Ariana Grande looks back at her 2018 style in a new Vogue Life in Looks installment, explaining how oversized clothing helped her navigate a tumultuous year.
At a Glance
- In 2018, Grande’s wardrobe shifted to oversized sweatshirts and tall boots to mask emotional turmoil.
- The year was marked by the Manchester concert bombing (22 dead, 500 injured) and the accidental death of her boyfriend Mac Miller.
- Grande’s reflections reveal how fashion became a coping mechanism during anxiety and PTSD.
- Why it matters: The singer’s candidness offers insight into the intersection of public trauma and personal style.
A Fashion Statement in a Strange Time
The Vogue feature began with a 2018 photo of Grande in a chunky sweatshirt and high-cut boots. She described the look as a deliberate retreat into comfort during a period she called “very strange.”
> “I was processing a lot, and I always wanted to hide away in something really cozy,” Grande said. “I genuinely, at the time, did not have the mental energy to consider clothing.”
Her choice of oversized garments, she added, was a practical solution: the clothing was easy to pull on and provided a sense of security.
The Manchester Bombing and Its Aftermath
On May 22, 2017, a suicide bomber struck Grande’s concert in Manchester, England, killing 22 people and injuring more than 500. The tragedy left a lasting imprint on the pop star.
- Grande paused her tour following the attack.
- Less than two weeks later, she returned to Manchester for a benefit concert featuring Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, and others.
- In a November 2018 letter to fans, she wrote that the bombing would “leave me speechless and filled with questions for the rest of my life.”
She has spoken publicly about suffering from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the incident, underscoring how the event shaped her mental health.
Personal Losses in 2018
The year also saw the loss of Grande’s ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller, who died of an accidental drug overdose on September 7, 2018 at the age of 26. In a 2019 Vogue interview, Grande described the grief as “all-consuming.”
> “By no means was what we had perfect, but, like, f—,” she told the magazine. “He was the best person ever, and he didn’t deserve the demons he had.”
She defended herself against online trolls who blamed her for Miller’s death, noting:
> “People don’t see any of the real stuff that happens… they are loud about what they think happened.”
A month after Miller’s death, Grande and her then-fiancé, Pete Davidson, ended their engagement. The couple had been linked in May 2018, got engaged less than a month later, and split in October.
Fashion as a Coping Tool
Grande’s 2018 wardrobe choices illustrate how style can serve as emotional armor. The oversized sweatshirt and boots were not just fashion statements; they were a deliberate attempt to shield herself from the external chaos.
- Comfort: The garments were easy to wear and provided a sense of warmth.
- Privacy: Oversized pieces allowed Grande to retreat from public scrutiny.
- Self-care: Choosing “cozy” clothing became a form of self-comfort during a time of grief and anxiety.
Timeline of Key Events (2017-2018)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 22, 2017 | Manchester concert bombing (22 dead, 500 injured) |
| September 7, 2018 | Mac Miller’s accidental overdose death |
| October 2018 | Grande and Pete Davidson split |
Takeaway
Ariana Grande’s reflections on her 2018 fashion choices reveal a deeper narrative: the power of clothing to provide solace amid personal and public tragedy. Her candid discussion of PTSD and grief offers a rare glimpse into how artists navigate the intersection of mental health and public life.
Key Takeaways
- Oversized fashion in 2018 was a coping mechanism for Grande.
- The Manchester bombing and Mac Miller’s death profoundly affected her mental health.
- Grande publicly addressed the stigma around mental health and grief.
- Her 2019 Vogue interview highlighted her resilience and vulnerability.
By sharing these moments, Grande invites fans to understand how style can be both a personal refuge and a public statement during challenging times.
