I still remember the first time I heard Taylor Swift- I was four and Tim McGraw was playing through my dad’s car radio. In hindsight, it feels significant that this is one of my earliest memories in general, the kind that you recall so deeply in your soul that, with eyes closed, you can almost relive it entirely.  In the seventeen years since, my love for the country-turned-pop star has only grown. And by grown, I mean exponentially. The kind of love that blooms anew with each album release, each lyric, each time she opens her world for us to see. It goes deep!

I could spend whole pages waxing poetic about artist of my life, Taylor Swift, but I’ll spare you the time and energy. I’d like to hone in on another passion that began when I was only a tiny child… fashion. A mini fashionista! And here I am, at the big age of twenty-one, still entranced by the music of another girl from Berks County… and what’s in vogue.

I wouldn’t dare combine them… unless…

No yeah I’m combining them. A soulmate combination for me, as it were.

Here it is: my brilliant, million dollar idea. The wardrobe of a tortured poet, if styled by me. That’s right. This is just a little peak at how I’d style The Chairman, if given the chance. I fancy TTPD the album that suits my aesthetic and fashion tastes the most, so I think I’m just the person to present my two cents for this era. This board meeting of The Tortured Poets Department henceforth commences, led by The Chairman’s Stylist…

To begin, let’s examine the look that started this whole idea- a Ulyana Sergeenko couture getup from Fall 2013. While unlike anything Taylor has ever chosen to wear publicly, I think it would be a fitting departure from her typical elegant, if simple, style wheelhouse. The form fitting bodysuit + high-neck ruffle collar combination is a winner on its own, but it also captures the simultaneously tortured and seductive nature of TTPD exceedingly well.

Now I might lose some of you here, with this very recent Diesel gown. Walk with me, please!! Think of the sexy sad songs on TTPD- My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys, Fresh Out The Slammer, imgonnagetyouback … there’s a lot of them, aren’t there? This drapey satin Spring/Summer 2024 masterpiece is just the right amount of glam to wow, with just enough structure to still be poetic. Additionally, this is again, something I don’t think I’ve ever seen Taylor in, which would be exciting for us all.

HEAR ME OUTTTTTTTT. There’s a few moments of TTPD that aren’t as moody as the rest- we’re looking at you The Alchemy and So High School. They add a little brightness where needed, just like this Yogie Pratama creation would to Taylor’s event wardrobe. The silhouette, especially stands out to me as fitting- it would clearly be extremely flattering for her, without being boring. The gold too, would be fitting- a similar sheen to that of the trophies they give out for greatness in music. (Can you tell I think this would be perfect for an appearance at the Grammy’s?)

Ferrari does a few things extremely well, and one of these things is bringing a certain element of surprise to their runways- you’ll most likely see something you wouldn’t expect to work doing wonders for your little fashion brain. This all white look opened the SS24 womenswear show, and I instantly made a connection to the Fortnight music video, featuring Post Malone. The gloves might be the obvious link, but the overall vibe is doing just as much work for me- there’s something almost unsettlingly futuristic about the shape that fits in just fine with the likes of lyrics like “your wife waters flowers, I wanna kill her.” 

If you’ve been keeping up with Swift’s recent year, you’d know she’s been quite successful with the outfits she’s been papped in- coming in and out of Electric Lady Studios, in football stadiums, etc, etc. This- a simple blazer and mini dress from Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini-  would be an ideal addition in a very literal way: it feels distinctly like something straight out of a poet’s closet, and also akin to some of her other recent favorites (ie: plaid mini skirts, tall riding boots).

This FW23 Balmain dress is a very selfish addition to this list- I just think Taylor should tap into the house more often. This look, though a few seasons old, would be a great pull- it’s deceptively complex, giving you a lot to look at without it being overwhelming. Again- gloves!! I would love to see her really lean into that particular design detail as a recurring theme, building from her most recent Grammy’s ensemble.

Sabina Bilenko, while largely unknown by the general public, has a distinct talent for mouth-watering, only-in-your-wildest dreams gowns. This one- a rendition on a blazer and skirt combo- is what tortured poets probably dream about. The stunning simplicity!!! Are you seeing this? I’d love to see this look styled with a pair of pointed-toe slingbacks, and an updo with a hair accessory similar to the model’s. 

Oscar de la Renta is a favorite of the singer’s, so this next look should be an easy yes. One of my favorite things about Taylor’s work is how she presents stories to us- is she the heroine or the anti-hero? Who’s the villain? To be clear, it doesn’t matter much to me- I support women’s rights and wrongs, and if she wore this, I’d be willing to get behind some extreme villainry. The black velvet presents the perfect opportunity to tap into the gothic themes of TTPD, all while still being excessively glamorous. It *could* also act as a flawless segue into a certain era that boasts a dark, romantic reputation.

If there’s one thing I want to become of the friendship between Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid, it’s for Gigi to get Taylor on the Miu Miu train. She stars in many of the brand’s campaigns and runways- put your bestie on!!! This FW22 look, an idealistic explosion of plaid complete with a double belt buckle moment and a crisp collar, would rock the earth on Taylor. It also would keep her grounded in that very literal interpretation of TTPD styling, giving a certain professorial air.

Back to the beginning! I began this with an archival Ulyana Sergeenko look, and leave you with two current designs. Both are equally glamorous, equally experimental for The Chairman’s style, and perhaps most importantly- very reminiscent of a certain it-girl named Clara Bow…