Ciara Miller Channels Tyra Banks’ ‘Coyote Ugly’ Look at the 2026 MTV VMAs

Tena Milakovic
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Fashion often draws inspiration from the past, and few periods are as celebrated as the early 2000s. Red carpets have seen a resurgence of low-rise styles and the bold attitude of that era. At the 2026 MTV VMAs, Ciara Miller embraced this trend with a striking homage.

Known for her role on ‘Summer House,’ Miller’s fame is expanding beyond reality television. Currently, she is competing on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and recently appeared in a music video, making the VMAs the perfect platform for her latest fashion statement.

Entertainment Weekly showcased her look on X, highlighting that Miller channeled Tyra Banks’ iconic style from ‘Coyote Ugly.’ During her red carpet interview with Entertainment Tonight, she confirmed the inspiration and described her Tom Ford platforms as “sick,” playfully referencing their height.

The resemblance was striking. Miller sported a brown bralette-style top with laced details, low-slung brown bottoms, and a fringed armband, her long auburn waves mirroring Banks’ famous look. Other reports described her bottoms as lace-up leather pants paired with a matching leather bra.

Miller kept her accessories minimal, adding a black leather belt with a silver buckle and black platform heels, complemented by silver rings and a brown leather armband. Her makeup featured a smoky eye and nude lip.

Hello Beautiful noted her embrace of low-rise fashion, reviving the sultry side of early-2000s style. While the designer of her outfit remains unclear, Miller has previously expressed her preference for discovering emerging designers on Instagram.

The film ‘Coyote Ugly’ from 2000 follows aspiring songwriter Violet Sanford, played by Piper Perabo, who finds herself working at a bar in New York where women entertain patrons with dance routines. Banks portrayed Zoe in the film alongside Perabo. The movie remains a cultural touchstone, with a 25th-anniversary screening held in February 2025, attended by Banks, Maria Bello, Izabella Miko, and Melanie Lynskey.

This renewed interest in the film made Miller’s homage timely. Banks has a significant presence in pop culture, from her modeling career to creating ‘America’s Next Top Model’ in 2003. Referencing her ‘Coyote Ugly’ character resonates with a generation that grew up during that time.

Miller was not just at the Peacock Theater to showcase her outfit. She introduced Shaboozey’s performance of “Cowgirl,” following her appearance in the song’s music video released in June. The track earned Shaboozey two VMA nominations for Best Country and Best Cinematography.

The collaboration has been well-received, with Shaboozey noting that fans often express their admiration for Miller. Men’s Journal reported that during the ceremony, Snoop Dogg dubbed her the “Queen of Summer House.”

Miller’s mind was also on her upcoming performance. She and her partner Brandon Armstrong were set to perform a cha-cha to “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross the Tuesday after the VMAs. She humorously mentioned her platform heels in relation to her dance routine.

Her busy schedule has impacted her personal life as well. Miller shared that her rehearsal commitments leave little time for romance, especially after a high-profile breakup with her ex West Wilson and best friend Amanda Batula. For now, her focus is firmly on dancing.

The reaction to her VMAs look was overwhelmingly positive. One outlet hailed it as one of her best appearances yet, while another noted it radiated serious heat. Miller has stated that she aims to match the event’s vibe and views her outfit as a character portrayal, which explains why a film-inspired ensemble felt so fitting.

This also highlights a broader lesson in red carpet fashion. A well-executed homage can elevate a look into a conversation starter, and Miller certainly made the most of hers. While not every tribute succeeds, this one was immediately recognizable.

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