Ariana Grande’s Bold Fashion Risk at the 2016 MTV VMAs
Pop icon Ariana Grande embraces wide-leg tuxedo pants and custom couture, redefining red carpet style norms at the 2016 MTV VMAs.
Ariana Grande’s Daring New Look: Redefining VMA Red Carpet Fashion
When pop sensation Ariana Grande arrived at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, fans and fashion critics alike witnessed a significant shift in her signature style. Renowned for her high ponytail, thigh-high boots, and playful miniskirts, Ariana’s surprise came in the form of wide-leg tuxedo pants paired with a lacy black crop top—an ensemble designed exclusively by Alexander Wang. This bold, androgynous look made waves on a night typically dominated by dramatic gowns and glittering dresses, opening up new possibilities for both celebrity and everyday style.
Breaking Down Ariana’s Signature Style
Before the 2016 VMAs, Ariana Grande was synonymous with certain style staples that emphasized her youthful image and petite stature. Her go-to fashion elements included:
- Very high, taut ponytail: An unmistakable element of her look, often paired with hair extensions for extra volume.
- Thigh-high boots: Creating a lengthening effect and giving her ensembles a bold, playful edge.
- Miniskirts and short dresses: Often in pastel or monochrome shades, accentuating her frame.
- Low-cut silk camisoles with skinny straps: Lending a sensual, yet girlish appeal.
This signature appearance was so iconic that fans and the media could instantly recognize Ariana just by her silhouette. Deviating from this formula required both fashion confidence and the willingness to take a risk on one of music’s most-watched red carpets.
2016 MTV VMAs: A Night of Bold Choices
The MTV Video Music Awards have consistently served as a platform for trailblazing, genre-defining fashion. From Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” wedding dress to Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress, the VMAs are about as far from understated as one can get. Against this backdrop, Ariana’s move toward tailored, masculine-inspired fashion was even more striking.
Details of the Look: Alexander Wang Custom Ensemble
Ariana’s VMA outfit was meticulously crafted. She wore an all-black ensemble featuring:
- Lacy black crop top: Flirty, delicate, and subtly sexy, the top’s pattern and texture stood out against the smoother finish of the pants.
- Wide-leg tuxedo pants: The dramatic volume of the pants contrasted sharply with her typically fitted bottoms, accentuating movement and offering a new silhouette.
- Minimalist accessories: She kept the rest of her styling simple, ensuring the unconventional proportions of the outfit took center stage.
Both pieces were custom-designed by Alexander Wang, bringing an element of high-fashion credibility to the event and blending youthful rebellion with runway-level craftsmanship.
Style for Petites: How Wide-Leg Pants Work (And Why Ariana Nailed It)
A particular talking point in the aftermath of Ariana’s appearance was her “legs for days” effect, especially notable given her petite 5’0” stature. Many commentators praised her for debunking the myth that wide-leg trousers are unsuitable for shorter frames. The keys to her success included:
- High-waist cut: The pants sat at her natural waist, elongating her lower body and providing the illusion of greater height.
- Monochrome styling: Sticking with a single color from top to bottom created an unbroken line, further strengthening the long-limbed effect.
- Cropped top: Revealing a sliver of midriff prevented the outfit from overwhelming her figure.
- Heels (concealed): Likely hidden beneath the pooling fabric, her footwear added lift without distracting from the sleek silhouette.
What others are reading
This look opened up new inspiration for petite women everywhere, proving that fashion ‘rules’ are made to be broken with the right approach to proportion and confidence.
Comparing Red Carpet Styles: Ariana Grande’s Evolution
| Year | Red Carpet Event | Outfit Style | Signature Elements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | MTV VMAs | Leather mini dress | Thigh-high boots, ponytail, fitted silhouette |
| 2015 | AMAs | Short, A-line skirt and crop top | Lace textures, sleek ponytail, bold lip |
| 2016 | MTV VMAs | Wide-leg tuxedo pants, lace crop top | High ponytail, minimal accessories, custom couture |
This table demonstrates how Ariana’s risk in 2016 marked a turning point from fun, flirty cocktail wear to more avant-garde, grown-up style statements.
Behind the Scenes: The Designer’s Perspective
Alexander Wang is known for pushing boundaries in modern American fashion, often blurring the lines between gendered dressing, streetwear, and high-end tailoring. His collaboration with Ariana on this occasion was a natural fit, as Wang’s hallmarks—unexpected silhouettes, bold shapes, and a cool-girl sensibility—complemented Ariana’s desire to surprise her fans and critics alike.
In interviews, Wang has spoken about empowering women to take control of their style narratives, and this moment on the VMA carpet served as a perfect showcase of that philosophy. By choosing custom pieces over what might have been expected from Ariana, the pair signaled a shift towards greater individuality and self-expression.
How Social Media Reacted
- Fans praised the originality: Many took to Twitter and Instagram to applaud Ariana’s boldness, calling the look “chic,” “unexpected,” and “powerful.”
- Petite communities were inspired: Fashion bloggers celebrated the message that height should never restrict one’s style choices.
- Fashion editors highlighted the trendsetting aspect: Several leading publications named the look among the best-dressed of the night, noting how it set Ariana apart from the usual parade of sparkly, skin-baring gowns.
The VMA outfit quickly became one of the most-discussed style moments of 2016, making appearances across best-dressed lists and retrospective rundowns of daring celebrity fashion.
Ariana’s Beauty Look: Sticking with Signature Glam
While her outfit broke new ground, Ariana maintained some continuity with her trademark beauty choices. On the 2016 VMA red carpet, she wore her hair in the usual high ponytail, slicked and teased for maximum drama. Her makeup was soft and glowy, featuring winged eyeliner and a nude lip, allowing the focus to remain on her striking Alexander Wang ensemble.
Why Stars Take Risks on the Red Carpet
The MTV VMAs are considered a safe space for celebrities to experiment with bold looks, given the show’s reputation for unpredictability and youthful exuberance. For a performer like Ariana Grande, whose public persona is closely tied to a specific style, stepping outside the norm requires careful calculation, but it also offers:
- Brand Evolution: Allowing celebrities to evolve and grow alongside their music and fan base.
- Media Buzz: Generating headlines, online discussions, and increased visibility.
- Setting Trends: Influencing not just red carpet fashion, but mainstream and street style for seasons to come.
What the 2016 VMAs Meant for Red Carpet Fashion
Ariana Grande’s approach in 2016 served as a reminder that red carpet fashion does not have to be synonymous with gowns and predictable glitz. Her embrace of menswear-inspired tailoring, without sacrificing glamour, encouraged others—both celebrities and fans—to think differently about what constitutes a “statement” outfit. In the years since, other stars have adopted similar approaches, bringing wide-leg trousers, sharp suiting, and androgynous influences into the spotlight at music and film events.
Takeaway Style Tips from Ariana’s VMA Look
- Dare to be different: Unexpected pieces can create unforgettable fashion moments.
- Monochrome magic: Sticking to one color elongates and streamlines any frame.
- Attention to tailoring: The right fit—especially at the waist and hem—is crucial for wide-leg pants, especially for petites.
- Keep accessories minimal: Let a standout silhouette do the talking; don’t overwhelm the look with jewelry or ornate extras.
- Stay authentic: Maintain some signature elements—like Ariana’s ponytail—to keep the look grounded in your personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ariana Grande at the 2016 VMAs
Q: Who designed Ariana Grande’s 2016 VMA outfit?
A: The entire ensemble, including the lacy crop top and wide-leg tuxedo pants, was custom designed by Alexander Wang, a prominent name in American fashion known for his modern, edgy designs.
Q: Why was Ariana’s outfit considered so different?
A: Ariana typically opts for ultra-feminine, fitted looks, so her shift to androgynous, voluminous trousers broke away from her norm and most traditional VMA attire.
Q: Can petite women wear wide-leg pants like Ariana?
A: Yes! Ariana, at 5’0” tall, demonstrated that high-waist, monochrome styling and careful tailoring can make wide-leg trousers striking and lengthening for petites.
Q: How did Ariana style her hair and makeup?
A: She kept her signature sleek, high ponytail and paired the look with soft, glowy makeup featuring bold winged eyeliner and a nude lip, keeping the focus on her outfit.
Q: How was the look received by the media and fans?
A: The look was widely praised for its originality and influence. Critics called it chic and empowering, and it landed on numerous best-dressed lists following the event.
Red Carpet Impact: From Trend to Mainstream
The influence of Ariana Grande’s 2016 MTV VMAs outfit has lingered well beyond the show itself. The willingness to break tradition on such a public stage has resonated across social media and subsequent red carpet events. More celebrities, especially those with petite frames, have since adopted wide-leg trousers, tuxedo-inspired tailoring, and custom couture that blurs gender lines. For fans and fashion observers alike, Ariana’s VMAs moment stands as a benchmark for bold, fearless, and innovative style.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/news/a63238/ariana-grande-dress-mtv-vma-2016/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sd7iAQ8aBI
- https://www.elle.com/fashion/celebrity-style/news/g28693/red-carpet-dresses-vma-awards-2016/
- https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/ariana-grande-vmas-2016
- https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/ariana-grande-vma-2016
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