Ariana Grande’s Iconic Fashion Looks

When one thinks of the word “iconic,” they often envision someone who is wellrounded, established, and overall influential. They’re widely known everywhere, and their impact is like no other. While there are a few people that fit this definition, only one continues to embody an icon.

She is Ariana Grande.

While her name speaks for itself and her music and vocals need no introduction, the evolution of fashion throughout her music career is renowned. From her classic half-up ponytail to oversized sweatshirts and overthe-knee boots, everyone knows Grande’s style.

It’s no surprise how she’s able to combine her street style with her music.

Grande’s early years of music, specifically her 2013 “Yours Truly” era, focused on a girly approach to fashion. She was seen wearing matching skirt sets, floral prints, cat ears (of course), her classic half-up hairstyle, and over-the-knee boots. Her bedazzled heels and sparkly outfits were exclusive to “Yours Truly.” Her style was harmonious with her music – playful with girly undertones – but she was still trying to find her sound.

In 2014, she released her album, “My Everything,” which screamed traditional Audrey Hepburn. The songs were soft and wispy, mirroring her fashion in this era. While she showed growth throughout her performances, her fashion still channeled her “Yours Truly,” young, adolescent-teen stage. Between her iconic cat ears and sparkly one-pieces, the difference between the “Yours Truly” era and the “My Everything” era was nearly unnoticeable. The only minor progression was in her vocals – they were stronger and more confident. This era also ultimately helped push Grande into the fashion, music stratosphere. Everyone was trying to emulate her over-the-knee boots looks and half-up half-down hairstyle.

It was her 2016 album, “Dangerous Woman,” that truly proved that Grande had found (or owned) her style. Although her half-up look was the epitome of who Grande was in the spotlight, her tight ponytail has definitely proven to be just as noteworthy. Designers such as Virgil Abloh helped create her “Dangerous Woman” looks, reflecting the darker, sexier, and more mature sound of her music. This era not only helped further her career, but it also showed Grande’s evolution from her ‘newbie’ eras to her transformation into a powerful woman who was not afraid to express herself through her music and fashion. Her street style was more oversized, thus launching the trend of oversized sweatshirts with over-the-knee boots. Black leather and Levi jeans were also a huge part of her tour wardrobe, making for a more edgier look than ever before. This was HER era.

“Sweetener” and “Thank U, Next” in 2018 and 2019 showed how vulnerable Grande can be. It also proved that her vocals are

not the only thing going for her, but just how meaningful her lyrics truly are and the impact they have on others. With that being said, her outfits didn’t correspond with her emotional albums but instead were filled with bright colors and patterns to help celebrate her growth and overcoming tragedy. Her tour outfits were designed by Donatella Versace and showed how even throughout the years, she continues to put a spin on her classic matching sets and high heel outfits. By combining both albums, she was able to convey her story in a beautiful, compelling way that encouraged self-growth. Not only did she open up to the world through her songwriting, but her fashion ultimately made her even more successful than ever before.

In a completely different direction, her 2020 “Positions’’ era embodies the bright colors and bold fashion of the ‘60s. This is seen in her current fashion as well as throughout her music videos. Whether it’s an argyle printed jacket, an all black ensemble, or extremely tall high heels, she encompasses an elegance that is like none other and has found her rawest form of self-expression. This refinement is also showcased in her music. Not only are her vocals impressively crisp, but this album shows just how much she’s grown in her life. It’s filled with upbeat songs and happy tunes, a complete contrast to her previous two albums. This new era has similar “My Everything” undertones by bringing back a modified, grown-up version of her half-up half-down hairstyle that matches her ‘60s theme. She is the embodiment of grace. It’s evident that even throughout the years, she still manages to reconstruct her most iconic looks and still make them trendy. The world knows what her trademark is, high ponytail and half-up looks. The world knows who oversized sweatshirts and over the knee-boots are associated with. Over the years, Grande has effortlessly made a profound impact in the music industry and fashion world. That in itself is why she is iconic.

Story by Lauren Lippert Photos from Instagram