Sabrina Carpenter Swaps Short N’ Sweet Tour Fits for an All-American Classic

Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet tour officially concluded just a few weeks ago. Across 72 shows—and a revamp to incorporate the arrival of her seventh studio album, Man’s Best Friend—Carpenter firmly established a cheeky, super-femme stage style. Tour is now officially wrapped, and Carpenter has a bit more to play with. (Awards season has kicked off, plus, we’re firmly into gala and party season.) Last night reflected that sartorial seachange.

The pop star stepped out for Variety’s annual Hitmakers event, accepting the Hitmaker of the Year honor. She wore a cream-colored archival Ralph Lauren spring 2003 gown, a strapless hourglass structure that featured a wallpaper-like fabric with floral finishings and embroidery. Carpenter wore her blonde hair in loose, tousled curls, with her signature blush and strong eyebrows, and a deep, rosy pink lip. The overall look—first worn on the runway by Candice Lake—leaned into the original collection’s sensibilities: regal and romantic, reveling in the Ralph Lauren-style of Americana.

The likes of Tate McRae, Addison Rae, Madison Beer, and Rosé also turned out for the star-studded event. Carpenter was presented her award by longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff.

“The easiest way to write a bad song is to try to write a hit,” Carpenter said onstage. “Write the opposite of what you think a hit is. Write what speaks to you, write something that only you can write. Write the music you want to listen to yourself. Add the weird chord progression and key change, and call men stupid in as many ways as you can.”

“Thank you to the fans that makes these hits,” Carpenter concluded her speech. “Thank you to the fans that learn the lyrics and sing the songs and make them hits—whatever that means.”

She’s currently nominated for six Grammy Awards, including album of the year, record of the year and song of the year, as well as best pop vocal album, best pop solo performance, and best music video.

Across those aforementioned 72 tour dates, Carpenter delighted in crystal-studded and custom Victoria’s Secret bodysuit after bodysuit and sheer babydoll dresses, Christian Louboutin pumps and Naked Wolfe stompers, plus flirty Ludovic De Saint Sernin sets in a rainbow of colors—and, more crystals. It was Sabrina Carpenter’s own real life of a showgirl. With the countdown onto the Grammys, you can be certain Sab will turn it out.