Taylor Swift Might Not Be A 'Style Queen' But That's Precisely The Point
Taylor Swift, she of billion-dollar-making, record-breaking fame, has entered her happiness era. Hand-in-hand, doe-eyed with her boyfriend, NFL player Travis Kelce, Swift has floated away from the emotional turmoil that informed many of her runaway lyrical and musical successes and towards her very own happily ever after. The country singer-turned-pop star who has stolen hearts across the world has found her fairytale.
Why, then, despite her long list of successes that require no introduction, and the happiness she radiates, is it her style that Swift's detractors seem intent on criticising? Despite the strides of progress women have made to be taken seriously, we are still ultimately reduced by the world to little more than an extension of our bodies and how we choose to present them. And if Taylor Swift is still being reduced by what she chooses to wear (and not wear), then what hope do the rest of us have?
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The intentions of Swift's style are sewn into the very fabric of her girl-next-door nonchalance. Her style is far from unintentional. If anything, it's quite the opposite; Swift eschews the high-octane gloss proffered by other stars of her ilk in favour of being herself, of living her life and dressing as everybody else does to engage in those same pursuits.
There are videos and digital paeans dedicated to Swift's style – or perceived lack thereof. Both fans and the indifferent alike plead with her to employ a stylist, to attend Fashion Week, to dress to match the stratospheric status of her star. But here's the thing: Taylor Swift's style is exactly where it is supposed to be. Like the music that made her, her style choices are relatable, they're real. She makes stylistic mistakes, the same way that we do – and that's precisely what makes her the endearing and, indeed, enduring star that she is.
Speaking on the September 12 episode of the Deux U podcast, Deux Moi noted that they had an insider send a message to them explaining Swift's fashion choices after she was pictured leaving London's Chiltern Firehouse on June 23. 'The specifics of her image and branding will never go off the tracks. She will never be caught wearing "fashion," like 99.9% of [other] pop stars or celebrities because that's the opposite goal of her branding strategy. It would confuse and alienate the fans,' Deux Moi said. 'The direction is to keep her looking like she's the classic, all-American prom queen, head cheerleader, most popular girl in class; cool girl, yet nerdy. It gives the illusion she is attainable and accessible universally, while also being aspirational and not deviating from her roots.'
Similarly to her close friend and a core member of the Swift Squad, Blake Lively – who is known for having eschewed a stylist in favour of dressing herself – Swift looking self-styled reinforces her girl-next-door image. She is a star that you feel like you know, that you feel like you've grown up alongside. Largely because you have. 'Not looking elevated and more self-styled gives the impression she did it herself and created an outfit from her closet rather than heavily-sourced and manicured. It sends the accessible and relatable messaging that it can be replicated,' Deux Moi said, adding that 'the focus needs to always be geared towards mass appeal rather than luxury.'
It goes without saying that women in the public eye should be able to wear whatever they like without fear of criticism. Ask yourself when was the last time you questioned a famous man's style choices, or when you passed comment on what a famous man opted to wear to go for a private supper with friends. Taylor Swift is the girl next door and yes, that is what her 'brand' reflects. But whether she was wearing hot-off-the-runway Bottega Veneta, new season Alexander McQueen or Sarah Burton's inaugural collection for Givenchy, Taylor Swift is a star who shines in spite of her stylistic choices. In fact, you may never have even noticed her style – and therein lies the point, and indeed her power.
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