One of the things we love most about watching MTV’s Video Music Awards—besides waiting for all the inevitable dramatic shenanigans to play out, which is also high on the list—is checking out the red carpet for fashions that probably wouldn’t fly almost anywhere else. The VMAs are decidedly a place where the stars can try something new and creative, whether it be going for a more relaxed vibe, showing a little extra skin, or spicing it up with a super-bold silhouette—and we’re 100% here for all of it. That said, we gathered our favorite looks from tonight’s red carpet (yes, we went full fashion nerd watching the live pre-show), which included Lorde’s princess moment and Katy Perry’s sculptural white stunner, with a bunch of memorable looks in between.