Top 5 Red Carpet Looks At The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards

Last night’s MTV Video Music Awards certainly had its share of WTF moments — starting with the red carpet. Katy Perry and Riff Raff attempted to pay homage (and perhaps rib at) the matching denim outfits Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake wore to the 2001 VMAs, a move that was particularly unsuccessful for Riff Raff, who looked utterly ridiculou withs Kool Aid-colored cornrows, an atrocious beard he shaped into a zigzag pattern, an iced-out grill, and an inexplicably studded and bedazzled jean jacket. Amber Rose went for a flapper-meet-stripper look that was positively hideous and left very little to the imagination. Overall, the  fashion misses far outnumbered the hits, but there were a few stars who managed to nail the art of the red carpet. Here are our top picks:

JENNIFER LOPEZ

Beyoncé’s epic performance at last night’s MTV Video Music Awards essentially broke the Internet (and yes, we had a hand in it too!) but, hours earlier, the most flawless look on the red carpet belonged to Jennifer Lopez. She may be twice as old as some of the evening’s nominees (Ariana Grande comes to mind), but she schooled all of them on how to look glamorous and convey a rock ‘n’ roll edginess. Her shimmering Charbel Zoe dress fit her exquisitely, so that no part of the fabric puckered or bunched up as she moved but seemed practically sprayed on to her body. The intricate and daring cut-outs, meanwhile, showed the Puerto Rican bombshell’s enviable figure (and plenty of skin) without feeling crass or raunchy — an amazing feat in and of itself. Her silver Jimmy Choo shoes and Thalé Blanc clutch completed the stunning metallic ensemble.

 BEYONCE

The recipient of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and all-around powerhouse was giving viewers heart palpitations way before her incredible performance on stage, walking the red carpet in this stunning, long-sleeved, glamorous black Nicolas Jebran gown, featuring sequin-covered strips juxtaposed against sheer lace panels. The placement of the black lace panels is genius — the V-shaped panel at the center of the bodice actually accentuates the plunging neckline, while the vertical panel along the waist and the panels hugging the hips all create the illusion of nudity, hence augmenting the gown’s sex appeal by teasing the eye, constantly pegging modesty and raciness against each other. I also adore how clear rhinestones line accentuate each sequined strip to give the gown stronger lines and create a more defined silhouette.

IGGY AZALEA

Apparently, since hopping on JLo’s “Booty” remix, Aussie rapper Iggy Azalea has been studying La Lopez’s fashion sense. The “Fancy” rapper turned heads in a strapless silver Versace gown that hugged her killer hips and cemented her bombshell status. A cut-out below the bustline revealed just a hint of skin, while the Art Deco-inspired geometric lines created by the jeweled embellishments — particularly along the bodice — gave the gown an extravagant, Gastby-esque 1920s feel.

DEMI LOVATO

Cleavage done right! Whereas Kim Kardashian’s cleavage-baring ensemble was almost offensive, Demi Lovato rocked a provocative dress with a deep, wide, V-shaped neckline that barely covered her nips but looked red hot. Like Bey, she favored a long-sleeved dress, an unusual move on the red carpet. It worked beautifully for both ladies, however, since their long-sleeved gowns included plenty of sexy design details to make them feel anything but matronly. In Demi’s case, the sleeves were balanced by the neckline and a thigh-high slit. Risqué touches aside, this red Lanvin dress accentuates Lovato’s naturally curvy figure and the draped detail at the waist feels magical and elegant.

CHANEL IMAN

Another long-sleeved treat! With intricately braided and woven leather strips placed horizontally to create a caged look, a high neckline resembling a choker necklace, and this body-conscious, knee-length Balmain dress is as rock ‘n’ roll as it gets. Model Chanel Iman expertly paired the edgy dress with Casadei’s caged heels and styled her mane into a side-swept bob.