TSS PREDICTIONS: 2022 MTV VMAs

With the MTV VMAs on August 28 and Taylor up for significant awards (alongside some highly suspicious attention and promotion being paid to the award ceremony) – it just feels like the time is right for some kind of news and an appearance from her.

Historically, her fashion at the VMAs has been very mixed. Most years it’s fun and short and edgy or interesting – an opportunity to step outside of the box. See: The Incident. Or: The Incident 2.0. But she’s also had two years where she’s opted inside the box with two full-length formal gowns. Add in the fact that Taylor’s style is such a mystery these days without a clear aesthetic driven by a single project – your guess is quite literally as good as mine for this award show.

(Pro Tip: If you want more fashion content, TSS Patreon subscribers get exclusive early access to predictions post plus extra bonus content).

But, as always, I’ll do my best.

And with that, here we go.

• Christian Siriano Resort 2023: I really like this frock because it offers a best of multiple worlds scenario and ticks a lot of different boxes where Taylor’s style has lived over the years. Feminine and soft (the shoulder bows), a little sexy and saucy (the bustier cups and thigh slit), powerful and tailored (the neutral palette and elegant styling). I would love to see this with Taylor’s signature red lip and a shiny wavy pony with a black velvet hair ribbon for a kicky and girlish touch. And why not go all the way with some Aquazzura bow pumps to finish it off.
• Alice + Olivia Spring 2022: This gown feels familiar but also fresh. The cutouts and delicate straps are reminiscent of her Balmain jumpsuit at the 2015 BBMAs and the skirt and overall shimmer a reminder of her most recent appearance at the BRITs. I appreciate that this is chic, clean, minimal, but with a bit of skin. A perfect balance for Taylor’s fashionable comfort level seems to be as of late.
• Naeem Khan Resort 2023: Given Taylor’s love of trousers lately, I feel we are massively overdue for a suited red carpet moment. Taylor has previously worn a suit to the MTV VMAs – but that was a literal decade ago. I think it’s time to revisit the suit. We also know that Taylor has embraced over-the-top prints at this particular event in the past. Again, see: Incident 2.0. So a romantic floral (which is something she has worn many a time in the form of a tea-length fit/flare dress) seems very on brand. I would do a deep side part with old Hollywood waves, modern emerald-studded ear climbers, and a red lip.
• Erdem Resort 2023: A kind of meeting in the middle between the Siriano and the Naeem Khan picks. A neutral colour palette but with romantic floral fabric and in a separates silhouette. This feels edgy but mature but feminine – all things that I think Taylor wants to accomplish in the here and now and specifically is appropriate for this particular awards ceremony. Tousled hair, smudged eyeliner and shadow, and a popsicle stained orange tangy lip with diamond studs and black diamond ear cuffs plus patent burgundy sandals would be my choices for styling.

What do you think of my picks? Do you have a favourite? And most importantly, do you think Taylor is showing up at all? Fingers crossed!