The year 1989 marked a pivotal moment in the career of pop superstar Taylor Swift. After releasing four successful country-inspired albums, Swift took a bold leap and transitioned into a full-fledged pop artist with her fifth album, aptly titled “1989.” Along with her musical evolution, Swift also underwent a major transformation in terms of her fashion choices.
With the release of “1989,” Swift not only established herself as a top pop star but also solidified her status as a fashion icon. Her style during this era was a perfect reflection of her new sound – bold, edgy, and unapologetically confident. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the most iconic outfits worn by Taylor Swift during her “1989” era and their lasting influence on the fashion industry.
Signature Looks and Their Impact
The Crop Top and High-Waisted Shorts Combo
One of the most memorable looks from the “1989” era is undoubtedly Swift’s crop top and high-waisted shorts combination. This ensemble became a signature look for her during this time and was often seen both on and off stage. The simplicity of this outfit allowed for a chic yet effortless look, which resonated with fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.
In terms of impact, Swift’s crop top and high-waisted shorts combo sparked a trend among young women to embrace their bodies and show off their midriffs. It also challenged the traditional notion of what a pop star should look like, as Swift proudly flaunted her toned abs without conforming to mainstream beauty standards.
The Matching Set Trend
Another significant trend that emerged during the “1989” era was the matching set trend, and Taylor Swift was at the forefront of it all. She often wore coordinated sets, featuring crop tops, skirts, and even pants, in various colors and patterns. This look exuded a playful and feminine vibe, which quickly became a staple in both Swift’s wardrobe and the fashion industry.
The impact of this trend was widespread, as it encouraged women to embrace matching sets as a chic and effortless way to elevate their style. It also showcased Swift’s ability to experiment with different looks while staying true to her signature style.
The Power Suit
As Taylor Swift ventured into the pop music scene, she also embraced a more powerful and mature image, which was reflected in her fashion choices. One of the most significant moments during the “1989” era was when Swift rocked a sequined power suit at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2014. This bold and daring move stunned the audience and cemented her status as a fashion icon.
Swift’s power suit not only challenged gender norms and expectations but also inspired countless women to incorporate tailored pieces into their wardrobes. It was a statement piece that showcased Swift’s confidence and strength as a woman, making it a defining moment in her fashion journey.
Red Carpet Glamour
The Met Gala Looks
The annual Met Gala is known for its extravagant themes and breathtaking red carpet looks, and Taylor Swift always manages to stand out from the crowd. During the “1989” era, Swift attended the Met Gala three times, and each time she brought her A-game to the fashion world.
In 2014, Swift wore a stunning pink Oscar de la Renta gown to the Met Gala, perfectly channeling the theme of “White Tie and Decorations.” The dress featured intricate floral embroidery and a full skirt, giving off a fairytale princess vibe. She completed the look with a sleek updo and minimal accessories, letting the dress speak for itself.
The following year, Swift showed up to the Met Gala in a striking Louis Vuitton two-piece ensemble, featuring a crop top and a high-waisted skirt with a thigh-high slit. The look was edgy and bold, reflecting Swift’s evolving style during the “1989” era.
For her final Met Gala appearance during this era, Swift opted for yet another show-stopping outfit – a futuristic silver Louis Vuitton dress with cutouts and a high neckline. This look perfectly embodied the theme of “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology” and solidified Swift’s status as one of the best-dressed celebrities at the event.
The Grammy’s Glitz and Glam
Another standout moment for Taylor Swift during the “1989” era was at the 2016 Grammy Awards. She arrived on the red carpet in a stunning teal Atelier Versace gown with a plunging neckline and a high slit. The intricate sequin detailing and the daring design of the dress perfectly reflected Swift’s fearless attitude towards fashion.
At the same ceremony, Swift also took home three Grammy awards, including Album of the Year for “1989,” cementing her status as a music and fashion icon. Her Grammy’s look remains one of her most iconic red carpet moments to date.
Music Video Fashion Statements
“Blank Space”
One of the most memorable music videos from the “1989” era was undoubtedly “Blank Space.” In this video, Taylor Swift took on the role of a scorned lover turned crazy ex-girlfriend, and her fashion choices played a significant role in portraying this character. From luxurious gowns to over-the-top accessories, Swift’s outfits in “Blank Space” were nothing short of iconic.
One of the standout looks from the video was the white lace Oscar de la Renta dress, which Swift wore while destroying her lover’s car. The delicate lace and elegant silhouette of the dress were a stark contrast to her actions, making it a memorable fashion statement.
“Bad Blood”
For the star-studded music video “Bad Blood,” Swift took on the persona of a badass secret agent, and her fashion choices reflected this character perfectly. She donned various fierce and sleek outfits, including a black leather jumpsuit and a red latex bodysuit, which showcased her confidence and boldness.
The impact of these outfits was visible in the fashion industry, with many designers and brands incorporating similar styles into their collections. It also solidified Taylor Swift’s status as a fashion chameleon, able to pull off any look with ease and grace.
Street Style and Casual Wear
The Plaid Skirt Look
One of the most iconic street-style looks from the “1989” era was Taylor Swift’s plaid skirt outfit. This look featured a high-waisted mini skirt, a black crop top, and a pair of oxford shoes, giving off a preppy and playful vibe. Swift was often spotted wearing variations of this outfit while out and about, showcasing her effortless yet stylish approach to casual wear.
The All-Black Ensemble
Taylor Swift is known for her love for the color black, and she often incorporates it into her everyday style. During the “1989” era, she was frequently seen wearing all-black ensembles, be it a mini dress, a jumpsuit, or a simple t-shirt and jeans combo. Her all-black looks exuded a sense of chicness and sophistication, making it a timeless fashion statement.
Collaborations with Designers
Keds Partnership
In 2013, Taylor Swift collaborated with footwear brand Keds to release a line of sneakers featuring her name and lyrics. The partnership went beyond just designing shoes, as Swift also became an ambassador for the brand, appearing in numerous campaigns and events. The Keds collaborations reflected Swift’s love for retro-inspired fashion and her ability to connect with her fans through her personal style.
The Fashion Icon Award at the ELLE Style Awards
In 2015, Taylor Swift was honored with the Fashion Icon Award at the ELLE Style Awards. This award recognized her impact on the fashion industry and her ability to use her personal style as a form of self-expression. At the event, Swift wore a stunning Julien Macdonald jumpsuit, featuring intricate cutouts and embellishments, showcasing her confidence and style evolution.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
The “1989” era was undoubtedly a defining moment in Taylor Swift’s career, and her fashion choices played a significant role in this transformation. With her bold and confident approach to fashion, she not only established herself as a top pop star but also solidified her status as a fashion icon.
Even today, Taylor Swift’s “1989” outfits continue to inspire and influence fashion trends, proving her lasting impact on the industry. From crop tops and high-waisted shorts to power suits and matching sets, her signature looks have become timeless fashion statements that will always be associated with the iconic era of “1989.”
Conclusion
Taylor Swift’s “1989” era was a pivotal moment in her career, both musically and fashion-wise. Her bold and daring fashion choices during this time solidified her status as a fashion icon and inspired countless women to embrace their unique sense of style. From red carpet looks to everyday street style, Taylor Swift proved that she could pull off any look with ease and grace, leaving a lasting influence on the fashion industry. The legacy of her “1989” outfits continues to live on, making her one of the most iconic fashion icons of our time.
