Ariana Grande's Iconic 2018 Look: Fashion as Emotional Armor
In a revealing new interview, global pop sensation Ariana Grande has opened up about the deeply personal meaning behind her iconic 2018 fashion phase. The oversized hoodies and thigh-high boots that became her signature look during that period were far more than just a style statement—they served as essential emotional armor during one of the most challenging chapters of her life.
Vogue's Life in Looks: A Candid Reflection
During a recent episode of Vogue's Life in Looks series, Grande revisited her past outfits with remarkable honesty. When a photograph from 2018 appeared on screen, she immediately acknowledged the difficult emotions tied to that era. "This was a very strange time in my life," Grande stated, setting the tone for a vulnerable discussion about how clothing became intertwined with survival.
The singer explained that her fashion choices during this period were never about following trends or making statements. Instead, they represented a practical response to overwhelming emotional exhaustion. "I was processing a lot, and I always wanted to hide away in something really cozy," she revealed, emphasizing that comfort became her primary consideration when she lacked the mental energy to think about clothing.
The Boots That Provided Strength
Despite seeking comfort in oversized garments, Grande maintained one key element that gave her confidence: her distinctive thigh-high boots. "But I remember that the boots still made me feel confident," she shared. "So the easiest thing for me was to throw on a sweatshirt and a confident boot and that was how it happened."
This simple combination—an oversized hoodie paired with empowering boots—became her daily uniform almost overnight. While fans enthusiastically copied the look and fashion critics analyzed its cultural significance, Grande was simply trying to navigate each day with whatever emotional resources she could muster.
The Tragic Loss That Deepened the Pain
The year 2018 brought additional heartbreak that compounded Grande's emotional struggles. In September of that year, her former boyfriend, talented rapper Mac Miller, died from an accidental overdose at just 26 years old. This devastating loss occurred during what was already an intensely painful period for the singer.
In a 2019 interview for Vogue's August cover story, Grande spoke with raw honesty about her grief. "By no means was what we had perfect, but, like, honestly," she reflected. "He was the best person ever, and he didn't deserve the demons he had."
She further described how the tragedy fundamentally changed her, explaining, "I was the glue for such a long time, and I found myself becoming… less and less sticky. The pieces just started to float away." This profound sense of fragmentation made her need for emotional protection through clothing even more essential.
Fashion as a Quiet Shield
Looking back with the perspective of time, Grande's oversized hoodies now tell a much clearer story. They weren't merely fashionable garments or casual wear—they functioned as a quiet shield during a period when even the simple act of getting dressed felt overwhelming. Her fashion choices became a form of self-preservation, allowing her to move through the world while processing immense personal loss and emotional turmoil.
Grande's candid revelations highlight how public figures often use fashion as more than aesthetic expression—it can serve as psychological armor during private battles. Her willingness to discuss this connection between clothing and emotional survival offers a powerful reminder that what we see on the surface often conceals deeper personal narratives.
