Taylor Swift's fashion style reflects her musical evolution since the release of her eponymous first album in 2006. The singer became known for using her clothing choices to complement her art, but also as an opportunity to create new trends, make statements and to give hints about upcoming fashion. projects. So the mission of cataloging some of the most important 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."
"At her core, Taylor Swift is a storyteller and she uses both her lyrics and her outfits to communicate, create a story, evoke memories and create iconography," Chapelle told WWD. "Just as she has undergone a musical evolution from album to album over the course of her career, she has also linked each body of work she has created to a clear, recognizable 'era' of fashion."
More from WWDThe book, out on October 8, will feature 200 looks that showcase the singer's style evolution, from her youthful boho dresses and cowboy boots during her debut era to more sophisticated silhouettes and luxury brands as she promoted '1989' in 2014, and invest in sparkling jeweled outfits for 'Midnights' in 2022.
Chapelle, who has followed Swift since her early years, decided to catalog the looks as a continuation of her Taylor Swift Style blog, which she created in 2011. There, she identifies Swift's fashion while commenting on what the singer is wearing and why. she wears it. "The book is based in part on the most memorable looks fans love, along with outfits I thought we might have missed along the way," Chapelle said.
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Taylor Swift's style evolution
Swift has embraced many styles throughout her career. In 2012, the singer made 1950s housewives trendy again during her 'Red' era. In 2017, she brought goth-inspired looks to Hollywood events, wearing Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga and other luxury brands to match the aesthetic of her album 'Reputation'. Two years later, Swift updated her wardrobe with romantic and flowy ensembles for the album 'Lover'.
For Chapelle, her favorite Swift era is still 2014's "1989" transformation. [it] It was a fun time following her clothes as she hit the streets of New York pairing two-pieces and teetering high heels. It was a period of outfits that were consistent, frequent and featured a major change in her style, which was exciting to watch as they rolled out in real time.
In 2023, Swift's career reached new levels of stardom with her blockbuster 'The Eras Tour' and her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce. She helped brands go viral on social media, including Ksubi, Area and Wear by Erin Andrews, simply by wearing them to football games or outings in New York City. Chapelle said Swift's fashion influence comes from her relatability.
"Overall, Taylor's identity 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 not completely beyond the reach of the ordinary person. She might carry a designer bag or opt for a designer heel, but she often repeats these items to drive down the cost per wear. Comparable to someone who saves for an investment product that he wants to use for years. She also often wears brands that are within reach for many of her fans, such as Reformation, Aritzia or Free People. That creates an opportunity for connection with fans and I think she knows that."
Era 'The department of tortured poets'
As Swift prepares to start a new era, the singer announced the release of her eleventh studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," at the 2024 Grammy Awards on February 4. Swifties, like Chapelle, are anticipating how Swift's style might reflect her new music.
The album cover, which features the singer wearing a Saint Laurent silk knit top and The Row's Ausra panties in an intimate set, could be the perfect starting point to find out the answer, according to Chapelle.
"I love the sense of both intimacy and caution that Taylor conveys on the cover of The Tortured Poets Department," Chapelle said. "That feels like an accurate and striking portrait that she might now want to paint as a superstar who has somehow reached a new supernova level of fame and interest in her career and personal life."
For Chapelle, Swift's choice to wear The Row and Saint Laurent on the album cover could have been predicted by Swifties. "Both The Row and YSL are brands that are stylish Easter eggs that she planted early on in her New York style, so seeing them here on the cover feels like closing that loop," she said.
Swift's recent appearances in New York could also indicate which style she will embrace to promote "The Tortured Poets Department." "Her newfound love for miniskirts and loafers in recent candids reminded me of her old love for schoolgirl-worthy outfits, but is now being thrown into a new lens with this announcement in mind, as she may be leaning toward a darker 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 will continue to see minimalist yet luxurious pieces from brands like The Row that focus on quality basics alongside a dark, rich color palette," Chapelle added.
"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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