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See the evolution of Taylor Swift’s style throughout the years.
Taylor Swift at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards held at Prudential Center on August 28, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. Bryan Bedder for Variety
As Taylor Swift enters countless new eras, not only does her music evolve, but her fashion follows suit.
From her self-titled debut album in 2006 to 2022’s Midnights — not to mention her ongoing quest to re-record her first six albums and regain control of her early master recordings — Swift has grown up in the spotlight with the world watching her style grow and change. She emerged as an artist with blond, curly hair and cowboy boots, eventually maturing into red-carpet gowns and high heels. Some of her most iconic styles throughout the years include a black fedora, her trademark bangs and, of course, that red-lip-classic thing that we like.
One trend has noticeably stuck with her through the years: sparkles. Whether it’s a sequin flapper dress, knee-high crystal boots or a bejeweled bodysuit, Swift continues to “make the whole place shimmer” with her looks.
During her Eras Tour, Swifties have been able to reminisce about how her fashion has evolved with every song — with a total of 16 outfit changes drawn from the past two decades of her career. As she seamlessly transitions from one era to the next, fans are able to relive each album through her outfits. Every outfit pairs perfectly with each song, from the color to the accessories.
Swift continues to integrate and upgrade her classic fashion pieces into her current style. One can’t help but wonder what flashy statements she’ll make in the future. Keep reading for a trip down memory lane of Taylor’s style evolution to what it looks like today.
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2006 ACM Awards
Image Credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage Taylor Swift released her debut single, “Tim McGraw,” in 2006, and it peaked at No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. At the 41st annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Swift wears an informal halter dress with copper cowboy boots. Looking young and casual, Swift enters the limelight as a country darling.
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2006 CMA Awards
Image Credit: Getty Images Swift vamps up her look with a black velvet gown and gloves, paired with perfectly curled ringlets.
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2007 CMT Music Awards
Image Credit: Evan Agostini/Getty Images Swift shifts from a red-carpet vamp to an aquatic princess in seafoam satin. She holds her breakthrough video of the year prize for “Tim McGraw.”
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2007 Concert
Image Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images This layered teal dress is sweetly reflective of Swift’s age (16), mixing a flouncy dress with personalized cowboy boots.
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2008 Grammys
Image Credit: Getty Images In her first of many Grammys, Swift looks like a bouquet of violets. She was nominated for best new artist and lost to Amy Winehouse.
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2008 Met Gala
Image Credit: Getty Images Looking more grown-up and conscious of her clothing, Swift arrives at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala wearing a golden chain-link gradient gown.
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2008 Late-Night Interview
Image Credit: Getty Images This peacock pallet skirt by French Connection works well with a black turtleneck for Swift’s youthful winter look outside The Late Show With David Letterman.
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2008 CMA Awards
Image Credit: Getty Images Swift combines her satin princess style with a plum color palette for her CMA Awards performance, making her look a bit like an opera star. She was nominated for female vocalist of the year and performed “Love Story” from her sophomore album ‘Fearless.’
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2009 ACM Awards
Image Credit: Getty Images Swift looks beautiful in red. This geometric gown combined with red lips and white clutch is a perfect choice.
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2009 Street Style
Image Credit: Getty Images Looking adorable for spring, Swift pairs a light sweater with a pleated skirt in New York City.
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2009 Country Thunder USA
Image Credit: Getty Images Bringing her bling to the stage, Swift wears a beaded flapper dress with tall black boots during the 17th annual Country Thunder USA music festival.
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2009 MTV VMAs
Image Credit: Getty Images At the epic awards show (yes, this is the year she was interrupted by Kanye West), Swift opts once again for a Kaufman Franco sparkling gown. A constellation meets a toga in this one-shouldered number. She famously won best female video that night for “You Belong With Me.”
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2010 Grammys
Image Credit: Dan MacMedan/WireImage Swift wears a mature, off-the-shoulder Kaufman Franco dress with an interesting off-the-shoulder, peephole neckline. This night marked her first album of the year win, for ‘Fearless,’ which also won best country album.
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2010 MTV VMAs
Image Credit: Getty Images Swift strips down during a performance of her song “Mean.” Taking off her jewels and shoes, Swift wears a cream, gauzy dress during the performance. “Fifteen” was nominated for best female video.
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2010 Cavalli Red Carpet
Image Credit: Getty Images Wearing Roberto Cavalli at the designer’s 40th anniversary party, Swift plays with a sexier look than we had seen in the past. A tighter and shorter LBD works well with bright red lips and strappy heels.
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2010 CMA Awards
Image Credit: Getty Images In her most glamorous look yet, Swift arrives in Nashville wearing a bright red, floor-length gown with a sweetheart neckline and sexy thigh-high slit. She let the dress shine with simple strappy heels, nude makeup and a basic updo. She was nominated for female vocalist of the year at the show.
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2011 Vanity Fair Oscars Party
Image Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty Images Swift shows off a lot of skin in her strapless gold minidress and dives headfirst into the golden theme — pairing her blond curls with gold jewelry, a bejeweled golden dress and even gold accessories.
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2011 Met Gala
Image Credit: Getty Images Taylor Swift wore J. Mendel couture honoring Alexander McQueen at the Met Costume Institute Gala. The gown’s nude bodice is accented with black lace and a subtle, layered mermaid skirt that trails behind the pop star.
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2011 Speak Now Tour
Image Credit: Getty Images The country star takes a cue from the roaring ’20s in her flapper-inspired costume. The beaded fringe of Swift’s dress fades in an ombre style from bronze to gold, falling just above her black leather boots.
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2011 Teen Choice Awards
Image Credit: Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic Swift channels Marilyn Monroe in a white halter dress with a full A-line skirt, blinged-out belt and long blonde ponytail. Swift won six of the seven awards she up for that night, including choice female artist.
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2011 Nashville Symphony Ball
Image Credit: Getty Images Swift is princess-like at in a white-and-blue dress with a printed bodice and long taffeta skirt. Is it just us or does she look like she’s floating?
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2012 Sundance Film Festival
Image Credit: Getty Images Swift kept it casual at Sundance’s Ethel premiere, bundling up but still looking stylish in an oversize off-white coat, brown winter hat and multi-textured boots.
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2012 Grammys
Image Credit: Getty Images Swift continued to rock her signature golden goddess look, this time with a bit of modern edge in her elaborate Zuhair Murad gown. The country star accessorized the look with Prada shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewels. Swift took home two of the three trophies she was up for that night: best country solo performance and best country song for “Mean.”
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2012 Billboard Music Awards
Image Credit: Getty Images Once known for her blond curls, Swift’s ‘do is bone-straight and paired with a lacy red gown with trailing skirt and dark manicure. Swift was honored as Billboard’s Woman of the Year at the night’s ceremony and was a two-time finalist.
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2012 MTV VMAs
Image Credit: Getty Images Swift rocked two very different looks — first walking the carpet in a sleek white suit and statement heels, then taking the stage to perform “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” in a red-and-white top, black shorts and red kicks.
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2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival
Image Credit: Getty Images Swift performed in a sequined nude shirt, high-waisted and glittering black shorts, and a fun bowler hat.
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2013 Golden Globes
Image Credit: Jeff Vespa/WireImage On the red carpet, Swift looked both sophisticated and stunning in a backless plum Donna Karan fishtail gown with strategically placed sheer strips on her hips. The singer/songwriter looked ravishing in this risqué piece with her hair swept back. Swift was nominated for her first Golden Globe that night: best original song – motion picture for “Safe & Sound,” featuring The Civil Wars, from ‘The Hunger Games.’
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2013 Grammys
Image Credit: Getty Images Swift wears head-to-toe white for her 2013 Grammys performance, channeling her best marching-band chic. She took home one of the three prizes she was nominated for that night: best song written for visual media, for “Safe & Sound.”
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2013 Billboard Music Awards
Image Credit: startraksphoto.com Back to her glittery red-carpet style, Swift matches the event’s blue carpet in a Zuhair Murad minidress. Swift was a 12-time finalist that night and took home seven prizes, including top artist.
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2013 American Music Awards
Image Credit: Frazer Harrison/AMA2013/FilmMagic Not one to stray too far from a sequined minidress and stilettos, Swift rocks her trademark look. Swift won four of the five awards she was up for that night, including artist of the year.
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2013 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Image Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images On the VS runway, Taylor blended right in with the models. Sporting (another) glittering minidress, the 5’10” singer strutted up and down the catwalk with new best friend Karlie Kloss like she, too, was one of the Victoria’s Secret Angels.
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2014 ACM Awards
Image Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images This seems to be the year Taylor let go of all the glitter and sequins and started to embrace the crop top. At the 2014 Academy of Country Music Awards, Taylor opted for a trendy black and white two-piece look from J. Mendel. Swift left with one of five prizes she was up for that night: video of the year for Tim McGraw’s “Highway Don’t Care,” also featuring Keith Urban.
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2014 Street Style
Image Credit: Raymond Hall/GC Images When Taylor moved to New York, we started getting a peek at what the singer wears every day — not just on the red carpet. Taylor styled a basic striped top and colored jeans perfectly for this outing.
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2014 Met Gala
Image Credit: Timothy A Cleary/AFP/Getty Images Making a grand entrance on the steps of the Met, Swift wore a soft peach Oscar de la Renta gown for the grand event.
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2014 Street Style
Image Credit: Splash News Swift continues her run as a street style icon. So effortless, so cool and so trendy in every single crop top as she leaves the gym, gets coffee with supermodels, or just pops into a bookstore looking 10 times better than anyone around her.
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2014 MTV VMAs
Image Credit: Steve Granitz/Getty Images Taylor ditches the crop tops she wore all summer for a legless Mary Katrantzou jumpsuit. Swift made her pop debut at the show, performing ‘1989’ lead single “Shake It Off.”
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2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Image Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage At the Victoria’s Secret fashion show, Taylor Swift stunned in a lace, lingerie-inspired two piece.
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2015 Grammys
Image Credit: Dan MacMedan/WireImage This Elie Saab gown is ultra-ladylike while still staying sexy. “Shake It Off” scored three nominations that night, but Swift went home empty-handed.
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2015 Billboard Music Awards
Image Credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic At the BBMAs (where Taylor and then-boyfriend Calvin Harris first stepped out), the full-fledged pop singer sported a flared white, low-cut jumpsuit with sexy side cutouts and a brand-new bob. Swift was a 14-time finalist at the show and once again took home top artist as one of her eight wins.
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2015 1989 Tour
Image Credit: Christopher Polk/TAS/Getty Images for TAS Taylor and Selena Gomez, the two best friends anyone could ask for, were dressed perfectly in tandem.
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2015 MTV VMAs
Image Credit: Lester Cohen/WireImage Taylor’s known for sequins and two-pieces, so why not combine them for the best VMAs outfit ever? This was a classic, especially since she threw some shade at longtime frenemy Kanye West that night. She was nominated for 10 awards that night and won four, including video of the year for “Bad Blood.”
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2016 Grammys
Image Credit: Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty Images Stepping out in an Atelier Versace coral-and-fuchsia two-piece harkened back to the singer’s ballgown days, except with a sexy twist: The skirt piece opened to reveal a matching, leotard-style bottom. Swift was a seven-time nominee that night, and left with three prizes — including her second album of the year win, for ‘1989.’ Swift made history, too, becoming the first woman to win album of the year twice as a lead artist.
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2016 Met Gala
Image Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images Taylor arrives fresh off Coachella still rocking her now-famous #Bleachella hair, adding to the drama in a pseudo-samurai-meets-moto-chick number with high, wrap suede heels to boot.
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2017 Super Saturday Night
Image Credit: John Salangsang/Invision/AP Taylor kept it classy for her pre-Super Bowl performance in an all-black beaded and shimmy-worthy ensemble paired with glitter booties.
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2017 ‘Reputation’ Album Cover
Image Credit: Mert & Marcus After days of suspicious snake emojis on her newly-reactivated Instagram, Swift finally reveals that her new album, Reputation, is set for release. Swift boasts a slightly edgier, angstier look, wearing a Pinko distressed sweater and dark lips reminiscent of her friend Lorde.
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2017 Reputation Tour
Image Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic During her Reputation era, Swift shows she’s not to be messed with. She shimmers onstage in her sequined snakeskin top, black shorts and black Christian Louboutin leather boots.
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2018 Billboard Music Awards
Image Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Swift’s embellished blush-colored gown designed by Atelier Versace is sophisticated yet sexy with her leg slit. The bold look gets a delicate touch with the feather detailing on the sleeve and bodice, as well as the cape that drapes to the red carpet alongside her gold Casadei heels. Swift went home with two of five prizes she was up for: top female artist and top selling album for ‘Reputation.’
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2018 Reputation Tour
Image Credit: Gareth Cattermole/TAS18/Getty Images for TAS Of all the sequined outfits Swift donned during her Reputation Stadium Tour, this one-shoulder black unitard paired with knee-high lace-up boots ultimately steals the show.
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2018 Reputation Tour
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/TAS18/Getty Images for TAS All that glitters doesn’t have to be just gold for the pop star: It comes in all colors as seen in her rainbow fringe minidress that gave her the best flexibility to “Shake It Off” while she performed her hit.
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2018 Reputation Tour
Image Credit: Jason Kempin/TAS18/Getty Images for TAS This look from the Reputation Stadium Tour lacks sequins but still shimmers with gold embellished sleeves, sides and train of her collared, long-sleeve dresses, which also shows off her leg in a signature slit.
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2018 American Music Awards
Image Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage The then-28-year-old artist turned herself into a human disco ball with the help of Balmain for the 2018 AMAs, and the matching thigh-high boots are music to our ears. Swift went four-for-four that night, including a win for artist of the year.
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2019 Red Carpet
Image Credit: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage Her sheer Versace black dress softly drapes over her shoulders while showing off plenty of leg. Some of fans’ most highlighted details from this outfit include its mermaid-like scales and her earrings with seven diamonds, which fans theorized was hinting at her seventh studio album (Lover).
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2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards
Image Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Swift didn’t ditch sequins in 2019, as seen in her Rosa Bloom iridescent romper. Her ensemble continued to give butterfly vibes with her Sophia Webster two-strap stilettos with butterfly wings perched at her heel. Swift won two of three awards she was nominated for that night: tour of the year and best music video for “Delicate.”
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2019 Time 100 Gala
Image Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for TIME Swift turns into a vision with her pastel pink and yellow, hand-pleated gown with a billowing detachable bolero custom designed by J. Mendel along with the pop star herself. She pulled from the color palette featured in Mendel’s spring collection to create the ethereal goddess look that worked for both the red carpet and her acoustic performance that evening.
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2019 Billboard Music Awards
Image Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images It wouldn’t be a Swift BBMAs red carpet look without Casadei heels (see: 2018), but this time around she wears them with a long-sleeved pastel purple minidress by Raisa & Vanessa with impeccable pleating and lace details. Swift was a two-time finalist and opened the show with ‘Lover’ lead single “ME!” alongside Panic! at the Disco’s Brendon Urie at the show.
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2019 iHeartRadio Wango Tango
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartMedia Swift comes back in rainbow fashion with a fringe jacket and lace-up high-waisted shorts and high-top sneakers to match as she shows off her support for the LGBTQ+ community during her Wango Tango performance.
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2019 MTV VMAs
Image Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Bold colors, prints and, of course, sequins come to play for Swift’s Versace blazer dress that she wore with embellished thigh-high black Christian Louboutin boots. Swift was a 12-time nominee that night and took home two prizes — including the top honor, video of the year, for “You Need to Calm Down.”
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2019 American Music Awards
Image Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for dcp No more pastels but still all the sparkle. Before the five-time winner hit the stage to collect her artist of the decade honor and perform a medley of her hits, Swift dazzled in a darkly glam look on the red carpet. She wore an olive-green, asymmetrical strappy dress custom designed by Julien Macdonald with black, thigh-high boots.
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2019 ‘Cats’ Premiere
Image Credit: Steven Ferdman/Getty Images For her Cats New York City movie premiere, Swift stepped out in a silky red floral floor-length Oscar de la Renta gown that had 3-D blossoms springing out of her bodice and skirt.
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2020 Golden Globe Awards
Image Credit: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage Swift’s first red-carpet look of 2020 makes it feel like spring has sprung. The blue Etro gown features a cutout bodice and blossoming yellow floral pattern. Swift was nominated for best original song – motion picture for “Beautiful Ghosts” from ‘Cats.’
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2020 Sundance Film Festival
Image Credit: George Pimentel/GI Taylor Swift brought her boss energy with a plaid jumpsuit and matching longline coat to the “Miss Americana” Premiere at Eccles Center Theatre on January 23, 2020, in Park City, Utah.
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2020 NME Awards
Image Credit: Dave J Hogan/GI Black and white with a red lip never goes out of style. Swift took home the best solo act in the world prize at the NME Awards in February 2020.
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2020 Grand Ole Opry
Image Credit: TASRIGHTSMANAGEMENT2020/GI At the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Swift harkened back to her country music days with a sequined top.
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2021 Grammys
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/GI Taylor Swift was fully in bloom at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, rocking an Oscar de la Renta floral minidress. It was a big night for Taylor, who was a six-time nominee and took home album of the year for a third time, this time for ‘Folklore.’ She became the first woman — and just the fourth artist overall — to win album of the year three times.
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2021 Brit Awards
Image Credit: JMEnternational for BRIT Awards/ Taylor Swift accepted the global icon prize at the 2021 Brit Awards in an angelic two-piece set.
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2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Image Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/GI Taylor Swift’s lace catsuit is making us want to see her take on the role of Catwoman in the future. Swift inducted Carole King into the Rock Hall and performed the singer/songwriter’s “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”
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2021 ‘All Too Well’ Premiere
Image Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/GI For the “All Too Well” New York Premiere, Swift opted for a sleek, burgundy velvet suit.
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2022 MTV VMAs
Image Credit: Bryan Bedder for Variety At the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, Swift shined bright in a sheer, crystal Oscar de la Renta dress and matching shoes. Swift went three-for-five that night, including a win for video of the year for ‘All Too Well: The Short Film.’
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2022 MTV EMAs
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage Taylor rocks a simple black bodysuit with chainmail skirt by David Koma at the 2022 MTV Europe Music Awards held at PSD Bank Dome on Nov. 13, 2022, in Duesseldorf, Germany. In true Taylor fashion she continues to wear sparkles, as her skirt is detailed in green jewels. Swift took home four awards that night: best artist, as well as best video, best pop and best longform video for “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version).”
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2023 Grammys
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images On the 65th annual Grammy Awards red carpet, Swift steps out in two of her signature style elements: sequins and two-pieces. With a mock neck and long sleeves for the top, her floor-length skirt leaves a trail of dark blue. Swift took home one prize of her four nominations that night: best music video for “All Too Well: The Short Film.”
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2023 The Eras Tour
Image Credit: Michael Buckner for Variety During the Lover set of her Eras Tour stop on Aug. 7, 2023, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., Swift sparkles in a silver, blue and gold bejeweled bodysuit paired with matching knee-high boots.
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2023 The Eras Tour
Image Credit: Kevin Winter/TAS23/Getty Images Throughout the final night of the U.S. leg of the Eras Tour on Aug. 9, 2023, at Inglewood, Calif.’s SoFi Stadium, Swift dropped hints to fans through her blue costumes ahead of announcing ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version).’ While making the announcement during the surprise-song portion of her concert, Swift wore a ruffled high-low dress atop her bejeweled “Shake It Off” two-piece.
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