Katy Perry rocks ‘throwback’ look on MTV Video Music Awards red carpet

Katy Perry went old school, channeling a double-denim look worn more than a decade ago by Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake.

Riff Raff, left, and Katy Perry arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on August 24, 2014, in Inglewood, California. Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP

Katy Perry and Riff Raff took it back to 2001 Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in matching denim at Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards.

Perry popped out of a sports car with the grilled Riff Raff onto the red carpet just before the televised awards began. She called her tight, studded patchwork dress a custom Versace in a “throwback to Britney and Justin,” a la the American Music Awards 13 years ago.

"This is how we do the remix," she joked, playing off her latest hit This is How We Do.

Ariana Grande upped her sex appeal with an ooh-la-la black leather mini and matching thigh-high boots but kept the signature girly high ponytail. British pop singer Charli XCX wore a yellow tiger-print leotard.

The 21-year-old Grande worked long zippers back and front on her strapless Moschino moto look.

Kesha, sometimes a red carpet shocker, went classic in a floor-length sparkler that was far more subdued carpet than VMAs of yore.

Taylor Swift arrived in a long-sleeve, blue lace shorty romper with a lettered alphabet theme to go with her new short hairdo. It was designed by the London-based Mary Katrantzou.

Jessie J stood out in a pale green vintage Halston goddess gown with a deep V halter, and Jennifer Lopez showed off her curves in silver cutouts.

Rita Ora, in a Donna Karan Atelier classic backless red dress with a high side slit, finished her look with a slicked-back hairdo not unlike that of Iggy Azalea, who wore blue Versace. Also in red was Demi Lovato, in a gown with wide chest-bearing V neck.

*Associated Press