When it comes to the VMAs, we know one thing for sure: subtlety is not on the guest list. Last night’s red carpet was an absolute carnival of bold statements, questionable choices, and—of course—more sequins than a sober disco revival. Covering the fashion at this event is almost too easy because, let’s face it, everyone’s main objective is to be seen.
And for the sober and sober-curious crowd, the looks ranged from classy and clean to “someone definitely thought this was a good idea at the time.” So, let’s dive into the most buzz-worthy moments of the night—whether they were a hit or a glorious miss. Here are the best and worst dressed from last night’s VMAs.
Honorable Mentions:
Chappell Roan in Y/Project. In any other best-dressed list, Chappell would reign supreme. However, the sultry singer is not in recovery. And yet we couldn’t bare not to mention this Joan of Arc-inspired look. It is both fragile, tough, and ethereal—a perfect look for the high-fashion songstress.
Sabrina Carpenter in archival Bob Mackie and De Beers. Sabrina captures the traditional look of Hollywood glamour in this vintage gown. The hair is giving Marilyn Monroe, the silhouette is classic and sexy, and everything I want to see in a look that screams classic Hollywood.
Best Dressed:
Megan Thee Stallion radiated confidence in a show-stopping Nicole + Felicia gown, embodying her self-care and mental wellness journey. In recent years, the sober curious rapper has embraced significant lifestyle changes, prioritizing her mental health and setting boundaries to ensure her well-being.
Danna Paola captivated in a sleek Noire Creative Studio ensemble, a look as polished as her dedication to mental health and well-being. This mindfulness beauty slayed in a leather bustier paired with a yellow and black hand-painted trench coat. The look is both elegant and modern.
Teddy Swims brought a bold touch to last night’s VMAs, donning a striking patterned, ankle-length coat paired with matching dress pants, exuding effortless swagger. The sober curious singer is in recovery from substances as of September 2023 and celebrates one year of recovery this month.
Coco Jones made a powerful statement at last night’s VMAs in a dramatic Lever Couture creation, effortlessly blending elegance with strength. The look is sculptural and organic-looking, with the metallic tone a perfect complement to her skin tone. The singer-actress, who has openly discussed her personal challenges and mental health journey, continues to inspire with her resilience, balancing the entertainment industry’s demands with grace and authenticity.
Nessa Barrett turned heads at last night’s VMAs in a chic Ronny Kobo ensemble, effortlessly blending edgy style with her signature cool-girl vibe. The drapy cream ensemble perfectly accentuates her curves, paired with a bold lip to elevate the look to a whole new level. The singer, who has openly addressed her sobriety and mental health journey, continues to defy rumors, standing firm in her commitment to well-being while navigating the pressures of fame.
Halsey brought timeless glamour to last night’s VMAs with a twist. Wearing a stunning vintage Versace look, Halsey tuned the black carpet into her runway. The artist, who has openly embraced sobriety as part of her mental health journey, continues to prioritize well-being and balance, proving that personal strength can shine just as brightly as her bold fashion choices.
Big Sean stunned in a suave, loose-fitted dark suit, effortlessly blending sophistication with laid-back style. The rapper, who has been candid about his journey to sobriety and commitment to mental well-being since entering into recovery in 2019, continues to prioritize self-care, using his platform to advocate for mental health awareness and personal growth.
Cyndi Lauper did not disappoint, turning heads in a striking black-and-white suit that perfectly embodied her signature bold style. The iconic singer, always one to push boundaries, continues to make a statement both in fashion and in her advocacy for self-expression and equality. She has been sober since 1992.
Worst Dressed:
Jordan Chiles dressed in a glossy, silver dress, with a black, red, and white collar, matching sleeves, and a corresponding bottom of the skirt. She completed the ensemble with some netted stockings and sleek black shoes. The sober curious gymnast photographed toasting with NA champagne with teammate Simone Biles, hit the mark with this one. The look appears to be a nod to the Ralph Laurent opening ceremony look designed for Team USA, but instead of red, white, and blue, the look is red, white, and black. The silver portion of the halter dress looks like cheap jersey knit fabric that could be purchased from Shein. At the same time, the gloves with the garters and the knee-high tights throw off the proportions of the athlete’s body. No part of this look is flattering.
I believe that if Chiles had worked with Doechii’s stylist, Sam Woolf, we would have had a completely different conversation.
Doechii, styled by Sam Woolf, was 90 Days sober as of her attendance at last night’s VMAs. Her look is edgy yet preppy. To me, this is what Jordan Chiles was going for with her look. This look is tailored and polished, but it has an edge to it—something that breaks the “Girl Next Door” image Chiles is seemingly trying to shed, perhaps to distance herself from the Bronze medal scandal.
Dora Jar dressed head to toe in a taupe cargo look, completing it with a red umbrella. Jar got sober after realizing she had lost her sense of presence due to isolation and excessive drinking. This look aims to be artistic, but the couture umbrella looks like one she could have picked up from the trash after its previous owner threw it out for being broken. The makeup is trying to overcompensate for a look that is overall a snooze.
Chanel West Coast has been sober since January 1, 2021. She appeared on the black carpet in a bizarre look that was an attempt to grab attention. And she went for it—just not the right kind of attention. The dress, if you can call it that, features a silver and white safety pin top and an asymmetrical silver mesh skirt. She paired the outfit with white mesh stockings and glittering silver heels. The look is overstyled and overdesigned.
Addison Rae has been open about her mental health struggles, particularly during challenging periods in her life, including family issues and public scrutiny. She first began discussing her mental health in early 2021, revealing that the pressures of fame and social media had significantly impacted her self-worth and body image. On the black carpet, she rocked a Claire Sullivan look, which I can’t figure out if I love or hate it. The bottom is whimsical, but the front screams ill-fitting granny panties. And the bustier is ill-fitting. But the feathers and the lace appliques are an unexpected twist that elevates the look. When she is sitting down, this look is posh, elegant, and a head-turner. When she is standing, I am perplexed. I am all about a look with drama in the back, but that statement gets lost with the front being so loud.
Lil Nas X in Barbenheimer, but make it fashion. The look is one that the five-year-old me who thought I was the pink Power Rangers would love to wear for Halloween.
GloRilla dressed in the Spirit Halloween version of the VMA Award. The hair is giving, with a different top this look would have been everything!
Chet Hanks, the son of Tom Hanks, has been sober for two years as of August 14, 2024. In this look, Chet looks like a toddler who went into his father’s closet and is playing dress-up. The proportions of this outfit are seriously messing with me. The shoes? Needlessly oversized, the coat appears too short when paired with the red and black pleather chaps.
What did you think? Did we hit or miss on our best and worst dress selections for the 2024 VMAs?
SOBER ENTERTAINMENT: Here, you’ll find a curated selection of podcasts, book reviews, TV series & movie reviews, music, and sober pop culture + celebs with the underlying theme of addiction. We’re sober, not boring! We’re covering it if it’s trending in pop culture and relates to sobriety. Our taste is eclectic, and our reviews are honest. Check out the sober entertainment you never knew you needed until now.
WALK YOUR TALK: This must-read section is a haven for sober fashionistas, delivering original content from our fabulous Sober Curators – Kate Vitela and Alexandra Nyman. Living a sober life doesn’t need to be dull, and we’re here to smash the stigma surrounding addiction by showcasing that life can indeed be lived to the fullest without alcohol and in fabulous outfits. If you were anything like us in your drinking years, getting dressed to party and the pre-funk that went with that was usually part of the plan. After putting down the bottle(s), we’re even more excited about getting ready for life, and you should be too!
SOBER POP CULTURE: The Sober Curator endeavors to bridge the gap and break the mold between mainstream pop culture and the vibrant world of sobriety, offering a treasure trove of recommendations spanning movies, podcasts, fashion, book reviews, mocktails (or alcohol-free cocktails), and beyond. Our aim was clear: to cultivate an authority on living a fulfilling, sober life brimming with possibilities and FUN! (Big emphasis on the FUN part, as we are tired of people saying, “Oh, you’re sober – isn’t that boring?)
Introducing the latest buzz in the world of chic sobriety: “Sober Pop Culture and Celebs” at The Sober Curator! We’re flipping the script on what it means to be sober and fabulous, blending the electric vibes of 80s neon, the edge of 90s hip-hop, and the bling of early 2000s fashion with today’s hottest trends and celebrity inspirations. Laugh with or at us, but there’s no denying this place is poppin’ with vibrant headlines and celebrity sightings. And to our celebs who are using their platforms for good – our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you! Keep up the excellent work!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
