by Taylor Swift’s fashion style is a reflection of her musical evolution since the release of her self-titled debut album in 2006. The singer has evolved from using her wardrobe choices to complement her art as well as an opportunity to create new trends, make statements and drop hints. project. So the mission of cataloging some of the key looks she wore during her 18-year career was exciting for Sarah Chapelle, author of the upcoming book “Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras.”
“Taylor Swift is a storyteller at her core and she uses both her lyrics and her costumes to communicate, craft narratives, evoke memories and create iconography,” Chapelle told WWD. “Throughout her career, just as she’s changed from album to album, every piece she’s created has been tied to a recognizable fashion ‘era’.”
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The book, which will be released on October 8, will feature 200 looks, showing the singer’s style evolution, from her youthful boho dresses and cowboy boots in her early days to more sophisticated silhouettes and luxury brands promoting “1989” in 2014 , and investing in sparkling, bejeweled outfits for “Midnights” in 2022.
Chapelle, who has been following Swift since her early years, decided to catalog the looks as a continuation of her Taylor Swift Style blog, which she created in 2011. Then, she identifies Swift’s fashion while commenting on what the singer is wearing and why. she is wearing it. “The book is informed in part by the most iconic looks that fans love as well as outfits that I thought we might have missed along the way,” Chapelle said.
Taylor Swift’s Style Evolution
Swift has adopted many styles throughout her career. In 2012, the singer made the housewives of the 1950s fashionable again during her “Red” era. In 2017, she brought a Gothic-inspired look to Hollywood events, wearing Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga and other luxury brands to match the aesthetic of her “Reputation” album. Two years later, Swift updated her wardrobe with romantic and flowy ensembles for the album “Lover.”
For Chapelle, 2014’s “1989” variation remains her favorite Swift era. “By volume [it] It was a fun time tracking her outfits as she took to the streets of New York in a coordinating two piece and rocking high heels. It was a period of consistent, regular dressing and a big change in style that was exciting to watch unfold in real time.”
In 2023, Swift’s career reached a new level of fame with her blockbuster “The Eras Tour” and her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce. She has helped brands go viral on social media, including Ksubi, Area and Wear by Erin Andrews, just by wearing them at football games or on trips in New York City. Chapelle said Swift’s fashion is influenced by her relationship.
“Overall, Taylor’s personality as approachable, emotional, vulnerable and accessible is reflected in the street style she chooses to wear,” Chapelle said. “She dresses like a ‘normal person’ in brands that are often completely out of reach for the normal person. She may carry a designer bag or opt for designer heels, but she will often repeat those items to reduce the cost per wear. Unlike someone who might save up for an investment item they plan to use for years. She also often wears brands that are within her fan base to buy such as Reformation, Aritzia or Free People. That creates an opportunity to connect with fans and I think she knows that.”
The “Department of Tortured Poets” era.
As Swift prepares to begin a new era – the singer announced the release of her 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” during the 2024 Grammy Awards on February 4. Swifties, like Chapelle, are anticipating how Swift’s style might reflect. her new music.
The album cover, in which the singer is wearing a Saint Laurent silk top and Ausra panties from The Row in a personal set, could be the perfect starting point to find out the answer, according to Chapelle.
“I love the intimacy and protection Taylor brings from the cover of ‘The Tortured Poets Department,'” Chapelle said. “That feels like an accurate and fitting portrait that she might want to paint now as a superstar who has reached a new level of stardom and interest in her career and personal life.”
For Chapelle, Swifties of choice could be Swift wearing The Row and Saint Laurent on the album cover. “The Row and YSL are both stylish Easter egg brands that she put early in her New York style, so it’s such a joy to see them on the cover here,” she said.
Swift’s recent trips to New York could also indicate what style she will adopt to promote the “Torture Poets Division.” “Her recent renewed love of miniskirts and loafers reminded me of her longtime love of school-worthy outfits, but now they’re thrown into a new lens with this ad as she pushes into a darkly academic aesthetic,” Chapelle said.
Dark academia is a trend seen on the runways of Prada, Miu Miu, Chanel and more during Paris Fashion Week’s spring 2024 collections. The name refers to a preppy aesthetic with a dark twist.
“I imagine we’ll continue to see minimalist yet luxurious items from brands like The Rae that focus on quality basics along with a dark, rich color palette,” added Chapelle.
“The Tortured Poets Department” will be released on April 19. Chapelle’s book, “Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras,” is available for pre-order at taylorswiftstyle.com.
Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ Outfits: See All the Looks
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Launch Gallery: Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ Outfits: See All the Looks
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