Every year, the MTV Video Music Awards turns out some of the most extra looks, ones that are hard to forget. We've been there for the meat dress, the nude dress, the furkini, and the pasty — but there have been some other winners that, if you really dig deep, they're just as ohmygodwhatisthat a moment as the more infamous ones. And no, we're not talking about those matchy-matchy House of Déreon ensembles that resurface every now and then.
Ahead, you'll find Macy Gray promoting her album in the best way, Lindsay Lohan pre- Speak era, and a gratuitous Tila Tequila moment (because the '00s were a weird decade). Last year, artists used the show a little differently: to show some skin (we see you, Miley), squad up (you know who you are), and make a social statement (all hail pals Amber Rose and Blac Chyna). Fashion, unsurprisingly, was the common thread in how all those things were accomplished. Before Sunday's show, let's take a look at those stars and their outfits who walked the VMA red carpets many moon-men ago.
Sheryl Crow
There's something going on here that we can't quite put our finger on... Oh wait, yes, we can.
Photo: Getty Images.
Madonna
Not much has changed!
Photo: Getty Images.
Nicky & Paris Hilton
Have you ever seen a more early-2000s look?
Photo: Getty Images.
Macy Gray
The red carpet is a marketing moment, and we're appreciate this no-bullshit approach.
Photo: Getty Images.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
Is it just us, or would Kim Kardashian wear this today?
Photo: Getty Images.
Serena & Venus Williams
Sisters who VMA together...wear tennis skirts on the red carpet together.
Photo: Getty Images.
I-co-nic.
Photo: Getty Images.
Kelly Osbourne
Inspiring a generation of mall goths everywhere.
Photo: Getty Images.
Marilyn Manson
Screaming for this one.
Photo: Getty Images.
Jessica Simpson
Remember when a sexy pantsuit was the edgy thing to wear?
Photo: Getty Images.
Lindsay Lohan
Few things feel as 2003 as a skin-tight white button-down with wide lapels, and anything with hook-and-eye closures worn as a layering piece.
Photo: Getty Images.
P!nk
Because when in doubt, bring your doggy.
Photo: Getty Images.
Victoria & David Beckham
There is absolutely nothing the Beckhams can do wrong. They are perfect in white as they are perfect in any other color, and we salute them — always.
Photo: Getty Images.
Christina Aguilera
There she is.
Photo: Getty Images.
Lauren Conrad & Tila Tequila
So many questions!
Photo: Getty Images.
Rihanna
Remember when?
Photo: Getty Images.
Lady Gaga
The night (and the outfit) that started it all.
Photo: Getty Images.
Kanye West & Amber Rose
Do we think Life of Pablo -era Kanye likes Graduation -era Kanye as much as Kanye loves Kanye?
Photo: Getty Images.
Jennifer Lopez
Again, not much has changed!
Photo: Getty Images.
Joss Stone
Hey, before you judge — denim skirts might make a comeback.
Photo: Getty Images.
Lil' Kim
The pasty seen around the world.
Photo: Getty Images.
Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen
Before the caftans and cigarettes came a much simpler, mom-friendly version of the Olsen Twins.
Photo: Getty Images.
P!nk
We should have seen the "Glitter In The Air " period coming with this striped number.
Photo: Getty Images.
Sandra Bullock
Who's that girl? (It's Miss Congeniality.)
Photo: Getty Images.
Eva Longoria
When you have the VMAs at 6 p.m., but homecoming starts at 6:05 p.m. and your friends are waiting outside.
Photo: Getty Images.
Katy Perry & Miley Cyrus
One of these things is not like the other...
Photo: Getty Images.
Kim Basinger
For some reason, all we're seeing is Vetements spring 2016.
Photo: Getty Images.
RuPaul
Can anyone do this red carpet pose better than RuPaul? Well, maybe Victoria Beckham, but — sshh!
Photo: Getty Images.
Fergie
Perfection looks a little something like this.
Photo: Getty Images.
Sheryl Crow
Giving us Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "I will literally kick your ass" vibes.
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