Draped in Culture, Drenched in Drama: Our Top 10 Red Carpet Looks from the 2025 BET Awards

Fashion So Loud, We Had to Turn Down the Volume”: Best & Boldest BET 2025 Red Carpet Looks. — who slayed, who overplayed, and who made political/artistic fashion declarations?

By Sahndra Fon Dufe | Black Film Wire

The 25th-anniversary BET Awards red carpet was more than glamorous—it was a cultural soundtrack in fashion form. From political declarations sewn into silhouettes to outfits that looked like they were stitched by the ancestors themselves (or in one case, by TikTok), the night was a full-on visual symphony.

Some came to slay. Others came to play. A few should’ve stayed home and changed. Let’s get into it: who shut it down, who confused us, and who made statements so bold, we’re still texting our group chats.

Top 10 Best-Dressed Countdown

1. Keke Palmer – Copper Queen

Keke said, "Let me remind y'all who started this young Black Hollywood slayage." Draped in a vintage 1993 Chanel Haute Couture mini-dress, styled (by Molly Dickson) to perfection with a copper bob that screamed "ginger supremacy," she was that girl. A cultural reset in stillettos, that became the talk of social. 

2. Doechii – Boho Miu Miu Moment

Doechii channeled free spirit energy in a red Miu Miu co-ord set layered with belts, bangles, and floral sandals. She served serious boho chic with a dose of rap queen confidence. A red co-ord set with belts, bangles, and attitude. Boho met bassline and delivered a look that was almost too editorial for the carpet. We loved it, but also wondered if she was headed to a music video shoot in the desert afterward.

3. Ryan Destiny – Sculptural Slate

Wearing a slate-grey Loewe gown that looked like it was sculpted onto her body, Ryan said less and more. Clean, confident, and serving face like rent was due. She remains a fashion sleeper hit. Ryan Destiny delivered elegance in a metallic grey Loewe gown, sculpted to perfection. She glowed in this architectural piece, proving minimalist can still command the spotlight. 

4. Snoop Dogg & Wife Tammy – Royal In Blue

Snoop and Shante showed up like a couple that knows their legacy. His electric-blue suit popped, while she gave soft elegance. Coordinated, confident, and clearly still in love. The real win was togetherness. Their coordinated charisma was a refreshing moment of red-carpet harmony. 

The ultimate #couplegoals. 

5. Mario – Gentleman's Gaze, The Gentleman Rebranded

In a clean, monochromatic House of Grey suit, Mario reminded us that less can absolutely be more. Tailoring? Crisp. Vibe? Smooth. Fit? One of the best of the night, honestly. The “so sick” singer Mario turned heads in a crisp House of Grey ensemble, blending classic tailoring with modern ease. Smooth, suave, and unmistakably cool. 

6. Andra Day – Stellar Black Poseidon. Celestial Drama in Tony Ward Couture

She floated in like an intergalactic prophet. Black gown, silver accents, and grace for days. If space and soul had a baby, it would be Andra Day on this carpet.She glided in a black Tony Ward Couture gown with silver beading along neck and wrists—siren chic. Andra brought celestial elegance to the night. 

7. Ciara – Fringe Meets Western Luxe

One of the looks that really piqued my interest was Ciara’s. She wore a plunging leather two-piece with a fringe train and topped it off with an Atlanta Braves cap. Some people got it. Some people didn’t. We saw the statement. We’re just not sure we heard it clearly.

Ciara fused street and fringe with a plunging leather set and high-low fringe train, topped with an Atlanta Braves cap. Talk about a cross-cultural flex.

8. Tyler Perry- Mr,I Make Black Millionaires

It almost felt like Ciara planned her outfit with Tyler Perry, whose outfit was one of our unexpected favorites this year. Don’t believe me? Take a look for yourself—he showed up in an immaculately tailored navy-blue velvet tux with satin lapels and just the right amount of brooding boss energy. Quiet luxury meets creative mogul.

9. Jennifer Hudson & Son – Diamond Duet

In rare mom-son duo chic, J-Hud dazzled in a ruched black gown with $270,000 in diamonds, while her son matched her in all-black, effortlessly elegant. J-Hud shined in a ruched black gown and about $270,000 worth of diamonds. Very very demure, very very mindful.

10. Shaboozey – Cowboy Couture

Cowboy couture. Stetson hat. Extra wide belt. Cowrie shells. Listen—it was giving yeehaw but make it niche TikTok-core. We respected the boldness but hoped the boots weren’t too tight. We DO love that this fit was styled by Nigerian designer Uzo Muzie.

11. Lizzo & SZA – Leather & Red Royalty

Lizzo rocked a corset underbust look, sharp and self-owned. SZA boasted a fiery red dress with sass to match—leather and luxe met seamlessly.

Black Film Wire #TLDR BET 2025 Best & Worst Looks

• Bold vs. Elegant: Keke and Andra’s black looks were dressed to kill, while Ciara’s fringe and Shaboozey’s cowboy couture turned heads.

• Couple Power: Snoop & Tammy, plus Jennifer & her son—fashion that doubled as family love.

• Heritage and Identity: Fringe, western hats, corsets—our culture was loud and proud on every stitch.

Final Take

BET’s red carpet wasn't just a line-up of outfits—it was a runway of identity, heritage, and Black brilliance. Every bead, silhouette, and bias fabric told a story. These looks weren’t just worn; they spoke. Let’s keep celebrating our story weavers—cinematic and sartorial alike.