Romeo shirt on her Fearless (Taylor's Version) album cover
On the cover of her re-recorded Fearless album, Taylor Swift wore a shirt that's pretty similar to the one 'Romeo' wore in her original Love Story music video. This choice sparked a lot of fan speculation. Was it her way of saying how much she's grown?
She herself has discussed how she's become stronger and more independent over the years. It seems like she's sending a message: she's no longer the damsel in distress but her own hero. It's like her telling the world she doesn't need a Romeo anymore – she's her own Romeo.
Her 2022 VMAs dress
When Taylor Swift showed up at the 2022 VMAs in an Oscar de la Renta dress that mirrored the one she wore at the 2009 VMAs, it sparked a fan frenzy. The awards night marked 13 years since the infamous Kanye West incident. Remember when he interrupted her award acceptance, claiming that Beyoncé should have won?
Swift's choice of dress seemed like it could have been a deliberate reference to how far she's come since then. And it's not surprising that she chose the 13 year anniversary for this moment - as 13 is well known to be a special number to her.
Her 2021 Grammy Awards dress
At the 2021 Grammy Awards, Taylor Swift chose a floral Oscar de la Renta dress, originally modelled in the Fall 2021 lookbook by Candice Swanepoel. But, Swift's version had a small twist: the addition of sunflowers. Now, Swifties know all about her history with Harry Styles, so this particular flower got minds racing...
Famously, Styles has a song named Sunflower. Considering their past relationship, this got fans wondering: was it a simply a friendly nod to Styles indicating they were on good terms, or maybe a hint of something more... a future collaboration perhaps?
Her Red Era top
Remember Swift's Instagram post captioned 'Not a lot going on at the moment' uploaded just days before she dropped a surprise album? Fast forward to her first Eras tour performance - she wore a white top featuring that phrase - but minus the 'Not'. During later performances, she mixed it up.
One top featured lyrics from We Are Never Getting Back Together, with 'never' and 'ever' highlighted in red, another one said 'Who's Taylor Swift anyway? Ew,' with the 'ew' in red. Swifties connected the dots - these red letters, when scrambled, were starting to spell out 'Speak Now Taylor's Version.' And sure enough, she released it in July!
The outfit she wore to Jack Antanoff’s wedding
At Jack Antonoff's wedding, as usual, there seemed to be more to Taylor Swift's outfit choice than just fashion. She opted for a sky blue lace corset dress, paired with aquamarine drop earrings. Now, any fan knows that this particular shade of blue is the color of her 1989 album.
This was actually the album that marked her first of a long list of collaborations with Antonoff. Seems like Swift was subtly paying tribute to both their work together and their close friendship, adding a subtle personal message to him on his big day.
Her aquamarine earrings
And about those aquamarine earrings at the wedding? They were most likely not just a random choice. Swifties think they were a hint to one of her 1989 Taylor's Version vault tracks, Sl*t! Why? Because the very first word in the lyrics is, you guessed it, aquamarine. The wedding was just months before the album's re-recording release.
Perhaps it was Swift's clever way of giving a sneak peek of what was coming. Adding to this theory, just before the release, she posted a photo featuring these very lyrics, 'Aquamarine moonlit swimming pool what if all I need is you'. Coincidence? Fans definitely don't think so.
The paper plane necklace in the Style music video
The paper airplane necklace Taylor Swift was seen holding on to in her Style music video drove Swifties into a frenzy. This was not just a random piece of jewelry - it turns out that same necklace was a staple of Harry Styles' wardrobe back then, and Swift was spotted wearing it when they were together.
There are a few songs in her discography that fans have speculated are to do with Styles, but with pretty clear easter eggs like this one, this song does seem the most obvious. Oh, and let’s not forget the title of the song itself -Style.
The jeans she wore after the Joe Alwyn break-up rumors
Following the initial rumors about her relationship with Joe Alwyn coming to an end, Swift made a statement without even saying a word. During her first public appearance since the rumours surfaced, she stepped out in jeans adorned with a butterfly.
This might seem random, but any good Swiftie will remember that back in an interview in 2019, she told Entertainment Weekly that butterflies symbolize leaving darkness for her, so this fashion choice was perhaps her way of symbolizing a fresh start and stepping out of any darkness.
The top she paired with the butterfly jeans
And what about the shirt Swift was wearing that day? She wore a black off-the-shoulder top that fans believed was reminiscent of Princess Diana's famous 'revenge dress.' Like just about everything Swift does, her fans looked for clues and connections.
The 'revenge' dress has long been seen as a signal of Diana's strength and independence. So, could it have been another way of Swift showing her feelings about the breakup? And the fact that she paired it with butterfly jeans does seem to point in that direction!
Her Rachel Green inspired outfit
Swift recently stepped out in an outfit that not only looked like it was taken right out of Rachel Green's closet from Friends, it was almost identical to an outfit she wore on the show. A coincidence? Likely not.
Swift's a self-confessed major Friends fan, so this could be her drawing inspiration from the show. On top of this, this outfit appeared just after the sad news about Matthew Perry, who played Chandler. It could have been Swift's way of paying a subtle, yet sweet tribute to the actor.
All of her snake accessories
In her Reputation era, Taylor Swift often made bold statements with her fashion choices, but especially with all the snake accessories. It was her way of clapping back at the haters, especially after the whole mess with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian.
During this drama, Swift was branded a snake online following a now-discredited clip from a call between them. By wearing snake-themed clothes and accessories, she was turning the insult on its head. Maybe it was her way of saying to the world that she wouldn't be brought down or silenced.
The dress she wore to the 2019 Time 100 Gala
At the 2019 Time 100 Gala, Taylor Swift wowed everyone in a dress full of pastel colors and butterflies. This outfit was a big change from her darker Reputation phase to the brighter Lover era. The butterflies on her dress were like a sign of change and new beginnings.
Remember when she said butterflies symbolize leaving darkness for her? This was a big switch from her earlier dark fashion - it was like she was telling everyone she was ready for a new chapter in her music and in her life.
Her 2020 AMA acceptance speech hair
Remember Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the 2020 American Music Awards? In the clip, she had her hair braided and notably, she was facing away from the camera at the very start. A pretty strange way to start a speech for anyone else - but not for Taylor.
It turns out this was a subtle teaser for her surprise Evermore album. Less than a month after the award, she released the album. And the cover art? It's Taylor, with her hair braided, turning her back to the camera.
Her 2014 Billboard Women in Music dress
At the 2014 Billboard Women in Music event, Taylor Swift's outfit was another Oscar de la Renta dress, this time, it was one that was split into black and white halves. This choice wasn't just about style - it seemed to say something about the shift in her music.
After all, this was around time her music was moving from country to more of a pop style. The black and white colors represented these two sides, perhaps saying that she could do both. To fans, it was a subtle but clear message about her growth and the changes in her music.
The outfit she wore to a Chiefs game
Taylor Swift showing up at a Chiefs game in a red crewneck with the team's logo was definitely more than a simple outfit choice - as we know 'all too well' by now. The internet was already buzzing with rumors that she was dating the Chiefs' Travis Kelce.
By wearing the red jumper showcasing the team's logo, it seemed like Swift's way of subtly confirming all the speculation - without saying anything directly. And guess what? In the days that followed, she and Kelce were seen out together, hand in hand, solidly confirming their new relationship.
Her '87' friendship bracelet
In that very same outfit, Taylor accessorized with a bracelet with '87' spelled out in beads – the exact number Travis Kelce wears on the football field. Remember how Kelce joked on his podcast about trying to ask Swift out?
Kelce had planned to participate in the friendship bracelet exchange, a tradition among Swift's fans, hoping to give one to Swift with his number on it. Looks like Swift was playfully referencing that story with her bracelet. The new couple have definitely come a long way since then!
The catsuit she wore in the End Game music video
In her End Game music video, Taylor Swift made a statement by wearing a snakeskin bodysuit that closely resembled one worn by makeup artist and vlogger Jeffree Star in a September 2017 Twitter post, where he appeared to throw shade at Swift by stating he was 'wearing Taylor Swift's skin'.
His tweet seemed to be a direct reference to that snake narrative we mentioned earlier. It's another way of Swift making a statement – taking something meant to mock her and owning it, completely. Classic Swift – unapologetic and always one step ahead.
Her dress in the Out of the Woods music video
Remember when Taylor Swift was famously spotted looking sad in a blue dress on a boat after her breakup with Harry Styles? In the Out of the Woods music video, she wears a blue dress that's very similar. Fans quickly speculated that this was her way of hinting the song was about their relationship.
Oh, and to further fuel these speculations? In the recently released 1989 re-record, the new vault track Is It Over Now?, believed to also be about Styles, features the lyrics 'Blue dress / On a boat'. Seems like her fans were spot on!
Her nails in the Spotify vertical for Delicate
The Lover album was released in August 2019, but Swift, being Swift, was already dropping hints way back in May 2018. How? Well, in the Spotify vertical video for Delicate, Swift painted her nails in pastel colors, which matched the album's vibe.
Swift openly admitted to Entertainment Weekly that this was part of her Easter egg strategy. This move is classic Taylor – she's all about the cryptic clues, and keeping her fans guessing. She said it herself: "I've trained them to be that way. I love that they like the cryptic hint-dropping."
Her hairstyle at the 2022 AMAs
At the 2022 American Music Awards, Taylor Swift turned heads with a hairstyle that was a clear throwback to her Speak Now era. She wore her hair in long curls, a style very similar to the one she often wore during that period.
It had been a long time since she had last been seen her with her hair styled in that way. Some might have chalked it up with just a style choice, but with Swift, it's always more than that. This appearance happened in November 2022, and lo and behold, July 2023 saw the release of Speak Now (Taylor's Version).
The charms she wore from Phoebe Bridgers' collection
During a performance on her Eras Tour back in May, fans noticed Taylor Swift was wearing a necklace that contained two charms from Phoebe Bridgers' Catbird collection. Considering Swift's love for using her outfits to communicate messages, this choice was likely more than just a fashion decision
Fans saw it as a sweet tribute to Bridgers, who not only opened for Swift that night but also performed with her. Bridgers' has often shared her admiration for Swift, and has often credited her in interviews as a source of inspiration.
The necklace she wore from Dua Lipa’s Versace collection
On that same night, during the Lover Era, keen eyed fans spotted that Swift was wearing a necklace from Dua Lipa's recent Versace collaboration. As we know, she doesn't often randomly select her outfits, so fans were quick to start speculating. Was it a subtle hint at a potential future collaboration with Dua Lipa?
Or perhaps it was a signal of appreciation for their friendship? Given their past history of an argument and reconciliation back in 2016, Swift's choice of this particular necklace seems to symbolize the mutual respect that now define their relationship.
Her Reputation Era outfit consistency
While Taylor Swift loves to mix up her outfits for each of her Eras Tour shows, sometimes using color schemes to hint at upcoming album releases, there's one notable exception: her outfit for the Reputation Era. This one consistently stays the same.
Why? Fans have guessed that it could be a statement about how she felt during that time - how she felt constantly perceived by the public as a 'snake' (particularly following her infamous row with Kim Kardashian), and that she never going to be able to change that narrative.
Her asymmetrical Reputation jumpsuit
On the topic of her Reputation Era outfit, have you noticed it's one of the only asymmetrical outfits she wears during the tour? In this outfit she has one leg is completely covered while the other isn’t. Could it be her telling us there are two sides to every story?
One side is what everyone sees and talks about, and the other is the real her that we don't always get to see. Yes, it might sound like this theory is a bit far-fetched - but with Swift, almost every detail has a meaning.
Her glasses in the Karma video
In the Karma music video, Swift is seen wearing a pair of sunglasses that fans couldn't help but notice as being similar to those from her Blank Space video. The significance? Well, for Swifties, it screamed 'easter egg' about her 1989 re-record.
This made sense, especially with the rumors about its release being around the corner already buzzing. True to Swift's style, these glasses weren't just a random choice – they were probably a subtle hint that 1989 (Taylor's Version) was coming soon.
Her back tattoo in the You Need to Calm Down music video
The iconic You Need to Calm Down music video is packed with so much detail that you may not have picked up on the back tattoo moment. During the video Swift is seen with a massive tattoo on her back - depicting a snake transforming into a swarm of butterflies.
This is some pretty obvious symbolism from Swift - showing her moving on from the darker themes of her Reputation era to the lighter and more positive vibes of the Lover era. And remember, for Swift, Butterflies represent leaving darkness behind, making this tattoo a perfect way to signal this transition.
Her shirt in the Look What You Made Me Do music video
In her Look What You Made Me Do video, Taylor Swift wears a shirt that's literally a name-dropper - it's covered with the names of some of her famous friends, including Selena Gomez, Blake Lively, and Gigi Hadid. This flashback look is likely a shout-out to her friendships that have remained solid over the years.
This was pretty significant given the challenges she faced leading up to the release of this song and the Reputation album. Another thought? It could also be Swift's playful way of addressing how much attention the media pays to not just her relationships, but her friendships too.
Her Eras Tour nails
Just before the Eras Tour began, Taylor Swift shared some behind-the-scenes photos on social media. There was a carousel of pictures, and the last photo was super interesting – it showed her nails painted in different colors, each one for a different album.
There was a gold for Fearless, a teal for 1989, and a black for Reputation. It's like she's carrying a piece of each era at her fingertips - a colorful tribute to all her albums perfectly timed for the kickoff of a tour that celebrates them.
Her knee-high leather boots
In the days leading up to the release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version), Taylor Swift gave us some serious clues with her style choices. She was seen more often, wearing things that took us back to her 1989 days. She seemed to be loving knee-high boots and vintage-looking handbags.
But the biggest hint came when she stepped out in her & Other Stories brown leather knee-high boots – the same ones she used to love but hadn't been spotted in since 2015. Why is 2015 significant? Well, it marked the peak of the original 1989 era.
Her blue Eras Tour outfits
On August 9, at her Los Angeles Eras Tour performance, Taylor Swift gave a super clear message through her outfit choices. She wore multiple blue outfits that night. These included a pastel blue dress with long, flowing sleeves from Alberta Ferretti, and a sparkly blue crop top and skirt combo from Roberto Cavalli.
Given that the color scheme for her 1989 album is blue, fans quickly put two and two together and guessed that all this blue was a hint at her announcing the release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version). And they were spot on - as the album's release date was announced that very night.
Her Eras Tour movie premiere outfit
For the premiere night of the Eras Tour movie, just two weeks before '1989 Taylor’s Version' dropped, Taylor Swift showed up in a baby blue Oscar de la Renta (yes, again!) dress. And that blue most likely wasn’t just because she liked it – it was likely a reference to the blue 1989 color scheme.
It was like she was giving us another reminder that the release was coming up, and her makeup all but confirmed it. She went with blue eyeshadow with that classic bold red lip of hers. She was definitely giving off major 1989 era vibes.
Her hairstyle at the premiere
Oh, and we can’t forget the hairstyle Swift went for that night. She surprised fans with a tucked and pinned hairstyle, which looked like she’d cut it into a short bob - hairstyle choice that took fans back to 2015.
This was when she first debuted a shoulder-length bob to mark the beginning of her 1989 era. This resemblance was again not coincidence - it tied the whole look together making it an undeniable nod to 1989. It’s classic Swift - sending messages through every detail.
Her 2022 VMAs dress
Now, we’ve already discussed Swift’s 2022 VMAs dress, but guess what? There’s more! The sparkling dress was also an Easter egg for Midnights, specifically hinting at the song Bejeweled. And pair this with it’s the fact that the dress also served as a throwback to that infamous Kanye West moment from 13 years back.
Fans were quick to point out that Bejeweled is all about shining through the tough times, just like Swift has done since then. She’s a pro at weaving past and present together, and this dress was no exception.
Her purple Eras Tour dress
Do you remember the purple Alberta Ferretti maxi dress that Swift wore on one of her earlier Eras Tour performances? Fans on TikTok were quick to spot that it could be a Speak Now easter egg, matching the album’s purple vibe.
And get this: while singing Invisible String, Swift seemed to intentionally play with her dress’s skirt right at the line ‘were there clues I didn’t see’. Talk about being on the nose! Sure enough, a few months later, Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) drops.
That Midnights garter
During the Midnights part of her tour, Taylor Swift made a bold statement with a garter. You might be wondering, what’s the relevance of a garter? Well, it’s not just for style - it's full of meaning. Garters tend to represent empowerment, body positivity, and sensuality.
It was the perfect fit for her performance of Vigilante S***, where she was all confidence, dancing on a chair. Considering Swift's past struggles with body image, wearing that garter might be her way of telling us about her journey to self-acceptance and empowerment.
Her Kansas City Chiefs jacket
At one of Travis Kelce’s games, Swift turned up in an oversized Kansas City Chiefs jacket. But this wasn’t just any jacket - it was from Wear by Erin Andrews, worn slightly off the shoulder as a nod to Andrews’ style.
Remember, Andrews was actually the one who publicly encouraged Swift to consider dating Kelce. Her appearance in the jacket was more than just support for Kelce - it was like a nod to Andrews, acknowledging her role in her new relationship.
Her 2023 VMA’s dress
At the 2023 VMAs, fans noticed that Taylor Swift’s look was giving major Reputation vibes. She marched onto the red carpet in a bold, black Versace dress with a daring slit, paired with a mix of silver and gold necklaces. It was like a throwback to the bold and assertive energy of her Reputation album.
Could it be a sign that Reputation (Taylor’s Version) is coming up next? She was completely embodying that bold, unapologetic phase of her career - and it wasn’t just in her outfit choice. Have you seen those viral TikTok videos of her just unapologetically having the time of her life at the event?
Her 2021 Brit Awards look
At the 2021 Brit Awards, Taylor Swift looked like she’d come straight out of a time machine from 2012 – we're talking the long hair, bangs, and classic red lips. This was just a month after the Fearless (Taylor’s Version) release, and it looked like she was already stepping out of that era.
She seemingly was starting to hint at her next re-recording being Red. Fans had been trying to guess which re-record would come after Fearless, and this seemed like a huge clue. And guess what? They nailed it, because Red (Taylor’s Version) was next up!
Her look in the Long Story Short Spotify video
In a brief Spotify video for Evermore’s Long Story Short, Swift gave fans more than just a song preview. She was seen wearing a coat and cap. Sound familiar? It later became her iconic album cover look for Red (Taylor’s Version).
Before anyone knew it, the Red re-recording was announced, and fans were quick to connect the dots. It was Swift’s way of giving a sneak peek into her next big project, continuing her famous legacy of sending messages through her looks.
The ‘I <3 T.S’ shirts
Remember when Tom Hiddleston famously wore a white ‘I <3 T.S’ shirt at Swift’s Fourth of July party? Well, she actually referenced this moment in her Look What You Made Me Do video - where all eight backup dancers wore black versions of that same shirt.
Fans speculated that each dancer represented one of her famous exes: Joe Jonas, Taylor Lautner, John Mayer, Jake Gyllenhaal, Conor Kennedy, Harry Styles, Calvin Harris, and, of course, Tom Hiddleston himself. Was it Swifts way of cheekily acknowledging her past relationships?