6 Times Sabrina Carpenter Dressed For Revenge

The voice behind viral hits like "Espresso" and "Nonsense," Sabrina Carpenter has become a worldwide pop phenomenon, but her mass appeal doesn't just come down to her undeniable vocal talent, on-stage charisma, and ability to write songs that are catchier than chickenpox. Sabrina Carpenter's stunning style transformation has taught us that she's also got an instantly recognizable image that's bold, playful, feminine, and a nod to the glamor of Old Hollywood. The only problem with this signature sexy style is that it can be difficult to gauge the emotions and motivations behind each of her ensembles, as she reaches for daring and flirty looks 'round the clock. Given what we know about her life behind the scenes, though, we're certain that at least some of her 'fits are geared for revenge. 

The "Taste" singer has been largely tightlipped about her personal life, but emotionally invested fans have unpacked the lyrics in a few of her songs and come to their own conclusions. What's more, in early December 2024, a source told ET that Carpenter and now-ex Barry Keoghan of "Saltburn" fame had called it quits. Shortly after, social media was awash with the pop star's loyal "Carpenters" coming for Keoghan until he eventually deactivated his Instagram account. We aren't quite sure what went down between these two, but it does seem like some of Carpenter's standout looks over winter 2024-2025 were worn with a special purpose: to confirm that she's doing just fine without her ex. Moreover, while the star is always turning heads, a few looks, in particular, are throwbacks to 2023, when Carpenter reportedly stopped seeing Shawn Mendes and had to make it clear for the folks in the back that she wasn't fazed about it one bit.

Reports of the breakup between Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan first surfaced on December 3, 2024, leading fans to accuse him of cheating on Carpenter with TikToker Brekkie Hill (who has since denied the allegations) before the split was reportedly confirmed by an insider the next day. But in the midst of all this drama, Carpenter headed out to a New York City screening of her Netflix special "A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter" dressed in a furry, black-and-white 'fit. Since the temperature can drop to the 30s and below in The Big Apple in December, we're assuming the ultra-short skirt and bare legs were Carpenter's way of letting Keoghan have it.

Just a few days after her split from Barry Keoghan was made public, Sabrina Carpenter was spotted in New York City again, this time heading to an interview with late-night talk-show host Stephen Colbert. This long-sleeved, fur-lined minidress is winter's answer to the LBD, and there are a few elements of this ensemble giving revenge. The super-short length combined with sheer stockings and sky-high platform heels? Even without anything else, these details scream "payback." Add in the leopard fur and plunging neckline, and the "Feather" hitmaker might as well have been dangling a carrot.

In early January, Sabrina Carpenter made it abundantly clear that 2025 was going to be her year when she rolled up to W Magazine's annual Best Performances party dressed in a Barbie-pink minidress by Vivienne Westwood. Given that this was only a month after her breakup with Barry Keoghan, we're filing this look in the revenge section. After all, it has all the right ingredients: a figure-hugging silhouette, glamorous hair and makeup, and an eye-catching hue in Carpenter's signature feminine color palette. Three years after nostalgia had its moment with the Barbiecore fashion trend in 2022, Carpenter proved that pink is timeless.

Just two months after her split from Barry Keoghan, Sabrina Carpenter had a monumental time at the 2025 Grammys (and didn't make it on our list of worst-dressed celebs!). Out of six nominations, she walked away with two wins for best pop vocal album and best pop solo performance, which, in itself, was a slap in the face to her haters and exes. Her JW Anderson gown was the cherry on top, though, complete with slinky, figure-hugging satin, dramatic feathering, and a daringly low back. She also threw on 80 carats of diamonds — just because. Later, Carpenter changed into a strapless and sparkly gold gown to pose with her Grammys and basically say, "I told you so." And don't get us started on her sparkly, blue performance outfit that was showstopping — and a revenge statement all its own.

Her breakup with Barry Keoghan wasn't the only split that led to Sabrina Carpenter serving up some deliciously vindictive looks. After being romantically linked to "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" singer Shawn Mendes at the start of 2023, Carpenter is believed to have based some of her "Short n' Sweet" album lyrics on him after he was seen kissing ex Camila Cabello in April of that year. Fast-forward to September 2023, and Carpenter attended the Paris Givenchy Spring/Summer show in a see-through Givenchy number that may have been mentioned in her song "Bad Chem." As far as revenge dresses go, you can't do better than black, backless, and sheer.

When Princess Diana's revenge dress became one of the most iconic looks in fashion history, we knew revenge is best served in black. But it isn't the only shade that makes regretful exes want to eat their hearts out. At the 2023 VMAs, five months after the Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello smooch, Sabrina Carpenter turned up to the pink carpet in an ethereal white-and-silver Vera Wang dress. Whether Mendes broke Carpenter's heart or not, the statement was clear: With a sheer train and overlay draped over a sparkly, skin-tight corset, this look gave every one of Carpenter's exes a bitter glimpse of the bride they'll never have.