The 2020 VMAs might not have had a traditional red carpet with attendees strutting on a red carpet to the roar of wildly screaming fans in the background, but the fashion still delivered. Presenters, nominees and winners served looks — remotely or in audience-less spaces scattered throughout New York City — ranging from formal to full-on casual.

During a live pre-show, a segment dubbed “VMA Fashion Flashbacks” was a nostalgic attempt to remind us of the award show’s recent iconic fashion moments pre-coronavirus when celebs could walk the red carpet without needing to worry about masks and social distancing: Lizzo sizzling in a custom red sequin Moschino column, Cardi B in a white cone-bra jumpsuit by Christian Siriano, Taylor Swift glittering in a colorful Versace blazer and thigh-high boots.

But these flashbacks also reminded us that the VMAs red carpet has always been about fashion moments that flaunt individual style with a serious side of carefree preening. And that spirit still glimmered despite the remoteness of it all.

Here are some of the most stylish moments of the night:

1. DABABY

The “Rockstar” Rapper wore his love of logos on his sleeve (literally): a Dolce and Gabbana cap, Supreme jacket and Louis Vuitton shorts.

2. SOFIA CARSON

The singer and actress brought the glam in a one-shoulder Giambattista Valli peplum gown.

3. MACHINE GUN KELLY

The rapper-singer and actor accepted his Moon Person for best alternative music video in a hot pink Berluti double-breasted suit styled with a matching sleeveless turtleneck underneath. Alternative? Yes. Winning? Major yes!

4. NICOLE RICHIE

The fashion plate — whose alter ego NIkki Fre$h took over the virtual red carpet tonight — served punk princess vibes in a strong-shouldered chartreuse mini dress complete with a train and spiky bejeweled headband. She revealed that she chose the dress for its color as a nod to her upcoming socially conscious album, which is all about “organic vegetables.”

5. JOEY KING

Opting for a fall-inspired floral Versace minidress, the actress — who was on hand to present — endearingly shared the secret styling tricks the actress used to achieve her look: Spanx, lots of makeup on her legs “so they look shiny,” and extensions. We stan an honest Joey King.

6. MILEY CYRUS

True to the fashion icon’s penchant for naked dressing, Cyrus sizzled in a sheer, strapless, sparkly Mugler gown styled with matching gloves.

7. KEKE PALMER

The host served up an eclectic offering of looks, but this feathery frock was a welcome dose of whimsy.

8. LADY GAGA

Accepting the Moon Person for her and Ariana Grande’s hit single “Rain on Me” for best collaboration, Gaga’s rainbow shredded gown complete with a hot pink mask was an eye-popping combination of performance art, fashion and function.

9. DOJO CAT

Red carpet or not, it’s not the VMAs without body-hugging mesh, a plunging neckline and some seriously sexy jewels. Dojo Cat showed us how it’s done in this Versace mini dress.

10. MALUMA

Monochromatic anything is a bold look —but in highlighter yellow, it’s even bolder. It’s also proof that the best Latin music video recipient was a bright spot of the night.