Taylor Swift Channels ‘Reputation’ in a Black Slit Dress at the 2023 MTV VMAs

As the top nominated artist at the MTV VMAs this evening, Taylor Swift dressed for a big night—and possibly dropped another Easter egg or two. The singer arrived on the red carpet wearing a black slit dress with Reputation vibes.

The look comes a little over a month before Swift releases 1989 (Taylor’s Version) on October 27.

Swift is nominated for eight awards at the VMAs this evening, including Artist of the Year. “Anti-Hero” is up for Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Song, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, and Best Editing.

Swift made history at last year’s VMAs when she became the first artist to win the coveted Video of the Year award three times. Swift also used the VMAs in 2022 to announce her album Midnights, the one that earned her eight nominations tonight.

In last year’s speech for the Video of the Year award, which she won for “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version),” she said:

“I’m so honored to have been recognized alongside such amazing artists and directors in this category, and I just want to say I’m so heartened by the fact that, for the first time in VMA history, four of the directors nominated in the Video of the Year category are women. You guys, I’m just so proud of what we’ve made, and I know with every second of this moment that we wouldn’t have been able to make this short film if it weren’t for you, the fans. Because I wouldn’t be able to re-record my albums if it weren’t for you. You emboldened me to do that. And I had sort of made up my mind that, if you were going to be this generous, and give us this, I thought it might be a fun moment to tell you that my brand new album comes out October 21st. And I will tell you more at midnight.”

Senior News and Strategy Editor

Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.