We all expect to see teen idols on the MTV red carpet, but this trendy event this year has brought out the fashion elite, showcasing some serious style power. Whether a teen fashion icon in training or a red carpet veteran, this year’s awards show was definitely not boring. From the best to the worst, here are the looks that caught our fashioniSTA eye.

Animal Prints
Straddling the leopard line is always a dangerous feat. Let’s remember the golden rule: Going subtle is always best, lest you look like a Jersey Shore castoff. Tonight we saw some hints of exotic prints, on Lily Collins (right) and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (center), both donning D&G, as well as the ever-stylish Reese Witherspoon (left). While Lily and Reese’s outfits are cool and understatedly sexy, Rose’s look is a little too eye of the tiger for me. Although she’s a Victoria’s Secret model, this look screamed VS catalogue rather than high fashion.

Most Improved
Let’s all think back to the Met Gala. Ok, now let’s rack our brains for what Kristen Stewart wore. Need some help? Try remembering the outfit that looks like your angsty friend wore it to your freshman semi formal (left). To say that her MTV look is an improvement is a clear understatement. While she’s still working within the red and black color palette, she has drastically stepped up her game in this Balmain mini (right). The detail is stunning and the easy hairstyle is the perfect complement, love it!

Rompers, Jumpsuits, Pants, Oh My!

Some of the stars opted for an alternative to a dress, going with pants and shorts. While this is a great way to break out of the cocktail dress rut, if done wrong it can be a huge miss. Elle Fanning (in D&G) and Jessica Szohr (left, in Alice + Olivia) both went for printed jumpsuits - Elle in a romper version - but both were out-shined by Hailee Steinfeld in a Louis Vuitton pantsuit (right). Her feminine version of a tux was sleek and event-appropriate, while the printed jumpsuits missed the mark. It looks like this 14-year-old fashioniSTA has a definite style instinct!