Taylor Swift's second 2024 VMA outfit was literally out of this world.

A short time after winning the Best Collaboration award with Post Malone, Swift changed from a rebellious tartan-check Dior corset into a fully embellished mini-dress. Swift and stylist Joseph Cassel Falconer had previously showcased a beaded starry sky party look by Clio Pepiatto, but this custom VMA mini by Monse was different. Its intricate details resembled a still life painting of a flying saucer invading the countryside; the UFO sequins were highlighted by an asymmetrical skirt gathered at the left hip and cargo utility straps at the shoulders

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The dress was a custom version of Monse's Fall 2024 runway piece, which depicted the same cosmic scene on a woven tapestry. It is currently available on Monse's website for $990.

Swift's outfit may have changed, but her accessories and beauty beat remained the same throughout the VMA broadcast. She wore her hair down in a glossy blowout and stood tall in a pair of Stuart Weitzman thigh-high boots. Bold, moody eyeshadow and pale red lipstick completed her second look.

Despite the show's reputation for eccentricity, there was much paranormal activity at the 2024 VMAs. Sabrina Carpenter's performance included a make out session with an alien, and Katy Perry's video vanguard medley featured snippets of her hit song “E.T.” Swift's dress was likely a reference to her own stratospheric body of work.

In The Tortured Poets Department, Swift's song “Down Bad” uses the metaphor of alien abduction to describe a relationship that began and ended abruptly. In the song, Swift sings about finding “a planet we can all understand” and “close encounters”. The song also appears on the playlist of the Eras tour, where they sing in front of a giant flying saucer.

Taylor Swift appeared at the 2024 VMAs looking more like a Scottish castle than a distant spaceship. She was dressed in a look from Dior's 2025 Resort Collection, featuring a tartan-check zip-up corset and matching open-front cape skirt. Underneath, she wore hot pants and Stuart Weitzman boots. Swift accessorized with a tartan choker and leather gloves laced up to the elbows.

Taylor Swift's 2024 VMAs had a lot more going on than just her outfit. Before she walked the carpet, she won the Song of the Summer award. By the end of the night, she had also picked up another Video of the Year trophy, two impressive looks that were a fitting end to a busy evening.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect the correct credit for Taylor Swift's dress.