Quick & Easy: How to Style 1989 Era Outfits Like Taylor Swift Herself

The 1989 era outfits marked a defining turning point for Taylor Swift, transforming her style identity as dramatically as her music evolved. As she embraced upbeat pop vibes and bid farewell to her country roots, her wardrobe underwent a similar metamorphosis, creating what many fashion enthusiasts consider her most recognizable and intentionally planned aesthetic period.

I think what makes Taylor Swift’s 1989 era outfits so fascinating is their perfect balance of accessibility and aspiration. While I’m certainly not suggesting we all start purchasing $2,000 T-shirts or $20,000 custom Versace bodysuits, we can capture the essence of these iconic looks with some smart styling choices.

Furthermore, for many of us, these 1989 style clothing choices connect to deeply personal memories, as Taylor’s ability to translate raw emotion into both music and fashion created an unforgettable impression during our formative years.

In this article, I’ll guide you through recreating Taylor Swift’s 1989 outfit ideas that capture the spirit of this iconic era, from her signature street style to concert-ready ensembles. Whether you’re preparing for The Eras Tour or simply want to infuse some Swift-inspired magic into your everyday wardrobe, these approachable styling tips will help you channel your inner pop sensation without breaking the bank.

Start with the 1989 Esthetic Vibe

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To truly capture the essence of taylor swift 1989 outfits, we need to understand the core esthetic elements that defined this pivotal era. Initially released in 2014, the album’s visual identity became as recognizable as its chart-topping hits, creating a signature style that fans still emulate today.

Color palette: light blue, white, metallics

The foundation of authentic 1989 era outfits begins with its distinctive color scheme. Light blue dominates this esthetic, directly inspired by the album’s Polaroid-style artwork. The Taylor’s Version re-release maintained this palette, with fans noting the specific shade (#789ac0) that became synonymous with the era. This signature blue appeared throughout her wardrobe choices—from flowing dresses to statement pieces.

White serves as the perfect complement to the blue base, creating that clean, fresh feel of the era. Additionally, metallics played a crucial role in elevating these taylor swift 1989 outfit ideas from casual to glamorous. The bright, metallic blue specifically “evokes the sleek, glittering hues of a cityscape”.

Textures: sequins, satin, and soft knits

The tactile dimension of 1989 style clothing is equally important as its color story. Sequins emerged as the defining texture, appearing on everything from bodysuits to bomber jackets. Her iconic silver bodysuit with sequined tassels and plunging neckline represented the pinnacle of this sparkly esthetic.

Beyond sequins, Taylor alternated between:

• Metallic skater skirts that caught stage lighting
• Satin elements that added sophistication
• Soft knits (especially striped sweaters) for casual moments

These textural contrasts allowed her to transition seamlessly between high-energy performances and relaxed street style, making her taylor swift outfits 1989 versatile yet distinctly recognizable.

Hair and makeup: red lips and soft waves

Completing authentic taylor swift 1989 era outfits requires attention to her signature beauty look. Most notably, her makeup featured the “red lip classic” that became her trademark. This was typically paired with black winged eyeliner and glowing skin, creating a polished yet approachable appearance.

For hair, Taylor transitioned from her previous long locks to a mid-length bob with soft waves. At times, she styled it in a faux bob for the album imagery. This choppy, wavy style complemented the modern, city-chic vibe of her wardrobe choices, adding movement and dimension to her overall aesthetic.

Concert-Ready 1989 Outfit Ideas

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Ready to dazzle at Swift’s next concert? Her 1989 era outfits shine brightest in live performances, where sequins catch the stage lights and create pure magic. Let’s explore how to capture that concert energy in your own Swift-inspired ensemble.

Eras Tour glitter sets

The Eras Tour breathed new life into taylor swift 1989 outfits with stunning two-piece sets that honor the original era while adding fresh touches. When performing fan-favorites like “Blank Space” and “Wildest Dreams,” Taylor wowed crowds in a Kelly green beaded skirt and matching crop top that instantly became iconic.

For her opening night, she dazzled in a custom Atelier Versace bodysuit covered in blue and gold rhinestones paired with silver Christian Louboutin knee-high boots. This blue sequin look perfectly connected to the signature 1989 style clothing palette while amping up the glamor for stadium-sized performances.

Many fans recreate these looks with light blue sequin sets or jumpsuits – the perfect foundation for an authentic taylor swift 1989 outfit. Buy This Outfit to capture the essence of these stage-ready ensembles without the custom price tag.

1989 World Tour glam

The original 1989 World Tour established Swift’s pop star esthetic with unforgettable statement pieces:

• Her silver bodysuit with sequined tassels and plunging neckline stands as the era’s defining look – what Marie Claire likened to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress in “The Seven Year Itch”
• Sequined bomber jackets paired with metallic skater skirts in various colors became her signature combination
• The LED light outfit that made Taylor and her dancers glow like “a Times Square billboard screen” with 35,000 synchronized moving parts

Tips for comfort and style at shows

Authenticity matters, but comfort remains essential for truly enjoying the concert experience. Firstly, prioritize footwear that can handle hours of standing and dancing – many fans report seeing concertgoers carrying their boots after removing them mid-show.

Moreover, consider the texture of your fabrics – sequins and tulle look amazing but can irritate skin during extended wear. Test your outfit beforehand to ensure it remains comfortable throughout the 8+ hours you’ll likely be wearing it.

Finally, incorporate practical elements like blister plasters or foot cushions if you’re bringing new shoes. The perfect taylor swift 1989 era outfits balance style with functionality, allowing you to dance the night away without discomfort.

Music Video Inspired Looks to Try

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Swift’s 1989 era outfits truly shine in her iconic music videos, offering endless inspiration for fans looking to recreate these memorable looks. Her visual storytelling through fashion created some of the most recognizable esthetics of the decade.

Shake It Off cheerleader and ballerina

The “Shake It Off” video showcases two particularly recreatable looks. For the ballerina outfit, Swift wore authentic Ballet West costumes from their “Swan Lake” production. The white tutu featured delicate feathering and intricate silver beading in a V-pattern design. Consequently, many fans create DIY versions using white tutus adorned with feathers and crystal embellishments.

Meanwhile, the cheerleader uniform combines a white crop top with “TS” lettering and a pleated blue skirt with yellow accents. This instantly recognizable taylor swift 1989 outfit has become a fan-favorite for concerts and Halloween costumes alike. Buy This Outfit to get an authentic recreation without the DIY hassle.

Blank Space glam and drama

“Blank Space” features an astonishing 20 outfit changes in under 4 minutes – that’s a new look approximately every 12 seconds! Among the standouts:

• The Dolce & Gabbana leopard print ensemble (top and mini skirt) with matching heels
• An ice-blue Jenny Packham gown reminiscent of Elsa from “Frozen”
• The Oscar de la Renta dress adorned with metallic bows
• Her equestrian look featuring Ralph Lauren riding pants and tall leather boots

These taylor swift 1989 era outfits perfectly capture the video’s dramatic narrative arc from romance to revenge.

Style video’s beachy minimalism

In contrast to her other videos, “Style” embraces a darker, moodier esthetic. Directed by Kyle Newman, this 1989 style clothing inspiration features beach scenes with soft lighting and a more minimalist approach. The video creates a haunting vibe through projections of smoke and nature covering Swift’s body. Unlike the playfulness of “Shake It Off” or the extravagance of “Blank Space,” these outfits offer a more subdued interpretation of the taylor swift 1989 outfits esthetic, perfect for everyday wear.

Casual 1989 Outfits for Everyday Wear

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Beyond glamorous performances and music videos, the 1989 era outfits translate beautifully into everyday wear. Instead of sequined bodysuits and elaborate costumes, Taylor’s street style offers accessible inspiration for fans wanting to channel her signature look in daily life.

Street style with crop tops and skirts

The defining element of casual taylor swift 1989 outfits was undoubtedly her coordinated sets. During this era, Taylor frequently paired crop tops with high-waisted skirts—a combination that became her unofficial uniform. Primarily, she favored A-line and pleated midi skirts in solid colors or vintage-inspired patterns like gingham and plaid. Her affinity for matching separates created a polished yet approachable aesthetic that fans could easily recreate.

What made these 1989 style clothing choices so iconic was their versatility. Taylor often wore this silhouette in various color combinations—from summery pastels to bold primaries. Notably, she embraced green gingham patterns and cream-colored sets that showcased her midriff while maintaining an elegant appearance.

NYC-inspired sweaters and boots

After relocating to New York, Taylor’s wardrobe evolved to reflect her new urban lifestyle. Her everyday taylor swift 1989 era outfits typically included:

• Oversized sweaters paired with knee-high boots for fall and winter
• Nautical-inspired pieces like striped tops with navy accents
• NYC-themed apparel that celebrated her new hometown

For colder months, she frequently wore quarter-zip sweaters with brown knee-high boots and statement handbags. Buy This Outfit to capture her signature Manhattan-chic style that balanced comfort with sophistication.

How to mix vintage and modern pieces

The genius of Taylor’s casual 1989 inspired outfits lies in their thoughtful blend of vintage and contemporary elements. Throughout this era, she mastered the art of combining retro-inspired pieces with modern staples.

Taylor often incorporated nostalgic plaids and vintage-inspired silhouettes alongside current trends. Furthermore, she balanced feminine details with edgier pieces—pairing soft knits with leather boots or delicate skirts with structured jackets.

Her street style during this period evoked “a 20-something who has moved to New York for the first time in their life. Single, ready to mingle… Uptown girl en route to Bloomingdales after a sushi lunch with six of their closest girlfriends”. This quintessential taylor swift outfits 1989 vibe captured both youthful exuberance and sophisticated city style.

Conclusion

The 1989 era represents a magical time in Taylor Swift’s style evolution, blending accessibility with star power that fans can still recreate today. Throughout this iconic period, Taylor crafted a signature esthetic through her careful selection of colors, textures, and styling choices that defined an entire fashion movement.

Fashion enthusiasts can easily adapt these looks for various occasions. Concert-ready sequined sets capture the excitement of The Eras Tour, while music video inspirations provide dramatic statement pieces for special events. Meanwhile, her NYC street style offers practical guidance for everyday wear that feels both polished and effortless.

Undoubtedly, the 1989 esthetic continues to influence fashion today because it struck that perfect balance between aspirational and achievable. Though we might not all have custom Versace bodysuits hanging in our closets, we can certainly embrace the spirit of Taylor’s most transformative style period through thoughtful styling choices. The result? Outfits that make us feel like the main character in our own vibrant, glittering pop sensation story.

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