The ever-evolving celebrity style of Ariana Grande took a fantastical turn at the MTV Video Music Awards, proving that a black and white palette is anything but simple—and a dramatic skirt is always a good idea.
At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 7, Grande accepted the award for Best Pop for “Brighter Days Ahead,” and while her heartfelt speech was a standout moment, her fashion choice was equally memorable. The singer stepped out in a stunning Steve O Smith Fall 2025 gown that felt like a modern-day fairytale.
The Steve O Smith gown is a masterclass in contrasts, both in color and silhouette. The top half features a structured, black bustier with a sweetheart neckline and a unique cutout detail, creating a sleek and architectural feel. Below, the drama unfolds with a voluminous, floor-length skirt crafted from white fabric with sweeping, abstract black strokes. The pattern evokes a sense of fluid motion and artistry, almost like a piece of living watercolor. The skirt’s lightweight, sheer layers add to the ethereal, dreamlike quality of the overall look.
Grande kept her accessories minimal to let the dress shine. She wore subtle silver hoop earrings and a few rings. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek, classic high ponytail, a signature look for the star that perfectly balances the grand scale of the gown. Her makeup was clean and fresh, with a defined cat eye that added a touch of classic glamour without overwhelming the whimsical nature of the outfit.
After a whimsical entrance, Ariana Grande returned to the VMAs stage for a second time—trading her polka dots for a goth-inspired glam in a stunning, sheer black gown.
Ariana Grande knows how to make an entrance, but an outfit change can be just as impactful. At the 2025 MTV VMAs on Sunday, Sept. 7, in Elmont, New York, Grande switched from her playful polka-dot Fendi ensemble into a striking Tamara Ralph Fall 2025 Couture gown to present the prestigious Vanguard Award to Mariah Carey. This was a fashion moment that signaled a shift, trading in pastel-hued fantasy for a darker, more dramatic aesthetic that might be a hint of what’s to come.
The Tamara Ralph gown is a mesmerizing cascade of black. The centerpiece of the look is its sheer, tiered skirt, which flows elegantly to the floor while revealing a hint of Grande’s high-heeled shoes. The fabric is adorned with shimmering, sequin-like flecks, creating a starry, celestial effect that gives the illusion of a night sky. The silhouette is defined by a structured, plunging V-neck bodice that cinches at the waist, contrasting beautifully with the voluminous, layered ruffles that form the cap sleeves. This play on sheer versus solid, and structure versus frill, is what makes the gown so captivating.
Grande kept her styling minimal to emphasize the intricate design of the dress. She wore no visible necklace, allowing the plunging neckline to stand out, and her earrings were small studs that provided a subtle sparkle. The singer’s high ponytail—a signature part of her red carpet style—remained from her first look, but the polka-dot bow was gone, a deliberate choice that let the gown’s unique sleeves take the spotlight. Her makeup was equally sophisticated, featuring her classic winged eyeliner, rosy cheeks, and a glossy nude lip.
It was clear from the moment she stepped onto the red carpet—the kind of entrance that stops a thousand conversations and starts a new one—that Ariana Grande was not just attending the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards; she was making a statement.
The shift away from the ultra-pink “Glinda” vibe is what truly captivated me. This felt a little sharper, a little more grown-up, a little more “I have three new VMAs, and I know exactly who I am.” What I really enjoyed was the styling cohesion. The custom gown was paired with black Jimmy Choo Max Platform Sandals, a perfect anchor that added a bit of modern edge while still honoring the retro spirit. And the hair… her signature ponytail, worn lower than usual, felt less like an accessory and more like a continuation of the look’s elegant, elongated line.
As for the beauty, her makeup was all about subtle radiance, perfectly complementing the Fendi design. R.E.M. Beauty took center stage, with her skin perfected using the Sweetener Foundation in Light 8Nw and Sweetener Concealer in Light 4 G . For that sculpted look, Satin Matte Bronzer in Solar STROM was a flawless choice. Her eyes were understated, letting the dress do the talking, and her lips featured a beautifully layered combination of R.E.M Beauty Eclipse Blush Lip Stick in Matinee and R.E.M Beauty Plumping Lip Gloss in Chuckie , topped off with the Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker in Booked N Busy for lasting color. The finishing touch, R.E.M. Beauty Mist Thing Hydrating Setting Spray , ensured her look was as flawless on camera as it was in person. The Interstellar Highlighter Topper in Miss Mercury gave her an ethereal glow that caught the light just so. It’s this meticulous attention to detail, from the blush peplum to the hydrating setting spray, that separates a good look from a truly great one.
This was exactly the kind of red carpet win she needed on such a big night, proving that sometimes, the most revolutionary statement isn’t about wearing something brand new, but about re-imagining a timeless classic. It’s this kind of calculated, sophisticated style that makes her one of our most popular celebrities. Now, I hope she can carry this sophisticated energy into her press tour for Wicked: For Good.
Get the Look: Parisian Polka Dot Chic
Here’s how to channel Ariana’s red carpet poise and add a touch of vintage flair to your own wardrobe:
- The Polka Dot Dress: Look for a dress with a timeless silhouette. Whether it’s a strapless gown like Ariana’s or a chic midi dress, the key is to find a piece with a classic feel. A high-quality fabric will make all the difference.
- A Touch of Blush: Add a subtle pop of blush or nude in your accessories. A small clutch, a pair of heels, or even a soft belt can echo the peplum detail of her Fendi gown. It softens the stark contrast of black and white.
- The Platform Heel: The platform heel is your secret weapon. It adds height and a confident, modern stomp to any look. Opt for a classic black—it’s versatile and effortlessly chic.
- The Low Ponytail: Ditch the high pony for an evening. A sleek, low ponytail instantly elevates your look, giving it a sense of quiet elegance. It’s refined, it’s understated, and it puts the focus on your face and your fashion.
- Minimalist Makeup: Don’t let your makeup compete with the outfit. Focus on creating a flawless base and a soft, luminous glow. A neutral lip and a hint of mascara are all you need to complete the look.
