An Ode to Vanessa Hudgens' VMAs Dress
Why her pretty, dreamy gown is such a refreshing surprise.


Sometimes, on a night when the expected red carpet attire is a gold overall breast-bearing loin-cloth or a sequined houndstooth crop top sweat set, the way you shock and awe is by doing something plain-old pretty.
Enter Vanessa Hudgens, who opted, at tonight's MTV VMAs, to don the most g*ddamn stunning dress ever—no gimmicks, no physics-defying cutouts, just a whole lot of dreamy, flattering, Naeem Khan-designed dusty-rose pink.
Gorgeous, no? Gotta love a girl who bucks the trend. And one who doubles down by topping the whole thing off with unabashedly girly crown-braid waves and delicate little jewelry.
Here, for your ogling pleasure, the look from every angle:
And here, with sister Stella, the gorgeousness doubles:
Thanks for understanding us, Vanessa—that while we appreciate nipple pasties as much as the next gal, we'll always have a soft spot for a pretty pink dress.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
As the editor of Cosmopolitan, Jess oversees the editorial for all of Cosmo's efforts across print, digital, video, and emerging platforms. Previously she served as the digital director of Marie Claire, where she tripled the readership, and she's held print and hybrid posts at Glamour and Teen Vogue. In 2013 she launched an interactive e-commerce platform for a fashion-tech startup, and in a former life she was a ballet dancer and NYU film student. She lives in Manhattan with her scruffy dog George.
-
Princess Anne's Unexpected Suggestion About Mike Tindall's Nose
"Princess Anne asked me if I'd have the surgery."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Elizabeth's "Disapproving" Royal Wedding Comment
She reportedly had lots of nice things to say, too.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Palace Employees "Tried" to Get King Charles to "Slow Down"
"Now he wants to do more and more and more. That's the problem."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Chase Sui Wonders Finds '90s Nostalgia in a Rare Spring '97 Prada Dress
She referenced Gwyneth Paltrow’s '90s-era style with an archival Prada print once worn by the star.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Olivia Rodrigo's 2024 VMAs Look Was Virtually Nonexistent — Because She Wasn't There
...because she wasn't there.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Katie Holmes Wears a Comfy Jumpsuit and Easy Flats on an NYC Night Out
Her street style is one of one—literally.
By India Roby Published
-
Kaia Gerber Cracked the Rich-Looking Outfit Code With Easy Fall Basics
The model stepped out in a timeless (and easy-to-copy) quiet luxury look.
By Julia Gray Published
-
Emily Ratajkowsi Masters the Sophisticated Skin Reveal in a Plunging Dress and Peep-Toe Boots
Ever the style risk taker, EmRata wore a plunging dress that's one of her most daring looks to date.
By Melony Forcier Published
-
The Controversial 2000s Fashion Trends Are Making a Comeback 25 Years Later
Two and a half decades later, 2025 is picking up where the aughts left off.
By Emma Childs Last updated
-
'90s Fashion in Photos: The Most Polarizing and Unforgettable Outfits of the Decade
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll reach for your acid-wash jeans.
By The Editors Last updated
-
85 Celebrities in Gloriously '80s Fashion
Take a trip down memory lane.
By Julia Marzovilla Published