BET Awards 2025: They Ate – the Best Red Carpet Looks in BET Awards History
If there’s one red carpet that doesn’t believe in “quiet luxury,” it’s the BET Awards.
For 25 years, the BET carpet has been a place where Black excellence doesn’t whisper—it walks. The fits are louder. The accessories are bolder. And when the girls (and guys) show up, they don’t just arrive—they make statements. From Mo’Nique serving body and drama in her early hosting days, to Tyla redefining futuristic elegance in 2024, the BET carpet is the ultimate showcase of fashion on our terms.
Here are 10 looks that didn’t just trend—they transcended.
Mo’Nique’s Gold Goddess Hosting Gown (2004)
Before plus-size fashion was accepted on red carpets, Mo’Nique came through in a slinky, shimmery gold number that showed off curves and confidence. It was one of the first times a fuller-figured woman demanded space—and owned it.
Beyoncé’s Sequined Floor Length Stunner (2007)
Queen Bey rarely does red carpets—but when she does, it’s intentional. This look was disco-glam meets Destiny’s Child grown-up era. Golden glow. Full throttle perfection.
Janelle Monáe’s Tuxedo Couture (2015)
Long before everyone else jumped on androgynous fashion, Janelle was pioneering it. Her 2015 BET Awards look was a custom tuxedo gown hybrid with a floor-length cape. It said: I’m not like the other girls—and neither is my tailor.
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Zendaya’s Beyoncé Tribute Dress (2021)
Zendaya wore a reimagined version of the purple Versace dress Beyonce wore in her iconic "Crazy In Love" video. It was sleek, nostalgic, and respectful—but still entirely her own. A fashion love letter with Gen Z cool.
Taraji P. Henson’s Chainmail Illusion Gown (2024)
In her third year hosting, Taraji shut down the 2024 carpet in a gold chainmail-style gown with sculptural cutouts. It was giving goddess. It was giving boss. It was giving, “I’ve been on this carpet 20+ years and I’m still that woman.”
Ice Spice Stuns in Orange (2024)
In a lush orange gown with a back and front center cut out, the multi-talented rapper gave elegance and refinement. Adorned with a dazzling necklace, Ice Spice has declared her standing as a fashion icon.
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Billy Porter’s Futuristic Silver Armor (2022)
Porter showed up in a sculpted silver outfit with exaggerated shoulders and platform boots. The message? Queerness, Blackness, and fashion can exist loudly in the same sentence.
Tyla’s Studded Cutout Gown (2024)
Tyla arrived in a halter-style black gown with a printed train, intricate cutouts, and metallic accents. Her braids were immaculate. Her confidence? Radiant. It was her fashion coronation—and the internet agreed.
Megan Thee Stallion’s Corset and Slit Masterpiece (2021).
Meg’s custom Mugler dress had a sheer corset bodice, dramatic hip cutouts, and a slit so high it should’ve had its own security. Paired with sleek hair and bronze glam, the look screamed: Hot Girl, Grown Edition.
These weren’t just red carpet looks—they were moments. Each one reflected a shift in the culture, a shift in the style game, and a reminder that when Black celebs hit the BET carpet, it’s not just fashion. It’s a full-on statement.Watch the BET Awards 2025 on June 9th at 8 PM on BET.
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