The Season Of The Witch: Black Monochrome Dominates 2026 VMAS Red Carpet

From Lady Gaga's meat dress to Pamela Anderson's fluffy pink hat, the MTV Video Music Awards have seen some unexpected fashion over the decades. With the award show being much less formal than star-studded events like the Oscars, Hollywood figures often take the opportunity to wear something fun and, at times, outrageous. So it was a little surprising that so many celebs stepped out at the 2026 event, which took place on September 27, in all-black ensembles, but these stars made sure to bring the drama with moody witchiness.

'Tis definitely the season for such hocus pocus. Not only has the film's sequel brought the witchy '90s aesthetic of "Practical Magic" back into the zeitgeist, but the beloved witches of "American Horror Story: Coven" are some of many characters returning to the show's thirteenth season. The fall runways have also been imbued with magic, as the "whimsigoth" aesthetic alongside witchy staples like pointy boots and embroidered jackets are primed to be major players throughout autumn. Of course, Halloween is also on the horizon.

So, while this may not have been the trend expected to arise out of the VMAs, these monochromatic ensembles provide some much-appreciated inspiration. As told by Hollywood, this is definitely the season of the witch.

Teyana Taylor brought boudoir glamour while posing at the VMAs in an all-black ensemble. The multi-hyphenate star attended the event as both a presenter and nominee, as her single "Hard Part" ft. Lucky Daye was up for best collaboration. Though she didn't take home an award, she definitely landed among the best-dressed stars of the evening.

Taylor wore a sheer coat-gown from Zuhair Murad. The couture piece resembled a luxe robe with long sleeves and a floor-length hem, both trimmed in feathers, with the décolletage and see-through appearance only adding to the teasing, boudoir energy. It was definitely a high-fashion moment, though, as the gown's glittering, vertical embroidery was worthy of couture status.

Taylor also brought moodiness with her makeup, ringing her eyes with grayscale eyeshadow that flared out into a wing. This was combined with feathery lashes and bold brows, while a glossy, nude-toned lip combo completed the look. The "One Battle After Another" star also wore her hair in two buns atop her head. Altogether, these elements not only felt darkly glamorous, but worthy of a witch toiling away in her chambers.

Charli xcx has landed among the celebs who proved the LBD's versatility, taking another approach to all-black dressing at the VMAs. It was a notable night for the "Brat" hitmaker, as she presented an award alongside her friend and collaborator Troye Sivan and was nominated in several categories. Most notably, she popped into Madonna's opening performance, days after the two collaborated on the track "Danceteria Afterhours."

Before the main show, Charli walked the red carpet in a two-piece ensemble that could have easily been pulled from the wardrobes of Morticia Addams or Elvira. The Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello look consisted of a cropped top with a sheer, cleavage-baring panel and long, balloon sleeves. It was paired with a floor-length skirt of the same velvet material, with the low-rise cut showing off the singer's toned torso.

In terms of beauty, Charli paired dark eyeshadow with her signature smudged eyeliner, opting for a makeup look that perfectly embodies her party girl persona. The star's lips looked slightly contoured for the popular blurred effect, while her black tresses were straightened with face-framing layers slightly curving inwards. In this way, Charli updated the witchiness of classic icons with her own chic, but slightly-undone twist, making her 'fit a true standout from the evening.

Next, rising actor Ella Bright brought a subtle sprinkle of magic with a silky black dress. The "Off Campus" performer and her co-star Belmont Cameli attended the event together, taking the stage to introduce a performance from best new artist nominee Sienna Spiro.

Bright stepped out in an archival piece from Roberto Cavalli, seemingly vying for a spot among the best vintage fashion moments of the 2020s. The silky dress consisted of a corset-style top with exposed eyelets, a wrapped bust, and thick straps. The boning was contrasted with the soft fall of the floor-length skirt. While the dress alone brought a dark moodiness, Bright really captured a witchy energy with her styling.

She traded in her brunette hair color for a dark brown shade styled in classy waves. The new color emphasized her light blue eyes, which were tight-lined for further effect. She completed the look with a pearl choker and an assortment of silver rings. For those who haven't seen Bright in her hit show, don't forget to check out everything you need to know about the "Off Campus" book series before tuning in, but don't expect the same witchy energy as seen here.

The VMAs had another hit of gothic glamour when Bebe Rexha arrived. The artist was nominated in the best dance category for "New Religion," a track that was a collaboration with the band Faithless. "I didn't win, but at least I look snatched," she wrote on Instagram.

Rexha definitely did look snatched in a curve-revealing minidress from Dreaming Eli. The piece consisted of a nude-colored, corset-style top with black boning and overlaid with lace. Swaths of the same lace were draped along the waist and above the scalloped hemline, falling into small trains at the hip and rear. She accessorized with a statement cross necklace and a pair of thigh-high, lace-up boots featuring a lace pattern, only furthering the witchy drama of the look.

Additionally, Rexha styled her bleach-blond hair in a messy updo, with the color offsetting the darkness of the outfit. She opted for a smokey, winged-out eye look alongside a two-toned lip and completed the look with a set of white nails. Clearly, there was something magical in the air at the VMAs, but the season of the witch is far from over.