VMAs 2009: Best and Worst Style

MTV's big night brought out the stars and their sometimes fierce (Shakira, Taylor Lautner), sometimes unfortunate (Ashley Greene, Alicia Keys) fashion choices -- see how we rate all the biggest hits and misses
By Archana Ram
Updated September 14, 2009 at 05:30 AM EDT

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BEST TAYLOR SWIFT

Credit: Sylvain Gaboury/ PR Photos

Making her entrance to the VMAs via fairy tale carriage, Taylor Swift looked every bit the part of Cinderella (post-fairy godmother) in this shimmering single-shouldered gown by Kaufman Franco. Even a little on-stage drama (boo, Kanye!) couldn't steal her thunder as one of the best dressed of the night.

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WORST JENNIFER LOPEZ

Credit: Sylvain Gaboury/ PR Photos

With velvet halter-sleeves (as we've dubbed this, ahem, unique style) J.Lo's Louis Vuitton ensemble looked more like a Project Runway challenge gone awry than a dress befitting a diva.

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BEST SHAKIRA

Credit: Sylvain Gaboury/ PR Photos

The epitome of rocker chic, the ''She Wolf'' turned it out in a Balmain leather mini studded with chains and thigh-high leather boots.

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BEST IF SHAKIRA HADN'T BEEN THERE PINK

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Pink and Shakira walked into a fashionista's nightmare when they stepped out in the same Balmain mini, but Shakira got the edge for styling and fit. Still, the dress is so MTV-appropriate, we had to give it a second nod.

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BEST KRISTEN CAVALLARI

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Regardless of whether The Hills's newest resident reignites the drama on the show's new season, she certainly lit up the red carpet in a silver strapless mini and Yves Saint Laurent pumps.

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BEST KATY PERRY

Credit: Sylvain Gaboury/ PR Photos

Keeping with the night's unofficial sparkle theme, Perry seemed to be inspired by her own ''Waking Up in Vegas'' video with this glitzy bustier dress by The Blonds. Sure, the look is a bit super-heroine, but we?ve come to love Perry for her costumes, like the Manish Arora carousel dress she wore to the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards.

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WORST ASHLEY GREENE

Credit: Sylvain Gaboury/ PR Photos

Ashley Greene's look may be cohesive — boudoir hair and flirty Dolce & Gabbana dress — but can you say, yawn? We expected more flash and sizzle from MTV's own VMAs fashion correspondent.

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BEST TAYLOR LAUTNER

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Even at 17, the Twilight hunk was looking all sorts of sharp in this perfectly fitted Calvin Klein suit.

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WORST ALICIA KEYS

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Between the hoop earrings and circle motif on her sequined dress, Keys had our heads spinning — and not in a good way.

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BEST ON TOP, WORST ON BOTTOM BEYONCé

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We loved Beyonce's bold color choice and the plunging ruffle neckline, but the extra flap of fabric and shortie hem made for a not-so-bootylicious bottom.

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BEST COMMITMENT TO CHARACTER LADY GAGA

Credit: Sylvain Gaboury/ PR Photos

In what seemed like the most uncomfortable outfit of the night, Lady Gaga shocked once again in a black lace Jean Paul Gaultier dress and statement necklace (or neck brace?) by Kiko of London. Topped off with a half masquerade mask, it's not necessarily a look we want to copy, but it is signature Gaga.

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BEST STYLE SHIFT KRISTEN STEWART

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Opting for a more ladylike look, the Twilight star donned a glittery chiffon dress — but maintained her trademark edge with a cropped black 'do.

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By Archana Ram