7 VMAs Outfits That Prove Modest Can Still Be Super Sexy

Aug 31, 2015

There are, generally, two very different schools of sexy style. One is the less-is-more mentality where tighter, shorter and sheerer are better as seen on the majority of outfits at last night’s MTV VMAs where flashing pelvage was as commonplace as baring your elbows. Then, there’s the more subtle approach, which centers on how you wear the clothes, even when they’re not as scandalous as, say, any of the 16 outfits Miley Cyrus wore to host the show. Among the sea of nearly-naked dresses, there actually was a good showing for the later kind of sexy on last night’s red carpet. Here, we’re taking a look at the set of starlets who didn’t give in to the VMA’s famous #breaktheinternet spin on red carpet style for outfits that were way more covered up, but still are pretty danm hot.

1. Hailee Steinfeld: The actress and “Bad Blood” cast member proved more than anyone last night that you don’t need all the bells and whistles (and cutouts) to make a red carpet statement. In a sculptural, all-white ensemble with sleek metallic pops throughout, Hailee gave off major #Girlboss vibes. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

2. Kim Kardashian: We’re used to seeing Kim in second skin silhouettes — baby bump or no — so her decision to dress in a looser(ish)-fitting frock really felt like a breath of fresh air. The lace-up front and curve-clinging silhouette kept this floor-length number feeling frisky, two details balanced out by the luxe satin finish and deep olive hue. (Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)

3. Selena Gomez: It’s near-impossible to make out the details in Selena Gomez’s first dress of the night (a reason that may have contributed to the costume change), but the strip of leather trim along the neckline didn’t make it totally unforgettable. Consider this a style lesson for choosing a non-boring LBD for fall. (Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)

4. Ciara: Ciara might have found the sexiest way to cover up: a full fringe cape that could help you make your slinkiest romper ready for fall. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

5. Emily Ratajkowski: The We Are Your Friends star shares a clever way to style a thigh-high slit without showing off too much thigh: slip on a pair of above-the-knee boots and downplay both slinky pieces like that. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

6. Kelly Osbourne: The pre-show host just made a case for wearing pinstripes out of the office… and pajamas out of the bedroom. At the same time. And all while feeling cozy AF thanks to the super roomy silhouette. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

7. Vanessa Hudgens: Only at the VMAs are Disney princess moments considered out-of-the-box, but we love that Vanessa took it there with an uber voluminous skirt, cascading waves and stacks upon stacks of arm candy. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

What were your favorite looks from the VMAs? Tell us which celeb #won in your eyes, plus who you think wore the most shocking look of the night in the comments below.

How To Nail Halloween Cry Makeup That's Still Pretty

Alright, this was definitely an interesting Halloween makeup tutorial to do for y’all, but it had to be done! There seems to be a handful of pop culture-inspired opportunities to rep this look on Halloween. From Bey’s awesome sad streaks in her “Why Don’t You Love Me” music video to the repeated "Girls will cry and girls will lie" in Sabrina Carpenter's "Lie to Girls," you can pretty much turn anything into a sad version as long it’s done well. Whether you are going for a scary or gory look — BTW, you can totally switch out the black liner here for a red one to make this bloody eye makeup (Max Mayfield anyone?) — you’ll still look pretty. Sad, but pretty.

The Best Cry Makeup Ever

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See how good this looks?! Let's get into it.

Prep: Flawless Face + Smokey Eye

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Follow this tutorial to get your base makeup started. Add a pretty dramatic smokey eye. Layer up the eyeliner on both your upper and lower lash line — you’re going to need the extra pigment to help get those sad little makeup streaks to fall down your pretty little cheeks.

Step 1: Concealer

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Normally I say keep it light on the concealer so it does not get cakey or look too heavy. In this case, you are going to be adding water and messing with the under eye area more than normal, so you want to go a bit more dramatic in this department. Apply an upside-down triangle shape and then blend in with a brush.

Step 2: Visine

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Add a few drops of Visine to your lower lash line. Be sure to start off by focusing on one eye, because you want to take the next step immediately so you don’t lose the Visine drop.

Step 3: Smear

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Use a thin makeup brush to gently encourage your eyeliner to bleed in the same pattern that the Visine drops are falling down your face.

Step 4: Highlight

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Add a pop of deep silver metallic shadow to the inside corners of your eyes. This is going to give the highlight and dimension we want, but it'll maintain more of a moody vibe.

Step 5: Repeat

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Go through these same four steps on the other eye! Easy peasy.

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Get your acting skills on and have fun with this pretty cry baby look! Play your go-to sad tunes to really get into the mood.

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So. Sad. (But so pretty!)

Check out more Halloween ideas on Pinterest and our Halloween page.

This post has been updated.

kardashians halloween

12 Home Decor Trends To Watch Out For In 2025

Designing the perfect home is like self-care. Our spaces are increasingly evolving into our personal sanctuaries as more of us blend our living and working spaces. In 2025, this trend will continue, transforming homes into multifunctional havens: wellness retreats, gathering spots, hubs of tech convenience, and true reflections of personal style. "Creating a personal space and putting your signature on your home to create something unique will be a 2025 trend," says Lily Li, an interior designer from San Francisco's BoConcept. Gone are the generic, cookie cutter designs we see everywhere. 2025 will be all about you and what you love.

Here are top design trends for 2025, according to a recent Home Lifestyles 2025 report from global trend forecaster WGSN, plus our favorite 2025 trends buzzing on the home decor scene!

Elevated 70s

Design: A1000XBetter | Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford

Wood drenching is back from the '70s with a more grown-up look. Resurfacing are elevated designs and quality woods with '70s decor like sleek chrome lamps, shag rugs, chenille, and burgundy. Disco lamps optional.

Post-Modernism

CB2

CB2 Bodene Ivory Resin Coffee Table

Inspired by 1980s post-modernism, AKA "the designer decade," everything from coffee tables to sofas are coming out with unique shapes and unexpected designs. Look for more sculptural pieces that play together with a still-minimal vibe.

Asymmetrical Rugs

Etsy

Etsy Handtufted Irregular Shaped Rug

Hopping on the curve trend are rugs in 2025. Play with your wooly shapes for a more organic look.

Intentional Design

Design: A1000XBetter | Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford

As more people become concerned about climate change, WGSN expects 2025 will bring more services that help us reuse and repair. Things like refillable beauty products, climatarian cuisine (food chosen based on its carbon footprint), and products and services that encourage DIY, resale and repair will be big in 2025. Choosing quality pieces that will stand the test of time and even incorporating vintage pieces for their uniqueness and sustainability factor will be part of this trend.

Warm Neutrals

Ruggable

Ruggable Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug

Warm neutrals like chalk, oat milk and taupe are colors that we'll see more of for versatile home decor. But don't worry, color will be back in a big way too. Organic greens like kelp and emerald, oxblood, clay, sepia, and terracotta will add some richness while soothing pastels like glacier blue and mellow peach, plus flashes of brights like pink and teal, will also grace our 2025 homes.

Color + Pattern Drenching

Le Mieux et Cie

Color drenching will remain a strong trend in 2025, with bold, saturated hues covering entire spaces for a cohesive, dramatic effect. Layering patterns on patterns will also make a statement, as wallpaper and fabric work together to bring texture, character, and a fresh canvas to your space.

Statement Ceilings

Rebel Walls

Rebel Walls Bruno Sand Wallpaper

The fifth wall is having a moment, with everything from wallpaper and painted stripes to statement chandeliers adding unexpected flair overhead.

Sensorial Homes

Design: House of Rolison | Photo by Gavin Cater

WGSN forecasts a rise in sensory-driven decor for 2025, so products that soothe our senses. Think ASMR-inspired products like virtual sound baths to enhance focus, mood-boosting products that align with color psychology, robotic scent diffusers, experiential showers and chromatherapy.

Comfort Zones

Crate & Barrel

Crate and Barrel Sogno Chaise Lounge

2025 is all about comfort. Think plush, deep sofas, curvy chaises, and furniture with sweater-like textures, creating cozy nooks and rooms you’ll want to sink into with a good book or enjoy chats with your friends and family.

Discreet Design

Kam Idris

Tech and aesthetics don't always play well together, but that’s set to change. Expect more discreet tech products and kitchen appliances designed to blend seamlessly with decor. Look for natural materials, soft textiles, minimalist shapes, and inviting colors, along with clever design solutions that conceal tech — like photo frames that double as phone chargers.

"More and more people are choosing to live in smaller spaces or want to use rooms for multiple purposes. Multi-functional pieces will be growing in popularity, including hidden storage options or transformative furniture," says Li.

Biophilic Design

George Kantartzis

Research shows that plants can actually make us happier, so why not design our homes around them? In 2025, expect to see smart gardens with sensor-regulated watering, furniture with built-in planters, and nature-inspired decor. It's all about bringing the outdoors in, and the indoors out.

Outdoor Luxury

Meredith Kleinman Design

Outdoor spaces are becoming true extensions of our homes, with features like al fresco kitchens, plunge pools, outdoor showers (#goals), and cozy outdoor rugs and sofas made with durable, weather-resistant fabrics for fully functional spaces to enjoy most of the year.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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*NSYNC Just Reunited (Again) At Justin Timberlake’s Album Release Party

My iTunes library is filled with music from '90s boy band *NSYNC and I'm proud of it. As much as I adore the Backstreet Boys, my stance is firm - *NSYNC will forever be the group that unlocks the romantic feelings in my heart. Fun fact: my mom and sister have core memories of me singing "Every little thing I do, never seems enough for you..." at the top of my lungs.

That's why this '90s baby has been squealing with excitement over *NSYNC's reunion at Justin Timberlake's LA Concert last week and the fact they made another recent appearance to support him! If you're as much of an *NSYNC fan as I am, have no fear because all the details are here!