The hearts of former ‘00s teens soared when Katy Perry and Riff Raff took to tonight’s VMAs red carpet in matching double-denim ensembles that flagrantly recalled the couples’ Canadian tuxedo Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake wore in 2001. Like so many Perry getups (case in point: pepperoni-flecked onesie) this one operated on an entirely literal level, and Perry seemed to be having fun with the homage. That said, Perry’s take — let’s not even pretend Riff Raff had any decision-making power here — lacks the cornball charm of the original. The countrified attitude, exemplified by Justin’s floppy hat and Britney’s Parton-esque pairing of denim and major diamonds, was what made the look so endearingly awkward. Perry’s 2014 update subs in studding, rips, and different hues of patchwork denim for a much more knowing, stylist-driven take on the look. That said, she looked like she was having the most fun out of anyone on the red carpet — would it have killed some of her fellow pop stars to smile?