Ariana Grande basically turned the Season 21 stage of The Voice into her own personal runway. Honestly, who even remembers the contestants when Ari was sitting in that big red chair looking like a walking mood board? She didn't just show up to coach; she showed up to remind everyone that she’s a fashion heavyweight. Every single week, the internet would collectively lose its mind the second she swiveled around.
If you've been living under a rock, you might’ve missed the era where Ariana Grande the voice outfit choices were more anticipated than the actual singing. It wasn't just about high-end couture, though there was plenty of that. It was about the references. The nostalgia. The way her stylist, Mimi Cuttrell, managed to weave together Y2K kitsch with high-fashion sophistication.
The Jenna Rink Moment That Broke the Internet
Let's talk about the big one. The Versace dress.
When Ariana stepped out for the first live show, she wasn't just wearing a "colorful dress." She was wearing the dress. You know the one—the multi-colored, striped Versace mini that Jennifer Garner wore in 13 Going on 30 during the "Thriller" dance scene. It was a vintage piece from the Versace Spring 2003 collection.
It was a total power move.
The preparation for that single look reportedly took six months. Six months! That is some serious dedication to a movie reference. She even nailed the messy bun and the dangling earrings, skipping the butterfly necklace to keep it slightly more "Ari." Jennifer Garner herself even DM'd her about it. Can you imagine? Being so iconic that the person you're paying homage to has to reach out and give you props?
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Not Just a Costume: The Designers Behind the Magic
While the Jenna Rink look got the most headlines, her wardrobe was a masterclass in variety. It wasn't just all throwback vibes. She mixed in some seriously technical pieces that showed off her growth as a style icon.
- Ivan Young: Remember that lilac two-piece with the crystal fringe? It was custom-made by Malaysian designer Ivan Young. We’re talking over 90,000 glass beads and 2,000+ swinging strands. The level of detail was insane. It was so popular that the designer actually ended up releasing a version of it for the public to buy.
- Miss Sohee: For one of the later episodes, she wore an aquatic-looking, sparkly blue-green set that looked like it belonged in a high-fashion version of The Little Mermaid.
- Vivienne Westwood: For the finale, she went sustainable with a custom chocolate brown corseted gown made of repurposed vegan leatherette.
- Valentino: Also in the finale, she performed with Kid Cudi in a bright canary yellow strapless gown from the Spring/Summer 2019 Haute Couture collection.
She also did a heavy nod to Britney Spears. During '90s week, Ari rocked a pink strapless tube top with rhinestone details and white pants with pink kneecaps. It was a direct shout-out to Britney’s 1999 performance outfit. It felt playful but also super respectful to the pop legends who came before her.
Why This Era Was Her Fashion Peak
For a lot of fans, The Voice represented a shift. Before this, Ariana was very much tied to the "oversized hoodie and thigh-high boots" uniform. It was her signature, sure, but it was starting to feel a bit safe.
Working with Mimi Cuttrell changed everything.
We started seeing more structure. More risks. More "grown-up" silhouettes that still felt like they had that Ari spark. She played with 1960s mod vibes, business-chic blazers, and even a hot pink cowgirl outfit that somehow didn't look like a costume.
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Some people think she used the opera gloves—which became a staple during this season—to hide her hands when she stopped wearing her wedding ring. Whether that's true or just fan theory, the gloves added an Old Hollywood glamour that balanced out the shorter hemlines. It was a vibe.
Getting the Look Without the Designer Budget
Look, most of us don't have a "six months in the making" Versace budget. But the Ariana Grande the voice outfit aesthetic is actually pretty easy to pull inspiration from if you know what to look for.
Basically, focus on the "Rule of Three" she often used:
- A Mini Silhouette: Whether it’s an A-line skirt or a tiny slip dress, keep it short.
- Interesting Texture: Crystal fringe, vegan leather, or even just heavy satin.
- Statement Accessories: Think opera gloves, platform heels, or a very specific hair accessory (like the ascot/bow combo she wore with the oversized blazer).
Retailers like Cider and even Amazon started selling replicas of the 13 Going on 30 dress almost immediately after she wore it. But the real "Ari" way to do it is to find a piece of pop culture you love and find a high-fashion way to reference it.
Final Takeaways for Your Wardrobe
If you want to channel this specific era of Ariana, stop playing it safe with neutrals. This season was all about "more is more" but with a tailored finish.
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Mix your textures. Don't be afraid of a theme week. Most importantly, find a stylist—or a friend with a good eye—who can help you bridge the gap between "this is a costume" and "this is a moment."
Start by looking for vintage silhouettes from the early 2000s or the mid-1960s. Those were her two biggest inspirations during the show. Look for "babydoll" cuts, structured corsets, and anything with a bit of a retro-futuristic edge.
Keep an eye on the details, like the specific way she matched her eyeshadow to the fabric of her dress. That's the difference between just getting dressed and creating a look.
The most important thing to remember is that she looked like she was having fun. Fashion shouldn't be a chore. If you want to wear a neon yellow gown with black leather gloves, just do it. If it worked for Ari, it can work for you.
Next Steps for Your Style
To really nail the Ariana aesthetic from The Voice, start by hunting for "archival-inspired" pieces on resale sites like Depop or Vestiaire Collective. Look for 2003-era Versace (if you’re feeling spendy) or early 2000s Blumarine. For a more accessible route, grab a pair of high-quality opera gloves and pair them with a simple strapless mini dress you already own. Focus on monochromatic color blocking—matching your shoes and hair accessories to your dress—to create that "polished coach" look that defined her Season 21 run.