expected trends: 5 styles for ariana grande’s tour

With a new album, “eternal sunshine,” lighting up the charts, the world is buzzing with anticipation for Ariana Grande’s next global tour. While the music is guaranteed to be a hit, the fashion is an equally crucial part of the Arianator experience. Her tours are iconic visual spectacles, and we’re breaking down the expected trends we predict will dominate her stage wardrobe this time around. From ethereal daydreams to theatrical showstoppers, her style is set to tell a story all its own.

The Ethereal “eternal sunshine” Aesthetic

The entire visual world of “eternal sunshine” is built on a foundation of soft-focus, retro-futuristic romanticism. It’s dreamy, delicate, and tinged with a 60s and 70s nostalgia. We fully expect this aesthetic to translate into a significant portion of her tour’s fashion narrative. These looks will likely serve as the opening act or a dedicated acoustic section, setting a deeply personal and vulnerable tone.

Think lightweight and flowing fabrics that move with her on stage. We’re picturing custom pieces made from organza, chiffon, and delicate lace in a palette of creams, soft whites, baby blues, and pale yellows. Stylist Mimi Cuttrell will likely tap into designers who excel at this soft femininity. Look for details like empire waists, delicate ruching, and subtle pearl embellishments that catch the light without overwhelming.

This style is a departure from the harder-edged looks of her “Dangerous Woman” era and feels like a mature evolution. It’s less about overt sexiness and more about a confident, introspective femininity. It perfectly matches the album’s themes of healing and self-discovery, which you can read more about in our full album breakdown.

Elevated Loungewear: The Signature Hoodie Reimagined

It wouldn’t be an Ariana Grande tour without her most iconic silhouette: the oversized hoodie or sweater paired with thigh-high boots. This look is synonymous with her brand—it’s comfortable, playful, and instantly recognizable. However, for a massive stadium tour, this staple needs a serious dose of high-fashion elevation.

Instead of a simple cotton sweatshirt, imagine a fully custom, crystal-encrusted hoodie that glitters under the stage lights. We predict oversized sweaters made from luxurious materials like cashmere or custom-knitted merino wool, adorned with graphics and logos specific to the “eternal sunshine” era. These won’t be off-the-rack pieces; they will be couture-level creations designed for maximum impact and danceability.

The boots will be just as important. Expect custom-made, sky-high boots from designers like Christian Louboutin or Casadei in patent leather, glitter finishes, or soft suedes that match each look perfectly. This elevated loungewear segment allows for high-energy choreography while staying true to the cozy, relatable persona her fans adore.

A Nod to the Past: Archival and Vintage Revival

Lately, Ariana has shown a deep appreciation for fashion history, notably with her archival Givenchy look from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and her stunning vintage Oscar de la Renta at a recent event. This points to a major potential trend for her tour: incorporating rare archival and vintage designer pieces into her wardrobe.

This is a powerful way to create unforgettable fashion moments. A segment of the show could be dedicated to celebrating iconic fashion decades, with Ariana wearing meticulously sourced pieces from the archives of designers like Thierry Mugler, Versace, or even a classic Courrèges. This approach adds a layer of sophistication and storytelling, positioning her not just as a pop star, but as a true fashion connoisseur.

Working with a top-tier stylist, she could secure pieces that have never been worn on a stage of this magnitude. It’s a move that generates buzz and respects the artistry of fashion, aligning perfectly with her own artistic growth. For more on this trend, see Vogue’s coverage of archival fashion on the red carpet.

Exploring Theatrical and Conceptual Expected Trends

With her starring role as Glinda in the upcoming *Wicked* movie, Ariana has been fully immersed in the world of theatrical costuming. This experience will undoubtedly influence the more dramatic and conceptual expected trends for her tour. We anticipate at least one segment of the show will be a full-blown theatrical production, complete with avant-garde silhouettes and structured, otherworldly designs.

This is where we could see structured corsetry, dramatic capes, and exaggerated proportions. Think less pop concert and more Met Gala. Designers like Iris van Herpen, who blends technology with couture, or Schiaparelli, known for surrealist and bold creations, could be ideal collaborators for a show-stopping look. A color palette of emerald green could be a direct, playful nod to her *Wicked* role, creating a crossover moment fans would go wild for.

This theatricality allows for the biggest “wow” moments of the concert. Imagine a costume change that reveals a completely different, larger-than-life silhouette, or a piece that interacts with the stage’s lighting and digital displays. It’s an opportunity to push creative boundaries and deliver the high-concept fantasy that arena tours are made for.

The Unfailing A-Line Mini Dress

Through all her style evolutions, one silhouette has remained a constant for Ariana: the A-line mini dress. This 60s-inspired shape is flattering, youthful, and, most importantly, provides the freedom of movement necessary for complex choreography. It’s a workhorse of her wardrobe, and we expect it to appear in multiple iterations throughout the tour.

The A-line mini is a versatile canvas. For the “eternal sunshine” tour, we predict we’ll see it updated with the album’s core aesthetic. This could mean mod-style dresses with color-blocking in pastel hues, babydoll dresses covered in shimmering paillettes, or structured versions with sharp collars and cuffs. Designers like Valentino, with their mastery of the mini silhouette, could create custom versions for her.

This style is a safe bet but a smart one. It connects her current look to her “Positions” and “Thank U, Next” eras, providing a sense of stylistic continuity. Paired with her signature ponytail and a pair of platform heels or go-go boots, the A-line mini is pure, unfiltered Ariana—a look that is both nostalgic and perfectly modern.

Ultimately, Ariana Grande’s “eternal sunshine” tour promises to be a journey not just through her music, but through a masterfully curated world of fashion. By blending ethereal softness, elevated comfort, historical reverence, and theatrical drama, the tour’s wardrobe will be a testament to her multifaceted artistry and an unforgettable spectacle for fans everywhere.