Ariana Grande has opened up about the emotional reasons behind her iconic 2018 fashion era, revealing in a new Vogue interview that her signature oversized hoodies and thigh-high boots were a way to ‘hide away’ during a period of intense personal turmoil. The pop star and actress explained that this style was a comfort-driven choice as she processed the trauma of the Manchester Arena bombing and the loss of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller.
Grande sat down with Vogue to review 21 of her most memorable looks, spanning from her early career to the present. When presented with a photo from 2018 showing her in a black sweatshirt and boots, she described it as a ‘very strange time’ in her life. She shared, “I was processing a lot, and I always wanted to hide away in something really cozy. But I remember that the boots still made me feel confident,” indicating a blend of seeking solace and maintaining a sense of self-assurance.
The year 2018 was particularly challenging for Grande, coming on the heels of the 2017 Manchester attack where a bomber killed 22 people and injured over 500 at her concert. She has previously expressed that the event left her “speechless and filled with questions for the rest of my life.” This tragedy set the stage for a period where she sought comfort in her clothing choices.
Adding to her grief, in September 2018, her ex-boyfriend and collaborator Mac Miller died from an accidental overdose at age 26. Grande reflected on his influence, noting in the interview that he helped her find her sound and embrace her natural appearance, shedding her Nickelodeon persona. His loss compounded the emotional weight she carried during this era.
Simultaneously, Grande was navigating a whirlwind romance with comedian Pete Davidson, which included a rapid engagement and breakup within months in 2018. This series of public and private upheavals left her with little mental energy for fashion, leading to the practical yet symbolic outfit combination. “I genuinely, at the time, did not have the mental energy to consider clothing,” she admitted.
Beyond the hoodies and boots, the Vogue interview touched on other aspects of Grande’s style evolution. She joked about ‘signing over’ her hair to Nickelodeon for her role on ‘Victorious,’ which required her to dye it bright red, and defended her straight eyebrows against critics, asserting her personal preference. These anecdotes highlight her journey toward self-acceptance and authenticity in the public eye.
Currently, Grande is focused on her role in the upcoming film adaptation of ‘Wicked,’ for which she dyed her hair blonde. This new chapter represents a shift from her past struggles, as she continues to evolve both personally and professionally. The revelation about her 2018 style offers fans a deeper understanding of her resilience and the ways in which fashion can serve as both armor and expression during difficult times.
