The 2020 VMAs might not have had a traditional red carpet with attendees strutting 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 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:

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

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

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!

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 minidress 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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Embracing the comforts of quarantine, Swift ditched her signature sparkle and instead accepted her speech from a remote location dressed in a blue striped button-down. Topped with curly bangs and with buttons undone for a casual effect, she personifies cozy chic.

No one loves a ’90s fashion moment more than Bella Hadid. On hand to present, the supermodel opted for a minimal, sheer black bodysuit and trouser by Nensi Dojaka.