Ariana Grande’s transformation from Nickelodeon darling to pop icon has been accompanied by a stunning evolution in her style. Known for her signature high ponytail and flirty mini dresses early in her career, she’s since embraced dramatic, fantasy-inspired looks that turn every red carpet appearance into a spectacle. With help from celebrity stylists like Law Roach and Mimi Cuttrell, Grande has elevated her fashion game, mixing whimsy with high glamour.
Though she rarely graces the red carpet, her carefully curated appearances always leave a lasting impression.
From her beginnings in Herve Leger bandage dresses to her recent Glinda-inspired gowns for the Wicked press tour, here are Ariana’s 21 most magical red carpet moments that cement her as a style star.
1. Herve Leger at the MTV Movie Awards, 2010
Jason Merritt
The early 2010s were all about Herve Leger bandage dresses, and Grande embraced the trend in a peachy beige version for the MTV Movie Awards. Mirror-embellished embroidery gave the look a subtle sparkle.
2. BCBG at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, 2011
Jeff Vespa/WireImage
Grande’s Grammy debut was marked by a sleek white BCBG ensemble featuring a draped one-shoulder top and a ruched mini skirt, complemented by sparkling gold Jimmy Choo pumps.
3. Dolce & Gabbana at the American Music Awards, 2013
Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
At the 2013 AMAs, Grande dazzled in a fiery red Dolce & Gabbana gown. The sequined column dress featured black piping at the neckline and was paired with a coordinating clutch.
4. Georges Chakra at the Teen Choice Awards, 2014
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Grande chose a minimalist white Georges Chakra mini dress adorned with hundreds of crystals at the neckline and hem, combining simplicity with glamour.
5. Moschino at the MTV Video Music Awards, 2014
Jason Merritt
For the 2014 VMAs, Grande rocked a black leather strapless Moschino mini dress with gold hardware. Thigh-high patent boots added a bold, rock-inspired edge.
6. Atelier Versace at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, 2015
Jason Merritt
A white Atelier Versace column gown with asymmetrical chainmail details made Grande a vision of elegance at the 2015 Grammy Awards.
7. Romona Keveza at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards, 2016
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Grande stunned in a fiery red Romona Keveza fit-and-flare gown, commanding attention on the Grammy red carpet.
8. Atelier Versace at the Billboard Music Awards, 2016
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Channelling a futuristic vibe, Grande wore a striking blue Atelier Versace dress with intricate embroidery, cut-outs, and a daring side slit.
9. I.D. Sarrieri and Alexander McQueen at the American Music Awards, 2016
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For a mix-and-match look, Grande paired a black lace crop top by I.D. Sarrieri with tailored white tuxedo pants by Alexander McQueen.
10. Alexander Wang at the MTV Video Music Awards, 2016
Angela Weiss
At the VMAs, Grande wore a frilly black lace crop top by Alexander Wang with tailored pants, creating a chic, relaxed silhouette.
11. Christian Siriano at the Time 100 Gala, 2016
Kevin Mazur
Grande turned heads in a dramatic black tulle gown by Christian Siriano, accessorized with an H.Stern diamond collar necklace.
12. Vera Wang at the Met Gala, 2018
George Pimentel
For the “Heavenly Bodies” Met Gala, Grande wore a custom Vera Wang dress printed with Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement. The flowing tulle gown and oversized bow added a celestial touch.
13. Christian Siriano at Billboard’s Women in Music Event, 2018
Angela Weiss
Grande paired a fitted purple mini dress by Christian Siriano with daring footwear, showcasing her flirty yet bold style at the Billboard ‘Women in Music’ Event where she was awarded “Woman of the Year.”
14. Le Silla at the MTV Video Music Awards, 2018
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Grande shimmered in a metallic strapless dress by Le Silla, completing the look with matching glittery thigh-high boots.
15. Giambattista Valli at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, 2020
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Grande made a dramatic comeback in 2020, wearing a voluminous Giambattista Valli gown that resembled a floating cloud of tulle.
16. Giambattista Valli at the 96th Annual Academy Awards, 2024
David Swanson
As Glinda in Wicked, Grande embraced the character’s iconic pink hue with a ruched taffeta column dress and a voluminous shrug jacket by Giambattista Valli.
17. Loewe at the Met Gala, 2024
Kevin Mazur
At the Met Gala, Grande dazzled in a mother-of-pearl-inspired Loewe dress featuring a beaded leather bustier and pleated chiffon skirt.
18. Vivienne Westwood at the WSJ. Innovator Awards, 2024
Dimitrios Kambouris
Grande wore an ivory Vivienne Westwood gown with floral appliqués and a romantic bell skirt, honoring Wicked director Jon Chu.
19. Vivienne Westwood at the Australian Wicked Premiere, 2024
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For the Australian premiere, Grande channeled Glinda with a custom Vivienne Westwood gown featuring puffy sleeves and a sweeping skirt.
20. Thom Browne at the Los Angeles Wicked Premiere, 2024
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Grande opted for a pink gingham crystal-embellished strapless dress by Thom Browne, with a nod to Dorothy’s blue apron dress from Oz.
21. Atelier Versace at the Mexico City Wicked Premiere, 2024
Cristopher Rogel Blanquet
Grande closed out the Wicked press tour in an iridescent Atelier Versace gown with a deep V-neckline and a voluminous layered skirt.
22. Ralph Lauren at the London Premiere, 2024
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Ariana surprised fans at the London premiere of Wicked: Part One by stepping away from her signature pink palette in favor of a vibrant butter-yellow Ralph Lauren gown. The dress featured layers of flowing tulle, a dramatic train, and delicate sheer sleeves wrapped gracefully around her arms.
She accessorized with a diamond tennis necklace and round sunglasses, offering a fresh nod to her character Glinda’s iconic Broadway wardrobe.