How Ariana Grande’s Wardrobe Went From Nickelodeon Red to Glinda Pink
Because nothing says “musical theatre chic” like swapping your chart-topping pop ponytail for Glinda’s platinum wig—Ariana Grande’s style evolution reads like an ongoing conversation between Vogue and a Disney villain. Grande, who turns 32 on June 26, has spent nearly two decades perfecting the art of high-stakes fashion: from her Nickelodeon days with bright red locks at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards to dazzling in custom Thom Browne pink plaid at the 2024 Los Angeles premiere of Wicked. And yes, someone out there thought thigh-high boots were practical.
The journey began when Grande strutted the orange carpet at the 2010 Kids’ Choice Awards in a neon mini-dress perfectly matched to the venue—proof that harmonious color coordination was always her secret superpower. Flash forward to 2013, and she shimmered like a retro Jessica Rabbit in a Dolce & Gabbana red gown at the American Music Awards, serving more curve appeal than your average Saturday morning cartoon. Grande’s knack for mixing innocence and edge became signature: she stunned in a white mini-dress and sparkly gold heels at the 2011 Grammys, then pushed into “vintage Hollywood siren” territory with a black lace MT Costello gown at the 2014 AMAs. Because nothing says “serious artist” like showing up in a lace curtain.
Her 2015 red carpet choices taught critics a lesson in overthinking: she beamed in a silver lamé mesh gown at the Grammys and later embraced floral beaded peplum at the AMAs—Giambattista Valli’s answer to getting stuck in a bouquet. Grande even braved an all-white ensemble at KISS FM that year, proving she’s either fearless or incredibly confident in her dry-cleaner’s phone number. Not content with dresses alone, she broke out a corset top and tailored white pants at the 2016 AMAs, signaling her willingness to let pants have their moment.
Then came the Wicked era: ditching her dark brown ponytail was more than a haircut—it was a statement. “Beauty really helped me deconstruct that person and find Glinda,” she told Vogue in September 2024, adding that even wigs couldn’t fully distract from her newfound blonde ambition. Two years of Oz living culminated in a custom pink-and-white Thom Browne ensemble, complete with a matching bow that screamed, “I’m the social queen of Shiz University.” Nine months later at the 97th Academy Awards, the Grammy winner—nominated for Best Supporting Actress—floated down the carpet in a blush pink Schiaparelli gown bedazzled with 190,000 rhinestones. Because if you’re going to sparkle, do it to the power of six digits.
Through candid chats with French influencer Crazy Sally and a TikTok clapback in April 2024 about unrealistic beauty standards—“There are many ways to look healthy,” she reminded her haters—Grande has shown that style isn’t just about clothes; it’s armor against the noise. Tune in next time for more epic dress drama and questionable footwear choices.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, Vogue (September 2024), Crazy Sally interview (December 2024), Ariana Grande TikTok (April 2024)
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
