Kelly Rowland, Chloe Bailey & Teyana Taylor Lead the Best-Dressed List at the BET Awards

As the sun set on the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, 28 June 2026, the 2026 BET Awards red carpet became a canvas for unapologetic femininity. The women who graced the event in their stunning ensembles were not just dressed to impress; they were making a statement about the power of beauty and self-expression. For Olandria Carthen, that statement came in the form of a custom canary yellow Theophilio halter gown, complete with a plunging neckline, a sky-high slit, and a sparkling golden sun embellishment at the hip. Yellow at an awards show is a major commitment, but Olandria wore it with conviction, setting the tone for a night that would be all about unapologetic glamour.

Kelly Rowland picked up where Olandria left off, presenting the Ultimate Icon Award to recording executive Sylvia Rhone in a liquid gold halter gown that was as much a work of art as it was a fashion statement. The draped neckline and shimmering fabric of the Alexis Bittar jewellery she wore only added to the overall effect, cementing Kelly's status as a style icon. Kelly Rowland would bring the heat on the red carpet; after all, she's a woman who knows how to get dressed. But this look was more than just a fashion statement, it was evidence of the enduring power of femininity and the importance of celebrating women who embody it.

Chloe Bailey leaned into Old Hollywood glamour for her 2026 BET Awards look, arriving in a curve-hugging black-and-silver strapless Valdrin Sahiti gown covered in crystals. Paired with a vintage-inspired platinum blonde bob and Twiggy-esque lashes, Chloe's overall look was a masterclass in elegance and sophistication. When she described the look herself on Instagram as feeling like a Black Marilyn Monroe, it was clear that she was tapping into a deep well of cultural heritage and feminine iconography. But Chloe's look was more than just a nostalgic nod to the past, it was a bold statement about the power of women to redefine and reinterpret the classics.

Marsai Martin followed up with a sleek two-toned Salih Balta dress featuring a leather corset, a sheer ruched skirt, and a lace-trimmed train. Finished with a metal cross pendant necklace and a wash of pink blush, the overall effect was one of understated glamour that belied the complexity of the design. It's the kind of outfit that makes you do a double take, and that's exactly what Marsai was going for. By pushing the boundaries of fashion and challenging our expectations, Marsai Martin's look was evidence of the innovative spirit of the fashion world.

Doechii's 2026 BET Awards look was a masterclass in archival chic, as she arrived in a hand-crocheted chocolate brown Dsquared2 gown from the brand's spring 2006 collection. Complete with major side cutout details and an elongated trailing hem, the overall effect was one of effortless cool that was equal parts 2000s throwback and modern fashion statement. By embracing the past and reinterpreting it for the present, Doechii's look was a bold statement about the power of fashion to transcend time and trends.

I predict that these looks will continue to inspire and influence fashion trends in the coming months, as the industry continues to push the boundaries of beauty and self-expression. The 2026 BET Awards red carpet was a night to remember, and one that will be remembered for years to come.