When it comes to the Oscars, Cannes, or the Met Gala, the dress code is pretty obvious — bring out the best of the best. From gowns and tuxes to rare jewelry and impeccable glam, the aforementioned red carpets have a pre-baked "theme."
Such is not the case when it comes to MTV and BET franchise awards shows. Musicians are inherently different when it comes to fashion as opposed to actors. Generally speaking, musicians tend to dress more rebelliously whereas actors still try to appear as a palette for their next big role.
Why is it then that big nights in music come with some of the worst red carpet looks? The assignment is to dress as yourself, to further whichever artistic persona is leading your current sound, to bring visuals to a project, to channel a muse — why is this so difficult?
The 2023 BET Awards red carpet ranged from archival gowns to all-out costumes. It was a lot to process. The artists that got it *right* simply turned out elevated versions of their own personal style. Nothing forced, no dressing up for the sake of dressing up. Just looking good and selling their unique POVs.
Here's a few that gave my heart a pitter-patter:
Singer/songwriter and former member of Little Mix Leigh-Anne was an absolute standout. There were more enough sheer gowns on the carpet that night but wow, hers was above and beyond the rest thanks to bugle beads, fringe and an undefinable nude-y lavender. Of course her hair stole the show, making for a look that was equal parts vintage and futuristic. Well done, team Leigh-Anne.
Latto absolutely delivered last night. Was it the world's most groundbreaking look, no. But it doesn't need to be. She looked expensive, glow'd up, and carried the essence of a *star.* The hair was right, the jewelry was right, and the diamond Cuban anklet was just the right detail to make a sheer, high slit gown not look like just another sheer, high slit gown.
Ice Spice sported another one of the night's sheer black gowns last night with hers taking a more lingerie-inspired approach. Yes, we've seen the exposed panty with dresses like these quite a lot, but the exposed bra under the hook and eye closures was very cute and felt fresh. No doubt this will push the exposed bra trend even further into the limelight for the summer.
Summer Walker turned out one of her best glam looks to date last night alongside her man Lil Meech. The wrong styling could have made this illusion mermaid gown too fancy for the BET carpet, but with sleek hair, a fun lil bumped bang and a purple lip, it read as light and *cool.*
JT served up archival Jean Paul Gaultier last night and we love that for her. She's never been one to shy away form a fashion moment and this look was an interesting way to play up her Y2K aesthetic in a way that felt luxe. Please go to her IG to see close ups of her glam from that night. Toooooo good.
Lola Brooke also played with illusion with a chain-adorned asymmetric mini dress done in a perfect length for her petite frame. She went light on the accessories, letting her oversized clutch do most of the work. Plus that bussdown deserves its own award.
Pink Pantheress brought the Y2k vibes on the carpet with an asymmetric cheetah print gown and patchwork frayed denim boots. Absolutely perfect vibe for the event, keeping it cool and stylish.
Coco Jones looked every bit a star in a red sequin number with an oversized abdomen cutout and off-the-shoulder neckline. The updo was the exact right choice, allowing her shoulders and bare decolletage to capture the spotlight.