Sheer styles dominated the red carpet at the 2025 VMAs on Sunday night at New York’s UBS Arena, where nominees, presenters, and celebrity guests arrived in daring, head-turning looks.
As fashion shifts into autumn, the season’s emerging goth-girl trend—complete with boho layers, ruffled textures, and grunge-inspired edge (a vibe Lady Gaga has long mastered; see her 2025 VMAs gothic dress here)—is taking over both the streets and the stage. Still, this year’s attendees proved that see-through fabrics and lace ensembles are just as striking even as the temperatures dip.
Scroll on to see which stars embraced the sheer trend best on music’s boldest red carpet.
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Sabrina Carpenter
Kicking things off was the "Espresso" hitmaker, who commanded the carpet in a figure-hugging, semi-sheer red Valentino gown, embellished with sparkling details. The long sleeves and high neckline balanced the sultry vibe, while a fuzzy lilac boa and dangling silver earrings added a playful twist. She styled her blonde hair in soft curls swept to the side and completed the look with her signature glittery makeup.
Later in the night, the 26-year-old turned up the heat onstage with a quick outfit change—swapping elegance for pure pop-star energy. She dazzled in a bedazzled bra, sheer tights, and hot pants, channeling major Britney Spears vibes as she powered through her hit songs in a show-stopping performance.
Jessica Simpson
After nearly two decades away, Jessica Simpson made a striking return to the VMAs red carpet—and she made sure all eyes were on her transformation. The singer wowed in a daring, see-through black Christian Siriano gown featuring corseted boning, a strapless neckline, and a wraparound tulle skirt that offered glimpses of her toned legs.
The "Fade" singer finished the look with towering black platform heels, sleek silver drop earrings, and a high ponytail that showed off her glowing makeup. Her appearance not only marked a major red carpet comeback but also highlighted her headline-making weight loss in true Hollywood style.
Tate McRae
Tate McRae turned heads at the 2025 MTV VMAs, where she was up for four nominations, but it was her bold red carpet style that stole the spotlight. The pop star stunned in a sheer white Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown featuring a plunging bustier, a flowing train, and barely-there fabric that revealed her cheeky bottoms underneath.
Keeping the focus on the statement dress, McRae kept her accessories understated with elegant drop earrings and strappy white heeled sandals, letting her daring yet ethereal look speak for itself.
