From her country girl days to her edgy Reputation moment and shimmering Midnights era.
Words by Sabrina Park
An ever-evolving artist, Taylor Swift is no stranger to self-reinvention—and that is reflected as much in her music as it is in her style.
Over the years, the singer has become known for pegging albums to particular themes and aesthetics—from the edgy glam in Red (2012) and romantic pastels in Lover (2019), to the moody snake motifs in Reputation (2017) and cozy-autumnal ambiance in Folklore and Evermore (2020). And, on her latest album, Midnights (2022), the singer takes a deep dive into her psyche, while bringing sparkles of dark blue shimmer along with her.
Swift, the musical Easter egg queen, has both subtly and overtly dressed the part for every one of her album themes. And as she continues her record-breaking Eras Tour, the looks, too, keep on coming.
Ahead, see an overview of Swift’s style evolution, from her 2006 country days to now.
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March 17, 2023
In a dazzling hot pink two-piece set at the opening night of her Eras Tour.
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February 5, 2023
In a sparkling midnight blue ensemble from Roberto Cavalli that gives a nod to her latest album, Midnights, at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Doesn’t she look like midnight rain?
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August 28, 2022
In a sparkling halter minidress by Oscar de la Renta at the MTV Video Music Awards.
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August 28, 2022
Swift with several of her awards—including Video of the Year for “All Too Well”—in a midnight blue silk romper and white fur coat at the MTV Video Music Awards.
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May 11, 2021
In a Miu Miu set at the BRIT Awards, where the singer wins the Global Icon Award.
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March 14, 2021
In a cottagecore look at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, featuring a floral Oscar de la Renta minidress paired with pastel pink heels.
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January 23, 2020
In a plaid Carmen March suit set at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.
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January 5, 2020
In a larger-than-life, green-and-yellow floral gown by Etro at the 77th Golden Globe Awards, where she is nominated for Best Original Song for “Beautiful Ghosts” from Cats.
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August 26, 2019
In a colourful Versace blazer paired with thigh-high Louboutin boots at the MTV Video Music Awards.
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April 23, 2019
At the Time100 Gala in an ethereal boho pink-and-yellow gown featuring puff sleeves and a floral-accented bodice, ahead of Lover‘s August 2019 release.
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December 8, 2017
In a black sequined look paired with an edgy dark lip during a performance at Z100’s Jingle Ball concert.
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May 2, 2016
In a silver snakeskin dress by Louis Vuitton, knee-high wrapped heels, and black lipstick at the 2016 Met Gala—perfect for the theme of the evening: “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.”
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February 8, 2015
In a turquoise high-low gown from Elie Saab at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, where the singer signals reinvention with both a departure from her signature curls and a public reunion with Kanye West.
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May 5, 2014
In a sophisticated baby pink satin gown by Oscar de la Renta, paired with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and Louboutin shoes, at the 2014 Met Gala.
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May 25, 2013
In a tuxedo-inspired look featuring a white lacy top, a black top hat, and black leather short shorts during a performance in Dallas for her Red tour.
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May 25, 2013
In a crimson red gown and matching gloves during a performance on her Red tour in Arlington, Texas.
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September 22, 2012
In a sparkling sheer long-sleeved shirt paired with black micro shorts and a bold red lip during an iHeartRadio Music Festival performance.
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July 24, 2011
In a purple Susan Hilferty halter gown and curly ponytail during a performance on her Speak Now World Tour.
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May 2, 2011
In a one-shoulder beige-and-black J. Mendel gown and bold red lip for the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” theme at the Met Gala.
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January 31, 2010
In a dark blue sequined gown and her handful of Grammys—including Album of the Year for Fearless—at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards
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September 13, 2009
In a shimmering white Kaufman Franco gown at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, where she wins Best Female Video for “You Belong with Me” (and is infamously interrupted onstage by Kanye West).
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February 10, 2008
In a purple floor-length strapless gown at the singer’s first-ever Grammys, where she is nominated for Best New Artist.
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May 14, 2007
In a frilled layered midi dress in her go-to teal hue from her early country days during a live performance at ACM New Artists Party for a Cause.
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November 23, 2006
A 16-year-old Swift in a black long-sleeved shirt, her iconic curls, and her guitar, preparing to sing the national anthem during a Thanksgiving Day game between the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins.
This article originally appeared in harpersbazaar.com
