Exposed Midriffs and Hip Bones Dominate Red Carpet Trend at MTV VMAs

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards saw a notable fashion trend emerge on the red carpet: a bold display of exposed midriffs and hip bones through low-rise and backless ensembles. This daring approach signals a move away from traditional notions of glamour, where full coverage was once the norm.

Celebrity stylist Lisa Talbot observed that "fashion is moving away from the idea that glamour has to mean being completely covered up." She noted the return of the exposed hip as particularly connected to the revival of late-90s and early-2000s fashion, but with a modern twist allowing for greater individual interpretation.

Taylor Swift garnered attention in a Tamara Ralph Couture creation featuring a halterneck black top with a sheer back, paired with a shimmering silver skirt designed to highlight her waist and sit off her hips. According to Talbot, Swift's outfit was a sophisticated interpretation of the trend, balancing revealing elements with structured ones.

Fellow attendees also embraced the trend with varying degrees of success. Singer Tyla opted for a blue snakeskin print skirt and bra two-piece that was described as a fashion misstep by some, with Talbot suggesting the proportions made it "more about the exposed body than the clothes themselves." Charli XCX showcased her abs in a tiny black mesh crop top and matching long velvet skirt by Saint Laurent, though she experienced a brief wardrobe malfunction. Talbot commented that while provocative, the styling was not as balanced as Swift's.

Emily Ratajkowski, who shared her look via Instagram, wore a red and black dress with extreme cut-outs at the sides. Talbot praised this choice, stating Ratajkowski "understands how to use the body as part of the overall design" and that the cut-outs felt intentional, creating a strong vertical line and structure.

Other notable appearances included Ciara Miller in lace-up, low-rise trousers and a matching bra, and singer JoJo in a sweeping maxi skirt. Male attendees also participated, with model Dom Fenison baring his chest under his suit jacket.

Brooke Schofield wore a beige one-piece ensemble with a ribbed see-through corset, a youthful interpretation of the trend according to Talbot. Rei Ami sported a black macrame-style sheer outfit, which Talbot characterized as an "experimental" look focused on creating an image rather than traditional glamour. Savannah Demers chose a shorter flowing skirt with cut-outs at the sides and a backless design. Chloe Bailey wore an ultra-sheer dress with mirror embellishments and strategic cut-outs, which Talbot described as a "body-conscious silhouette" consistent with Bailey's feminine style, though a more precise fit could have enhanced the overall look.

Talbot emphasized that while the exposed hip trend is connected to Y2K fashion, modern interpretations allow celebrities more freedom to express their personal style. She highlighted the importance of proportion and balance, noting that successful looks integrate revealing elements into a cohesive design rather than letting the exposed skin dominate.