Tag: tss turns 10

Taylor Swift Style Turns Ten 10×10: Candids

This was, undoubtedly by sheer volume, the most difficult category of all of them to parse through. After going through some 1,100 appearances spanning 13 years worth of street style moments I somehow managed to narrow it down to my Top 10 (very painfully, might I add).

Organized by month of appearance.

January 21, 2014: Lanston tee / Reformation skirt / Dolce & Gabbana bag / Rag & Bone booties. All black, a blazer, with a pop of colour (in my power colour red, no less). Everything about this outfit still holds up after all these years. And I also love her loose carefree waves.

February 24, 2016: Isabel Marant blazer and trousers / A.L.C. top / Manolo Blahnik pumps. How could one ever forget Taylor’s sensational string of Isabel Marant ‘fits in early 2016? This white hot monochrome suit was only just caught by cameras, but it still holds a firm place in my heart for its aching chicness.

March 29, 2014: J. Brand jacket / Cuore & Pelle bag / Rag & Bone booties. This outfit is timeless and is basically how I dress in the Pacific Northwest for at least half the year. That leather jacket is enviable.

March 30, 2014: Anthropologie bag / Paige pants / Isabel Marant booties. Yes this is definitely an unintentional record for proximity to all time favourite outfits. But I couldn’t shake the impeccable layering and colour palette here. It’s a well-coordinated, office-friendly look that doesn’t rely on just basic black which I applaud.

April 28, 2015: Missguided blazer + shorts / Lulufrost necklace / Elie Saab bag / Prada pumps. I think it’s pretty evident why this lewk made it into the top 10. Everyone, say it with me: Greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen. The masterful accessory matching to really bring a fun bounce of spring into an otherwise neutral matching set is genius and so fresh. I’d absolutely wear this in a heartbeat.

May 26, 2015: Swarovski sunglasses / Zara top / Mary Katrantzou bag / River Island shorts / Pedro Garcia heels. This outfit absolutely snuck up on me and is part of the reason why I noted “being open to having your mind be changed” at the introduction of this series. While I certainly liked this outfit six whole years ago, it never made a lasting impression on me. In fact I’d say if you’re a longtime reader of TSS that of the top 10 you see here, only this one should be a surprise. But upon reflection in thinking of all my criteria: Actual street style, memorable, impeccably styled with zero changes I’d make … Undoubtedly this moment fills all of that criteria for me. The artful way the shoes tie in to the bag, the sunglasses tie in to the top and shorts, the sleek deep-parted hair, and red/pink lipstick that also ties into the bag. This is a moment where intention was evident and Taylor looks supremely confident in that smirk and that strut. I absolutely have to give kudos to how well this outfit speaks to every single element present here. It’s a fact I’ve always known about Taylor but was never more evident than when I had to pare outfits down and really began to split hairs that she does not always nail it in the accessories department, to the detriment of the outfit as a whole. In the instance of my entire Top 10 but especially here I feel that intentional styling was evident to bring the whole outfit into cohesion and clarity. Well done.

July 15, 2018: Elie Saab sunglasses / Faith Connexion dress / Stella McCartney bag / Jimmy Choo boots. A WHOLE ASS SERVE. I have no other words. This was impeccably styled by Taylor’s longtime stylist Joseph Cassell who saw a slouchy floral shirt dress and envisioned a 70s chic power moment. I know it’s evident by the fact that it’s here but I really need to shout from the rooftops how this is absolutely one of her best street appearances of all time and every single person alive should know it.

August 13, 2010: Urban Outfitters bustier + bag + skirt / Anthropologie ring + belt. There are some people who say to not mix black and brown which I find ridiculous. A careful mix of neutral tones (black + white + brown) is one of my favourite things to do and I love the feminine layers at play here, anchored by a chunky equestrian-esque belt.

October 23, 2016: Meshki coat / Vatanika bandeau / Giuseppe Zanotti clutch / Melinda Maria ring / Blaque Label skirt / Christian Louboutin sandals. This outfit still leaves me speechless and shooketh to my core. I truly don’t know what I could possibly add to this outfit that the outfit doesn’t say on its own as to why it deserves to be here as one of her most memorable street style moments.

November 22, 2011: Ralph Lauren sweater / Fendi bag / Modcloth skirt / Marc Jacobs heels. Completely flipping gears … This outfit. Pure nostalgia. And it’s very appropriate to round out the Top 10 with this particular outfit. If you’ve been following TSS since this moment just … wow. Wowowow. All my heart love and soul and feelings go out to you. This was the first street moment outfit that I found on my own with no press credits or designer notes guiding my way. This was the first time as I embarked on learning how to run a style blog that I felt, “Oh. I can do this, can’t I?” It was such a momentous occasion for me that still gives me all the feelings of validation and pride and my first real boost of confidence and joy that this blog was doing something to me internally and giving me something I had never had before. The final piece of the puzzle I believe was finding the Marc Jacobs heels. That rush of serotonin? Can’t replace it. I also recall spending so. much. time. trying to find that Fendi bag. And it was all mine. Sentimentality aside, this is Taylor artfully playing with an untraditional and unexpected colour palette. Which is one of her best skills in fashion, imo. Nothing about this should work. And yet it’s absolutely charming and evokes all the feelings of fall for me.

What do you think of my Top 10 candids, TSSers?

Taylor Swift Style Turns Ten 10×10: Photoshoots

In order to get to the Top 10, I tried to look at photoshoots as a whole and not just individual shots.

Organized in chronological order.

2010 Elle: Chloé Spring 2010 / Full spread here. One of the earliest instances of Taylor indicating that a full fringe was always in her future haha. Prior to actually getting her, now, signature bangs (Spoiler: For another photoshoot that’s also on this list), Taylor wore clip-ins for this shoot with Elle featuring some really dreamy looks like the pictured Chloé, an Oscar de la Renta two-piece set, and a cute Valentino mini.

2012 Harper’s Bazaar: Prada Resort 2013 / Full spread here. This was a rare instance where it felt like a magazine photoshoot was actually coordinating neatly with the era aesthetic of the time. Typically, Taylor’s personal styling and styling for a magazine are conducted independently and photoshoots are primarily used as a vehicle to put the latest runway’s designer wares on a famous celebrity model and secondly to really play with fashun and try on different lewks than expected. In this case, the shoot really did feel delightfully retro and a mirror to the RED aesthetic she was rocking.

2012 Marie Claire U.K.: Gucci Resort 2013 / Full spread here. The bohemian Brigitte Bardot vibes served here is truthfully how I feel Taylor should look all the time. That teased volume around the crown of her head and the smoky, slightly messy, eye makeup works so well for her. As do the rich layers and textures in fabric seen throughout this spread.

2012 RED: Full spread here. Stuffed with vintage whimsy, dots, and artfully framed photos. The RED photoshoot lives on as one of my favourite photoshoots and obviously one of my favourite album photoshoots for Taylor. It was such a beautiful way to capture the vintage-tinged essence of that time period and suited Taylor so well.

2012 Vogue: Rodarte Spring 2012 / Full spread here. To think that Anna Wintour and team have been the orchestrators behind two of Taylor’s most significant hairstyle changes is a really funny thing to think about. But it’s true that Taylor specifically took the plunge and officially had her hair trimmed into the RED era’s signature full fringe of bangs for this photoshoot. She loved it so much she’s returned to this style multiple times ever since. It isn’t the norm but most of the pulls for this shoot came from the American designer Rodarte and their SS2012 runway.

2013 Instyle U.K.: Marchesa Spring 2013 / Full spread here. In documenting this list, I feel like I’m oscillating between two different modes here: Dreamy white high fashion shots and rich, vintage patterns and textiles. This particular spread being of the former variety. As promised in the full spread you’ll see more FASHUN moments like a dramatique pair of flare pants and a frothy gown that’s reminiscent of crashing waves on rocks.

2014 Glamour: Chloé Spring 2014 / Full spread here. Honestly the aesthetic that I had always thought of for what was then-TS7 (I even wrote a predictions post referencing the pictured image). Needless to say this is still a photoshoot I think about regularly. Not just for the fashion but also the dewy, glowing makeup and hair.

2015 Vogue Australia: Atelier Versace Fall 2015 Couture / Full spread here. I find this photoshoot so inspiring and cool. The pairing of couture runway gowns (yes, every single gown in the spread is haute couture) with flimsy pastel cotton bras feels so disarming and intimate and vulnerable. Symbolically it feels to me like a distillation of everything that Taylor is. An aspirational blonde with a model’s face and measurements who’s made a career of spinning the yearning pages of her teenage diaries into chart-topping hits; exposing her deepest feelings and experiences of life and love. I continue to be obsessed with the concept to this day.

2015 Vogue: Oscar de la Renta Spring 2015 / Full spread here. Listen, regardless of what happened to the bond between the two people captured in the images of this spread, this photoshoot is iconic and I stand by it. I regret nothing. Every photo is a LEWK.

2017 reputation: Full spread here. In an odd way it makes sense to me that the other album photoshoot included here is Taylor’s other album that I think most significantly explores the idea of duality/split personality. I love this photoshoot for looking exactly the way the reputation album sounds. At its core, reputation is an album about love. A true love that took root in a chaotic time, and carefully fostered in private while Taylor’s public identity was falsified and blown apart. The juxtaposition of tough black looks and slouching hip-high boots with rainbow sequins demonstrates the dichotomy between an artist’s false tough exterior and their soft underbelly. Anyway let’s just say there’s a reason why the Taylor Swift Style desktop theme has not changed since 2017.

What do you think of my Top 10 photoshoots, TSSers?

Taylor Swift Style Turns Ten 10×10: Events

Of everything, this actually felt like shockingly the easiest Top 10 to do!

Organized in chronological order.

2010 Easy A Premiere: Miu Miu dress / Rene Caovilla clutch / Neil Lane jewelry / Christian Louboutin pumps. How could I not? This was an excellent example of Taylor in a lovely emerald green colour – and doesn’t it look great on her? The short hem length is fun and sassy, the gold accessories perfectly coordinate with one another (the gold locket even has a single emerald on its face), and I love how the updo sweeps her hair out from her face so her shoulders and that strapless dress have breathing room.

2010 Roberto Cavalli Fashion Show: Roberto Cavalli blouse + skirt + boots. Her best fashion show outing period. For once with a top that has so many ruffled details going for it, I actually love that she wore her hair down and that it doesn’t detract from the ruffles at all. In fact, the lewk has a lot of ruffles and patterns and buckles and details but it all just feels high fashun and not messy. At least to me. Such a memorable outing.

2010 Vanity Fair Oscar After Party: Zuhair Murad dress / Jimmy Choo clutch / Jimmy Choo pumps. It’s shocking how all of her VF after party appearances have actually slapped. This is a classic TS sparkly mini but it’s styled well and she looks hot so I can’t fault her even slightly.

2011 Symphony Ball: Reem Acra dress / House Of Lavande earrings + bracelet. I am not typically one who gravitates towards what I would describe as more quintessentially “princess” lewks that many do in the fandom. Whether intentionally to be a contrarian because pretty princess looks aren’t complicated to pull off and easy to like or possibly because my taste generally veers towards the edgier and thus more interesting (to me) – it’s hard to say. That said, I can’t deny that when it works, it works. And Taylor has always looked beautiful in icy blue tones like this. They just bring out the best in her eyes and her skin and I simply can’t deny it. This is also one of the best illusion necklines that she’s ever worn – you can barely tell that it’s there at all which basically means mission accomplished.

2012 RED Target Event: Vintage dress / Christian Louboutin pumps. This lewk is one that I know flies under most people’s radars – which is a crying shame because I’m just so obsessed with the artful balance of vintage and modern elements here. And that this was part of promotion for RED? An album known for incorporating vintage and retro fashun elements into its era aesthetic but sonically was Taylor’s first true foray into modern day pop synths? That is ART. The chosen updo also showcases the low scoop back of the dress in a really lovely way. And while it may seem like an odd choice to wear a black dress when promoting an album named for another colour, she integrated pops of red in via her lip and manicure very tastefully.

2014 The Giver Premiere: Monique Lhuillier dress / Brumani earrings / Sylva & Cie + Sethi Couture jewelry / Casadei heels. Even though it’s been years since this particular colour combination really was trending, I still find myself drawn to and loving the pairing of cherry red and a pastel pink. It’s such a fun combination to me that is tonal and feminine. I also vividly recall swooning over seeing Taylor in a brand I still to this day think she should be wearing more often. In regards to the styling, I think Taylor played this one exactly right with the glowing complementary makeup and nude suede heels which I’m so glad are pointed. Further to that, the way the dress perfectly coordinates with the event carpet and backdrop?

2014 Vanity Fair Oscar After Party: Julien Macdonald dress / Lorraine Schwartz jewelry / Emm Kuo clutch / Tamara Mellon heels. Especially when you consider the time period (the lead up to 1989) this was such a vastly different look than we had seen from Taylor whose style was typically much more girly. But that daring completely open mesh back, the vampier makeup, and alluring allover black sequin gown was a refreshing change that is still every bit as dramatique and sexy now.

2016 Vanity Fair Oscar After Party: Alexandre Vauthier dress / Lorraine Schwartz ring / Jimmy Choo clutch / Giuseppe Zanotti sandals. I will repeat: I WOULD CHANGE NOTHING! /NOTHING/. One of her very very best. Ever.

2019 TIME 100 Event: J. Mendel dress / Lorraine Schwartz jewelry / Chloe Gosselin sandals. Serving garden fairy princess realness. This was Taylor’s return to the softer, girlier styles that she was most known for and it was an excellent one. What makes the look really shiny though (as is often the case) are the accessories. The coordinating pink and yellow pastel flower crown and that custom bolero really did the most to elevate this outfit from just a two-tone dress to something more dramatic and lovely. The soft tendrils framing her face and glowy pink makeup were the perfect finishing touches.

2020 Sundance Film Festival: Carmen March coat + top + pants / Mateo jewelry / Manolo Blahnik x Carmen March boots. The way this look combined winter dressing, a power suit, and feminine tweed all in one continues to amaze me. I loved the bold pleat in the pants, the delicate jewelry to balance out the bold neck-to-toe pattern explosion, and the faux bob that gives the coat and the top’s straight neckline a little room to breathe.

What do you think of my Top 10 events, TSSers?

Taylor Swift Style Turns Ten 10×10: Awards

Red carpet moments are one of the most fun parts of TSS – documenting Taylor at her most glamourous in designer ‘fits is a rush like no other. Since 2006, Taylor has attended approximately 117 award shows.

In order to make it all the way down to just ten lewks I had to be super choosy and nitpicky – just wait for the candids list to see how hard that was.

Organized in chronological order.

2010 Academy of Country Music Awards: Marchesa gown / Neil Lane Jewelry / Christian Louboutin heels. This lewk is still just as delightful now as it was on Taylor over a decade ago. This enchanting light purple colour, the way the appliques move from one shoulder to its opposite bottom corner to falls in a way to keep your eye moving and is beautiful. The softly curled updo (a go-to of early days Taylor) and simple drop diamond earrings were lovely and soft finishing touches.

2011 Academy of Country Music Awards: Elie Saab gown / Neil Lane jewelry. We all know I can’t resist a Blondes In Yellow™ moment. Nothing about this appearance is overcooked in any way. The tumbling softly brushed out curls, the minimal makeup and jewelry. It allows the buttery yellow gown to shine and it offsets her skin really beautifully. Classy and understated.

2011 Country Music Association Awards: J. Mendel gown / Lorraine Schwartz jewelry. A criminally underrated lewk. I’ve always had a soft spot for the graceful and gentle dove grey gown Taylor wore to the 2011 CMAs. In part because we’ve never seen her after that in a colour quite like this on the red carpet. The pink lip brightens up what otherwise could have read as a somber grey gown.

2012 Academy of Country Music Awards: J. Mendel gown / Lorraine Schwartz jewelry / Christian Louboutin sandals. I still gush over this. Given the presence of three column gowns on this list I guess it isn’t a surprise that this is one of my favourite silhouettes on Taylor. Everything about this look from the smoky makeup, the ashy blonde hair, the gold accents, the modern cut outs, the crisp white all has me swooning. I think really it’s the hair and beauty that really send me over the edge.

2013 BRITs: Elie Saab gown / Neil Lane jewelry / Giuseppe Zanotti sandals. Another trend I’m noticing in these favourites is her full fringe and a polished blow out that draws me in. As I’ve mentioned, these lists are about head to toe perfection. Those shard drop earrings and how they tie in to the metallic accents of the belt and snaky sandals are beautiful and again keep the eye moving throughout the look. More smouldering makeup and a combination of a neutral with hits of gold has my full heart. She looked so hot here.

2013 NRJ: Elie Saab dress / Ofira + Lorraine Schwartz jewelry / Jimmy Choo sandals. Of all the lewks, this is the one that is likely the most surprising. But in going over her appearances that I loved, I kept coming back to this one and dubbed it as the best of her minis. The fit, the embellishments, the fun earrings, and perfectly selected sandals that mimic the texture of the dress. And again that smoky makeup and polished blowout combination I apparently find irresistible. This was a well-styled and signature sparkly Taylor in a gold or silver sparkly mini from head-to-toe.

2013 People’s Choice Awards: Ralph Lauren gown / Sutra earrings / Le Vian ring / Christian Louboutin pumps. Another underrated moment that is a prime example of how styling can elevate even the simplest of looks. This otherwise plain white plunging Ralph Lauren gown didn’t have much going for it until it was paired with stunning aqua earrings by Sutra, a teased updo to give that plunge nothing to compete with, and smoky brown shadow. This was a very mature and well-handled moment of what could have otherwise been an unremarkable gown.

2014 American Music Awards: Michael Kors gown / Chimento earrings / Le Vian + Casa Reale rings / Jimmy Choo sandals. I recognize that this may not be the most popular of my Top 10 choices but it’s the TSS Top 10 which means it’s mine damnit and I say Taylor Swift in gree(eeeeeee)n goes in the Top 10. I think my favourite styling moment is the way the cut of the ring mimics the shape of the illusion bodice. Otherwise, the playful bob and the excellent cut of this gown really allows the beautiful colour and modern cutouts to shine.

2014 Grammys: Gucci Première gown / Lorraine Schwartz jewelry / Jimmy Choo sandals. This Grammy look. Periodt. I’m obsessed with the tailoring of this gown, the execution of ‘sparkles’ that somehow feel more mature than her princess sparkle days of yore, the way the kicky ponytail prevents that mature take on glitter from aging her, the fresh pink lip keeping things from being too stale, the geometric diamond earrings mimicking the design at the collar and cuffs of the dress, and the smoky silver shadow to correspond with her silver gown. Plus that inner eye shadow pop! Perfectly done.

2019 MTV Video Music Awards: Versace blazer + bodysuit / Lorraine Schwartz earrings / Lorraine Schwartz + Ofira jewelry / Christian Louboutin boots. The appearance of this lewk in the Top 10 surprised me too but I guess that’s the power of a pair of thigh high boots and green earrings. I would go so far as to argue this is also her best appearance at the MTV VMAs. The chunky rings play in to the colours of the blazer and the overall proportions of the short blazer meeting the thigh high boots is fun and sexy and perfect for the award show at hand.

What do you think of my Top 10 awards, TSSers?

Taylor Swift Style Turns Ten 10×10: Introduction

In celebration of Taylor Swift Style turning 10 years old today — October 13, 2021 — I’ve undertaken the monumental soul search of going through the Taylor archives and selecting my top ten favourite moments from the following categories.

Awards, Events, Photoshoots, and Candids.*

As you can imagine, this was an incredibly difficult task.** But it’s all in celebration of ten amazing, heart-fulfilling years of documenting Taylor’s changing fashion. (My ‘favourites’ list is also one of the most commonly requested series/questions that I receive so consider this a two-birds-one-stone kind of deal).

To that end, I wanted to express to each and every one of you – regardless of when you came into the TSS fold – that I’m grateful you’re here and humbled by your kind support. TSS has meant so much to me over the last decade and it truly has changed and shaped my life.

Over the course of running this blog I: Graduated from university, moved into my first apartment, adopted a cat, and bought my first home. And through it all, this beautiful corner of the internet and my love of Taylor, Taylor’s music, and Taylor’s fashun have been a pillar of my life and connected me to so many people who feel the same way about those things.

So thank you all.

I hope you enjoy this list that I spent so much time walking down memory lane to create. And if you don’t enjoy it or your favourite isn’t there don’t @ me.*** It was a beautiful full circle moment for me to go back to some of these moments and even recall where I was when I created these posts and wrote my original commentary. I also took it as an excellent opportunity to look at outfits I’ve stared at many times over the last 10 years to try and gaze at them with fresh and more objective eyes.

And here’s to many another ten (or more)!

Warmly,
Sarah

Notes

*There are many stylish moments that fall between the cracks of these parameters, including things like interview appearances, performances, and fan meet and greets. But I only have so much time and ‘kill your darlings’ chutzpah to get through these categories. To further help, some definitions:

Award – A red carpet event where awards are handed out.

Event – A red carpet event that is not an award show.

Photoshoots – Professionally taken images featuring multiple looks for a spread in a publication (e.g. magazine, news outlet, album).

Candid – A street style event not taken en route to another scheduled appearance.

**Selecting only ten moments for each of these categories was a lesson in being ruthless. In order to be as ~scientific~ about it as possible, every single moment was chosen because of the following criteria:

1. I like it

2. There is not one single thing I would change about it. Including: Hair, makeup, accessories (Namely: Jewelry, bags, shoes).

3. It feels *special* in some way and has something charming, noteworthy, and iconic to it.

Please note there were many (many!) ((many!!)) (((many!!!))) outfits that were cut in order to make way for these Top 10. Once again: Perfection – IN MY EYES – was the name of the game. In order to be included, I had to feel that I wouldn’t change a thing. NOT ONE.

***Seriously, don’t come for me. Some of this hurt me as much as it probably hurts you. I tried, okay.