Snakes or butterflies? How to dress for your favourite Taylor Swift era

The countdown is on for Swifties getting ready to see Taylor Swift at Sydney’s Accor Stadium and some fans have beenplanning their outfits for months. But what about those of us who haven’t yet planned their look – or even decided which of Swift’s era to channel? Well,there’s still time.

Cowboy boots and hats never go out of style as a homage to Swift’s beginning in country music,andfriendship bracelets to trade with your fellow concert-goers are encouraged,but if you’re looking to make some last-minute magic,here’s a guide to dressing for every era of Swift.

Taylor Swift (debut)

In 2006,Taylor Swift released her eponymous country album. Her first-ever era is characterised by pastel blue and green,youthful sundresses,butterflies,cowboy boots and voluminous tight curls.

Even though her debut album doesn’t feature on the set list,you can still emulate the aesthetic with flowy dresses (preferably in white,blue or green),a denim jacket and lots of curls.

If you have them lying around from a past Halloween costume,cowboy boots and hats definitely have a place in the debut era (the Southern twang is optional).

Swiftie insider:Keep it simple with a little black dress,just like the one she mentions in the songTim McGraw.

Fearless

Still technically a country album,Fearlessis dressed up in more sparkles and drama but maintains that sweet,girl-next-door aesthetic.

At the time,a 20-year-old Swift frequently adorned a gold-fringed mini dress with cowboy boots (she maintains this for the Eras Tour) with a looser version of those signature curling-iron curls. If you’re in yourFearlessera,wear anything gold – bonus points if it has fringing. Top off the outfit with some glitter and paint a number 13 on the back of your hand.

Swiftie insider:If you are looking for ultimate comfort,grab some markers and a white T-shirt,and DIY your own “Junior Jewels” shirt from theYou Belong With Me music video.

For minimal effort,write “Mr Perfectly Fine” on a name tag or paper label and stick it to your shirt – you are now Swift’s ex Joe Jonas,who the song is thought to be about.

Speak Now

If you own a lot of purple clothing,then there is one era made for you –Speak Nowis defined by the colour.

Wear anything purple and accessorise by writing your favourite song lyric on your arm,a ritual Swift used to support on theSpeak NowWorld Tour back in 2011 and 2012.

This is also the era that Swift’s famous red lip and cat-eye pop-up. The curls are looser and sometimes thrown into a ponytail.

Swiftie insider:Replicate Swift’s outfit from theMeanmusic video with a simple white dress and curly side plait. Unfortunately,an accompanying banjo will not be permitted in the stadium.

RED

Besides the obvious colour association,REDis characterised by Swift’s vintage and preppy style of the time. Think high-waisted shorts,stripes,loafers,’50s-style dresses,heart-shaped sunglasses and,of course,a fedora.

Swift debuted her straight hair and blunt bangs. Her red lip was now solidified as iconic.

Swiftie insider:If you want to embody the era but don’t own red clothing,opt for a plain black turtle-neck (red scarf optional),straight hair and a bold red lip to go dressed as Sadie Sink’s characters in theAll Too Well short film.

Or chuck on your quirkiest pyjamas with thick black framed glasses and a ponytail to replicate theWe Are Never Getting Back Together music video.

1989

The transition from country girl to pop-princess was... swift. Inspired by ’80s pop,1989 is embodied by glittery crop tops,mini skater skirts,original wayfarer RayBan sunglasses and a blunt bob.

If you own anything with sequins,it can likely be 1989-themed. Also lean into light blues,anything about New York City and crop tops with mini skirts.

Swiftie insider:Got any leopard print? Pair with a red lip,messy hair and tear-streaked mascara for a nightmare dressed like a daydreamBlank Spacelook.

Reputation

If your wardrobe is anything like mine (black,black and more black)Reputation is the easiest of Swift’s eras to emulate.

The darkest and sexiest era out of them allReputationis all about the drama. Wear head-to-toe black,or green (like the infamous snake emoji). Black bodysuits,newspaper-print clothing,pops of red or green,snake motifs,a dark lip and messy curls are all perfect options.

Swiftie insider:For extra effect draw (or bejewel) a snake with eyeliner going across your eye.

Lover

On the other end of the era’s spectrum is the campy and candy-colouredLoveralbum,where butterflies replaced snakes.

A bright or baby pink,sky-blue and lavender all represent theLover era. An easy option is to pair some light-washed denim with pink. Stencil a love heart around one of your eyes,add some glitter and you are a certified lover.

Swiftie insider:If you have time to head to the party supply store,grab a tiara and a plain sash to write “Miss Americana” across it for an easyMiss Americana and the Heartbreak Princebeauty pageant costume.

Folklore

During the COVID-19 pandemic,Swift dipped her toe into the indie-pop genre.Folkloreis the most fictional of all the albums and is characterised by a summer cottage-core aesthetic with fluttery prairie dresses,lace and unkept hair.

Wear a long white spaghetti strap dress with boots matched with two low buns. Get your old cardigan from under the bed as a nod to the songcardigan.

Swiftie insider:If you prefer some sparkle,wear all silver and embody the personification of the trackmirrorball.

Evermore

Evermore. The sister album toFolklore. Think autumn vibes with flannel shirts,plaid skirts,turtlenecks,floral maxi dresses and,of course,a single plait like on the album cover.

This era is similar toFolklore but with a fantasy vibe,like the velvet emerald green cape that Swift wears on the tour during theEvermore set.

Swiftie insider:A white and lacy dresslike the Zimmermann one Swift wears in themusic video for Willow with a low messy bun,a white floral headband and (obviously) a red lip.

If you have some handy,drape yourself in artificial ivy as described in the songIvy.

Midnights

The latest of the eras (not counting Swift’s recently announced new album) is the pop albumMidnights.

The era is wrapped up in a ’70s disco aesthetic with dark navy sprinkled with silver stars. Midnights is confident,sexy and bejewelled.

Embrace bodysuits,mini dresses or flared pants. If you want a more pared-back look,get inspired by theAnti-Heromusic video for crocheted tops and corduroy pants in mustards,yellows and browns.

Swiftie insider:If you are really stuck on an outfit,become a ghost from thesame music video by throwing a sheet over your head and putting some heart-shaped sunglasses over the top.

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