The iHeartRadio Music Awards are usually a breeding ground for fashion chaos. It’s the one night where “effortless cool” is often abandoned in favour of “what in the DIY project is this?” (Halsey’s 2022 Andres Sarda Swarovski jumpsuit still haunts my dreams.) But this year? Things were shockingly tame. Sure, we have some eyebrow-raising moments, but overall, the red carpet felt more polished than in previous years.
A Slit Away From belly dancer territory
Becky G was clearly feeling golden, stepping onto the red carpet in an embellished bralette and maxi skirt from The New Arrivals. This was close to stepping into full belly dancer mode. All she needed was a hip-high slit and some finger cymbals, and she’d be ready to lead a dance break mid-show.
Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking
Bad Bunny, who picked up Best Latin Pop/Urban Song for Perro Negro, arrived clutching what looked like a fresh bouquet of roses. Romantic? Maybe. But plot twist—it was actually Simone Rocha’s Bouquet Clutch Bag from her Spring 2025 collection.
Retro, dandy, and a little bit dramatic? Sounds about right
Benson Boone stuck to his signature aesthetic while accepting his Song of the Year award for Beautiful Things. A black lace sheer top and crisp white trousers screamed 1970s rock star meets modern-day crooner. And somehow, for the first time in history, black shoes with white trousers actually worked.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
Ashanti is no stranger to an eye-popping red-carpet moment, and this Balmain keyhole dress was no exception. Her moto was, “all you need is a little skin and a lot of confidence.”
Neutral girlies, rise
Gracie Abrams played it soft and understated in a taupe Khaite dress, but the gloves took this into gothic romance territory. This could’ve been a moment for a chunky platform heel, but alas, the hemline drags on the floor.
Inspired by JLo?
Kelsea Ballerini went full pop diva in a sparkling Alexandre Vauthier two-piece. This is what happens when a country star decides to channel their inner supermodel, and honestly? It worked.
Tiny dress, tinier straps, massive faith in physics
Madison Beer gave us an exclusive preview of the upcoming Magda Butrym x H&M collection (dropping April 24), and she’s really trusting that microscopic strap. This dress was basically a whisper of fabric away from being a full blown disaster. Godspeed.
An Archive moment
Maeta knows the power of a classic, slipping into a vintage Hervé Léger bandage dress. You can’t go wrong with this silhouette, and she knew it.
Motown glam
Muni Long gave us a shimmering gold gown, a chic updo, and a whole lot of diva energy. This is what happens when someone understands the assignment.
This outfit is going to multiple events, none of them successfully
Offset’s Chrome Hearts ensemble looked like it couldn’t decide where it was headed. The leather shacket? The leather tie? The brown corduroy trousers? So many textures, so many ideas, but so little cohesion. Celebrities have been making corduroy work, but this? This is not the movement.
Best Dressed?
Victoria Monét was undoubtedly the chicest person in attendance, floating onto the red carpet in a strapless, ruched Maticevski dress. This was proof that you don’t need sequins, cutouts, or gimmicks.
All in all, this was a rare year where the iHeartRadio Music Awards didn’t serve up pure chaos. Were there questionable choices? Absolutely. But will anyone be joining Halsey in the Looks I Didn’t Like In 2025 hall of fame? Probably not.
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