Great Outfits in Fashion History: Sandra Bullock in a Sparkly Mini at the 1994 VMAs

Photo&colon; Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

There are perfectly good celebrity style moments, and then there are the looks that really stick with you, the ones you try desperately to recreate at home. In ‘Great Outfits in Fashion History,’ Fashionista editors are revisiting their all-time favorite lewks.

As a rom-com connoisseur, 1995’s “While You Were Sleeping” ranks high on my list of recommendations, and Sandra Bullock is most of the reason why: She brings authenticity and warmth to the film, and her off-screen style from that era matches that energy. (I’m a 2000s baby feeling nostalgic for the ’90s.)

A year before “While You Were Sleeping” graced the silver screen and fresh off her breakthrough role alongside Keanu Reeves in “Speed,” Bullock attended the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards in an embellished two-piece look that was all black, save for a red ribbon raising awareness for HIV/AIDS. Like many of the Oscar winner’s characters, the outfit appears reserved at first, but pay close attention and you’ll notice some intriguing details — sheer fabric, sparkling lace designs, scalloped edges. My favorite part is the beading on the sleeves, which connect back to the embellishments on the skirt. (My only note is that I would’ve loved a closed-toe pump, in place of the open-toe pair.)

Bullock kept it simple on the accessories front, instead letting her vampy lip shine. Her eye makeup is slightly frosty, which makes the darker lip shade even more striking. With wavy, choppy layers, Bullock’s lob frames her face and emphasizes her top’s slightly off-the-shoulder neckline.

Channel the look with our picks below.

Helsi Dylan Rhinestone Lips Two-Piece Set, $435, available here (sizes XS-XL)

Lita by Ciara Seamed Leather Front Tank, $198, available here (sizes XXS-XXL) and Leader Leather Skirt, $298, available here (sizes 0-16)

Wolf & Badger The Perfect Fit Jacquard Two-Piece Set, $704, available here (sizes XXS-3XL)

Rebdolls Thalia Colorblock Off Shoulder Top, $30, available here (sizes S-5XL) and Mini Bodycon Skirt, $30, available here (sizes S-5XL)

Yuhan Wang Floral-flocked Mesh Corset Top, ~~$371~~ $129, available here (sizes S-XL) and Flocked-floral Ruffled Mesh Mini Skirt, ~~$412~~ $206, available here (sizes S-XL)