Mckenna Grace has spent years attending red carpets, but feeling comfortable in fashion took time. The actress recently opened up about insecurities that affected her teenage years. Her scoliosis made finding clothes that fit a frustrating experience.
Mckenna Grace reveals how scoliosis made red-carpet fittings a source of anxiety
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Grace explained how scoliosis affected her confidence. The actress, now 20, said her experience with fashion changed after spinal surgery. She described her younger self as “such a deeply insecure teenager.”
Grace began attending red-carpet events when she was just seven years old. However, getting dressed for those occasions often caused significant anxiety. “Fashion was such a source of anxiety, and I hated, hated doing fittings,” she admitted.
Her scoliosis created physical challenges when choosing dresses and skirts. Grace explained that one hip sat higher than the other. As a result, her outfits often required extensive tailoring to fit correctly.
“I had severe scoliosis and one of my hips was higher than the other,” Grace explained. She said her clothes rarely fit as intended without alterations. The experience affected how she viewed her appearance throughout adolescence.
Even exercising regularly did not resolve her concerns about her body. Grace said she struggled to achieve the appearance she wanted. She described feeling physically out of balance during those years.
“It created a lot of dysmorphia for me,” the actress admitted. She also recalled feeling anxious whenever fashion was part of her life. Her candid account highlights how scoliosis affected her confidence beyond its physical symptoms.
In 2022, Grace underwent major spinal surgery that changed her life. Before the procedure, her spinal curve measured 47 degrees. Following surgery, it reportedly decreased to six degrees.
The procedure also transformed her relationship with clothing and public appearances. “It’s so exciting to be in a place now where fashion has turned into something fun and exciting,” Grace said. She now approaches dressing as a creative opportunity rather than a source of stress.
Grace has embraced that change while promoting The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Her recent outfits pay tribute to looks associated with Jennifer Lawrence‘s Katniss Everdeen. She also incorporates references to characters and moments from the franchise.
As a self-described “super fan,” Grace enjoys developing these thoughtful fashion choices. She has even messaged her stylist at three in the morning with ideas. “It’s just been so fun to not be anxious about what I wear and to have fun with it instead,” she shared.
