The Best BET Awards Looks Of All Time

From Eve’s denim capris in 2001 to Lil Nas X’s tuxedo dress in 2021, these fits are killer!

Photo: Getty Images Gregg DeGuire / Contributor

The 2023 BET Awards are here and we can’t wait to see the looks! But first, let’s take a journey down memory lane and reminiscence on some of the best fashion moments from the BET Awards red carpet since the first show in 2001! Who’s your favorite?

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Meet Tiffanie Barriere: The Drinking Coach Making History at the NYSE

Destiny’s Child- 2001

Photo: Getty Images Gregg DeGuire / Contributor

In 2001, Destiny’s Child (Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé, and Michelle Williams) arrived on the BET Awards red carpet in matching, sheer dresses! Which color is your favorite?

Morris Chestnut- 2019

Photo: Getty Images Liliane Lathan / Stringer

Come through Morris Chestnut! In 2019 the heartthrob wore this burgundy suit to the 2019 Awards!

Toni Braxton- 2005

Photo: Getty Images Enos Solomon / Contributor

Okay, body! Toni Braxton killed it in 2005 with this cream dress and strappy, snake-skin heels!

Patti LaBelle- 2007

Photo: Getty Images Jason Merritt / Staff

The Godmother of Soul, Patti LaBelle looked like a true fairy godmother in this dramatic gold gown with floral embellishments!

Victoria Monét- 2022

Photo: Getty Images Prince Williams / Contributor

Victoria Monét looked stunning in this brown, fittednsequin gown with roses on the top for the 2022 Awards.

Michael Jackson and James Brown- 2003

Photo: Getty Images L. Cohen / Contributor

Two icons with silk presses? We love to see it! Michael Jackson wore his signature bedazzled belt and pants with a classic white shirt! James Brown wore a gold-lined suit jacket!

Lil’ Kim- 2003

Photo: Getty Images Steve Granitz / Contributor

The pool party is at Lil’ Kim’s house after the BET Awards, y’all! Lil’ Kim was easy and breezy in this swimsuit and cover-up for the 2003 BET Awards.

Lil Nas X- 2021

Photo: Getty Images Penske Media / Contributor

Lil Nas X will always give us the drama! He wore this white and blue tuxedo dress to the 2021 Awards!

Rihanna- 2007

Photo: Getty Images Jason Merritt / Staff

Rihanna looked like an angel in this strapless bodycon dress for the 2007 Awards!

Usher- 2001

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella / Contributor

If this doesn’t scream the early 2000s, then I don’t know what does! Usher wore this fit to the very first BET Awards in 2001.

Quincy Brown- 2022

Photo: Getty Images Prince Williams / Contributor

We love when a man wears bold colors! Quincy Brown wore this amazing purple set with white shoes to the 2022 BET Awards!

Eve- 2001

Photo: Getty Images Gregg DeGuire / Contributor

I know, I know. This fit might not be everyone’s cup of tea now, but this capri/boot combo was killer in the 2000s! Love it on Eve!

Cardi B- 2017

Photo: Getty Images Jason LaVeris / Contributor

Cardi B was making her mark in the rap game in 2017 and killed it in this summery suit! Now that’s how you make a statement!

Janelle Monáe- 2022

Photo: Getty Images Prince Williams / Contributor

This whole look is flat out fabulous for the 2022 Awards, but what else do you expect from the one of the most stylish celebs in Hollywood—Janelle Monáe?

Jagged Edge- 2001

Photo: Getty Images Gregg DeGuire / Contributor

Oh how we miss a coordinating boy group moment! Jagged Edge hit us with the all blue for the first BET Awards!

Janet Jackson- 2002

Photo: Getty Images L. Cohen / Contributor

Janet Jackson’s abs were the most important part of this outfit! But this black maxi skirt, waist chain, and white crop top combo is in style today!

Queen Latifah- 2021

Photo: Getty Images Aaron J. Thornton / Contributor

Queen Latifah was ready for business in this unconventional version of a skirt suit for the 2021 BET Awards! Love, love, love!

Jesse Williams- 2016

Photo: Getty Images Jason LaVeris / Contributor

It doesn’t take much for Jesse Williams to look good, but this all-black suit made him look even finer than he already is!

Lil’ Bow Wow (Shad Moss)- 2001

Photo: Getty Images Gregg DeGuire / Contributor

Lil’ Bow Wow showed up to the 2001 BET Awards in a fresh silk press and all-red matching set.

Sevyn Streeter- 2021

Photo: Getty Images Aaron J. Thornton / Contributor

This photo just told us to hit the gym! Sevyn Streeter looked stunning in this sheer skirt set and matching head piece!

LisaRaye McCoy- 2001

Photo: Getty Images Steve Granitz / Contributor

In 2001, this look on LisaRaye McCoy was major! This white jumpsuit with strappy heels and chains was a killer look for the BET Awards.

Carmelo Anthony- 2004

Photo: Getty Images Jean-Paul Aussenard / Contributor

In 2004, NBA star Carmelo Anthony walked the red carpet in this Ray Charles shirt, a blinged out watch, chunky beads on his braids, and a flatcap!

Ryan Destiny- 2017

Photo: Getty Images Prince Williams / Contributor

Ryan Destiny graced the red carpet in 2017 in this corset-like, long red and black top with jeans and silver heels! It’s unique and a risk, which gets her points in out book!

Taraji P. Henson- 2002

Photo: Getty Images Steve Granitz / Contributor

A butterfly top, suede lace-up pants, and giant pink shades? Yep, it’s the early 2000s, ya’ll! Taraji P. Henson looked youthful and fun for the 2002 Awards!

Da Brat- 2003

Photo: Getty Images Steve Granitz / Contributor

This may not be everyone’s vote for best dressed, but having fun on the red carpet is what we like to see! Da Brat rolled up to the 2003 BET Awards in this Spongebob themed fit with a matching lunchbox and colorful hair ties!

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Exclusive: Hala Ayala, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

Exclusive: Hala Ayala, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

The Root Exclusive Series: Black History Month was established 100 years ago, in February 1926. To commemorate this momentous occasion, 100 Black thought leaders and creators share their collective wisdom and insight for the culture in this ongoing series …
Oscar-Winner Michael B. Jordan's Best Movies, By The Box Office

Oscar-Winner Michael B. Jordan’s Best Movies, By The Box Office

Now that Michael B Jordan is an official Oscar-winner, let’s take a look at his best movies by the box office! …
6 Years After Breonna Taylor's Killing, Trump Admin Quietly Gets Rid of Law That Could Have Saved Her Life

6 Years After Breonna Taylor’s Killing, Trump Admin Quietly Gets Rid of Law That Could Have Saved Her Life

Days before the anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s death, the Trump administration quietly reversed legislation which might have saved her life …
Oscars 2026 Best Black Moments: Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan and More

Oscars 2026 Best Black Moments: Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan and More

While ‘Sinners’ didn’t exactly sweep the awards on Sunday, the film still walked away with some major wins at the 2026 Oscars. Let’s get into it! …
Haitian Immigrant Woman Found Dead at Bus Stop Days After Release From ICE. Now, Her Family Demands Justice

Haitian Immigrant Woman Found Dead at Bus Stop Days After Release From ICE. Now, Her Family Demands Justice

The family of a Haitian immigrant, who came to the U.S. to seek asylum, seeks answers after she was found dead at a bus stop days after her release from ICE …
After 12-Year-Old Girl Dies Following School Bus Fight, Her Family Is Searching for Answers

After 12-Year-Old Girl Dies Following School Bus Fight, Her Family Is Searching for Answers

The family of Jada West has hired prominent attorney Ben Crump as they seek accountability in the case surrounding her untimely death …
Erika Kirk Dragged After Questionable Statements About White Men Being 'Disenfranchised'

Erika Kirk Dragged After Questionable Statements About White Men Being ‘Disenfranchised’

Black folks are coming for the Turning Point USA CEO for comments she made about white men being disenfranchised …
Why Michael B. Jordan Just Claimed The Oscar Crown Jonathan Majors Let Slip Away

Why Michael B. Jordan Just Claimed The Oscar Crown Jonathan Majors Let Slip Away

Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors once stood at the exact same place in Black Hollywood. One played the long game. The other played himself …
Cringey 2026 Oscars Snub the Heck Out of 'Sinners'

Cringey 2026 Oscars Snub the Heck Out of ‘Sinners’

The most-nominated film of the year faced surprising losses, but still scored historic wins for its cast and crew …
Resurfaced Video of Tyriq Withers Showing His Black Greek Pride is Now Viral

Resurfaced Video of Tyriq Withers Showing His Black Greek Pride is Now Viral

The “Reminders of Him” actor is trending after fans rediscover a throwback video of him strolling with his fraternity brothers …
'Euphoria' Composer Labrinth Quits Show and Music Business, Now Fans Are Shook

‘Euphoria’ Composer Labrinth Quits Show and Music Business, Now Fans Are Shook

Fans of the hit HBO drama “Euphoria” are shook after the show’s composer, Labrinth, suddenly cut ties with the high school series …
What We Now Know About Chadwick Boseman's Heartbreaking Snub at the 2021 Oscars

What We Now Know About Chadwick Boseman’s Heartbreaking Snub at the 2021 Oscars

Chadwick Boseman’s widow, Simone Boseman, reveals the oscar speech she had prepared in 2021 …
Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker's Messy Divorce Finally Reaches a Conclusion

Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker’s Messy Divorce Finally Reaches a Conclusion

The testy divorce between Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker has finally come to an end. Here’s the latest in their unfortunate saga! …
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Keke Palmer at SXSW Panel

You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Keke Palmer at SXSW Panel

Fans of the actress are speaking out following the shocking ordeal in Texas on Friday, and they’re asking all the right questions! …
Dak Prescott and Sara Ramos Interesting Relationship Timeline

Dak Prescott and Sara Ramos Interesting Relationship Timeline

Dak Prescott and Sara Jane Ramos made headlines on their shocking breakup. Let’s examine how they went from an anticipated fairytale wedding to calling it quits …
Why Former Illinois ‘Super Mayor’ Tiffany Henyard is Leaving Her State and Her Party Behind

Why Former Illinois ‘Super Mayor’ Tiffany Henyard is Leaving Her State and Her Party Behind

Now, ex-Mayor Henyard plans to run in the well-known Fulton County, Ga. race for the Board of Commissioners, and she’s doing so as a Republican …
Ex-DOGE Staffers Admit Using AI to Gut Diversity Programs, Federal Grants

Ex-DOGE Staffers Admit Using AI to Gut Diversity Programs, Federal Grants

DOGE staffers’ shocking depositions about their efforts to bring efficiency to government revealed that a former employee couldn’t even define DEI …
Yale Scholar Warns Worst Is Yet to Come After Predicting Iran War and Trump Election Win Years Ago

Yale Scholar Warns Worst Is Yet to Come After Predicting Iran War and Trump Election Win Years Ago

‘China’s Nostradamus,’ who foresaw Trump’s win and Iran war, issued predictions about America’s future in 2024, and many are starting to believe him …
Jasmine Crockett Just Reminded Us What Black Women's Leadership Looks Like

Jasmine Crockett Just Reminded Us What Black Women’s Leadership Looks Like

Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign reminds us that real political change is never built in a single race …
Black America Divided Over ‘End’ of Target Boycott As Big Debates Ignite Across the Internet

Black America Divided Over ‘End’ of Target Boycott As Big Debates Ignite Across the Internet

Black folks online are divided on whether the national Target boycott is actually over and who has the authority to call a quits …