Chlöe Bailey turned heads at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards in a heavily embellished gown that quickly became one of the most discussed red-carpet looks of the night.
The singer arrived at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on 27 September wearing an Idan Cohen Spring 2025 gown featuring mirrored embellishments and a sheer construction. She completed the look with champagne satin platform sandals. The footwear was kept neutral against the reflective detailing of the dress.
The VMAs Red Carpet
Bailey's appearance was documented by multiple outlets covering the VMAs red carpet, with ABC News identifying her among the stars arriving at the Los Angeles ceremony.
The gown's mirrored embellishments created a reflective effect across the body, while the sheer material exposed sections of skin. Red Carpet Fashion Awards identified the dress as an Idan Cohen Spring 2025 design and described the mirrored detailing as the main feature of the look.
Footwear also played a significant role in the outfit. WWD reported that Bailey wore champagne satin platform sandals with the gown, adding height while maintaining the neutral metallic appearance of the ensemble.
Images of Bailey on the VMAs carpet were subsequently shared on Reddit's r/whatthefrockk, where users discussed the look and reacted to the singer's styling.
'Boob Crimes of 2026'
Reactions on the dress were mixed on the subreddit. While Redditors agreed that Bailey looked beautiful, they were concerned that the dress did not fit her well. Commenters discussed the proportions of the gown and the way its reflective details photographed under the red-carpet lighting.
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One Redditor wrote: 'Boob crimes of 2026 continue!' Another commented, 'There is a lot I like about this but it's so frustrating to me that paid stylists get away with this. It's poorly executed and Chloe deserves better than this.'
The response formed part of wider online discussion surrounding the fashion at this year's VMAs, where sheer and embellished designs were prominent across the arrivals.
Sheer dressing was a recurring trend at the 2026 ceremony, with Bailey among the stars wearing a transparent or semi-transparent embellished look. The publication also highlighted the use of crystals, sequins and other reflective details across several of the evening's dresses.
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Standing Out
Bailey's outfit stood out for its use of mirrored embellishment rather than a conventional sequin-covered surface. The detailing reflected the light as she moved, creating a brighter appearance in photographs taken on the carpet.
Her look was also included in British Vogue's gallery of the 2026 VMAs red carpet. The ceremony was held at the Peacock Theater and was hosted by Snoop Dogg, with performers and nominees including Taylor Swift, RAYE, LISA, Sombr, Teddy Swims and others attending the event.
Bailey attended the ceremony during another significant period in her solo career. The singer first rose to prominence as one half of Chloe x Halle alongside her sister Halle Bailey before developing her solo career.
Chlöe Bailey's Solo Career
Bailey released her debut solo album, In Pieces, in 2023, followed by the single 'Boy Bye'. Her music career has developed alongside appearances in television and film, including her role as Jazlyn Forster in the series Grown-ish.
The 2026 ceremony marked the 43rd edition of the MTV Video Music Awards and was held on the West Coast. The event featured performances from artists including Madonna, RAYE, LISA, Sombr, Teddy Swims, Shaboozey and Gunna.
Her appearance has since become one of the red-carpet looks circulating most widely in online fashion discussions following the ceremony.
