Jessica Simpson | Source: Getty Images
Jessica Simpson, 45, Graces the VMAs Red Carpet in a Black Sheer Dress, Igniting a Stir – Photos
The 45-year-old singer turned heads at one of the year's biggest red carpet moments, not just for her outfit but for her striking change in appearance.
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All eyes were on Jessica Simpson on Sunday, September 7, 2025, as she attended the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), unveiling a bold new look that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.
She arrived in a dramatic black sheer gown that highlighted her famous curves. The event, held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, quickly turned into a fashion spectacle — and Simpson delivered.
The floor-length dress, layered in sheer fabric with sculpted details and a structured corset bodice, offered red-carpet elegance with a modern edge.
Off-the-shoulder tulle and bold ruching added texture and movement, while diamond drop earrings, strappy nude heels, and a sleek high ponytail completed the head-turning ensemble.
But perhaps even more surprising than the dress was the debut of Simpson's darker hair color, replacing her iconic blonde locks with a deeper tone that sparked an avalanche of reactions online. Combined with glowing skin and subtly defined eyes, the look felt like a sophisticated reinvention.
Simpson's red carpet moment sent social media into a frenzy. For some, her transformation felt drastic. "Unrecognizable. Facelift for sure and darker hair," a critic observed.
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Another chimed in, "Didn't even recognize her. Too much work done." A third shared a similar reaction, "She's not blonde anymore and I think that's why we don't recognize her."
More comments zeroed in on her other features, sparking even more conversation. "I LOVE HER TEETH! 😍 So refreshing to see something natural. All the identical veneers are getting so bad 😂," a different netizen said.
Another remarked, "Jessica has always been gorgeous!!! But her lips need to less 👄🤷♀️ [sic]," while someone else stated, "I think she looks beautiful! But she definitely didn't need to get lip filler. Her body I guess. ❤️"
But others were quick to defend her and celebrate the look. "She looks like herself again. Gorgeous ❤️," praised one admirer, while another supporter said, "One of the most beautiful women in the world😍." One fan raved, "this [sic] is the first time in a long time her eyes look 'present'. Welcome back Jessica!"
Simpson's VMA appearance adds a new chapter to her ever-changing career. From her early 2000s style to her striking look this year, she has brought drama, elegance, and flair to every era. Here's a look at her journey — frame by frame.
THEN
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2001
Jessica Simpson posed backstage at the 2001 Radio Music Awards in Las Vegas. With soft curls, a peach halter top, and fresh-faced makeup, she radiated youthful charm at the height of her pop breakthrough.
2002
Jessica Simpson beams in a lace-trimmed top and boho belt. With eye contact and effortless blonde waves, she radiates playful early-2000s charm and down-to-earth energy.
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2006
Jessica Simpson attended the Children's Hospital Los Angeles 2nd Noche de Niños Gala honoring Johnny Depp. Her chic updo, smoky eyes, and sparkling studs added timeless elegance to her black evening look.
2010
Jessica Simpson attended the grand opening of the Casino Club at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. In a jeweled halter gown with loose waves, she posed for photos with a confident smile.
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2012
Jessica Simpson was spotted at Times Square Studios in New York City. With platinum curls, bold liner, and a confident gaze, she embraced a dramatic style shift from her earlier looks.
2015
Jessica Simpson attended the Tom Everhart "Raw" Exhibition at Mouche Gallery in Beverly Hills. In a black halter dress with cutouts, side-swept waves, and bold eye makeup, she showcased a sharper, more sophisticated style.
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2018
Jessica Simpson and husband Eric Johnson were spotted at JFK Airport in New York City. She wore a flowing floral-print dress and held her baby bump, embracing a relaxed maternity style while Johnson kept it casual.
2020
Jessica Simpson visited BuzzFeed's "AM to DM" in New York City. Wearing a hot pink blouse with straight blonde hair and oversized hoop earrings, she leaned into a sleek, professional look that contrasted with her earlier playful style.
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NOW
2025
Sharing a smile with Ricky Martin, she presented him with the Latin Icon Award. Their warm embrace on stage turned the moment into one of the night's most joyful highlights.
Holding a Moon Person trophy, Simpson smiled as she addressed the audience. The sheer black gown caught the stage lights, giving her a commanding yet graceful presence.
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Glancing back with a playful smile, Simpson revealed the delicate strappy details of her gown. Platform heels completed the look, adding height to her striking red carpet moment.
With one hand on her hip and a confident stance, she posed in a sheer black gown that showcased a sculpted bodice and flowing layers against the glowing MTV backdrop.
Turning slightly to the side, Simpson flashed a soft smile while her earrings shimmered under the lights. Pulled-back blonde hair framed her face, highlighting glowing skin and glossy lips.
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Radiating confidence on the red carpet, she styled her blonde hair back to frame her features. Dangling earrings, glowing skin, and a nude lip drew attention to the dramatic neckline of her sheer black gown.
Facing the cameras head-on, she delivered a strong, poised gaze. The gown’s tulle details, paired with statement earrings and a radiant complexion, gave her a dramatic red carpet edge.
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