Nicki Minaj in D&G

She looks very cute here and this isn't bad or anything -- Nicki loves a bridal moment -- but it's worth noting she had major issues wrangling that veil when she opened the show as host. Nicki, have someone come out and dramatically unveil you. You know this!!!

Doja Cat in Monse

But Spooky Season doesn't start for three more weeks.

Tinashe

As noted: TINASHE WHAT. (There is something very cute about how her whole head is giving Cheery Elementary School Librarian and then she's got, um, labia tape? I don't know!!!!)

Megan Thee Stallion in Brandon Blackwood,

She looks very pretty in this, sheer or otherwise, but I agree with some internet commentary that it might be a bit boring compared to her usual. The DIAMONDS aren't boring though.

Tiffany Haddish in Jason Wu

I would NOT have guessed this was Jason Wu, whose work is always very ladylike and who showed this on the runway with a thigh-length slip as the underpinning. I guess I can see how that wouldn't feel very VMAs?

Tiffany Haddish in Jason Wu

I promised you buttcheeks!

Karol G in Ashi

She sort of looks like she's wearing Doja Cat's spiderwebs, just further along in the month.

Justina Valentine

This sort of looks like a costume that one of Poison Ivy sidekicks would have worn in the Clooney Batman movie.

Prince Derek Doll

This also has a fun 90s superhero villain vibe. Do we need to call Uma Thurman?!

GloRilla

Honestly, compared to a lot of this slideshow, this feels fresh and simple and great. She looks a bit like she's going to be hosting a Vegas pool party but, like, in a good way.

Coco Jones in Moschino

And, yes, this is ABSOLUTELY a belt as a top but like...that's okay under the circumstances.

Chris Olsen

I don't know if I can co-sign the return of the mesh top unless this also means International Male will be making a comeback.

Flo Milli

At least this is festive! She looks sort of like a charming mermaid.

Doechii in DSquared2

At least this is breezy?!??!!?!? (With the exception of the tube socks on her arms, which is something I do when I have to drag my Christmas tree out of my house and don't want to get stabbed with the needles.)

Laura Perlongo and Nev Schulman

Is Catfish still on???? Also: Many of us had those trousers in 1998.

Christian Breslauer, Brittany Breslauer

I hope all these folks bought stock in pasties before heading out to this event because nipple covers DO seem to be one of the themes of the evening.

Audrey Trullinger

This has the vibe of a very unfinished bridesmaid's dress?

Kaliii

This dress features Surprise Thighs! Which is my indie band name.

Yung Miami in Han Kjobenhavn

I promised you HUGE SLEEVES!

Of Course We're Kicking Off VMAs Coverage With The Nakeds and the Sheers

Our notes included (verbatim) "TINASHE WHAT."