These Retro VMAs Outfits Feel Entirely New Again

The 2019 MTV VMAs are fast approaching on Monday, August 26. And while this year’s ceremony has a ton of musical acts to look forward to—Vogue’s September cover girl, Taylor Swift, being just one of them—it’s the red carpet that has us truly buzzing in anticipation. After all, the show has a history of serving up some of the most iconic celebrity outfits of all time: from Madonna’s “Boy Toy” lace dress while performing “Like a Virgin”, to Lil’ Kim’s breast-baring jumpsuit (complete with a sequined pasty, naturally) in 1999.

But a trip down memory lane shows that some of the VMAs most slept-on red carpet outfits are still surprisingly relevant today. Take Jennifer Lopez in 1998, when she wore a two-piece suit, bra top, and white cowboy hat—a chic take on country-western, which is all the rage after being thrust back into the spotlight by musicians like Lil Nas X and Solange. A similar vibe comes via Alicia Keys at the 2004 ceremony, when she decked herself out in all-over snakeskin. That slithery textile has been having a resurgence as of late, worn by street style stars such as Kim Kardashian West in the same head-to-toe way.

Other hits on the throwback list? A wild leopard look from Christina Aguilera, a graphic slip dress moment from Aaliyah, and so much more fashion goodness that could easily be mistaken for a current paparazzi shot. Below, find six retro VMA ensembles that feel entirely new again.