She’s basically the queen of the oversized-hoodie-and-boots silhouette. You know the one. It’s been her uniform for years. But lately, things have shifted. If you’ve been paying attention to her street style in 2024 and 2025, Ariana Grande in leggings has become a much more frequent sight than the old "no-pants" look we all grew to love during the Sweetener era.
It’s weird, honestly. We spent an entire decade associating her with thigh-high Stuart Weitzman boots and sweaters that reached her knees. Now? She’s leaning into a sleek, athletic aesthetic that feels way more "Los Angeles Pilates girl" and way less "pop princess on a world tour."
The Myth of the "Casual" Ari
Most people think when Ariana throws on a pair of leggings, she’s just having an "off" day. Like she just rolled out of bed and grabbed whatever was on the floor.
Wrong.
Every time we see Ariana Grande in leggings, it’s a calculated fashion choice. Even when she’s heading to a sweat session at Forma Pilates with Aaron Simon Gross, the fit is curated. She’s not just wearing any old spandex. She’s famously loyal to Alo Yoga. Specifically, she’s been spotted multiple times in their Alosoft Flow leggings and the Vapor Wild Thing bra.
It’s about the fabric. Alosoft is that velvety, brushed material that looks expensive even when you’re literally dripping sweat. She usually sticks to a very specific palette:
- Dark Heather Grey (a staple)
- Classic Black (obviously)
- Lavender or Periwinkle (to match her Wicked or r.e.m. beauty vibes)
She’s petite—about 5'0"—so she has to be careful with proportions. If she wears a legging that’s too long, it bunches at the ankles and makes her look shorter. She almost always opts for a 7/8 length or a high-waisted cut that elongates her frame. It’s a trick. A smart one.
Why the Legging Shift Happened
The Wicked press tour changed everything. Working with Law Roach (the "Image Architect") meant she spent months in 1950s-inspired vintage couture, Thom Browne gowns, and archival Givenchy. It was heavy. It was structured. It was "Glinda the Good Witch" personified.
So, when the cameras are off? She wants to breathe.
The rise of Ariana Grande in leggings as a street-style staple is a reaction to the sheer intensity of her red-carpet life. In 2026, the trend is all about "functional glamour." She’ll pair high-performance gym gear with high-fashion accessories. I’m talking about wearing a $90 pair of Alo leggings with a vintage Dior trench coat or a $2,000 Bottega Veneta bag. It’s that high-low mix that makes it feel human and not like a costume.
The Reebok Era vs. Now
Remember the 2017 Reebok partnership? That was the first time we saw her really lean into the "Be More Human" campaign. Back then, it was all about oversized graphic sweatshirts and cotton-blend leggings. It felt very "teen idol."
Now, the vibe is more mature. She’s 32. She’s a business owner. She’s been through a lot of public scrutiny regarding her body and her health. Seeing her in functional activewear—the kind you actually work out in—is a subtle nod to her focus on strength. Her trainer, Harley Pasternak, has mentioned she hits 12,000 to 14,000 steps a day. You can't do that in 6-inch heels. Well, she probably could, but why would she?
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How to Get the Look (The Right Way)
If you're trying to replicate the Ariana Grande in leggings aesthetic, you have to nail the details. It isn't just about the pants.
- The Socks: This is the most important part. She almost always wears white crew socks pulled up over the bottom of the leggings. It’s a very 90s Princess Diana move.
- The Hair: Usually, she’ll ditch the "Glinda" blonde for her natural brunette or a soft "expensive brunette" shade, tied back in a slick bun or a lower pony.
- The Tech: She’s often seen with her Apple Watch and simple, wired headphones (yes, the wired ones are back, haven't you heard?).
- The Footwear: If she’s not in her Demonia platform boots (which she actually wears with leggings sometimes—it’s a choice), she’s in Hoka or New Balance sneakers.
The Truth About Her Workout Routine
Let’s be real for a second. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about how she stays in shape. No, she doesn't just "dance it off." She does real resistance training. Pasternak has her doing "The Fantastic Five," which involves:
- Glute bridges
- Standing rope triceps extensions
- Dumbbell T-raises
- Reverse lunges
She does these circuits three times a week for about 45 minutes. It’s efficient. It’s also why she looks so "sculpted" in those high-waist yoga pants. She’s built a lot of lower-body strength to handle the physical demands of singing for two hours straight while running across a stage.
Honestly, the most refreshing thing about the "leggings era" is that she’s stopped hiding behind the oversized clothes. For a long time, the big hoodies were a security blanket. Seeing her out and about in New York or LA in simple, streamlined athletic gear feels like she’s finally comfortable in her own skin.
Actionable Style Insights
If you want to pull this off without looking like you're just going to the grocery store in your pajamas, follow the "Ari Formula." Stick to a monochrome base—black on black or grey on grey. Throw a structured jacket over it. Wear the crew socks. Keep the makeup minimal but the skin glowing (she uses the r.e.m. beauty Interstellar Highlighter for that).
Stop buying the cheap, thin leggings that go see-through when you bend over. Invest in a pair with a high compression waistband. It supports your back and stays put. If you want her exact look, go for the Alo Yoga High-Waist Alosoft Flow. It’s the one she’s been photographed in more than any other.
The era of the "unreachable" pop star is over. We’re in the era of the "relatable" athlete-artist. And honestly? It’s a much better look.
Check your local retailers for mid-rise versus high-rise options to see which matches your torso length best. Focus on "wicking" fabrics if you actually plan to hit the 12,000-step goal. Don't forget to keep the colors muted—neon is out; earth tones and pastels are in.