The Best Style Secrets That Taylor Swift Can Teach Us
Taylor Swift has had many stunning style transformations over the years and has become a fashion icon in her own right. While her clothing choices aren't really revolutionary, she's come to be known for her classic everyday style when she's hanging out with her girl squad, as well as the many ethereal gowns she's worn on the red carpet. According to Page Six, Swift is a big fan of the France-based clothing line, Faith Connexion, and the mastermind behind her sartorial picks is her stylist Joseph Cassell Falconer. "She really likes the military look — the jackets, the cargo pants. And I know she bought a bunch of the wrap skirts. She loves those," said the president of Faith Connexion, Maria Buccellati.
Of course, we rarely see her without the bold, red lips that have become her signature look and the colors she chooses for her clothes always match her makeup. Since being linked to Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, fans have seen her regularly wear red outfits to the games, which conveniently goes with her aesthetic. When she's not watching her boyfriend play football, Swift is often seen out and about with her BFFs, and her cool-girl style is something everyone can take a page from.
Dress for your era
Taylor Swift fans know that she likes to dress according to what era she's in. After the release of her "Red" album, she was predominantly seen in colors of crimson and scarlet — with her famous red lips in full display. Swift's "Reputation" era had us seeing her in rocker-chic clothes with lots of black and she even changed up her hair to platinum blond before she released her rebellious album. And, with "Lover," Swift's wardrobe did an about-face with lots of dreamy pastels. During her "1989" era, the "New Romantics" singer told Extra, "I would describe my own style as being something that's sort of ever-changing but based in a very feminine kind of vibe."
It's a safe and stylish bet to heed Swift's example and style yourself according to your own era. Did you leave a bad relationship and feel like a butterfly coming out of a chrysalis? Surround yourself with light, airy pieces that reflect your newfound independence. Have you been into history lately and are suddenly fascinated with the roaring '20s? Incorporate some "Great Gatsby"-inspired pieces into your wardrobe. No matter what era you're in, you'll definitely have a distinct look that will have you later look back at pics and fondly remember what you were going through during that time.
Quiet luxury never goes out of style
While some celebs like Gwen Stefani and Kylie Jenner love to wear trendy, often flashy clothes, Taylor Swift's style is that of quiet luxury, which is quite different than stealth wealth. When she's not performing, she's often seen in basics like cashmere sweaters and pleated skirts — but that's not to say that her pieces are low-end. On the contrary, she wears clothes from quality brands like The Row and Reformation. "I think that as much as you should be creative and experiment, there are certain things I know are fads, and so I try to steer clear of most of the obvious ones," she told Glamour back in 2014.
Swift also shies away from flashing labels or carrying handbags that everyone knows cost tens of thousands of dollars, such as the unattainable Hermés Birkin. According to Business Insider, Swift's unassuming style allows fans to recreate her outfits on any budget. "She looks like someone who her fans could be friends with because she is a direct reflection of them," PR expert Kat Orchard pointed out. If you take a close look at the "Blank Space" singer's 'fits, she's a fan of timeless pieces like loose trousers, plaid coats in neutral colors, and breezy skirts. And while she sometimes steps out in jeans, she's never seen dressing in sweats or old t-shirts, but then again, if you're Taylor Swift, all eyes are always on you.
Create a signature look
If there's one thing that Taylor Swift is known for, it's her love of red lipstick, but that wasn't always the case with the pop star. If it weren't for makeup artist Gucci Westman, Swift may never have been known for her ruby signature. "I remember I was the first one to give her a red lip," Westman told Elle Australia. She explained that it was for a 2009 cover of Allure and she had to coax the singer to try red for the first time, and as they say, the rest is history.
You don't necessarily have to copy Swift and paint your lips red, but you can create your own unique look. Nordstrom stylist Kelly Olson shared, "When you focus on specific items you love to wear, you can usually see a style pattern. Whether it's preppy stripes and blazers or flowy dresses and boho tops, you should be able to identify which style resonates with you most." Take into account your personality and lifestyle. Are you bright and bubbly? Maybe your signature style is pink lipgloss and pastels. Do you have to go into the office every day or work as a set designer so you're constantly on the move? Find an aesthetic that works with your environment. Start with establishing your staples and then work from there, Olson advised.
A pair of knee-high boots is a staple we should all have
One of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour 'fits include a glittery silver pair of knee-high boots and it seems like she's a fan of the style in general. 2023 saw a lot of her donning several different pairs of tall boots, mostly in black, but she was also spotted wearing a pair in a dark brown crocodile print as well as in a lighter umber shade. Many of her boots are pretty unembellished and just provide another accessory for her 'fits, but the Daily Mail captured Swift out in Beverly Hills early in January wearing thigh-skimming Christian Louboutins with lace-up detailing in the front. Statement boots, indeed!
It's great to have a pair of flashy boots for when you want them to be the main star of your outfit, but a plain pair in either black or brown will go a long way in providing you with the perfect accessory for your fall and winter looks. Ones that hit just below or at the knee are timeless, and you can opt for either leather, vegan leather, or suede. Just like Swift, we guarantee that you'll be grabbing them over and over again.
Accessorize with lots of delicate jewelry
No outfit is complete without some bling and Taylor Swift knows just how to mix and match pieces. While the "Enchanted" singer is always draped in high-end designer jewelry for big events, she's again proved that she's the everygirl with her more affordable accessories. As reported by Page Six, she was seen out and about wearing necklaces and rings from Mazin Jewels, all of which cost $90 or less. Swift often keeps it classy with her jewelry and tends to wear classic gold chains around her neck, as well as simple tennis bracelets. She also has multiple piercings on her ears and was seen sporting tiny hoops during the Chiefs vs. Broncos game in October 2023.
Of course, you can't forget to incorporate some snake-themed jewelry into your look, which was a recurring theme during Swift's "Reputation" era. And, if you're feeling extra playful, friendship bracelets are a cute way to wear your heart on your sleeve, which Swift did at the AFC Championship game. However, hers cost over $5,000 and was made with diamonds, according to Business Insider. Still, if you've got that kind of moolah to spend, why not go for it?
Incorporate menswear-inspired items into your outfit
It's safe to say that Taylor Swift has had many girly-girl fashion moments but she's also a fan of rocking many menswear-like pieces, such as chunky loafers and oversized white button-down shirts. In June 2022, Swift was captured wearing a navy pin-striped vest and a matching pair of pleated trousers, which looked very "Mad Men" with a feminine twist. During the fall and winter of 2023, we also saw the "All Too Well" singer with lots of large bulky coats and baggy pants.
Since big is all the rage when it comes to clothing as of late, this is the perfect time to experiment with menswear. You don't have to go out and actually purchase items from the men's department. Fashion Gone Rogue suggests going a size up with shirts and blazers. To balance out the look, wear a pair of platform heels for a bit of feminine flair, and don't forget to accessorize with a gender-neutral watch or a chain necklace like Swift.