The most daring looks celebrities have worn at the BET Awards over the years

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The most daring looks celebrities have worn at the BET Awards over the years
  • Since the BET Awards started in 2001, celebrities have embraced daring looks on the red carpet.
  • The stars have worn dresses with sheer panels and two-piece sets with thigh-high slits.
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Destiny's Child attended the inaugural BET Awards in 2001 wearing see-through gowns.

Destiny's Child attended the inaugural BET Awards in 2001 wearing see-through gowns.
Destiny's Child at the 2001 BET Awards.Jim Smeal/Getty Images

Their dresses had matching halter tops, long tulle sleeves with slits, mermaid skirts, and sparkling lace embroidery.

Kelly Rowland's dress was black, Beyoncé's gown was deep blue, and Michelle Williams' version was an aqua shade.

Taraji P. Henson took an edgier approach the following year in a butterfly-shaped top made from leather and lace-up pants.

Taraji P. Henson took an edgier approach the following year in a butterfly-shaped top made from leather and lace-up pants.
Taraji P. Henson at the 2002 BET Awards.Steve Granitz/Getty Images

The actress — who went on to host the 2022 event — also wore pink sunglasses, silver jewelry, and black platform sandals.

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3LW's coordinated outfits were each bold in their own way.

3LW's coordinated outfits were each bold in their own way.
3LW at the 2002 BET Awards.Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

Adrienne Bailon stood out in her barely-there dress, which had an asymmetrical top and a wrap skirt.

Kiely William, on the other hand, sported an animal-print minidress with furry boots, and Naturi Naughton rocked a two-piece ensemble made from brown leather.

At the 2003 BET Awards, LoToya Jackson wore a two-piece set that was as daring as it was whimsical.

At the 2003 BET Awards, LoToya Jackson wore a two-piece set that was as daring as it was whimsical.
LaToya Jackson at the 2003 BET Awards.Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

Her outfit included a mint-green bra with flowers across the neckline and straps that crisscrossed around her waist.

There was also a matching miniskirt decorated with long strips of fabric, cloth bracelets, and metallic heels.

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Similarly, Lil' Kim wore a bikini on the red carpet that year.

Similarly, Lil' Kim wore a bikini on the red carpet that year.
Lil' Kim at the 2003 BET Awards.Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

Her blue-and-green swimsuit — which had stone beads across the top piece — matched her long-sleeved, floor-length cover-up.

It also paired well with her turquoise belt, beaded jewelry, and cork sandals.

Da Brat took a more quirky approach to her bold red-carpet look.

Da Brat took a more quirky approach to her bold red-carpet look.
Da Brat at the 2003 BET Awards.Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

The rapper wore a white zip-up jacket and matching sweatpants — both of which were decorated with pictures of SpongeBob Squarepants.

And her accessories were equally bold. She wore multiple scrunchies in her hair, a bralette under her open jacket, a diamond cross necklace, and carried a SpongeBob lunchbox as a purse.

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Malinda Williams stood out at the 2004 event in a backless, blue minidress.

Malinda Williams stood out at the 2004 event in a backless, blue minidress.
Malinda Williams at the 2004 BET Awards.Jean-Paul Aussenard/Getty Images

The sleeveless outfit also had a crocheted, sleeveless bodice with waist cutouts and a wrap skirt with a short slit.

It was hard to look away from Bootsy Collins, who arrived in a purple, snakeskin suit and top hat.

It was hard to look away from Bootsy Collins, who arrived in a purple, snakeskin suit and top hat.
Bootsy Collins at the 2004 BET Awards.Steve Granitz/Getty Images

For accessories, the musician rocked glitter-covered sunglasses and sparkling, thigh-high boots.

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Mayra Veronica's red-carpet look in 2006 included multiple daring trends.

Mayra Veronica's red-carpet look in 2006 included multiple daring trends.
Mayra Veronica at the 2008 BET Awards.Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Not only was her white halter dress made from see-through, flower-shaped lace, but it also had a cutout across the bodice and a slit in its skirt.

She paired it with heeled flip-flops.

In 2007, Beyoncé shined in a sequin-covered dress and metal corset.

In 2007, Beyoncé shined in a sequin-covered dress and metal corset.
Beyoncé at the 2007 BET Awards.Lester Cohen/Getty Images

Her metallic gown was also form-fitting with long sleeves and lock embellishments.

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Cassie's little black dress in 2009 had a bodice covered in small tears.

Cassie's little black dress in 2009 had a bodice covered in small tears.
Cassie at the 2009 BET Awards.Jason LaVeris/Getty Images

To make the see-through look even bolder, the musician also wore leather gloves and black boots.

For the 2011 BET Awards, Nicki Minaj wore a mismatched outfit.

For the 2011 BET Awards, Nicki Minaj wore a mismatched outfit.
Nicki Minaj at the 2011 BET Awards.Maury Phillips/Getty Images

She paired printed leggings, black heeled boots, and chunky jewelry with a tight, pink minidress. The latter had ruffled sleeves that matched the hem of her skirt.

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At the 2013 BET Awards, Dawn Richards walked the red carpet in a white dress with sheer details.

At the 2013 BET Awards, Dawn Richards walked the red carpet in a white dress with sheer details.
Dawn Richards at the 2012 BET Awards.Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Richards' off-the-shoulder Marga Dossa gown had sheer paneling on both sides of her hips and legs.

Meagan Good looked fabulous in a royal-blue dress at the 2013 BET Awards.

Meagan Good looked fabulous in a royal-blue dress at the 2013 BET Awards.
Meagan Good at the 2013 BET Awards.Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

The actor's Michael Costello dress was designed with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit down the middle. She accessorized the look with L'Dezen jewelry.

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Zendaya arrived at the 2014 BET Awards in a coordinated blue-and-black outfit.

Zendaya arrived at the 2014 BET Awards in a coordinated blue-and-black outfit.
Zendaya at the 2014 BET Awards.Kevin Mazur/BET/Getty Images for BET

The actress wore an Emanuel Ungaro bomber jacket and skirt designed with a thigh-high slit. She paired it with a black bandeau and baseball hat.

Ashanti went for a revealing look at the 2014 awards show in a white lace dress.

Ashanti went for a revealing look at the 2014 awards show in a white lace dress.
Ashanti at the 2014 BET Awards.Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for BET

The singer's dress had a plunging neckline, midriff cutouts, and a thigh-high slit down the middle.

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Paris Hilton stood out at the 2014 awards show in this white dress.

Paris Hilton stood out at the 2014 awards show in this white dress.
Paris Hilton at the 2014 BET Awards.Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for BET

Hilton's white dress had geometric cutouts along her chest and midriff. It also had a thigh-high slit.

Keke Palmer went for a futuristic look in this white-and-gold minidress at the 2014 BET Awards.

Keke Palmer went for a futuristic look in this white-and-gold minidress at the 2014 BET Awards.
Keke Palmer at the 2014 BET Awards.Michael Buckner/Getty Images for BET

Palmer's Alon Livne dress had a plunging neckline and upper-thigh cutouts. She paired the look with white pumps.

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Lala Anthony looked striking in this sheer, bronze-colored dress at the 2017 awards show.

Lala Anthony looked striking in this sheer, bronze-colored dress at the 2017 awards show.
Lala Anthony at the 2017 BET Awards.C Flanigan/Getty Images

Anthony paired the Thai Nguyen Atelier dress with gold heels and jewelry.

Janelle Monae stood out on the 2018 red carpet in this floor-length gown with a ruffled, rainbow skirt.

Janelle Monae stood out on the 2018 red carpet in this floor-length gown with a ruffled, rainbow skirt.
Janelle Monae at the 2018 BET Awards.Prince Williams/Getty Images

The actor wore a Nicolas Jebran dress that was designed with a green beaded bodice and a black hat.

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Tyra Banks struck a pose in a gold jumpsuit at the 2018 BET Awards.

Tyra Banks struck a pose in a gold jumpsuit at the 2018 BET Awards.
Tyra Banks at the 2018 BET Awards.Michael Tran/FilmMagic

Banks' look was designed with sheer sleeves and pants.

Doja Cat attended the 2019 BET Awards in a bold pink ensemble.

Doja Cat attended the 2019 BET Awards in a bold pink ensemble.
Doja Cat the 2019 BET Awards.Leon Bennett/FilmMagic

The rapper walked the carpet in kitty ears and a crocheted dress. She paired it with a matching pink shawl, heels, and a bedazzled cat purse.

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Megan Thee Stallion wore a belly-dancer-inspired ensemble at the 2019 BET Awards.

Megan Thee Stallion wore a belly-dancer-inspired ensemble at the 2019 BET Awards.
Megan Thee Stallion at the 2019 BET Awards.Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage

The rapper wore a bejeweled top with rows of chains dripping down. She paired it with a coordinating skirt with sheer paneling and two thigh-high slits.

Lala Anthony also turned heads at the 2019 BET Awards in a black-and-gold dress.

Lala Anthony also turned heads at the 2019 BET Awards in a black-and-gold dress.
Lala Anthony at the 2019 BET Awards.Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage

Anthony's dress was designed with sheer paneling throughout, including across her chest. She completed the look with silver hoop earrings and black pumps.

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Megan Thee Stallion attended the virtual 2020 BET Awards in a revealing black dress.

Megan Thee Stallion attended the virtual 2020 BET Awards in a revealing black dress.
Megan Thee Stallion at the 2020 BET Awards.BET Awards 2020/Getty Images via Getty Images

The rapper's dress had several daring cutouts and was designed with a low-rise skirt.

Saweetie went for a pop of color at the 2019 awards show.

Saweetie went for a pop of color at the 2019 awards show.
Saweetie at the 2019 BET Awards.Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage

Byron Javar styled the singer in a Jeremy Scott dress and blue gloves.

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Lil Nas X looked incredible in a light-blue Pier Moss suit at the 2019 awards show.

Lil Nas X looked incredible in a light-blue Pier Moss suit at the 2019 awards show.
Lil Nas X at the 2019 BET Awards.Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage

The rapper's suit had several prints, including leopard and plaid. He wore it with white boots and a hat.

Saweetie turned heads in a purple Dolce & Gabbana gown at the 2021 BET Awards.

Saweetie turned heads in a purple Dolce & Gabbana gown at the 2021 BET Awards.
Saweetie at the 2021 BET Awards.Amy Sussman/FilmMagic

The rapper's dress had a plunging neckline and two thigh-high slits.

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Chloe Bailey looked striking in a fishnet dress at the 2021 BET Awards.

Chloe Bailey looked striking in a fishnet dress at the 2021 BET Awards.
Chloe Bailey at the 2021 BET Awards.Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

The singer wore a black Valentino dress that was completely sheer and showed off her matching bra and underwear underneath.

Lil Nas X embraced the no-shirt trend in this blue-and-white, three-piece suit at the 2021 awards show.

Lil Nas X embraced the no-shirt trend in this blue-and-white, three-piece suit at the 2021 awards show.
Lil Nas X at the 2021 BET Awards.Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

The rapper wore a stunning Andrea Gossi look.

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Taraji P. Henson arrived at the 2021 BET Awards in an Atelier Versace gown.

Taraji P. Henson arrived at the 2021 BET Awards in an Atelier Versace gown.
Taraji P. Henson at the 2021 BET Awards.Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET

The actor's dress featured the iconic Versace gold print and had a bustier top designed with sheer paneling.

Megan Thee Stallion put a daring spin on a classic look in a white Jean Paul Gaultier dress.

Megan Thee Stallion put a daring spin on a classic look in a white Jean Paul Gaultier dress.
Megan Thee Stallion at the 2021 BET Awards.Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET

Megan Thee Stallion's gown at the 2021 event had the designer's signature cone-shaped bra top and bejeweled chains at the straps. She accessorized her look with diamond jewelry by Bulgari and silver sandals.

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Tyler the Creator stood out in a leopard-print vest at the 2021 awards show.

Tyler the Creator stood out in a leopard-print vest at the 2021 awards show.
Tyler the Creator at the 2021 BET Awards.Amy Sussman/FilmMagic

He paired the sweater vest with black shorts and two suitcases.

Lizzo went for a dramatic look at the 2022 awards show in a navy gown.

Lizzo went for a dramatic look at the 2022 awards show in a navy gown.
Lizzo at the 2022 BET Awards.Momodu Mansaray/WireImage

Styled by Jason Rembert, Lizzo wore a custom Gucci gown with a plunging neckline and thigh-high slit. It also had a black feather trim.

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Blac Chyna arrived at the 2022 awards show wearing a head-to-toe gold look.

Blac Chyna arrived at the 2022 awards show wearing a head-to-toe gold look.
Blac Chyna at the 2022 BET Awards.Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic

Chyna made a statement in a gold bustier top with a metallic skirt that had a thigh-high slit. She completed the look with chandelier earrings and cuff bracelets.

Summer Walker turned heads in a black-and-gold look inspired by traditional Hmong jewelry.

Summer Walker turned heads in a black-and-gold look inspired by traditional Hmong jewelry.
Summer Walker at the 2022 BET Awards.Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET

The singer wore jewelry designed by Laurel Street that formed the outline of a bra with matching pasties. She paired that with a miniskirt and statement earrings.

Walker and the designer were accused of cultural appropriation for using the indigenous community's jewelry in the wrong context. Laurel Street issued a statement to apologize.

"I apologize for not sharing and educating on the history of the Hmong people, and I will further educate myself," the Instagram statement read. "Summer Walker is a living, breathing goddess, it was not our intention to sexualize these pieces but more a celebration of life and the beauty of women."

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Saucy Santana wore a monochromatic look made up of a blazer and furry green boots.

Saucy Santana wore a monochromatic look made up of a blazer and furry green boots.
Saucy Santana at the 2022 BET Awards.Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET

Law Roach styled Santana in an Area couture checkered blazer and matching neon boots.

Janelle Monae looked stunning in a black bralette and sheer skirt.

Janelle Monae looked stunning in a black bralette and sheer skirt.
Janelle Monáe at the 2022 BET Awards.Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET

The singer and actress wore a Roberto Cavalli gown. It was designed with leather straps and a rose in the center.

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Coi Leray wore a double-denim outfit with a bra top and shorts at the 2022 awards show.

Coi Leray wore a double-denim outfit with a bra top and shorts at the 2022 awards show.
Coi Leray at the 2022 BET Awards.Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET

Leray wore an Alexander Wang outfit made up of an oversized, crisp white shirt, a bra top, a denim blazer, shorts, and over-the-knee denim boots.

Lena Waithe went for a bold look in this unique pastel suit.

Lena Waithe went for a bold look in this unique pastel suit.
Lena Waithe at the 2022 BET Awards.Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Styled by Jason Bolden, Waithe wore a pastel-blue Casablanca suit designed with colorful lapels. Louboutin shoes completed the look.

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Shaun Ross wore an all-black look at the 2022 BET Awards.

Shaun Ross wore an all-black look at the 2022 BET Awards.
Shaun Ross attends the 2022 BET Awards in Los Angeles, California.Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET

Ross paired his Noid look with black AVAVAV shoes designed to look like feet, as well as Gentle Monster sunglasses and a grill by Alligator Jesus.