To celebrate popular singles and albums from 2021, the 49th American Music Awards, or AMAs, was held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, welcoming musicians from all around the world to an evening of performances and awards. While music was the highlight of the night, with artists putting on shows from left to right, the red carpet and attire was also a central focus for celebrities, as it presented the chance for them to show off their personal style and aesthetic to the millions watching the awards show. From Cardi B’s Schiaparelli ensemble to Billy Porter’s monochromatic umbrella look, here are the Daily Californian Arts and Entertainment’s picks for best-dressed at this year’s AMAs.

Anthony Ramos in Zegna

American singer, songwriter and actor Anthony Ramos showed up at the AMAs looking extra dashing in a gray suit designed by Zegna as he presented the award for Favorite Female Latin Artist to Becky G. Hailed for its high-quality suiting, the 110-year-old Italian luxury brand created a simple yet sophisticated suit by pairing a steel gray velvet base with an overlay of botanical patterning over top. Combined with the multiple textures in a white cotton poplin shirt and patent leather in black oxfords, the look was interesting and sophisticated. Accessorized with a simple brown beaded bracelet, it was a subtle yet creative twist on the classic red carpet suit, making Ramos one of the best-dressed male celebrities at the ceremony.

Cardi B in Schiaparelli

At her hosting debut this year, Cardi B managed to pull off eight different outfits throughout the evening, but the “Up” rapper’s Schiaparelli look was hands down the best one yet. Designed by Daniel Roseberry of the French haute couture house, Cardi’s simple black strapless gown was taken completely to the next level through the clever use of accessories. From her custom golden mask adorned with resin eyes, long evening gloves and metallic nails to her statement brass chandelier “eye” earrings and dramatic black tulle veil, the rapper’s accessories brightened the look to the extreme. This look was yet again a bold and fun spin on the classic red carpet dress code of a floor-length black evening gown — the rapper definitely did not disappoint as she exuded bold and confident energy on the red carpet.

Billy Porter in Botter

Known for his usual bold and eclectic style on the red carpet, singer-actor-author Billy Porter dialed it back for this year’s award show while still managing to keep his look fresh and fun. Complete with a matching umbrella panel attached to his head, the actor showed up on the red carpet in a monochromatic look: a sky blue long sleeve and trouser set from Botter, a Caribbean couture brand by Lisa Herrebrugh and Rushemy Botter. As a part of the spring 2022 ready-to-wear collection, the look featured three statement buttons in a tortoise pattern along with a large keyhole at the center of the long sleeve top, making the design simple yet modern and cool. The styling with the various statement rings, blinged-out nails and dramatic black platform shoes added just enough edge to the look while not being over the top.

Chloe Bailey in Monsoori

Singer-actress Chloe Bailey made a bold statement as she walked down the red carpet in a luxurious black velvet gown by Monsoori this past Sunday, preparing to perform her hit debut solo single “Have Mercy” at the ceremony. Complete with a keyhole, waist cutout and a thigh-high slit, the look by Bahraini designer Shaima Al-Mansoori was a sultry take on the red carpet staple. Paired with matching diamond statement earrings, bedazzled bracelets, blinged-out nails, a dainty waist chain that peeked through the waist cutout, shiny ankle bracelets and black Jimmy Choo stilettos, the look was simple yet sexy, making Bailey one of our first picks on this year’s best-dressed list. 

Larray in Gucci

YouTuber and TikToker Larray did not disappoint at this year’s award show when he showed up in a tailored floral jacquard Gucci suit set. Partially known for their floral embroidery, this number in particular came from the brand’s women’s ready-to-wear collection and featured red and yellow flowers surrounded with khaki green and pale yellow leaflets on an ivory base. Although the suit jacket was rather simple with its single breasted design, the dramatic flair on the trousers added extra character — when paired with red platforms by designer Rick Owens that matched the red from the floral set, the YouTuber was one of the best dressed males on the red carpet Sunday evening.