Like her musical eras, the popstar’s style has evolved over her nearly 20-year career
Another chapter in Taylor Swift’s musical career begins on Friday, April 19, with the release of The Tortured Poets Department.
Currently on her eleventh studio album, the singer-songwriter has become one of the most well-known musicians of this age throughout the years. Swift, 34, is no stranger to experimenting. She began her career in modest country music and has since moved up to many other musical genres, performed in a few films, and most recently, her whole discography was on show for the enormously popular, historic Eras Tour. That applies to her style as well.
Swift’s fashion choices frequently mirror her musical undertakings, from her current “literary academia” themed clothes to her cowboy boots. See how Swift’s recent stylistic and acoustic changes from The Tortured Poets Department stack up to her favorite style periods from the past by reading on.
Taylor Swift (2006)
The 16-year-old Taylor Swift’s now-famous career began with the release of her self-titled album in 2006. This musical era is accompanied by a lot of cowboy boots and a hint of twang on this country record.It was imperative that Swift’s shoes were always visible, thus little outfits were a necessary.
Fearless (2008)
During her Fearless era, Swift took her country vibe to new heights, and added in plenty of sequins and fringe — after all, she does love glitter and sparkly dresses. However, the “You Belong With Me” singer kept true to her roots with plenty of cowboy boots and her signature curly hair. A truly ‘fearless’ combo!
Speak Now (2010)
Swift’s style underwent a more romantic transformation with her third album, Speak Now. Swift started experimenting with longer silhouettes, beading, and updos after songs like “White Horse” and “Love Story” from her sophomore album Fearless. During this period in Swift’s style, the color purple was a staple.
Red (2012)
Swift was quite crimson during the crimson period. The actress preferred a more muted color scheme of black, white, red, and blue. She frequently paired these colors with high-waisted shorts for a throwback look. Swift also loved patterns throughout the Red years, as seen by the numerous polka dots and stripes she wore. Ten years later, the “22” hat, which made its premiere here as well, is still regarded as one of the most iconic looks from the Eras Tour. Her distinctive beauty look also became her crimson lip.
1989 (2014)
When 1989 was released, it was a significant turning point in the 24-year-old’s musical career. The celebrity, who became well-known for her country songs, completely abandoned her boots and transitioned to mainstream music. Her relocation to New York City around the same time undoubtedly had an influence on her wardrobe during this time; it was dazzling, glittery, and stylish like the “City that Never Sleeps.” That might perhaps clarify why she was wearing sunglasses so frequently!
Reputation (2017)
Following 1989’s vivid hues and glitter, the “End Game” singer’s reputation actually took a turn for the worse. Swift almost completely disappeared from the public spotlight before making a comeback, this time embracing dark hues, edgy metallics, and plenty of snake print.
Lover (2019)
Swift changed from her snakeskin to something a bit softer almost as quickly as they had arrived. 2019 saw the release of Swift’s seventh studio album, Lover, and it looked like love was in the air as she once again wore pastel colors and sparkles.
Folklore (2020) and Evermore (2020)
Swift had another musical transition with the release of her ninth and tenth studio albums, which were just five months apart. Swift’s approach evolved into a reflection of the literary inspirations on the two LPs, with folk influences evident in both the music and lyrics. During this fashion era, plaids and flowers were everywhere, and Swift usually seemed comfortable—possibly a reference to the sister albums’ pandemic release, which kept a lot of people inside.
Midnights (2022)
Swift had a night sky-inspired look throughout her Midnights period. During this period, the “Anti-Hero” vocalist was always a shining star, resembling a star at midnight, with her deep blues and sparkling vocals.
The Tortured Poets Department (2024)
Swift’s most recent fashion attempts genuinely have the appearance of a poet in agony. Everything about it has a hint of preppy cool, a little of edge, and a literary quality. The 14-time Grammy winner’s accessories are the talk of the town this season since they do more than simply jazz up her look and occasionally serve as the wearable Easter eggs that the celebrity adores.
The Schiaparelli outfits the actress wore to the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024—seemingly channeling her own modern-day Clara Bow—were among the largest Easter eggs hinting at her new musical epoch. Swift even gave the silent cinema actor from the 1920s the name of a song on TTPD. Additionally, Swift sports Bow’s characteristic doll-like makeup style in the “Fortnight” music video, complete with razor-thin eyebrows, smoky eyes, and bright
The Tortured Poets Department is now available on music platforms.
