Jessica Simpson Rocks Sheer Skin-Baring Dress for Her First MTV VMAs in Almost 20 Years

Jessica Simpson has made her long-awaited return to the MTV VMAs!

The singer and fashion mogul, 45, hit the red carpet for the awards show — which took place at the UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., on Sunday, Sept. 7 — and wore a black skin-baring sheer dress.sz

Simpson’s dress contained a visible black underwire and corset boning at the bust and torso, while the sheer black fabric created an illusion of draping around her bust and the rest of her body. She completed the look with visible high-waisted underwear in black and added strappy black heels to complete the red carpet look.

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She accessorized her outfit for the evening with dangling chain-link earrings and multiple rings for added sparkle. The star went bold with eyeliner and long lashes and added a glossy nude pink lip to complete the beauty look.

Simpson’s attendance at the 2025 VMAs marks her first time attending the award show in 19 years. She was announced as one of the presenters — a list that also includes her sister, Ashlee Simpson, as well as Ciara, Paris Hilton, Ice Spice, Latto, Drew Barrymore and more industry vets.

The pop star previously served as a presenter for the show 2006, which took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Simpson walked the carpet in a black mini dress with a sexy scooped neckline. She piled on the accessories and wore several glittering bracelets and circular sparkling disc earrings that dangled past her cropped blonde bob.

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The “Leave” singer’s return to the stage recently at the American Idol season finale on May 18. She glittered in a plunging gold dress with a thigh-high slit, and accessorized with brass and turquoise accessories.

Simpson’s return to the VMAs comes amid her split from estranged husband, Eric Johnson, in January after 10 years of marriage.

She later opened up about the split in an interview with PEOPLE, and revealed that working on music helped her cope. “My heart was completely broken. I had to continue to focus on the music,” she said. (The pop star released her second EP, Nashville Canyon, Part 2, on Sept. 5.)

The singer continued, “I have been through the darkest time, being held by the most light in an odd way … I’ve grown up so much. I can handle so much. It wasn’t easy.”

Simpson also said that she is “strong,” and added that she might be “meant to love a lot of people in my life.”

The 2025 MTV VMAs air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and MTV. The ceremony will also stream on Paramount+.