In 2018, Ariana Grande’s oversized hoodies paired with thigh-high boots became one of the most talked-about celebrity looks of the late 2010s. The style quickly became synonymous with the pop star, inspiring countless fans to replicate the look across social media platforms. While many saw it as a bold and fashionable choice, Grande herself later revealed that the story behind this signature style was far more personal. In an interview for Vogue’s Life in Looks series, Grande explained that her decision to wear oversized clothing at the time was more about emotional survival than about trendsetting or style.

The Personal Struggles Behind Ariana Grande’s Fashion

2017 and 2018 were years of immense personal turmoil for Ariana Grande. In May 2017, a bombing took place at her concert in Manchester, England, resulting in the tragic loss of 22 lives. This traumatic event, which not only affected Grande personally but also her fans and the broader public, left a lasting impact on the singer. The emotional toll was immense, and the recovery process, both for herself and her fans, was long and challenging.

Then, in September 2018, another devastating blow hit her personal life. Grande’s ex-boyfriend, rapper Mac Miller, tragically passed away from an overdose. This second loss was particularly difficult for Grande, who had been deeply affected by their relationship and the suddenness of his passing. These personal tragedies unfolded under the constant scrutiny of the public eye, with the media following her every move. In the face of these hardships, Ariana Grande found herself seeking solace in her fashion choices.

The oversized hoodies, which had become a key part of her look, provided a way for her to cope with the overwhelming pressure of being constantly in the public spotlight. Grande later revealed that during this period, she often felt the need to “hide away,” with the oversized clothing acting as a form of emotional shielding. For her, this wasn’t about setting trends—it was about finding a small sense of comfort and security amidst the chaos of her personal life.

Why Oversized Hoodies Became Ariana Grande’s Signature Look

For Grande, the oversized hoodie look was more than just a style choice—it was a way to manage the emotional weight she was carrying. The hoodies offered a form of physical and emotional protection, concealing her body and offering a sense of anonymity. As a public figure, she was constantly under the microscope, and these oversized clothes provided her with a much-needed sense of privacy during a time when she felt exposed to the world.

Her thigh-high boots, which had become a signature element of her fashion, remained part of the look, adding a sense of continuity to her public image. While the boots remained a familiar part of her style, the oversized hoodies helped balance the attention, allowing her to retreat into the comfort of her clothes. The pairing of the two elements became a subtle statement of self-preservation. Rather than focusing on her appearance, Grande was focused on managing her personal grief while remaining visible to the public.

At the time, Grande admitted that she had little energy to devote to her wardrobe, stating that fashion was not a priority during such a challenging time. The oversized hoodie-and-boots combo thus became an “unofficial uniform” for her—something that allowed her to maintain some level of public presence without feeling overwhelmed by the external pressures of being a global superstar.

How Ariana Grande’s Style Became a Reflection of Her Journey

While many fans embraced Ariana Grande’s oversized hoodie look as a trendy, chic fashion statement, the deeper story behind it remains far more complex. What seemed to be a bold, effortless style choice was, in fact, a deeply personal coping mechanism. Grande’s look, which many saw as a style trend, was her way of navigating grief and maintaining some sense of normalcy in her professional life while dealing with private heartache.

The oversized hoodie era became not just about fashion but about the human experience of vulnerability, resilience, and self-care. Grande’s openness about this aspect of her personal journey allows fans to connect with her on a deeper level. It offers insight into how even the most famous celebrities experience difficult moments in life, just like anyone else, and how they navigate those moments in the public eye.

From Oversized Hoodies to Glamorous Gowns

Since 2018, Ariana Grande’s fashion choices have evolved significantly. She has been seen in a range of glamorous gowns, tailored outfits, and bold stage costumes. Her style has matured over time, reflecting her growth as an artist and her evolving personal journey. Despite this shift, the oversized hoodie look still stands as one of the most memorable and defining fashion moments of her career.

This period marked a time when Grande faced significant personal grief, and her choice of fashion reflected a way of dealing with those emotions. As she has moved forward, her style has become more polished and elaborate, but the oversized hoodie era remains an important part of her overall fashion evolution. It was a chapter that helped define her public persona at a time when she needed protection, both physically and emotionally.

Ariana Grande’s Use of Clothing to Cope

Ariana Grande’s oversized hoodie look underscores the emotional power that fashion can hold. Clothing can be more than just a reflection of trends or aesthetics—it can also provide emotional support and act as a form of self-care. For Grande, her oversized hoodies became a shield against the emotional weight of her personal tragedies. The simple act of choosing comfort over fashion allowed her to create a small space of emotional safety while navigating the intense pressures of being a public figure.

Her decision to wear oversized hoodies during such a difficult time also sheds light on how fashion can be an intimate expression of one’s emotional state. It challenges the common perception of fashion as just a superficial element of celebrity culture, revealing how deeply personal the relationship between style and emotional well-being can be.

More Than Just a Fashion Icon

Ariana Grande’s oversized hoodie era has since become a defining chapter in her career. While it was initially seen as a style trend, it now holds much deeper significance. It serves as a reminder of the resilience, vulnerability, and strength she demonstrated during a time of personal hardship. Her openness about the story behind her fashion choices has invited fans to see her not just as a style icon, but as a person who has faced immense challenges and found ways to cope with them in her own way.

As her fashion continues to evolve, this moment from 2018 will remain an important part of Ariana Grande’s legacy. It’s a testament to the emotional connection that can exist between a celebrity and their audience, and a powerful example of how clothing can serve as more than just a visual expression—but as a tool for survival and healing.