The Fashion Evolution of Taylor Swift
You may be wondering: “What's so special about December 13th?” Well, if you ask any Swiftie this question they’ll tell you that it’s “The Best Day,” Taylor Swift’s birthday.
“Everything Has Changed” for me since 2006—friends, hair color, and fashion choices— but one thing that hasn’t changed is my love for Taylor Swift. No matter how many times I listen to her touching lyrics and melodies I am transported back to “The Very First Night,” I ever listened to them.
Throughout Taylor’s years in the spotlight, Swiftie’s everywhere have watched and enjoyed her numerous different eras of music, and the accompanying outfits. In honor of the queen’s 32nd birthday, let’s take a look at her outfits throughout her years of dominating the charts. Are You “Ready For It?”
Taylor Swift (2006-2008)
Taylor Swift, her debut album, introduced Taylor to the world as “the girl next door.” This era is coined by her tight blonde curls, fairytale dresses, cowboy boots, and country roots.
My song recommendations from this album are “Should’ve Said No” and “Picture to Burn.”
Fearless (2008-2010)
As Taylor’s career started to evolve, so did her style. The Fearless era is known for tons of sparkles, the number 13, and the successes and failures of a young girl searching for love. In case you forgot, don’t stream Taylor’s stolen albums.
For song recommendations, see Fearless (Taylor’s Version).
Speak Now (2010-2012)
Speak Now is the album where Taylor distinguished herself as a songwriter. She wrote the entire no-skip fairytale-inspired album herself. This era is championed by princess dresses, the color purple, and Taylor’s perfume Wonderstruck.
My song recommendations from this album are “Back To December,” “Dear John,” and “If This Was A Movie.”
Red (2012-2014)
The Red era shows Taylor maturing as an artist and a person. Her style was transformed from her original princess look to an edgy style featuring red lipstick, high-waisted shorts, t-shirts, and let’s not forget, pajamas. Make sure to stream the albums with (Taylor’s Version) at the end.
For song recommendations, see Red (Taylor’s Version).
1989 (2014-2016)
During the 1989 era, Taylor transformed not only her fashion sense but her sound. 1989 is a fully pop album that featured truly no bad songs. Taylor began to wear crop tops and skater skirts that had tons of bright colors and sparkles.
My song recommendations from this album are “Clean,” “New Romantics,” and “You Are In Love.”
Reputation (2017-2019)
Who can forget about Taylor’s darkest era? Reputation was Taylor's iconic album following her infamous feud with the former couple “Kimye.” She embraced the “snake” title given to her and sported black glittery oversized sweatshirts and bodysuits.
My song recommendations from this album are “I Did Something Bad,” “Dress,” and “End Game.,”
Lover (2019-2020)
Although the old Taylor was pronounced dead, she made a comeback during the Lover era. This era featured 70s inspired glittery outfits and an abundance of pink, even in her hair.
My song recommendations from this album are “Miss Americana & The HeartBreak Prince,” “Afterglow,” and “Cornelia Street.”
folklore/Evermore (2020-2021)
In the middle of the pandemic, Taylor surprised everyone by releasing two albums, folklore and evermore. Her eighth and ninth albums showcase her embracing the cottage core aesthetic while recording indie-folk and alternative rock-inspired hits. This era is known for Taylor’s long braid, cozy sweaters and coats, and her amazing 2021 Grammy’s Dress.
My song recommendations from folklore are “the last great american dynasty,” “the lakes,” and “August.”
My song recommendations from evermore are “long story short,” “gold rush,” and “closure.”
Fearless (Taylor’s Version) (2021)
Fearless (Taylor’s Version) was released as her first re-recorded album, with new songs from the vault, following drama with Scooter Braun. This version of Fearless is coined by the album’s updated cover and for floral dresses seen in her TikTok debut.
My song recommendations from this album are “Today Was A Fairytale (Taylor’s Version),” “That’s When (feat. Keith Urban) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault),” and “Tell Me Why (Taylor’s Version).”
RED (Taylor’s Version) (2021)
The latest re-recorded album is Red (Taylor’s Version), like Fearless (Taylor’s Version), it also features new songs from the vault. Taylor started this new era of Red by showing her elegant side. Meanwhile, she has all her fans crying over “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault).
My song recommendations from this album are “Begin Again (Taylor’s Version),” “Red (Taylor’s Version),” and “Come Back…Be Here (Taylor’s Version).”
Throughout the years we have seen Taylor mature not only as an artist but as a fashion icon also. As her albums continue to be re-released, I am looking forward to seeing how Taylor adapts her style once again. However, Speak Now will forever be my favorite.
What era and album is your favorite? Leave a comment below.