1989 (TAYLOR’S VERSION): SWIFT SEAMLESSLY BRINGS HER EARLY 2010s STYLE TO 2023

BY DISHA HOQUE ILLUSTRATION BY KIM LANGHIRT

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“1989,” originally released in 2014, is being re-lived by Swifties and pop fans around the globe with the release of “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” on Oct. 27. The album’s fast-paced, dance-able, and sing-along lyrics are easy to fall in love with, and the addition of five new tracks “From the Vault,” “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” allows fans to experience the excitement and anticipation of the original release all over again. 

This album sprouted the “Princess of Pop” title for the international superstar, who had the highest grossing tour of 2015, “The 1989 World Tour.” The tour featured sparkly, flashy, and colorful outfits— it wasn’t uncommon for Swift to be sporting LED light lit dresses and skirts. The tour looks and Swift’s streetwear between 2014 and 2015 (dubbed her “‘1989’ era” by fans) portray the epitome of trends and aesthetics of the early 2010s. Looking back at this era, many fans and observers alike can remember Swift’s Tumblr activity, cat memes, and frequent posts with her girl gang.

With the release of “1989 (Taylor’s Version),” it is unlikely Swift will completely revert back to her 2014 street style of skater skirts, knee-length boots, and crop tops. However, it wouldn’t be the start of a new “1989” era without bringing in aspects of her iconic style during this time.

Although Swift may have ditched the high-waisted skater skirts and “Bleachella” look, she still maintains pinnacle points of her 2015 style. With her “red lip classic” makeup look and bangs (no longer side-swept), Swift is bringing a more elevated and sophisticated element to what was formerly her “1989” style. 

Swift hasn’t completely ditched the mini-skirt and sweater combo, but instead elevates the look through experimenting with different hemlines and silhouettes. This can be seen as she sports a floral mesh top with a low-waisted leather skirt on her way to dinner with alleged boyfriend Travis Kelce. For this new era, Swift is also trading out her long socks and boots for a daintier combat boot to finish off her look.

The music artist can also be seen wearing more business casual street outfits, spinning the fun and flirty original “1989” era to fit her more developed identity almost a decade later. By maintaining the clean cuts and necklines known to belong to “1989” with black boatneck tops and t-shirts, she now pairs these basics with trousers and heels to create a sleek and put-together look. 

Swift’s closet isn’t the only thing that has evolved in the past decade. Since 2014, her musical talent has also grown out her hair away from the bob and clean cut bangs into a wispier, more whimsical hairdo. The long hair and bangs compliment the flowy and free nature of previous albums such as “folklore” and “evermore.”

Swift’s musical growth since the release of “1989” has been exponential, and her style has evolved with the explosion — and second explosion — of the artist’s stardom. “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” allows Swift and fans to revisit her breakout pop album and adapt elements from the time to current day. With clean, timeless, and sleek outfits, Swift seamlessly brings her original “1989” era to 2023 and proves that she truly never goes out of style.