The MTV VMAs makes one of the most special red carpet events every year. Since its debut 35 years ago—unlike the Oscars or the Emmys—it has always been a no-rule, free-for-all event: from the history of on-stage scandals to the headline-making fashion statements.
This years VMAs took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on August 26 2019. We were treated with musicians and non-musicians wearing some of the slickest, glamorous, daring, if not viral-worthy attire the world has ever seen.
See our list of our favorite best dressed men below:
The Jonas Brothers
Having made their return with each larger-than-life weddings and a banging new album, the headlines didn’t stop there. While usually going in coordinated outfits, the decided to go in distinctively different outfits from Fendi’s Men Fall/Winter 2019 Collection. To anybody who’s been following them since their teenage years, you would agree that they couldn’t have gone with better outfits that make them the fine looking gentlemen they are now.
Xavier Serrano
This look should remind you of a time when Brad Pitt donned an orange specs to the red carpet back in the early 2010s. Fast forward to 2019, the look got its modern update by the Spanish model. Xavier wears an all-blue Boss suit, matching undershirt, white sneakers, and topped off with an orange-tinted Prada glasses.
Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes is becoming more and more of a bona fide pop singer he’s destined for, so you can’t blame him for starting to become really flashy at any red carpet. With a pair Chelsea boots, a shirt that looks like it’s made from the thinnest of garments, a white tank top and a black suspender (which he wore in his performance), and polished with a lean, green Dolce and Gabbana suit, Mendes has established himself as the strongest contender to win the best dressed celeb in the red carpet—or even through the whole year.
Lenny Kravitz
2019’s VMA saw American rock musician slash fashion icon Lenny Kravitz still pulling an ever flamboyant signature look. He sported a jeans vest, what seemed to be a white pointy cowboy shoes and a very revealing fishnet-like under shirt. And it wouldn’t be a Lenny look without the shades.
J Balvin
Probably one of the most daring looks of the 2019 VMAs, the reggaeton musician showed up covered in Off White suit, pants, to shoes. The look definitely doesn’t play by the red carpet rule, and it screams a lot of statement. This might not be the future’s look, but it certainly is a look that could inspire other fashion rebellions.
Conceited
Call him lazy, but we definitely love Conceited’s effortless get up. The Dior sweatshirt does a lot to begin with, and accenting an all-black look with gold necklace and white shoes is brilliant. And since when is it okay to wear ripped jeans to a red carpet event? Conceited definitely got away with it.
Tainy
When Justin Bieber is doing it, and a celeb starts doing it on the red carpet; we should really watch out for it. The oversized jacket and the loose pants are perfect when given the right color, and makes a really bold statement that defies why everyone in the red carpet should wear slim fits. The Puerto Rican music writer and producer even looked like he should be walking on next year’s spring summer fashion show.
Marc Jacobs
Becoming the first ever winner of the highly regarded MTV x CFDA’s Fashion Trailblazer award means you’ll have to dress the part. Already a fashion trailblazer even before he was awarded, American designer Marc Jacobs showed up with husband Charly Degrancesco wearing an olive green of his own brand. It’s a look that says he’s playing by the rule and breaking it at the same time. Under that floor connecting super straight trousers hide a pair of bright ruby Prada pumps.