‘Outer Banks’ Star Madelyn Cline’s Stunning 2023 VMAs Look Remains Unmatched

Tena Milakovic
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Every awards season, fans revisit their favorite red carpet moments, and the VMAs are particularly good at sparking nostalgia. On the day of this year’s ceremony, a fan account proclaimed that Madelyn Cline’s title for best look of all time is still secure. Clearly, Madelyn Cline’s VMAs appearance from 2023 is still fresh in people’s minds.

At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, Cline made a stunning entrance at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, dressed in Givenchy. W Magazine described her outfit as a nude gown featuring a fitted corset and a sheer skirt, embodying the lingerie red carpet trend. She accessorized with jewelry from Lorraine Schwartz.

Just Jared noted that she exuded classic Hollywood vibes on the pink carpet before taking the stage to present. At 25, she was already widely recognized for her roles in ‘Outer Banks’ and ‘Glass Onion.’

Style critics praised the gown for its intricate layers and texture. One review highlighted the shiny, satin-like fabric paired with a dewy makeup look, noting that despite the various elements, the gown never felt overwhelming. It emphasized that Cline appeared airy and graceful while maintaining a natural look.

The review also credited the gown to custom work by Givenchy’s creative director, Matthew M. Williams, indicating it was tailored specifically for her. It described the look as a perfect match for her natural beauty, a sentiment echoed by fans ever since.

Givenchy has been a recurring partner for her. Cline wore a low-cut, sheer Givenchy gown to the 2024 Oscars after-parties and a feathered Givenchy dress to the Critics Choice Awards. These looks have solidified her status as a fashion favorite.

Her fashion journey has been diverse. She made a classic Met Gala debut in 2023 and opted for a floral look in Tommy Hilfiger for the 2024 Met Gala. For the ‘Outer Banks’ season 4 premiere, she wore a high-slit white gown from Tommy Hilfiger’s spring 2010 archive.

Nostalgia is heightened as she experiences another significant fashion moment. Cline has been one of the most active attendees at Milan Fashion Week, which runs from September 22 to 28. She walked the runway at Vogue World Milano in a floral Etro gown from the brand’s Pre-Fall 2026 collection, layered with a velvet blazer.

The gown featured a corseted bodice with a plunging neckline and flowed into a ruffled mermaid skirt with a sweeping train. She also sat front row at Etro’s Spring/Summer 2027 show in a sheer, feather-trimmed paisley dress. Together, these appearances showcase her remarkable range.

Cline’s career continues to flourish beyond fashion. She is best known for her role as Sarah Cameron in ‘Outer Banks,’ which aired from 2020 to 2026, and for her performance in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ in 2022. She also starred in the 2025 slasher film ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer.’

Additionally, she has been branching into beauty and campaigns. In July, she fronted a campaign for Dossier Perfumes, showcasing a black and red biker jacket paired with micro-shorts. Brit + Co has dubbed her a Gen Z beauty queen, highlighting her viral moments for siren eyes and 90s glam.

Part of her appeal lies in the simplicity of her style. The soft peach tone, the drape of the satin, and the airy skirt combined to create a look that feels timeless rather than merely trendy. On a carpet that often favors spectacle, her appearance stood out for its grace.

This may explain why fans still reference it years later. Whenever the VMAs approach, discussions arise about who might surpass her iconic look, and so far, the consensus has been that no one has. As her fashion week appearances indicate, Cline may have many more stunning looks in store.

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