In one of her first public appearances since ending her engagement to Pete Davidson, Ariana Grande proudly shopped in New York City, wearing an oversize white puffer coat and with two larger-than-her-ponytail Chanel bags. It was, indisputably, iconic. They say a photo speaks a thousand words, but this one spoke just three: Thank U, Next.
Weeks later, Grande teased the release of her song by that name, dropping it 30 minutes before SNL premiered that Saturday in October. The timing had everyone convinced it would be a Davidson diss track, but it was the exact opposite: a self-love anthem coupled with a series of affectionate acknowledgments to her exes. It was the positive breakup bop we never knew we needed.
On Friday, November 30, Grande blessed us again with the highly anticipated “Thank U, Next” video, which was a surprise ode to the most quintessential female-driven rom-coms of the 2000s (Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, 13 Going on 30, and Bring It On). A unifying thread—in addition to sweet, sweet nostalgia—is that there’s a breakup within each plot, but the stories themselves aren’t about guys or revenge: They’re about young women empowering themselves, just like Grande’s song.
And let’s not forget the the outfits. Each movie features looks that are unabashedly feminine and indicative of the era’s trends: pink feather tops, plaid mini skirts, and cherry red cheerleading outfits. The main characters may have started out dressing to impress some guy, but ultimately, their decision to look good is all about doing and wearing what’s best for them. Elle Woods can kick your ass in court while wearing a pink suit just like Grande will own the conversation on her relationship in her own terms—while wearing a hot pink feather tube top or carrying two huge Chanel shopping bags. What, like it’s hard?
See below for the best looks from the “Thank, U Next” video and how to shop each look.
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