We all know that the MTV Video Music Awards are never just about the music! They’re also about gorgeous dresses, breathtaking performances, and viral moments that keep fans talking for weeks. The 2025 MTV VMAs, hosted at the UBS Arena in New York, were packed with amazing highlights. At Dapper Diary, we made a list of the 10 best looks and moments from the 2025 VMAs that set the internet on fire.
Doja Cat has never been shy about making headlines, and this year was no exception. She wore a custom Balmain that is honestly our favorite look from the evening. However, as pretty as the dress was, that’s not why Doja is trending again. She shocked the carpet when she applied a bright red lipstick—only to eat it right after! It was her signature Lady Danger, and now, Doja Cat eating her lipstick has gone viral. However, we did some digging, and it turns out it was a chocolate prop tied to her ambassador role with MAC Cosmetics. She also carried a quirky lipstick-shaped clutch, which shows that Doja knows how to command the spotlight!
Tate McRae joined the VMAs fresh off her Miss Possessive Tour. She lit up the stage with a medley of “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car.” The performance started off with her wearing a sleek white two-piece set, which she stripped down to just underwear mid-performance. This created a viral moment paired with her amazing dance performance that’s going viral on TikTok. Tate definitely brought both attitude and heat to the VMAs!
BLACKPINK’s Rosé turned heads in a butter yellow Oscar de la Renta gown as she accepted the Song of the Year award for her hit “APT” featuring Bruno Mars. The track’s 45-week run on the Billboard Hot 100 made the win historic. However, it was her heartfelt speech in which she dedicated the award to her 16-year-old self that made the moment even sweeter.
Sabrina Carpenter combined glamour and activism during her performance of “Tears.” She wore a semi-sheer floral sequin dress with a lilac boa and Tiffany & Co. jewelry. Sabrina stunned the audience while holding up a bold sign: “Protect Trans Rights.” It was a powerful reminder that fashion can also be a statement.
It’s hard to believe Mariah Carey hadn’t won a VMA before. We are glad that changed when she received the Video Vanguard Award this year. She was wearing a sparkling ensemble fit for a diva; she joked on stage, “What in the Sam Hill took you so long?!” This is such a vintage Mariah moment—funny, fabulous, and dazzling.
EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna, the Huntrix trio from K-pop Demon Hunters, showed up to present. We are in love with their looks that matched their star power. Their edgy Goth looks that remind us of animated-inspired styles felt like a perfect crossover of K-pop and pop culture. Huntrix definitely slayed!
The six-member group KATSEYE made their VMAs debut in matching looks that screamed Gen Z cool. They were nominated for their hit “Touch.” Therefore, the girls proved they’re not just about the music or their Gap jeans ad. They are here to set the tone for next-gen girl group style and presence!
Sombr arrived in a custom-made Valentino. His all-black ensemble proves minimalism can still make waves. His look was sharp, polished, and made him one of the best-dressed men of the night. The experts at Dapper Diary couldn’t agree more!
Conan Gray did not disappoint! He wore a gorgeous Erik Charlotte nautical gown. His sailor-pirate gown with ruffles, a corset waist, puff sleeves, bold boots, and a matching hat has everyone stealing a second look. It was the ultimate nod to Wishbone’s ocean-inspired vibe!
Lady Gaga gave the VMAs audience a taste of her Mayhem Ball tour. Mother Monster mesmerized everyone by performing “Abracadabra” and her new single, “The Dead Dance.” She was dressed in her signature avant-garde style. Gaga once again reminded the world why she’s in a league of her own and reigns the hearts of little monsters! Oh, and she won Artist of the Year award, no biggie!
The 2025 VMAs are never just an award show. It is viral, it is fun, and it is definitely a cultural moment. From Doja Cat’s chocolate stunt to Rosé’s heartfelt win and Gaga’s theatrical magic, this year’s event gave us ten viral looks and moments that fashion lovers will be rewatching for months to come. At Dapper Diary these viral looks are living rent-free in our heads!
➥ Who had the most talked-about look at the 2025 VMAs?
Doja Cat’s chocolate lipstick stunt in Balmain, paired with her lipstick-shaped clutch, was one of the most viral red carpet moments.
➥ What performance went viral from the 2025 VMAs?
Tate McRae’s bold stage performance of “Revolving Door” and “Sports Car,” where she stripped down to underwear, had fans buzzing online.
➥ Which star won Song of the Year at the VMAs?
Rosé from BLACKPINK won Song of the Year for her hit “APT” featuring Bruno Mars, wearing a stunning butter yellow Oscar de la Renta gown.
➥ How did Sabrina Carpenter use her VMAs moment to make a statement?
Sabrina Carpenter held up a “Protect Trans Rights” sign during her debut performance of “Tears,” blending fashion with activism.
➥ Why was Mariah Carey’s award a big deal?
Mariah Carey finally received her first MTV VMA, the Video Vanguard Award, making it a long-overdue and historic moment in her career.
Lena lives for bold fits, viral looks, and saying what everyone’s thinking in a way that resonates. A style-savvy Gen Z queen with a soft spot for streetwear and red carpet drama, Lena only has one rule: “Serve every day like it’s Fashion Week.” Catch her dropping truth bombs, style inspo, and outfit slays at Culture Club and Slay Report!
