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
Bakari Sellers Names the Most Effective Ways for Black Americans to Organize and Make a Change

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

Black Directors Who Should Have Oscars, But Don't

Black Directors Who Should Have Oscars, But Don’t

As Ryan Coogler could make history at the 2026 Oscars, let’s look back at Black directors whose films deserved more recognition than they got! …
Why Everybody is Suddenly Giving Black Women Their Much-Deserved Flowers!

Why Everybody is Suddenly Giving Black Women Their Much-Deserved Flowers!

From Sterling K. Brown to white folks on TikTok, Black women are finally receiving their flowers for being the backbone of society— and we love to see it …
Black Americans Respond to Possible Boots on the Ground as Iran Conflict Rages Forward

Black Americans Respond to Possible Boots on the Ground as Iran Conflict Rages Forward

Black folks woke up on the last day of Black History Month to military strikes in Iran. Now, they’re voicing frustrations as questions about ground troops arise …
Former Black Inmate Makes History as First Ever in U.S. to Buy a Prison Facility

Former Black Inmate Makes History as First Ever in U.S. to Buy a Prison Facility

Kerwin Pittman becomes the first formerly incarcerated Black man to buy a U.S. prison, transforming a site of confinement into a reentry campus …
Full Timeline of Dwight Howard and Amy Luciani's Rocky 14-Month Marriage Now Headed to Divorce

Full Timeline of Dwight Howard and Amy Luciani’s Rocky 14-Month Marriage Now Headed to Divorce

Folks online who followed Dwight Howard and Amy Luciani’s marriage say its been rocky early on before Howard filed for divorce. Here’s the full rundown …
NBA Shuts Down Atlanta Hawks' 'Magic City Monday' Promotion, Black Twitter Responds

NBA Shuts Down Atlanta Hawks’ ‘Magic City Monday’ Promotion, Black Twitter Responds

The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks’ collab with the popular strip club after growing backlash …
Lil Baby is Trying to Save His Atlanta Neighborhood, One Property at a Time

Lil Baby is Trying to Save His Atlanta Neighborhood, One Property at a Time

After gentrification pushed thousands of Black folks out of historic Atlanta neighborhoods, rapper Lil Baby returns to his stomping grounds with a new business plan …
Smoothie King Fired Staff Who Refused MAGA Couple Service— But Here’s the Ironic Double Standard Everyone is Missing

Smoothie King Fired Staff Who Refused MAGA Couple Service— But Here’s the Ironic Double Standard Everyone is Missing

Two Michigan Smoothie King workers were canned after refusing service to pro-Trump customers, meanwhile, Black folks are calling out a double standard …
Howard University Athletes Take a Stand Against New Kneeling Policy for the National Anthem

Howard University Athletes Take a Stand Against New Kneeling Policy for the National Anthem

Since 2020, athletes at Howard University have kneeled to protest the national anthem. Now, a new policy banning kneeling is causing trouble …
Why The New Yorker's Drawing of Wunmi Mosaku Has Fans Furious 

Why The New Yorker’s Drawing of Wunmi Mosaku Has Fans Furious 

‘Sinners’ star Wunmi Mosaku has been riding high off her first Oscar nomination, but one drawing didn’t reflect that and fans are calling it out! …
Locksmith Refuses Service to Black Chick-fil-A Owner – Then Gets Hit With a Reality Check

Locksmith Refuses Service to Black Chick-fil-A Owner – Then Gets Hit With a Reality Check

A Black Chick-fil-A franchise owner went viral after recalling how a locksmith refused to help her because he didn’t believe she was the owner …
How One Black Woman is Saying No to Work and Yes to Unapologetic Rest

How One Black Woman is Saying No to Work and Yes to Unapologetic Rest

After being laid off in 2025, Brandy Walker is launching a one-year sabbatical for all Black women to join! …
You Won't Believe Why Stephen A. Smith Is Not Running For President in 2028

You Won’t Believe Why Stephen A. Smith Is Not Running For President in 2028

The host of ESPN’s “First Take” has been open about possibly running for the highest office in the nation …
Terrence Howard Just Said The Quiet Part Out Loud About Black Boys and Sexual Abuse

Terrence Howard Just Said The Quiet Part Out Loud About Black Boys and Sexual Abuse

Terrence Howard’s painful story exposes a truth we rarely confront. Black boys are vulnerable to abuse but are almost never treated like victims …
Strange New Details Emerge About Suspect in Rihanna Home Shooting

Strange New Details Emerge About Suspect in Rihanna Home Shooting

After shots were shockingly fired at Rihanna’s home on Sunday, the singer and the public finally have some good news …
Tony! Toni! Toné! Drama: Founder's Family Fights Over Disinheritance

Tony! Toni! Toné! Drama: Founder’s Family Fights Over Disinheritance

D’Wayne Wiggins passed away in March 2025 after a year-long battle with bladder cancer …
Alabama Is Set to Execute A Black Man Who Didn't Kill Anyone

Alabama Is Set to Execute A Black Man Who Didn’t Kill Anyone

Three decades after being sentenced for a murder he didn’t even witness, Sonny Burton is now only days away from his scheduled execution …
Beyond Damson Idris:Lori Harvey's Star-Studded Dating Life

Beyond Damson Idris:Lori Harvey’s Star-Studded Dating Life

With Lori Harvey and her ex-boo Damson Idris back in headlines, let’s take a look at the socialite and budding actress’ dating history! …
Pastor Seen Shoving Elderly Woman Down Church Steps on Camera, Speaks out

Pastor Seen Shoving Elderly Woman Down Church Steps on Camera, Speaks out

A California pastor accused of pushing a church elder down a short flight of cement steps and out a metal gate just shared his side of the story …
How Trump's White Female Voters Got Played

How Trump’s White Female Voters Got Played

Opinion: White women thought they were winning under Trump. They did not realize they were just being used …