Ariana Grande Reveals Why She Lived In Oversize Hoodies In 2018: ‘I Was Processing A Lot’

Ariana Grande is looking back at one of her most talked-about style phases—and revealing the deeply personal reason behind it.

In a new episode of Vogue’s Life in Looks series, the singer and actress revisited some of her most iconic fashion moments over the years. When shown a 2018 photograph of herself wearing an oversize sweatshirt paired with tall boots—a look that became her unofficial uniform at the time—Grande didn’t hesitate to open up.

“This was a very strange time in my life,” she said, setting the tone for a candid reflection.

“I was processing a lot, and I always wanted to hide away in something really cozy,” Grande explained. “But I remember that the boots still made me feel c–t. I genuinely, at the time, did not have the mental energy

to consider clothing. So the easiest thing for me was to throw on a sweatshirt and a c—y boot and that was how it happened.”

The period Grande referred to followed one of the darkest chapters of her life and career. On May 22, 2017, a suicide bomber attacked her concert in Manchester, England, killing 22 people and injuring more than 500. The tragedy left a lasting impact on the artist, who has since spoken openly about experiencing anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Following the attack, Grande temporarily suspended her tour. Less than two weeks later, however, she returned to Manchester for a benefit concert honoring the victims. The emotional event featured performances by Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Niall Horan, Robbie Williams, the Black Eyed Peas, Katy Perry and others.
In a heartfelt letter to fans shared in November 2018, Grande wrote that the bombing “will leave me speechless and filled with questions for the rest of my life.”

Grief After the Loss of Mac Miller

That same year, Grande also faced another devastating loss when her former boyfriend, rapper Mac Miller, died of an accidental overdose on Sept. 7, 2018, at just 26 years old.

In a 2019 interview for Vogue’s August cover story, Grande described her grief as overwhelming and consuming.
“By no means was what we had perfect, but, like, f—,” she said. “He was the best person ever, and he didn’t deserve the demons he had. 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.”