Metallic Christian Louboutin sandals capped things off.
Image: Paul Zimmerman/WireImage/Getty Images
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Rita Ora
Rita Ora left very little to the imagination in a Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2018 Haute Couture gown decorated with well-placed squiggles. The singer added in Lorraine Schwartz jewels and Giuseppe Zanotti black satin sandals with rose embellishments to finish things off.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Bebe Rexha
Bebe Rexha sparkled in custom Christian Siriano. Stuart Weitzman silver Nudist platform sandals added extra glitz.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Dascha Polanco
Dascha Polanco also went the see-through route with a lacy halter dress. A box clutch and strappy silver sandals wrapped up the look.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor sported a cropped white tank, underwear-exposing baggy pants and coordinating kicks, but her best accessory were those amazing abs.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Iggy Azalea
Iggy Azalea paired her checkered Fausto Puglisi dress with studded boots and cross earrings.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Chloe and Halle Bailey
The sister act stunned in a pair of Iris van Herpen haute couture masterpieces. Chloe Bailey’s comes from the Fall 2017 offering, while Halle’s hails from the Spring 2018 collection, which she teamed with Nicholas Kirkwood sandals.
Image: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for MTV
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Sofia Carson
Gliding down the pink carpet in a rainbow-colored Carolina Herrera Fall 2018 dress with pearl embellished bodice, Sofia Carson made quite an entrance.
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Ashanti
Ashanti went with an off-the-shoulder Elie Madi gown boasting a pair of high slits offering prime viewing of her Giuseppe Zanotti sandals.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Amber Rose
We really have no words for this red dominatrix getup.
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Blac Chyna
And Blac Chyna’s barely-there pink chain-mail outfit speaks for itself.
Image: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV
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Shay Mitchell
The striking orange shade of Shay Mitchell’s Nicolas Jebran embellished minidress made it stand out. Strappy sandals rounded out the look.
Image: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for MTV
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Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter was all wrapped up in Versace.
Image: Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images
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Hayley Kiyoko
Hayley Kiyoko took the plunge at her first VMAs in a glittering black dress with full skirt.
Image: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for MTV
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Jasmine Sanders
Striking a pose in a gold Dundas dress and silver Brian Atwood pumps, Jasmine Sanders’ beauty look was far more captivating, including her perfect top knot and dark red lips.
Image: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for MTV
