In a new instalment of Vogue's Life in Looks series, Ariana Grande has offered a revealing reflection on one of her most recognisable fashion eras. It was in 2018 when she favoured the oversized hoodies and thigh‑high boots.
What once seemed like a defining aesthetic now reveals a much deeper emotional story. Fashion became her comfort, armour, and coping mechanism during one of the most tumultuous chapters in her life and career.
For fashion lovers and cultural commentators, this retrospective is more than celebrity self‑analysis. It shows how clothing can reflect psychological states and how trends can arise from human vulnerability.
The Story Behind the Look
The signature oversized sweatshirt and tall boot combination became virtually symbolic of Grande's public image in the late 2010s. Photographs from New York City in 2018 repeatedly captured her stepping out in hoodies that were several sizes too large, often cinched with accessories for a chic look.
But in her recent interview, Grande clarified that what looked effortless was far from an intentional style choice. 'This was a very strange time in my life', she said, explaining that she 'was processing a lot' and simply 'wanted to hide away in something really cozy.'
Grande admitted she lacked the energy to curate looks, and the oversized hoodie became a practical solution to that emotional exhaustion. She also noted that even as the sweatshirt offered comfort, the boots still gave her a sense of feeling good. 'I remember that the boots still made me feel c--t', the singer-actress stated.
Inside the Singer's 2018 Struggles
During the late 2010s, Grande found herself at the intersection of personal struggles and relentless public scrutiny that reshaped both her private life and public image.
The 2017 Manchester Arena bombing at her concert had left a lasting psychological impact, something she has spoken about openly in the years since. As she tried to navigate her way back to work and a sense of normalcy, the heavy burdens of grief, survivor's guilt, and anxiety lingered in her daily life.
In 2018, she faced even more emotional turmoil. In September of that year, Grande's ex-boyfriend Mac Miller unexpectedly died, unfolding under intense media scrutiny and public speculation. Only months earlier, she had entered a fast-moving relationship and engagement with comedian Pete Davidson, which later ended just as publicly.
The overlapping grief, heartbreak, and exhaustion created a period of emotional overload, where fashion shifted from self-expression to self-preservation. Oversized hoodies and boots provided her with a sense of comfort while also exuding a confident vibe when much of her life felt exposed.
When Comfort Meets Cultural Trend
Interestingly, Grande's hoodie era wasn't just a personal refuge as it influenced wider fashion culture. In 2018, searches for oversized hoodies spiked significantly. Media coverage, including the one from Billboard, reported up to a 130% increase in interest as fans tried to copy her look at the time.
What makes this notable is the dissonance between intention and impact. While Grande dressed for emotional necessity, the public interpreted it as a cool, wearable trend. This speaks to a larger pattern in celebrity fashion, where personal style choices — even unintentional ones — can become cultural phenomena.
Why the Hoodie Look Still Resonates
In today's fashion discourse, there's been a marked shift toward authenticity and comfort. Recent trends show pop stars and brands embracing hoodies and relaxed tailoring not only for practicality but for emotional expression as well.
Artists like Lorde and Charli XCX have similarly been spotted favouring hoodies in place of form‑fitting stage costumes, InStyle previously reported.
Grande's reflections open the door to more meaningful conversations about how clothing interacts with mental health and identity. For fashion fans, this episode is a reminder that style isn't always about glamour or image crafting. Sometimes it's about protection, resilience, and even vulnerability.
