The 2026 BET Awards delivered more than memorable performances and major wins. The red carpet at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater became a showcase for daring silhouettes, vibrant colors, and high-fashion moments as celebrities celebrated one of entertainment’s biggest nights. Skin-baring designs, dramatic couture, and bold styling dominated the evening, with several stars making unforgettable fashion statements.
Leading the list of best-dressed celebrities was Teyana Taylor, who arrived in a dramatic maroon Stéphane Rolland couture gown featuring a sculptural skirt and matching headpiece before later changing into a daring cobalt blue Tom Ford design to accept her Icon of the Year Award. Queen Latifah also impressed in a sleek sculptural black ensemble that blended elegance with modern tailoring.
Coco Jones embraced vibrant glamour in a red Basil Soda bandeau top paired with a sheer flowing skirt, while Keke Palmer opted for timeless sophistication in a black one-shoulder Gucci gown complete with a dramatic thigh-high slit. Reality star Olandria Carthen stood out in a bright yellow gown featuring a high slit that added a pop of color to the carpet.
Janet Jackson turned heads with one of the night’s most unique ensembles, pairing a layered black-and-white outfit with baggy jeans, a vintage Tupac Shakur T-shirt, and a veiled fedora that subtly paid tribute to her late brother Michael Jackson. Doechii showcased fashion-forward creativity in a crochet Dsquared2 dress, while Lizzo sparkled in a sheer crystal-embellished Christian Cowan gown.
Rounding out PEOPLE’s list of the night’s standout looks were Porsha Williams, who wore a figure-hugging green gown, and Latto, who embraced gothic glamour in a sheer black dress featuring structured boning and a fuzzy shawl. Their striking ensembles helped make the 2026 BET Awards one of the year’s most fashionable red carpets.
