Since her debut at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2008, Taylor Swift has become an awards show fixture, earning a whopping 60 nominations and taking home 23 Moon Men over the years - just two shy of Beyoncé, who currently leads the VMAs with 25 wins. Her red carpet appearances have evolved along with her musical style, starting with a youthful knee-length gown in 2008 and evolving into bold, avant-garde looks from labels like Versace.
"At her core, Taylor Swift is a storyteller, and she uses both her lyrics and her outfits to communicate, to create a narrative, to evoke memories and to create iconography," Sarah Chapelle, author of "Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras," previously told WWD. The storytelling is evident in Swift's VMA outfits over the years, some of which have included teasers or easter eggs for fans about upcoming music.
More from WWDThe "Tortured Poets Department" singer heads to this year's awards with 12 nominations, including eight for her "Fortnight" video and Artist of the Year.
WWD takes a look at Taylor Swift's style evolution on the MTV VMAs red carpet over the past 16 years.
VMAs 2008
In 2008, for her first MTV VMA performance, Swift wore an off-white Kaufmanfranco minidress that subtly picked up the color of the red carpet, reflecting a delicate blush hue on the pleated skirt. She paired the dress with shiny silver heeled sandals.
VMAs 2009
The 2009 MTV VMAs are remembered for Kanye West's interruption during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for Best Female Video. Swift wore this one-shoulder dress from Kaufmanfranco's 2009 resort line, with waves of beading cascading down the floor-length gown during the infamous moment. She finished the look with Lorraine Schwartz earrings.
VMAs 2012
Swift took a few years off from the VMAs after the 2009 incident with West. When she returned three years later, she did so with a complete style change, wearing a structured, all-white J. Mendel suit from the Spring 2012 collection. She finished the look with strappy gold sandals and her signature red lip.
VMAs 2013
Swift continued to channel the vintage Femme Fatale vibes with her 2013 VMAs look, a figure-hugging black crystal-encrusted dress with a plunging neckline by Herve Leger that complemented the vintage-inspired, dramatic aesthetic of her "Red" era.
VMAs 2014
Taylor Swift's blue alphabet-printed romper by Mary Katrantzou at the 2014 VMAs captured the bold, pop-centric essence of her Jack Antonoff-produced album "1989." The powder blue romper featured long sleeves, a high-cut style and was paired with maroon peep-toe boots. As Sarah Chapelle noted, "The '1989' transformation was a fun time to follow in her wardrobe as she hit the streets of New York in coordinating two-pieces and teetering heels."
VMAs 2015
Taylor Swift went for an elevated athleisure look in 2015 with a houndstooth two-piece from Ashish, featuring a cropped top and sweatpants in shades of silver, gold and bronze. She paired the sequined look with Christian Louboutin Pumpstagram heels.
VMAs 2019
In the midst of her "Lover" era, Swift opted for a colorful ensemble by Versace. The bright, patterned blazer featured neon belts and safety pins, the latter of which her fans interpreted as a symbol of protest against the Trump administration. During her performance of "You Need to Calm Down," Swift accessorized with a matching indigo Versace blazer and gold Louboutin boots.
VMAs 2022
At the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, Swift stunned in a crystal-embellished Oscar de la Renta gown from the brand's 2023 Resort Collection. The halter-neck silhouette featured a cascading series of crystals that created a cutout in the bodice. She again paired the look with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and silver Louboutin sandals embellished with charms.
VMAs 2023
Following the release of "Midnights" and the first leg of her Eras tour, Swift wore a custom black Versace dress. The gown featured an asymmetrical neckline with button detailing that ran down the skirt, which was left untucked to reveal a thigh-high slit. She finished the look with strappy Jimmy Choo heels at the 2023 VMAs.
2024
Swift arrived at the 2024 MTV VMAs in Dior Resort 2025 wearing multiple straps incorporated into her gloves.
Check back to see her 2024 look. The 2024 MTV VMAs will feature performances from artists like Anitta, Camila Cabello, Eminem, Halsey and Lenny Kravitz. The awards show, broadcast live from New York, begins at 8 p.m. ET.
MTV VMAs 2024 Red Carpet Arrivals Photos, Live Updates
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Launch Gallery: MTV VMAs 2024 Red Carpet Arrivals Photos, Live Updates
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