Cheers to the Women Who Wear Clothes!

Britt Aboutaleb
Updated
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Helen Lasichanh and Pharrell wear lots of denim at the 2015 MTV VMA’s. Photo: Getty Images

I used to love the naked dress. “Go J.Lo!” I would think as she strut down whatever color carpet wearing thousands of sequins/feathers/jewels sewn onto skin colored mesh. “Way to show the world how hard you work!” or “If I had a body like that, I’d make damn sure everyone knows, too.” Even as recently as the Met Ball, where Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Beyoncé out-nakeded each other, I thought they all looked awesome.

But then somewhere along the way the naked dress went from the exception to the rule. You had to wear it to get anyone to pay attention to you. And once everyone started wearing one, the idea morphed into something even more naked, evolving into the loincloth and suspenders Miley Cyrus called an outfit on Sunday night, making her the least dressed human at the most undressed public event maybe ever. There is nowhere more naked to go, except actually naked, and I’m scared; that moment is upon us.

I love fashion; I’m a millennial; I’ve spent a lot of time arguing with my parents that women should be allowed to use, flaunt, and celebrate their sexuality however they like, that it’s actually good for society. So why was my reaction to last night’s lavender carpet, “Put some damn clothes on?”

After clicking through all of the looks, it was Helen Lasichanh, Pharrell Williams’ wife, who stood out as best dressed. She looked comfortable in her denim on denim, but also chic with her black hat, the mismatched laces on her boots, and a playful evening bag. She looked hot—in clothes! There’s more than one way to look hot, is my point, and it no longer feels fresh, original, or even ballsy to show up wearing next to nothing.

Twenty-three-year-old Selena Gomez was a close second, in sleek black Calvin Klein that showed off her killer figure without giving everything away. While some might argue it aged her, or wasn’t the most fun look, thanks to stylist Kate Young, it might have been the most sophisticated to grace the VMAs in the show’s history. Ditto Hailee Steinfeld, in caped Stella McCartney. The 18-year-old looked elegant and mysterious in the white jumpsuit and gold choker styled by Karla Welch. Together, Welch and Young are responsible for some of the best dressed women in the world, and they’re sending a clear message: it’s time to cover up. Or at the very least, try something different.