Miley Cyrus has always been one of those celebrities who can turn even the simplest outing into a headline moment. Back in 2012, long before her bolder “Wrecking Ball” era, Miley was already making waves with daring red-carpet looks that blended youthful rebellion with high-fashion sophistication.
That year became a turning point in her style evolution. From a midriff-baring Emilio Pucci gown that helped fuel Hollywood’s belly-baring trend to the headline-grabbing Jean Paul Gaultier jacket-as-dress paired with sky-high Louboutins, Miley proved she wasn’t afraid to take risks. She also had softer, yet equally iconic, fashion moments, including the first dress she wore as a newly engaged woman and the glamorous gown she chose to debut her platinum pixie cut.
As a throwback, we’re revisiting five of Miley’s most unforgettable dress moments of 2012—a year that cemented her status as both a fashion risk-taker and a red-carpet scene-stealer.
1. Sleek & Futuristic: Miley Cyrus in David Koma at the 2012 People’s Choice Awards
Before the year’s style risks truly began, Miley Cyrus made an unexpected fashion statement at the 38th People’s Choice Awards on January 11, 2012.
Miley Cyrus and boyfriend Liam Hemsworth at the 2012 People’s Choice Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on January 11, 2012 (Credit: WENN / Adriana M. Barraza)
Stepping away from her usual Roberto Cavalli gowns, she surprised the red carpet in a futuristic David Koma Spring 2012 plunging V-neck dress, paired with sleek Jimmy Choo “Tippi” snake-effect leather pumps and a silver clutch.
Miley Cyrus flaunts sultry toe cleavage in metallic fuchsia Jimmy Choo “Tippi” pumps, adding a bold pop of color to her sleek red-carpet ensemble
It marked the first sign that Miley was ready to redefine her image with bolder, more fashion-forward choices.
Miley Cyrus highlights her ink, showing off delicate finger tattoos and a striking dreamcatcher design etched along her ribcage
Some noteworthy details on the back (or more specifically, the sides) took all of us by surprise.
Miley Cyrus styled her blonde locks in soft, side-swept waves that cascaded over one shoulder, perfectly complementing her white David Koma dress
The sheer insets at the hem, embellished with colorful glass crystals, gave her dress a fresh and surprising twist, while the angular vertical panel on the center back added an edgy flavor.
Miley Cyrus in a stunning white dress by David Koma that featured a tastefully plunging sheer panel in the front at the 2012 People’s Choice Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California on January 11, 2012 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN / DJDM)
2. Midriff-Baring Glamour: Miley Cyrus Rocks Emilio Pucci at The Hunger Games Premiere
Just two months later, Miley amped up the drama at The Hunger Games premiere in Los Angeles on March 12, 2012.
She turned heads in an Emilio Pucci Spring 2012 black mesh beaded bustier and high-waisted organza skirt with appliqué detailing, proving she could master the belly-baring trend with sophistication.
Finishing the look with towering Christian Louboutin Exvota 140mm platform sandals, Miley exuded youthful daring while still maintaining a polished, red-carpet ensemble.
Miley Cyrus in a midriff-baring black Emilio Pucci dress that accentuated her cleavage at the premiere of The Hunger Games at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California, on March 12, 2012
3. Bold Jacket-as-Dress Moment: Miley Cyrus in Jean Paul Gaultier at the Billboard Music Awards
Jackets as dresses? It’s been done since ancient times (also just recently — check out Rihanna), but wearing a jacket as a dress is still considered very risqué.
Miley Cyrus made headlines and probably angered some conservative groups with her outfit at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards. She wore a Jean Paul Gaultier jacket as a dress and Christian Louboutin heels.
Miley Cyrus made a bold statement with her outfit on the red carpet at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 20, 2012
This may not be one of Miley Cyrus’ most flattering ensembles — the oversized hair overpowers her features, and the double-breasted jacket could benefit from sharper tailoring.
Still, her fresh makeup and Pilates-toned physique bring balance to the look. And honestly, if not now, in the prime of her youth, when else can Miley experiment with bold fashion risks like this?
At the 2012 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Miley Cyrus donned a Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2012 RTW crepe tuxedo jacket, paired with Christian Louboutin Armadillo Bride 120mm heels, and accessorized with a Jacquie Aiche double bone diamond horn necklace
4. Risky Yet Refined: Miley Cyrus in Zimmermann at the Australians in Film Awards
Miley elevated her Australians in Film Awards look with a daring Zimmermann “Flip Side Floating Underwire” dress and sky-high Christian Louboutin Exvota 140mm platform sandals, complete with Aztec-inspired charms that gave the ensemble an edgy, glamorous twist.
Miley Cyrus in an LBD from Australian brand Zimmermann at the Australians In Film Awards & Benefit Dinner held at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, California on June 27, 2012
5. Platinum Pixie Era Begins: Miley Cyrus in Emilio Pucci at the MTV VMAs
By September, Miley unveiled her most dramatic transformation yet at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles on September 6, 2012.
Debuting her platinum pixie cut — instantly drawing comparisons to Pink — she commanded attention in a vampy Emilio Pucci Fall 2012 gown with sheer paneling.
Styled with Lorraine Schwartz jewels, an Edie Parker clutch, and sleek Christian Louboutin Lady Indiana heels, the look struck the perfect balance between gothic edge and red-carpet glamour.
Miley Cyrus debuted her striking, super-short blonde hairdo at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on September 6, 2012
While 2012 marked a pivotal year in Miley Cyrus’s fashion evolution, her fearless approach to style has only grown bolder with time. From platform sneakers to couture heels, she continues to surprise fans and dominate red carpets with looks that spark conversation.
More Miley Cyrus Shoe & Fashion Highlights
👠 Explore Miley Cyrus’s Shoe & Fashion Moments on Your Next Shoes:
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- 👟 Miley Cyrus Channels Bangerz-Era Rebellion in Comme des Garçons Platform Sneakers — A street-style throwback pairing punk platform sneakers with an eclectic overall dress.
- 🦢 Miley Cyrus’ White Pumps Obsession Continues With Janis Shoes — Spotlighting her go-to white Saint Laurent “Janis” pumps that defined an era of red-carpet chic.
- 💎 Miley Cyrus Channels Sleek Glamour in Saint Laurent ‘Paloma’ Striped Sandals — Her iconic striped ‘Paloma’ sandals at the Maxim Hot 100 Party, oozing luxe minimalism.
- 👢 Miley Cyrus Delivers Bold Fashion and Handles Wardrobe Malfunction at New Year’s Eve Party — From platform heels to Chelsea boots, Miley owned the night with fearless footwear.