VMAs Red Carpet Sees Bold Midriff Trend Take Center Stage

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet was defined by a daring trend: exposed hip bones, showcased through an array of low-rise and backless ensembles. Celebrities embraced outfits that left little to the imagination, signaling a departure from traditional notions of red-carpet glamour.

Celebrity stylist Lisa Talbot noted that this trend reflects fashion moving away from the idea that glamour requires full coverage. "The return of the exposed hip feels particularly connected to the revival of late-90s and early-2000s fashion," Talbot explained, adding that modern interpretations allow for more individual expression.

Taylor Swift garnered significant attention for her take on the trend, wearing a figure-hugging black halterneck top with a sheer back and a shimmering silver skirt that sat low on her hips. According to Talbot, Swift's look exuded class, presenting her hip bones in a "much more sophisticated way." Fashion expert Caroline Baxter described Swift's ensemble as a "polished interpretation" featuring a structured bodice balanced by a liquid-metallic skirt that created an elongated silhouette.

Other attendees also experimented with the exposed midriff. Singer Tyla, 24, opted for a blue snakeskin print skirt and bra two-piece, a look reminiscent of Y2K fashion. However, Talbot suggested this ensemble leaned more towards a "fashion look," with the proportions emphasizing the exposed body over the clothing itself.

Charli XCX showcased her abs in a tiny black mesh crop top and a matching long velvet skirt by Saint Laurent. While the outfit created a strong silhouette with its low-rise skirt and exposed midriff, Talbot noted that the expanse of exposed skin might disrupt the outfit's proportion, making it "deliberately provocative and very Charli," but perhaps less balanced than Swift's.

Emily Ratajkowski chose to share her daring red and black dress, featuring extreme side cut-outs and a sideboob-baring design, via an Instagram post. Talbot commented that Ratajkowski "understands how to use the body as part of the overall design," with the cut-outs at the hips feeling intentional and balanced by the dress's strong vertical line and ruching.

Brooke Schofield adopted a youthful interpretation with a beige one-piece ensemble featuring a ribbed, see-through corset. While embracing the exposed hip trend, Talbot pointed out that the low waist and significant skin exposure in the hip area made it the undeniable focal point, suggesting a need for more balance elsewhere in the look.

South Korean star Rei Ami presented an "experimental" look with a black macrame-style sheer outfit. Talbot described it as more about creating an image than traditional glamour, with exaggerated elements making the exposed areas work within a strong fashion concept.

Internet sensation Savannah Demers wore a halter mini dress with cut-outs at the sides to showcase her hip bones. "Savanna’s look is a good example of how a revealing silhouette can still feel playful rather than overly serious," Talbot said, highlighting that the overall styling kept the look youthful and fun.

Chloe Bailey sported an ultra-sheer dress with mirror work, featuring cut-outs at the sides and a higher cut to flaunt her cleavage. Talbot noted that while Chloe's look was consistent with her feminine style, the success depended on the garment's fit to ensure the construction didn't detract from the overall aesthetic. Fashion expert Caroline Baxter described Bailey's ensemble as delivering "fashion drama" and understanding the VMAs' brief for a "dramatic, sexy and unapologetically theatrical" presentation.