Taylor Swift’s Style Evolution Turns into a Book of 200 Looks from Different Fashion Eras

By | February 13, 2024

Taylor Swift’s fashion style reflects her musical evolution since the release of her eponymous debut album in 2006. The singer has become known for using her wardrobe choices to complement her art, as well as taking the opportunity to create new trends, make statements, and hint about the future. projects. So the mission to catalog some of the key looks she’s worn throughout her 18-year career was an exciting one for Sarah Chapelle, author of the upcoming book “Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Ages.”

“Taylor Swift is a storyteller at heart and uses both her lyrics and her clothing to communicate, create a narrative, evoke memories, and create iconography,” Chapelle told WWD. “Throughout his career, just as he has evolved musically from album to album, he has tied each body of work he created to a distinct, identifiable fashion ‘era’.”

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LAS VEGAS – MAY 23: Country singer Taylor Swift attends the 41st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 23, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)LAS VEGAS – MAY 23: Country singer Taylor Swift attends the 41st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 23, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

Taylor Swift at the ACM Awards in 2006.

The book, which will be published on October 8, will feature 200 looks that chart the singer’s style evolution as “1989” was introduced in 2014, from the youthful boho dresses and cowboy boots of her debut to more sophisticated silhouettes and luxury brands. We’re investing in sparkly, bejeweled outfits for 2022’s “Midnight.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Taylor Swift attended the 65th GRAMMY Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Taylor Swift attended the 65th GRAMMY Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Taylor Swift at the 2023 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

Chapelle, who has been following Swift since her early years, decided to catalog these looks as a follow-up to the Taylor Swift Style blog she created in 2011. Here, he comments on what the singer is wearing and why, while also determining Swift’s fashion. she’s wearing it. “The book is partly comprised of the most memorable looks that fans loved, as well as outfits that I think we might have overlooked,” Chapelle said.

Taylor Swift’s Style Evolution

Swift has embraced many styles throughout her career. The singer brought 1950s housewife fashion back into fashion during her “Red” era in 2012. In 2017, she brought Gothic-inspired looks to Hollywood events; She matched the aesthetic of the “Reputation” album by wearing Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga and other luxury brands. Two years later, Swift updated her wardrobe with romantic and flowing costumes for her album “Lover.”

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 5: Musician Taylor Swift attends NEW YORK, NY - MAY 5: Musician Taylor Swift attends

Taylor Swift at the 2014 Met Gala in New York.

For Chapelle, his favorite Swift era is still his 2014 “1989” transformation. [it] It was a fun time to follow her outfits as she rocked two-piece outfits and high heels on the streets of New York. “It was a time of consistent, well-worn clothing and a huge shift in style, and it was exciting to watch it unfold in real time.”

In 2023, Swift’s career reached a new level of stardom with the blockbuster “The Eras Tour” and her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Ksubi has helped brands like Area and Wear by Erin Andrews go viral on social media; he did so by wearing them only to football games or on outings in New York City. Chapelle said Swift’s fashion influence stems from her relatability.

“Overall, Taylor’s identity as someone who is approachable, emotional, vulnerable and approachable is reflected in the street style she chooses to wear,” Chapelle said. “He dresses like a ‘normal’ person in brands that are out of reach for the common man. She may carry a designer bag or opt for a designer heel, but will repeat these items often to reduce cost per wear. He doesn’t sound like someone who’s saving up for an investment item he plans to use for years. She also often wears brands like Reformation, Aritzia or Free People, which many of her fans can purchase. “This creates an opportunity to connect with fans, and I think he knows that.”

“The Tortured Poets Circle” Period

As Swift prepares to usher in a new era, the singer announced the release of her 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” during the 2024 Grammy Awards on Feb. 4. Like Chapelle, Swifties are predicting how Swift’s style will be reflected in her new music.

Taylor Swift at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on February 4, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Taylor Swift at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on February 4, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

Taylor Swift wore Schiaparelli to the 2024 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 4.

According to Chapelle, the album’s cover, in which the singer wears a Saint Laurent silk knit top and Ausra knickers from The Row in an intimate ensemble, may be the perfect starting point for finding the answer.

“I love the sense of both intimacy and reserve that the ‘Tormented Poets Department’ cover conveys from Taylor,” Chapelle said. “This feels like an accurate and appropriate portrait that he might now want to paint as a superstar who has somehow reached a new level of supernova fame and is interested in his career and personal life.”

According to Chapelle, Swift’s choice to wear The Row and Saint Laurent on the album cover was predictable by Swifties. “Both The Row and YSL are brands that planted chic Easter eggs in the New York style early on, so seeing them on the cover feels like the closing of that cycle,” he said.

Swift’s recent trips to New York may also hint at what style she’ll adopt to promote the “Department of Tortured Poets.” “Her recent renewed love of miniskirts and loafers in her lingerie brought to mind her long-time love of schoolgirl-worthy attire, but now it’s likely been put under a new lens with this announcement in mind as she’s leaning towards a dark academy aesthetic,” Chapelle said.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 6: Taylor Swift broke up NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 6: Taylor Swift broke up

Taylor Swift wore a The Row dress to the “Poor Things” premiere on December 6, 2023 in New York City.

Dark academia is a trend seen on the runways of brands like Prada, Miu Miu, Chanel and more during Paris Fashion Week’s Spring 2024 collections. The name signifies a stylish aesthetic with a dark twist.

“I imagine we will continue to see minimalist yet luxurious products from brands like The Row that focus on quality fundamentals in addition to a dark, rich color palette,” Chapelle added.

“The Tortured Poets Department” will be published on April 19. Chapelle’s book “Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Ages” is available for pre-order at taylorswiftstyle.com.

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ Outfits: See All the Looks

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - AUGUST 24: FOR USE IN SOFTWARE ONLY.  THERE IS NO BOOK COVER.  Taylor Swift performing on stage MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - AUGUST 24: FOR USE IN SOFTWARE ONLY.  THERE IS NO BOOK COVER.  Taylor Swift performing on stage

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – AUGUST 24: FOR USE IN SOFTWARE ONLY. THERE IS NO BOOK COVER. Taylor Swift performs on stage during her “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at Foro Sol on August 24, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo: Hector Vivas/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - AUGUST 24: FOR USE IN SOFTWARE ONLY.  THERE IS NO BOOK COVER.  Taylor Swift performing on stage MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - AUGUST 24: FOR USE IN SOFTWARE ONLY.  THERE IS NO BOOK COVER.  Taylor Swift performing on stage

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – AUGUST 24: FOR USE IN SOFTWARE ONLY. THERE IS NO BOOK COVER. Taylor Swift performs on stage during her “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at Foro Sol on August 24, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo: Hector Vivas/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - AUGUST 24: FOR USE IN SOFTWARE ONLY.  THERE IS NO BOOK COVER.  Taylor Swift performing on stage MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - AUGUST 24: FOR USE IN SOFTWARE ONLY.  THERE IS NO BOOK COVER.  Taylor Swift performing on stage

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – AUGUST 24: FOR USE IN SOFTWARE ONLY. THERE IS NO BOOK COVER. Taylor Swift performs on stage during her “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at Foro Sol on August 24, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo: Hector Vivas/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

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Launch Gallery: Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ Outfits: See All the Looks

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