When we realized that the 2013 American Music Awards would showcase a whopping 16 live performances, we knew we were in for a grip of exciting brand new performance outfits. What we forgot about (momentarily) was that the stacked set list ALSO meant the red carpet would be full of high-octane #FASHUN. The stars turned it our for the AMAs step-and-repeat, and we're breaking down our favorite looks of the night.
TAYLOR SWIFT IN JULIEN MACDONALD
Taylor Swift at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Photo: Getty Images
Taylor Swift may have skipped the stage this time around, but she still won big. No, not just by looking drop dead in that glittering gold Julien MacDonald minidress. T.Swizzle also took home the award for Artist of the Year as well as Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album.
ARIANA GRANDE IN DOLCE & GABBANA
Ariana Grande at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Photo: Getty Images
Also opting for sparkle, Ariana Grande wore a red Dolce & Gabbana gown DUH-RIPPING with sequins from top to bottom. Unlike most of the other AMAs attendees, Ariana wore her dress straight from the red carpet to the stage, which we think is totally warranted because a dress that Jessica Rabbit fierce deserves aaaall the spotlight.
RIHANNA IN JEAN PAUL GAULTIER
Rihanna at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Photo: Getty Images
Though Rihanna didn't ~technically~ walk the red carpet, we just couldn't keep her off this list. This inspired Jean Paul Gaultier couture two-piece ensemble is just too major to overlook. And the fact that she paired it with a doobie wrap?? *holds up touchdown hands*
KE$HA IN MICHAEL COSTELLO
Ke$ha at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Photo: Getty Images
Ke$ha surprised us with this sophisticated asymmetrical Michael Costello number. A tasteful peek at her right leg. Voluminous, billowing inky black fabric. Sleek, middle-parted waves with hints of pastel hair chalk. What's not to love?
KATY PERRY IN OSCAR DE LA RENTA
Katy Perry at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Photo: Getty Images
A change of pace from her go-to Prismatic steez of late, Katy Perry arrived on the AMAs red carpet in regal, floor-length Oscar de la Renta. Black, strapless, polka-dotted and scattered with flowers, the gown is a cross between classic '50s steez and Old Hollywood glamour. Also, we can't get enough of her Olympia Le-Tan dictionary clutch and matching polka-dot nails.
NAYA RIVERA IN MICHAEL KORS
Naya Rivera at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Photo: Getty Images
Rounding out our favorite red carpet ladies who went for black, Naya Rivera SLAYS in this Michael Kors number. A high neck, long sleeves, and a floor-grazing hemline WITH a train balance out the jaw-dropping keyhole detail that extends from Naya's clavicle to just below her diaphragm. Hellooooooo, NURSE. *pops eyeballs back into sockets*
ONE DIRECTION
One Direction at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Photo: Getty Images
While we typically like to reserve this space for praising the ladies of the red carpet, the One Direction dudes turned it all the way out for these 2013 American Music Awards, and we just couldn't leave them unrecognized. I mean, look at these guys—all holding down different iterations of a simple gray and black color scheme. A common foundation of black skinny jeans holds the looks together while their top halves play up their different personalities: turtlenecked art dealer chic for Zayn, laidback-meets-formal for Louis, gratuitous outerwear for Liam, hipster gentleman for Harry, and expensive casualwear for Niall.
LADY GAGA IN VERSACE
Lady Gaga at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Photo: Getty Images
Fresh off revealing herself as the new face of Versace, Lady Gaga repped her favorite flaxen-haired designer in a slinky lilac gown from the Spring/Summer 2014 collection. The look was considerably subdued for the ARTPOP singer, and if it's any indication of an era to come, we are all for the Age of Donatella Gaga.
MILEY CYRUS IN VERSUS VERSACE
Miley Cyrus at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Photo: Getty Images
Also in Versace (Versus Versace to be specific), Miley Cyrus (now with eyebrows!) went shirtless under her safety pin blazer and trouser set.
CHRISTINA AGUILERA IN MARIA LUCIA HOHAN
Christina Aguilera at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Photo: Getty Images
Finally, we'd like to initiate a round of applause for Christina Aguilera who has recently rediscovered her foolproof Back To Basics steelo. Simple, chic, winter white Maria Lucia Hohan. Soft platinum, barely shoulder-length waves. A classic cat eye and bold red lip. Girl is STUNNING.
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