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
Biggie and Diddy’s Strange Friendship: Revisiting the Most Defining Moments

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

North West's Best Fashion Looks

North West’s Best Fashion Looks

In preparation for her clothing brand, we’re looking back on some of North West’s coolest fashion looks …
13 Times Stephen A. Smith Disappointed Black Folks

13 Times Stephen A. Smith Disappointed Black Folks

Before Stephen A. Smith gets serious about a potential 2028 presidential run, he still has to answer for these shocking and disappointing incidents …
Huge New Development in Case of Florida Father Whose Unlicensed Teen Killed 4 People After He Let Him Drive

Huge New Development in Case of Florida Father Whose Unlicensed Teen Killed 4 People After He Let Him Drive

A Florida father learned his fate after his unlicensed teen ran a stop sign and slammed into a car— killing a grandmother and her 3 grandchildren …
WATCH: Celeb Publicist Records the Scary Passenger Incident That Forced His Delta Flight to Turn Around

WATCH: Celeb Publicist Records the Scary Passenger Incident That Forced His Delta Flight to Turn Around

A passenger tried to enter the cockpit of a Delta flight before passengers jumped on him to subdue him for law enforcement. And it’s all on video …
Black Twitter is Conflicted About This Black Grandmother Praising Trump at a BHM Celebration

Black Twitter is Conflicted About This Black Grandmother Praising Trump at a BHM Celebration

Two weeks after Trump posted a racist video of Obama, one Black D.C. grandmother told America how Trump did for her what Democrats refused …
Everything to Know About Pam Bondi, the Trump-Loyal Attorney General

Everything to Know About Pam Bondi, the Trump-Loyal Attorney General

Here’s everything to know about the life and career of AG Pam Bondi, as she continues to face calls to resign over the Epstein files …

Rev. William Barber On Why Jesse Jackson Didn’t Become President, But Still Won

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber explains how Jackson’s historic presidential runs were victories for democracy …
MLB Union Leader Resigns Over 'Inappropriate Relationship' Similar to Sherrone Moore

MLB Union Leader Resigns Over ‘Inappropriate Relationship’ Similar to Sherrone Moore

When the alleged scandal was revealed, Clark resigned as executive director of the MLBPA after serving for more than 12 years …
Exclusive: Bakari Sellers Reflects on the Passing of 'Uncle' Rev. Jesse Jackson

Exclusive: Bakari Sellers Reflects on the Passing of ‘Uncle’ Rev. Jesse Jackson

CNN political contributor Bakari Sellers shared his thoughts on the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson exclusively with The Root …
The Best and Worst TikTok Theories About Beyoncé's Upcoming 'Act III' Album

The Best and Worst TikTok Theories About Beyoncé’s Upcoming ‘Act III’ Album

Thanks to Beyoncé’s recent photo dump on social media, many fans are pointing to it as potential clues for her next musical act. Let’s get into all of the best and worst breakdowns! …
Sherrone Moore May Get A Break After Judge Orders Hearing After Having Concerns His 'Due Process May Have Been Violated'

Sherrone Moore May Get A Break After Judge Orders Hearing After Having Concerns His ‘Due Process May Have Been Violated’

Sherrone Moore could have charges dropped if judge finds out his due process was violated. Court hearing scheduled for March 2 …
TikTok Trad Wife Nara Smith's Goes Viral Again -- This Time For Issues With Her House

TikTok Trad Wife Nara Smith’s Goes Viral Again — This Time For Issues With Her House

The East Coast winter storm has TikTok influencer Nara Smith doing a major renovation project on her home …
Whoopi Goldberg Clears Up Epstein Files Confusion

Whoopi Goldberg Clears Up Epstein Files Confusion

Whoopi Goldberg isn’t here for any potential links between her and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. And now she’s providing some much needed clarity! …
How <i>Not</i> To End Up Like Cardi B, Halle Berry or J. Lo: Unlucky in Love Because of Bad Decisions

How Not To End Up Like Cardi B, Halle Berry or J. Lo: Unlucky in Love Because of Bad Decisions

If you want to be happy in love but don’t know how to get there, pull up a chair. It’s time we had a talk …
Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Over Publicly Trashing His Own Team, But That's Not All

Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Over Publicly Trashing His Own Team, But That’s Not All

After a blistering criticism of his basketball team, Kansas State has fired basketball head coach, Jerome Tang, for “just cause.” …
CNN's Abby Phillip On Jesse Jackson's Political Legacy

CNN’s Abby Phillip On Jesse Jackson’s Political Legacy

The Root spoke exclusively with CNN’s Abby Phillip about what we can learn from the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s multicultural political movement …
Former Obama Staffers Reveal How Profoundly Trump Blindsided Them in 2016

Former Obama Staffers Reveal How Profoundly Trump Blindsided Them in 2016

Obama and his staff had a perception about Trump leading up to the 2016 presidential election that …
NBA Legend Chris Paul's 5 Dirtiest On-Court Moves

NBA Legend Chris Paul’s 5 Dirtiest On-Court Moves

Retiring after 21 years in the NBA, Chris Paul was widely regarded as one of the dirtiest players in the league …
What NYT Journalists Are Finding in The Epstein Files

What NYT Journalists Are Finding in The Epstein Files

The New York Times staff is poring through millions of pages of documents in the Epstein files. Now four NYT journalists are revealing what they know so far …
'We Were All Rooting For You' ANTM Model Speaks Out!

‘We Were All Rooting For You’ ANTM Model Speaks Out!

‘ANTM’ contestants are breaking their silence after the release of Netflix’s new documentary. Let’s take a look at what they have to say! …