From cottagecore cardigans to Studio 54-worthy sequins.
Taylor Swift is gearing up for the release of her 10th studio album, “Midnights,” on October 21 — and while she hasn’t shared any tracks from the LP yet, fans can look to the superstar’s ever-evolving style for clues about her new sound. .
The Grammy winner has long been known for dropping cryptic clues about upcoming projects, often using her outfits to do so.
“Easter eggs can be left on clothing or jewelry,” Swift told Entertainment Weekly in 2019.
“This is one of my favorite ways to do this because you’re wearing something that’s a harbinger of something else, and people usually don’t find out right away. But they know you’re probably sending a message… they’ll find out in time.”
As always, from the moment Swift announced new music was on the way at the 2022 VMAs, she’s dressed differently. Below is a comprehensive rundown of every ‘Midnights’-era outfit she’s worn so far — and the hints they contain. (Spoiler alert: Get ready for some big 70s energy.)
Always beautiful jewelry
Swift surprised fans by appearing at the 2022 VMAs on August 28 in an unusually sultry (and extremely sparkly) ensemble choice: an Oscar de la Renta dress dripping with crystals.
Based on the “glittering beautiful” style, some Swifties speculated that she could perform her song “Mirror Ball” during the show. Others suspected she was gearing up to release a re-recorded version of her “Reputation” album; in the music video for lead single “Look What You Made Me Do”, Swift lounges in a bathtub full of diamonds.
Turns out everyone was wrong, with the superstar announcing a “brand new” album on stage instead, but waiting to share the title until – when else? – midnight.
star power
Taking her look much more literally for the Republic Records VMA’s after-party, Swift stepped out in a starry midnight blue Moschino romper that wouldn’t look out of place at Studio 54, teamed with a fuzzy white faux fur coat and shimmering Alexander McQueen platforms.
Would the singer enter her disco era?
oh-so retro
If there was any doubt as to which decade inspired ‘Midnights’, the album’s artwork makes it clear that Swift’s new era will be steeped in ’70s style (and sounds perhaps).
In the images covering the front and back of the four different editions of the LP, the musician models groovy looks ranging from a mustard-sequin romper to a ruffled bell-cuff blouse paired with baggy high-rise blues. She even trades in her signature winged liner for a sparkly blue smoky eye to match Debbie Harry.
The set design also comes straight from the 1970s; notice the wood-panelled walls, the vinyl record resting on the deep green carpet, and the touch-tone telephone. She might as well call Stevie Nicks!
Gilded Glamor
Swift had a Midas moment at her September 9 Toronto Film Festival event, dazzling audiences in a gold sequin Louis Vuitton gown that revealed her faded “Folklore” florals and “Evermore” throws in the past had left behind.
The groove continues
In a September 16 social media video, the star continued to lean hard in a 1970s color palette, pairing a chevron-knit Mother tank top ($169, originally $225) with sunny yellow corduroy pants.
Black magic
The “Blank Space” singer turned to Michael Kors — a designer known for his love of 1970s glitz and glamour — for her look for the 2022 Nashville Songwriter Awards on September 20, where she was honored as the Songwriter- Artist of the Decade.
And from the all-over sequins to the turtleneck silhouette, everything about her embellished dress was straight out of the disco decade.
strong suit
To launch her TikTok series “Midnights’ Mayhem with Me” on September 21, Swift chose a pumpkin-colored Smythe blazer ($695) that matched the aesthetic of her new album perfectly — not to mention the crushed velvet curtains. which she used as a background.
Even the vintage bingo cage she used to reveal the album’s first of 13 track names was appropriate for the era. “Master”, indeed.
flower power
Swift looked poised for a Woodstock revival in her braided pigtails, split pea-colored floral cardigan and denim cutoffs on Sept. 23.