5 Iconic Secrets Behind Sabrina Carpenter's 'Tears' Outfit: From Britney Homage To Archival Lingerie

The "Tears" outfit worn by Sabrina Carpenter has instantly become one of the most talked-about pop culture fashion moments of the current era, especially following her electrifying performance at the 2025 MTV VMAs. Released as the second single from her seventh studio album, *Man's Best Friend*, the song "Tears" and its accompanying visual style mark a pivotal, more mature, and overtly sensual shift in her artistic persona, which is perfectly encapsulated by the daring, nostalgic, and highly referential costumes she chose. This deep dive, updated for today's audience, December 10, 2025, uncovers the intricate details, the iconic fashion history, and the subtle secrets woven into the fabric of this sensational look.

The intentional styling of the "Tears" era, masterminded by her creative team, is a masterclass in using fashion as a narrative tool, blending playful innuendo with high-fashion archival pieces. From a jaw-dropping strip-down moment on stage to channeling supermodel royalty in the music video, the outfits are rich with hidden meanings and direct homages to pop legends of the past, solidifying Sabrina Carpenter's position as a major fashion icon and a fearless pop superstar in her own right.

Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter: A Brief Biography and Career Timeline

Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter, born on May 11, 1999, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress.

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• Birth Name: Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter
• Born: May 11, 1999 (Age 26 as of 2025)
• Hometown: Quakertown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Early Career Start: Began her career at age 10 by participating in a singing contest hosted by Miley Cyrus.
• Breakthrough Role (Acting): Gained prominence starring as Maya Hart on the Disney Channel series *Girl Meets World* from 2014 to 2017.
• Music Career Debut: Released her debut album, *Eyes Wide Open*, in 2015, under the Hollywood Records label.
• Recent Era: Her career experienced a massive resurgence with the success of her 2024 single "Espresso," followed by her seventh studio album, *Man's Best Friend*, in 2025, which features the hit singles "Manchild" and "Tears."
• Stylist: Frequently works with stylist Jared Ellner, who curates her iconic looks, including the "Tears" outfits.

The VMAs 'Tears' Performance Outfit: A Double Homage to Pop Royalty

Sabrina Carpenter's performance of "Tears" at the 2025 MTV VMAs was not just a musical highlight; it was a carefully choreographed fashion spectacle that paid tribute to two legendary pop icons.

The Rhinestone Fringe and the Britney Spears Nod

The performance began with Sabrina emerging dramatically from a literal manhole, a visual metaphor for the song's theme of shedding a "manchild" partner.

Her initial look was a long-sleeve, off-the-shoulder top completely covered in shimmering, rhinestone fringe.

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This dazzling piece was a direct homage to the iconic custom Victoria's Secret one-piece worn by Britney Spears during her 2002 *Dream Within a Dream* tour.

The choice to reference Britney, a pop princess who also navigated a transition to a more mature image, was seen by fans and critics alike as a powerful statement about Sabrina's own evolving career trajectory. The rhinestone fringe added movement and sparkle, emphasizing the playful yet provocative nature of the song.

The Bedazzled Bra Top and Bob Mackie's Burlesque

In a thrilling mid-performance moment, Carpenter stripped down to a bedazzled bra top, revealing the second layer of her costume.

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This inner look was crafted to resemble an iconic burlesque look created by the legendary designer Bob Mackie. Mackie is famous for dressing icons like Cher and Marilyn Monroe, and this specific piece evoked a sense of classic Hollywood glamour mixed with showgirl audacity.

The bedazzled bra top was paired with black tights and matching black heels, a simple yet effective contrast to the excessive sparkle of the top layer.

This combination of vulnerability (stripping down) and powerful costuming (the Bob Mackie reference) perfectly mirrored the song's lyrics, which layer playful innuendo over a theme of emotional and literal vulnerability.

The 'Tears' Music Video: Archival Lingerie and '70s Glamour

The "Tears" music video is a visual feast, leaning heavily into a '70s-inspired aesthetic while featuring fashion pieces with significant archival value.

Naomi Campbell’s Archival Victoria’s Secret Lingerie

Perhaps the most shocking secret of the music video's fashion was the inclusion of an authentic archival Victoria's Secret lingerie set.

According to her stylist, Jared Ellner, one of the looks pulled for the '70s-inspired video was a set originally worn by supermodel Naomi Campbell during the 2003 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

This piece of fashion history, a metallic fringe chainmail halter top, added a layer of high-fashion credibility and historical reference to the video's playful tone. The decision to wear a piece previously modeled by a fashion legend like Campbell underscores Carpenter's growing influence in the fashion world.

The Whimsical and Provocative Styling

The overall style of the "Tears" music video is whimsical and provocative, a perfect visual match for a song that has been described as one of her "horniest song yet."

Other notable elements in the video include:

• The Silver Fringe Dress: A silver fringe dress, which is a common element in the costuming of this era, appears, further emphasizing the glitzy, showgirl aesthetic.
• The 'Rocky Horror' Homage: The video also features a surprise appearance by actor Colman Domingo dressed in drag, which is a clear homage to the cult classic film, *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*, adding to the video's camp and theatrical flair.
• The Glam Accessories: Wide-brimmed hats and other '70s accessories complete the look, tying the entire visual narrative together.

The Impact of the 'Tears' Fashion Era

The "Tears" outfit and its related fashion moments are more than just performance costumes; they represent a successful rebranding and a definitive statement about Sabrina Carpenter's artistic maturity. The meticulous use of fashion history—from Britney Spears's tour wear to Naomi Campbell's lingerie and Bob Mackie's designs—positions her as a pop artist deeply aware of her cultural lineage.

This era of fashion, curated by stylist Jared Ellner, has cemented her status as a style icon. Her willingness to embrace bold, showgirl-inspired looks, coupled with a flair for the overtly sensual storytelling in her music, has resonated powerfully with a global audience. The "Tears" outfit, with its layers of hidden meaning and archival references, is a testament to the power of thoughtful celebrity styling and the art of the pop star spectacle.

Ultimately, the "Tears" outfit is a carefully constructed piece of pop art, designed to spark conversation, elicit curiosity, and firmly establish Sabrina Carpenter as a formidable force in both music and fashion, successfully transitioning from a Disney star to a global superstar.