The 2016 MTV Video Music Awards took place on August 28 at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York. As the title suggests, the ceremony recognized special achievements in music videos, covering a wide range of musical styles.

The show was broadcast not only on television on several networks, but also MTV’s website and on their smartphone and tablet app.

As with every awards show, there was a red carpet where celebrities put on a true fashion show. The fashions we’ve seen at the VMAs were quite eclectic and sometimes on the strange side. The main trend was the shirtless blazer or tuxedo jacket, which was worn by multiple celebrities. It’s quite odd to see this as a new “look”: indeed, it might go once, but then when everyone starts doing it…

Of course, there were many takes on music event style which caught our eye.

Have a look at the menswear outfits from the 2016 MTV VMAs that made our fashion edit.

 

 

Nick Jonas

 

 

Often a favorite of ours on the red carpet, Nick Jonas offered some strong retro, yet modern vibes with his black and white jacket and tight shirt. We really liked the fact that Nick kept it simple, all in black and white, but added some visual interest through a very dynamic pattern. Well done.

 

 

Sean Combs

 

 

It’s a bird… It’s a bat… It’s a plane… No, it’s Sean Diddy Combs. Sean Combs’ look was a really good one: the “wings” were interesting and unusual, which is always a plus on the red carpet, and his large accessories were a bold statement and worked well with the overall ensemble. It is really interesting how the rapper managed to really put on a lot, but keep it simple at the same time.

 

 

Lance Bass

 

 

Former NSYNC member went for a fun and energetic bowling jacket paired with a skinny tie and sneakers. His look was interesting and well balanced and also very appropriate for the event: it was elegant, but in a sporty kind of way.

 

 

Jay Pharoah

 

 

Actor and comedian Jay Pharoah also opted for a sporty outfit, but in a dressed up kind of way. His look was dynamic due to the interesting cuts and shapes. The contrast fabric on his lapels completed this vision and made his ensemble youthful and fun.

 

 

Ansel Elgort

 

 

The award for fashion-forward celebrity goes to actor Ansel Elgort who went for a punk jacket with chains and a pair of rebellious pants. His futuristic / gothic style was definitely on the wild side and made for a great red carpet look alternative.

 

 

Jake Miller

 

 

Rapper Jake Miller wore a great blazer that featured an interesting texture. What we really liked about his outfit is that he wore this statement piece with a white t-shirt, black pants and grey shoes: It’s all about the black and white mix in this outfit and we love a thought-through look.

 

 

Robert Sepulveda Jr.

 

 

Former model, interior designer and activist Robert Sepulveda Jr. had one of our favorite looks from the evening. Wearing a butterfly suit accessorized with a long chain, Robert was stylish, yet very MTV. Also, his grooming was, as usually, impeccable. Great job!

 

 

Desiigner

 

 

Rapper Desiigner was one of the guys who went for the shirtless tux trend. What is interesting about this look is that it goes to show that one can wear a suit in more ways than one.

 

 

Jordan Fisher

 

 

Singer, songwriter, dancer and actor Jordan Fisher kept it cool at the MTV Video Music Awards with a bomber jacket that mixed a print and pattern in a cool way (cool striped sleeves with a fabulous quilted orange body).

 

 

Cody Longo

 

 

Actor Cody Longo definitely gets some brownie points from us for wearing a suit and accessorizing it, but in this day and age, we would love to see a better fitting suit – it’s not Rat Pack days anymore…

 

 

All in all, it can be concluded that the men’s outfits worn at the 2016 MTV VMAs were definitely not what you usually see on a classic red carpet. The MTV concept is all about experimenting and trying something new, so these looks were definitely in line with that!

 

Fraquoh and Franchomme

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. We want to hear from you! Who was the best dressed man at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards? Who was the worst? How would you mix their outfits up? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!