Ariana Grande Street Style: Why the Pony and Hoodie Duo Finally Died

Ariana Grande Street Style: Why the Pony and Hoodie Duo Finally Died

Honestly, if you close your eyes and think about Ariana Grande street style, you probably see a cloud of pastel fabric and some very high boots. For years, that was the blueprint. You’ve seen it a thousand times: the oversized sweatshirt that costs more than a used Honda, the thigh-high Stuart Weitzman boots, and a ponytail so tight it looks like it provides a free facelift.

But things changed.

If you’ve looked at a photo of her in the last six months, you might have noticed something feels… different. The "lamp-shading" look (that’s the technical term for wearing a big top with no pants) has mostly hit the archives. In its place? A mix of 1960s Audrey Hepburn vibes and what some fans are calling "Glinda-core," though she’s recently been trying to shake that off, too.

The Death of the Oversized Hoodie

Basically, the "Dangerous Woman" and "Sweetener" eras were the peak of Ariana’s relatability. It was easy to copy. You just bought a Hanes hoodie three sizes too big and hoped for the best. But as she moved into her 30s and took on the role of Glinda in Wicked, her daily rotation shifted toward something way more structured.

We’re seeing a lot of Peter Pan collars now.

Instead of baggy cotton, she’s leaning into textures. Think tweed jackets from Patou and sculptural pieces by Louis Vuitton. Even her "casual" days in London or New York look more like a scene from a vintage French film than a pop star heading to a rehearsal.

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Why the shift actually matters

Fashion experts often talk about "method dressing." That’s when an actor stays in character even when the cameras aren't rolling. Ariana didn't just play Glinda; she lived in her closet for two years. This meant a lot of pink. A lot of pink.

  1. The Loewe Era: We saw her at airports in baggy Loewe button-downs and those cartoonish "Toy" pumps.
  2. The Vintage Pulls: Working with stylist Mimi Cuttrell and more recently Law Roach, she started digging into the archives. We’re talking 1950s Dior and 1960s Givenchy.
  3. The Silhouette Change: The volume moved from the top of her body (hoodies) to the bottom (bubble skirts and A-line dresses).

It’s a more "adult" version of her petite-friendly style. It’s polished. It’s expensive. And honestly? It’s a lot harder for the average person to replicate on a Tuesday afternoon.

Ariana Grande Street Style and the Law Roach Effect

When she showed up to the 2026 Golden Globes in that custom black Vivienne Westwood, the internet basically broke. It wasn't just a dress; it was a signal. By ditching the Glinda pink and bringing back the high, dark ponytail, she was telling the world that the Wicked press tour was officially over.

Law Roach, the "image architect" who famously works with Zendaya, has been a huge part of this new chapter. He’s moved her away from the "pop princess" tropes and toward "Hollywood Icon."

The "Anti-Glinda" Pivot

Lately, her street style has taken a sharp turn into darker palettes. You'll see her in monochromatic black sets or neutral greys. She’s been spotted wearing "ICE out" pins and other accessories that suggest she’s more interested in making a statement than just looking "cute."

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She’s also been experimenting with "balletcore" in a way that feels more authentic to her dance background. We're seeing more wrap tops, leg warmers used as actual accessories, and even flat shoes. Yes, flat shoes. For a woman who famously performed in 6-inch heels for a decade, seeing her in a ballet flat is a legitimate cultural shift.

How to Get the Look (The 2026 Version)

If you want to channel the current Ariana Grande street style, you have to stop thinking about hoodies. Start thinking about tailoring.

Focus on the Fit
Ariana is famously petite. She uses "short cuts" to her advantage. If she wears a long coat, it’s usually paired with a very short mini skirt underneath to keep her from being swallowed by the fabric. It’s all about the legs.

The Accessories are Different Now
It used to be just a choker and some cat ears. Now, it’s Swarovski necklaces and vintage-inspired sunglasses. She’s also been seen carrying the Loewe "Squeeze" bag, which has become a staple in her transition from "street" to "chic."

Texture Over Color
Instead of a bright neon yellow, she might wear a butter-yellow silk or a textured tweed. The goal is to look like you own a gallery, not like you’re going to a frat party.

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The Reality of the Transition

Not everyone loves the new look. If you browse Reddit or Twitter, you'll find plenty of fans who miss the "old Ari." They find the new, polished aesthetic a bit "lifeless" or "too grown up."

But that’s the thing about style—it’s supposed to move. You can’t wear a ponytail and a sweatshirt forever. Well, you can, but she clearly doesn't want to. She’s mentioned in interviews (and even in her tour documentary) how much the public's obsession with her appearance has affected her. This shift toward vintage, high-fashion pieces feels like a protective layer. It’s a costume that commands respect rather than just "likes."

Actionable Steps for Your Wardrobe

  • Swap the Hoodie for a Cardigan: Look for something cropped with interesting buttons.
  • Invest in One Good Pair of Boots: Thigh-highs are still okay, but try a pointed-toe leather version instead of the suede "sock" style.
  • Play with Proportions: If you wear something wide on the bottom (like a bubble skirt), keep the top tight and tucked in.
  • Embrace the 60s: A simple headband or a cat-eye flick of liner can do a lot of the heavy lifting.

To really nail the current vibe, look for pieces from brands like Mirror Palais or Sandy Liang. They capture that "theatrical but wearable" energy that she’s currently obsessed with.

The era of the "Arianification" of the suburban mall might be over, but the era of Ariana as a serious fashion player is just getting started. It’s less about being a trend and more about building a legacy. Whether you’re a fan of the pink or the black, you can’t deny she knows exactly how to use a sidewalk as a runway.

If you want to update your own closet, start by looking for vintage-inspired silhouettes like A-line minis and structured collars at local thrift stores or on resale apps like Depop.