MTV AMAs 2022: An Insight Into the Best Looks of the Night

Looks like the stars were dressed to kill this time! Read ahead as we scrutinize the best looks from the red carpet. Spoiler alert: lace, fringes, and sequins were a huge part of all the sizzling looks this time.

The American Music Awards have been seeing a plethora of risk-taking, bold red-carpet looks. And this year was no different. The AMAs are one of the largest fan-voted entertainment awards and the celeb style game is always on point, just as it was this year. The show took place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on November 20. This year, the awards were hosted by actor Wayne Brady with some truly memorable performances. As Taylor Swift managed to swiftly sweep away all 6 awards she was nominated for, singer Lionel Richie got honoured with the special Icon Award – a huge win! But, before the ceremony began, it was the red carpet that saw celebrities put forward their best ensembles as we’ve come to anticipate from the awards every year. It certainly does not hurt that the AMAs have a history of serving up statement looks – picture Cardi B’s surreal Schiaparelli face mask from last year’s ceremony and you’ll know what we’re talking about! Scroll on ahead to see what your favourite celebs wore to this year’s red carpet.

1. MACHINE GUN KELLY

Machine Gun Kelly in custom Dolce and Gabbana

First up, we have Machine Gun Kelly in a custom Dolce and Gabbana ensemble. We say ensemble because that is what it is! Covered in spikes from top to bottom, MGK certainly made a statement this time! “What’s a red carpet without a little danger,” might have been playing in his mind as he walked on the red carpet in his opulent purple suit. The spikes jutting out from the suit are what made it such a daring fashion move. Kelly himself said that the suit was hard to pee in – certainly a risqué choice, no? The coordinated studded boots and the messy, unkempt, blond hair provided the finishing touch to the outfit. Pairing the whole ensemble with statement jewellery, Kelly walked the red carpet in style.

2. TAYLOR SWIFT

Taylor Swift in The Blonds

In true Mirrorball style, Taylor Swift showed up in a jumpsuit as Bejeweled as herself – yes, we’re talking about the 6 awards she managed to sweep away! Her gold sequin and crystal-covered jumpsuit was pulled from the Fall 2019 collection from The Blonds and the matching pumps from Giuseppe Zanotti. The minimalist strappy sandals provided a clean finish to the overall look, elevating it neatly and cleanly. The jumpsuit had a V-neck and cinched waist and the low and open back made it equal parts fun and sassy while keeping the look bold. Overall, her ensemble gave a retro Studio 54 energy with the retro wave hairstyle, makeup and belt adding the retro 70s touch. The accessories were minimal with the gold sword danglers providing a sharp contrast to her voluminous, brushed-out curls. Her funky accessories combined well with the rest of the outfit to give a fun and sassy look. Talking about her makeup, the smooth and clear base indicates the use of a matte foundation and she looks perfectly contoured. Opting for her signature bold red lip, she kept her eyes strong and went with a decent smokey eye with browns and blacks. The smokey eyes were finished with highlighter on the inner corner of the eyes. Talking about the blush, she went light with a burnt orange-ish hue on the cheeks. Overall, the ensemble gave off some strong retro vibes.

3. P!NK

P!nk in vintage Bob Mackie

One of the first major red carpet sightings of the night, P!nk brought a fun silhouette with her as she walked on the red carpet with her family. Opting for a 1987 vintage Bob Mackie that she claimed she borrowed from Cher and Bob Mackie, she wore a green and black fringed mini-dress that was completely backless. The thigh-high slit let her put her impressive legs on display, adding to the look’s boldness. The high heeled black Guiseppe Zanotti sandals brought another level of boldness to the look. The lightning bolt cut-out down the middle of the dress separated the black fringe from the gold, giving the dress a unique touch. Coming to the makeup look, she opted for a dewy foundation and dramatic smokey eyes with golden and blacks. She opted to wear her hair slicked down. A liberal use of blush can be seen, which complements the overall dramatic look. She went with the soap brow trend which was perfectly done and looks amazing when combined with the rest of the look. The detail in her outfit and makeup was astounding and made her look absolutely gorgeous.

4. SABRINA CARPENTER

Sabrina Carpenter in Oscar de la Renta

Sabrina Carpenter walked the carpet in a barely there Oscar de la Renta two-piece, looking all ethereal. She opted for a crop top and skirt combo, dripping in jewels and perfectly complemented by her silver heels. The daring and bold dress allowed her to show off those curves. She also sported dark red nails that contrasted with the dress. She chose to only wear a ring for the accessories, letting the dress shine. Coming to the makeup look, it was gorgeous. The two-toned lips, and shiny lids made for a show-stopping look. She wore a smudged and smoked-out lash line and hyper-defined lashes using mascara. The shiny eyelids and the highlighter on the inner eye corner made the look pop out. For the lips, the Armani Beauty Lip Power Long-Lasting Satin Lipstick in 204 was used around the perimeter of her lips and the Lip Power Long-Lasting Satin Lipstick in 102 was used on the inner part of her lips to finish off the look. She went light on the blush and wore her hair in loose waves. All in all, it was a show-stopping ensemble.

5. CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Carrie Underwood in Tony Ward

Pastel perfection seems to be the vibe Carrie Underwood wanted to set and set it she did. Stepping on the red carpet in a sparkly, fringed Tony Ward gown, she looked utterly mesmerizing. She paired the gown with silver strappy heels from Cult of Coquette and statement silver earrings and rings, that let the outfit shine bright. The silver heels adorned with rhinestones were the perfect accompaniment to the dress. Bringing the glitz and glam to the red carpet, her beaded gown looked absolutely breathtaking. The sparkling baby pink halter-top gown featured a beaded fringe and was studded with rhinestones. The high slit on one side added a little more drama to the whole look. Talking about her makeup, she went with a matte makeup base and chic smokey eyes. She paired it with a light brown glossy lipstick and an orange-hued blush on the apples of her cheeks. Highlighter was used on her high points. But the main attraction of the look was the dramatic, chic smokey eye with a little highlighter on the inside part of the eye which brought drama and definition to the look. She used long artificial lashes with mascara to add another dramatic element to the look. She wore her hair in loose waves with one side tucked behind the ear. All in all, her ensemble was absolutely breathtaking and she looked stunning.

6. ANITTA

Anitta in custom Mugler

Stepping on the red carpet in extreme confidence, Anitta drew all eyes to her with her sultry outfit. Pairing high fashion with glamour, she donned a custom black-and-white Mugler gown that showed all her curves. The peekaboo panels on her butt added sultriness to her outfit. She paired the white bodice and skirt with diamond earrings, cuffs, and rings that added another level of sparkle to the ensemble. The custom Mugler gown showed off all her curves and made her dazzle on the red carpet. Just because the dress was monochromatic, doesn’t mean it was boring – it was covered in sparkles throughout. Our eyes were especially drawn to the white bodice which was the perfect amount of glam and sensuality. The illusion midriff cutout coupled with the butt-baring cutouts on the skirt gave the body-hugging mermaid gown its wow factor. Coming to her makeup, she did not go too loud. Her matte base, perfectly shaped eyebrows, and carefully contoured and sculpted face looked beautiful. She went with a light pink blush and pink eyeshadow with a soft liner and false lashes. The brown lip was another nice touch. She opted to wear her hair up with half of her bangs swooped down around her face. Overall, she balanced glam and class with sensualness and it made her look equal amounts elegant and sexy.

7. CHARLIE PUTH

Charlie Puth in Marni

Another male celebrity whose look we are loving is Charlie Puth. Although his look seems to be the complete opposite of Machine Gun Kelly’s – Puth went for a sweet vibe whilst Kelly’s outfit screamed dangerous. The ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ singer opted for a bright yellow, pastel-hued suit with a loose-fitted look. He wore the blazer in an open look with a plain white tee underneath. Pairing it with black boots, he totally nailed the oversized look. For the accessories, he went minimal – just a simple pearl necklace on his neck. The black belt and the black boots provided the much-needed contrast to break up the monochromatic tone of the whole outfit. And his nicked eyebrow seems to be the dramatic element to his otherwise sweet and handsome look.

8. KELLY ROWLAND

Kelly Rowland in Nicolas Jebran

Perhaps the most wowing outfit of the night, Kelly Rowland showed off her wild side in a strapless Cheetah print ball gown. The gown from Nicolas Jebran featured an all-over cheetah print that she paired with black latex gloves. The pointed heels she wore were from Valentino and they contrasted really well with the animal print gown. The thigh-high slit on the gown and the strapless neckline made the outfit bold and daring. She wore her short hair straight and did not opt for any accessories. Now for the makeup, she went with a dewy foundation which makes for a perfect base for the rest of her look. The false lashes added some more depth to the eye look and the red glossy lips tied it all together. 

9. ELLIE GOULDING

Ellie Goulding in Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Ellie Goulding stole everyone’s breath away as she walked onto the red carpet. Spotted wearing Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, her toned midriff was on full display. Her glamorously bold outfit ensured she shone bright as she hit the red carpet at the AMAs. She chose to wear a sheer pale gray midi skirt and crop top combination. Her top had a knotted cinch with an asymmetric neckline and a single curved short sleeve that gave it the illusion of being a cutout as she paired it with a matching choker and arm bands. The whole outfit featured a pattern of flecked metallic silver spots that shone bright as the light reflected off of her. Coming to the footwear, she opted for the “Rock Chic” heels from Aquazzura. The shiny silver sandals added just the right amount of bling to her ensemble with the thinly-wrapped ankle straps and the crystal-covered toe straps. The 4-inch metallic silver stiletto heels added a considerable height boost. The silver jewellery was another nice touch to the whole ensemble and was carefully and perfectly matched to the outfit. Talking about the makeup, it looks like she went with a perfectly moisturised, dewy base. The pink blush on her cheekbones and the highlighter on her high points added another dimension to the look. She opted for brown glossy lips. The star of the look though, was her eye makeup. The metallic purple eyeshadow provided the perfect contrast to her outfit and the crystal placed in the middle of her undereye gave the look a perfectly bejeweled look. The false lashes also added another dramatic touch to the whole look.