Outside of music, Taylor Swift is widely known for her sparkling red-carpet outfits and stage looks. But she also has a strong street style, as seen during her New York City strolls over the years. Swift seems to be a fan of statement coats, patterned tights and denim ensembles.
This week, The Eras Tour songstress marked the return of the “summer skort” as she stepped out in the style – twice – in New York. CNN even deemed it a “look of the week” for its functional and fashionable sensibilities.

Let’s take a look at her style evolution from the 2010s till now …
1. Preppy chic

Taylor Swift in New York City, in 2011. Photo: Getty Images
Swift, 33, has been in the spotlight since the mid 2000s, but her street style really started to stand out in the 2010s.

For a New York City outing in November 2011, for example, Swift tucked a navy, cable-knit jumper by Ralph Lauren into a pleated yellow skirt from ModCloth. Her academia-esque look was completed with magenta Marc Jacobs kitten heels, red lipstick, and a blue Fendi purse that matched the sparkling 13 drawn on her hand.

2. Daring cut-outs

Taylor Swift, pictured here in 2014, is known for sending “secret” messages through her fashion. Photo: Getty Images

In particular, 2014, was a big year for Swift’s fashion in the lead up to her album 1989. She wore lots of crop tops and miniskirts at the time, like this gray two-piece set from Alice + Olivia.

Still, it was her accessories that made her looks like the above truly stand out. She wore vibrant pink pumps designed by Christian Louboutin and carried a yellow version of Dolce & Gabbana’s Linda Tote bag.
3. The kitty ‘accessory’

Taylor Swift stepping out with her cat in September 2014. Photo: Getty Images
She had fun with accessories that year … including unconventional ones like her cat Olivia.

She carried her cat on a September day in New York City while wearing a classically preppy look. The “Love Story” singer tucked a white Free People top adorned with lace sleeves into a plaid skirt from RD Style, and completed the look with a maroon pair of sheer knee-highs by Tabbisocks.

Swift also wore black loafer pumps from & Other Stories and carried a green Dolce & Gabbana bag.

4. Stand-out coats

Taylor Swift with Karlie Kloss in November 2014. Photo: Getty Images
A long-time fashion staple of Swift’s, stand-out coats also played a part in her 1989 wardrobe.

Less than a month after her fifth studio album was released, Swift was photographed spending time with Karlie Kloss in New York City.
She wore a little black dress underneath a tan, tattersall coat, sheer polka dot tights and lace-up heeled Oxfords. Swift also carried a burgundy purse and sported a thin gold headband adorned with a small bow.

5. Cute and tailored

Taylor Swift wearing a tank and tailored shorts in May 2015. Photo: Getty Images
By 2015, Swift had adopted tank tops and tailored shorts.

For one outing in May 2015, Swift wore an open-back tank top from Zara with black-and-white printed shorts from River Island. She also added blue patent-leather heels from Pedro Garcia for a pop of colour, Swarovski sunglasses and a Mary Katrantzou bag.

6. The rocker phase
Taylor Swift sporting her rocker-chick phase in May 2016. Photo: Getty Images

But in 2016, Swift’s street style had a brief rocker period. Not only had the musician chopped her long locks in favour of a bleached bob, but she also wore edgier clothes for a brief time.

In May 2016, she was photographed leaving a gathering at Anna Wintour’s home while wearing a plaid Louis Vuitton dress with chunky boots and a leather jacket – both from the fashion house. For accessories, she chose only a small black purse designed by Mark Cross.
Advertisement

7. Denim days
Taylor Swift returned to her colourful fashion roots by August 2016. Photo: Getty Images
Eventually, she returned to vibrant colours and denim garments. In August 2016, Swift walked around New York City while wearing a pink Brandy Melville tank top underneath a denim, overall-style dress from Tularosa. She also sported a black Marni bag and flower-printed trainers from Gucci.

8. Glam girl

Taylor Swift out and about in NYC, in September 2016. Photo: Getty Images
She also hinted at her glamorous red-carpet style with her nighttime looks. One evening in September 2016, Swift was photographed wearing a black V-neck Aritzia bodysuit worn underneath a white miniskirt from Related Apparel.

But her accessories really made the outfit. Swift wore strappy sandals from Louise et Cie, a tan clutch by Aspinal of London and a white choker necklace from Adornmonde.