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Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras
Dazzling. Incomparable. Unforgettable. The definitive book of Taylor Swift's fashion evolution. For Taylor Swift, fashion and music go hand-in-hand—each playing a powerful role in shaping the narrative of this generation’s most prolific storyteller. Red lipstick isn’t just a makeup choice—it’s the emblem of an era. A mini skirt isn’t simply part of a cute outfit—it’s a suit of armor. From cowboy boots to teetering heels, fairytale dresses to bleach-tinged tresses, and the many memorable moments in between, Taylor Swift Style tells the fashion story behind every single Taylor Swift album, tracing Swift’s musical evolution along with her ever-changing personal style. From red carpet looks, to streetwear, to tour costumes, Sarah Chapelle of the successful Instagram and blog Taylor Swift Style, has spent more than a decade documenting Swift’s fashion choices and the intention behind each ensemble. Her deep dives into songs, lyrics, and behind-the-scenes insights paint a portrait of a megastar who knows exactly what she is doing. Taylor Swift Style explains the ‘why’ behind Swift’s outfits—the easter eggs and deeper meanings behind every hemline and haircut—that speak to the emotional context of each musical moment. With over two hundred photos dating from Swift’s earliest days as a country singer in Nashville, up through the present as a renowned pop icon, paired with insightful commentary, Taylor Swift Style is a one-of-a-kind keepsake and a must-have for Swifties.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 8, 2024
About the author
Sarah Chapelle
2 books27 followersSARAH CHAPELLE is the fashion writer and creator of the blog Taylor Swift Style and Instagram account @taylorswiftstyled. Her thoughtful, thorough, and witty approach to style commentary has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Harper’s Bazaar, Coveteur, People, and more. She lives in Vancouver, Canada, with her husband and their cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 21, 2024
As a huge Swiftie and a fan of Sarah’s blog for over a decade, I expected to love this book — but I didn’t. The writing felt more like a personal story than a fashion-focused piece. Plus, there’s one incredibly bad, poorly edited photo of Taylor where it looks like half of her leg is missing. I’ll be returning it because I don’t even want to keep it in my collection or on my coffee table.
October 31, 2024
Sarah is just another person profiting off of Taylor Swift. This book was not approved or authorized in anyway by the subject of the book (i.e. Taylor) which should tell you all you need to know about how ‘legitimate’ anything written in this book is.
October 15, 2024
A must have for any Taylor fan written by the fandom MVP. Sarah outdid herself. Truly. The amount of love and care and emotion that went into this book is so apparent in every single page. So so so proud. Highly recommend for any Taylor swift fan
October 17, 2024
I have followed Sarah and her blog since 2012, and her scholarship has played a huge huge role in my fan experience - she undoubtedly has had the biggest impact on my Swiftieism besides Ms Swift herself. I was thrilled to support her book, even though I thought it would all be information I already knew. I was really surprised that I learned a ton especially in the earlier chapters. Finding out about how Taylor's relationship with her stylist Joseph started was a real treat. And as others have said, Sarah's care and dedication as a fan shines through on every page, unlike the hollow cash grabs published by guys in suits who don't understand Taylor and what makes her special. Sarah's book - now officially a NYT Bestseller! - is the unofficial official guide for fans by a fan. I'll admit there were some moments in the later chapters that made me wish she had included different outfits to discuss, but the recent eras are all very fresh in my memory so I didn't need to really revisit them. But the first 5 chapters were stunning and I gobbled up this book in 2 sittings, much much faster than I anticipated! I am thrilled to be a small part of supporting Sarah's success. Any swiftie worth their salt is familiar with Sarah's work and would call her the backbone of the fandom. I have called her that - in tumblr messages and instagram comments - many times! If you've ever been curious about Taylor's approach to style or her early career this is a must read. So proud of my friend.
October 16, 2024
I don't remember which article of clothing or accessory first lead to me discover Sarah's highly informative Instagram, @TaylorSwiftStyled, but I am so glad I did find her account, if only to keep me occupied during The Drought. (Swifties know what period of time I'm referring to.)
If you're a lover of Taylor, fashion, or simply the genius behind one of the world's most successful businesspeople, you will find something interesting and inspiring in Taylor Swift Style. I am in the top 1% of Taylor Swift stans and yet I learned new information while reading. I truly did not think that would happen! I'm basically the human equivalent of Taylor's Wikipedia page. Leave it to Sarah for being both the backbone of Swiftstagram and an educator for even the most die-hard of stans.
Please read every word of this book. The captions are witty, even making me laugh out loud (comparing Random Access Memories to the Dodo bird in regard to relevancy? Hysterical. I almost cried). But, of course, the real shining star is the gorgeous prose, weaving commentary, history, and Swiftie-isms amongst glossy photos and color-accurate eras. Sarah has a journalism background and it shows. Some passages felt like reading the deeply analytical paper of an AP English student.
Not a single stone is unturned. Sarah included the fashion of the Eras Tour, highlights from the unofficial rerecords era, and even a section dedicated to the fashion mishaps where Taylor should've said no. She set out to prove that Taylor's growth as a person, a songwriter, and a human brand evolves with each reinvention of herself and her aesthetic, shown clearly in her fashion, from the stage, award shows, candid moments, and red carpets. It's part of what makes my party trick of identifying the year a Taylor photo was taken so deceptively easy. And Sarah accomplished just that, in 330 pages of interpretation, insight, and poise.
If you're a lover of Taylor, fashion, or simply the genius behind one of the world's most successful businesspeople, you will find something interesting and inspiring in Taylor Swift Style. I am in the top 1% of Taylor Swift stans and yet I learned new information while reading. I truly did not think that would happen! I'm basically the human equivalent of Taylor's Wikipedia page. Leave it to Sarah for being both the backbone of Swiftstagram and an educator for even the most die-hard of stans.
Please read every word of this book. The captions are witty, even making me laugh out loud (comparing Random Access Memories to the Dodo bird in regard to relevancy? Hysterical. I almost cried). But, of course, the real shining star is the gorgeous prose, weaving commentary, history, and Swiftie-isms amongst glossy photos and color-accurate eras. Sarah has a journalism background and it shows. Some passages felt like reading the deeply analytical paper of an AP English student.
Not a single stone is unturned. Sarah included the fashion of the Eras Tour, highlights from the unofficial rerecords era, and even a section dedicated to the fashion mishaps where Taylor should've said no. She set out to prove that Taylor's growth as a person, a songwriter, and a human brand evolves with each reinvention of herself and her aesthetic, shown clearly in her fashion, from the stage, award shows, candid moments, and red carpets. It's part of what makes my party trick of identifying the year a Taylor photo was taken so deceptively easy. And Sarah accomplished just that, in 330 pages of interpretation, insight, and poise.
October 13, 2024
You can tell Sarah put so much thought and love into this and the result was pure joy from start to finish
January 18, 2024
beautifully done
October 23, 2024
This book perfectly encapsulates what it means to be a Swiftie. It’s a perfect mix between highly knowledgeable yet understandable fashion insight, and a description of Taylor’s eras along with the authors own stories. As a huge Taylor fan, I consider myself pretty well educated, however this book surprised me with facts that I didn’t even know. Written by a fan, for the fans, Taylor Swift Style will accurately describe the way Taylor’s eras relate to life, what it truly means to be a Swiftie, and how Taylor’s style has helped her craft an empire.
October 9, 2024
stunning
ETA: i was right it IS stunning
ETA: i was right it IS stunning
October 13, 2024
If you love the Instagram account Sarah runs, you’ll devour this book. Even if you’re a passing Taylor Swift fan, you’ll explore the lore with new eyes after reading. Learn of Swiftian costume designers, how Swift is a serial outfit repeater, and how she uses her clothes to tell more of her story (and sometimes wears the…wrong?) I’m a massive Taylor fan and still learned something new. Fantastic read and also stunning to look at, cover to cover. Great job Sarah!
October 16, 2024
Epic. Classic. Must have for any fan of TS. The writing is flawless and so engaging. You can tell this isn’t a random idea but something Sarah really took time to research and write about. Thank you for your hard work!! This book is everything!!
October 12, 2024
mandatory reading for die hard and casual fans alike. love sarah’s commentary as she always stays thoughtful and nuanced and i can tell she put so much heart into this book! it’s the perfect homage to taylor and her career highlighting how her style truly helps shape the narrative throughout each era. and so many of my favorite outfits were showcased :)
November 13, 2024
This book reads like a bad, snarky Reddit post. She doesn’t properly credit photographers, she has a terrible history of perpetuating gaylor theories, & horrible commentary in the book about Taylor’s ED. Awful she uses Taylor to profit and claims to be a fan.
October 23, 2024
Lovely piece of work that was educational and entertaining in all the best ways. Love this writer and her work surrounding my favorite artist. Highly recommend it to people who like Taylor.
October 15, 2024
I bought this because I've followed Sarah's Instagram account for YEARS, always hoping to get a detailed look into Taylor's fashion (or on the rare occasion, a budget friendly item I can actually purchase). I assumed this would be a gorgeous coffee table book and happily pre-ordered to support. I was shocked to see how much WRITING Sarah put into this - it's truly a book and a story of Taylor's entire career and how her fashion choices have represented each stage of her life. While there are, of course, gorgeous photos included, the depth of research and writing was a delight to read.
November 17, 2024
I ordered this book hoping to find full page splashes of Taylor’s most iconic and little known looks accompanied by captions that detailed style, designer, and an analysis on the era it was worn during. While I did get some of that, I also got more commentary than I was expecting. I can appreciate the narrative of each era woven through the book, linking the fashion choices with the choices Taylor makes sonically, but I was taken aback by many of the snarky comments about her wardrobe. Sure, we all have our opinions on fashion and I’m fine with those coming through, but so many of the comments came across as mean spirited and rude.
We don’t have to call a shade of yellow “‘couture butter stick” or say that you “shudder at” debut Taylor’s fashion choices (even if it’s labeled as a shudder done “lovingly”) (19, 29). Vintage doesn’t have to be labeled “Modern Grandma” just because it’s not your style and we don’t have to call her faux bob “limp” and say her dress looked like it was “upcycled from vintage doilies” (110, 86). You can just say you didn’t like the dress without needing to comment that “the rural milkmaid look and dingy floral pattern felt forgettable and unflattering” (83). We don’t need to comment that an outfit, which Taylor styled for herself during the pandemic, “has all the mismatched chaos of a girl getting ready for her first date and hodgepodging an outfit together because she’s already fifteen minutes late” (266). That’s something straight out of a high school mean girl’s mouth. While claiming that the goal was to be “critically kind” in the thoughts on Taylor’s wardrobe, many of the comments made in the book seem to forget that goal and instead read like intentionally mean jabs (301). The entire chapter dedicated to what the author thought were Taylor’s worst looks just wasn’t necessary even if it was affectionately named “Bloopers” (300-307).
I was also uncomfortable with the unnecessary discussions of Taylor’s eating disorder and the many instances of almost attempting to paternity test Taylor’s wardrobe choices as reactions to breakups or new relationships (as if we don’t see enough of that in the analysis of her songs!). If Taylor had endorsed the book or written it herself, perhaps these instances wouldn’t have seemed so out of place. But an unaffiliated author quoting Taylor and then speculating (or really stating) on the nature of her crop tops as armor against her body dysmorphia just doesn’t sit well with me (169).
Overall, I would’ve liked more focus on the clothes, the designers, the cut and style, and more photos rather than opinions that often leaned towards comments that were just plain Mean.
We don’t have to call a shade of yellow “‘couture butter stick” or say that you “shudder at” debut Taylor’s fashion choices (even if it’s labeled as a shudder done “lovingly”) (19, 29). Vintage doesn’t have to be labeled “Modern Grandma” just because it’s not your style and we don’t have to call her faux bob “limp” and say her dress looked like it was “upcycled from vintage doilies” (110, 86). You can just say you didn’t like the dress without needing to comment that “the rural milkmaid look and dingy floral pattern felt forgettable and unflattering” (83). We don’t need to comment that an outfit, which Taylor styled for herself during the pandemic, “has all the mismatched chaos of a girl getting ready for her first date and hodgepodging an outfit together because she’s already fifteen minutes late” (266). That’s something straight out of a high school mean girl’s mouth. While claiming that the goal was to be “critically kind” in the thoughts on Taylor’s wardrobe, many of the comments made in the book seem to forget that goal and instead read like intentionally mean jabs (301). The entire chapter dedicated to what the author thought were Taylor’s worst looks just wasn’t necessary even if it was affectionately named “Bloopers” (300-307).
I was also uncomfortable with the unnecessary discussions of Taylor’s eating disorder and the many instances of almost attempting to paternity test Taylor’s wardrobe choices as reactions to breakups or new relationships (as if we don’t see enough of that in the analysis of her songs!). If Taylor had endorsed the book or written it herself, perhaps these instances wouldn’t have seemed so out of place. But an unaffiliated author quoting Taylor and then speculating (or really stating) on the nature of her crop tops as armor against her body dysmorphia just doesn’t sit well with me (169).
Overall, I would’ve liked more focus on the clothes, the designers, the cut and style, and more photos rather than opinions that often leaned towards comments that were just plain Mean.
October 30, 2024
This book is a gorgeous look at the eras of Taylor Swift’s career. Beautifully written, it maintains the focus on fashion while giving a thoughtful analysis of Taylor’s career at each moment of fashion. Not shying away from personal critiques or highlights, it was immensely entertaining and filled with gorgeous photos. And that cover with the gold sprayed edges? Incredible overall.
October 30, 2024
i love thinking about things i would have never otherwise thought about
October 20, 2024
I referred to this as the Swiftie bible on Instagram and I will second it here.
What a stunning book! From the gold-sprayed edges to the quality of the pages and photos on the inside, it could cost twice as much and I would willingly pay it. And I promise it has nothing to do with the fact that both Sarah and I adore when Taylor wears green (though it is very endearing).
I remember following TSS on tumblr years ago and being impressed by her quickness in finding out what Taylor is wearing at any given moment, but also just enamored with her observations and interpretations on each post. The way she includes a little story referencing to some past event or lyric and dives into history. To say I love her writing style might be a gross understatement.
And even though, we don't always agree on what was a good or bad outfit, I trust that she'll be able to point out some detail I hadn't even thought about.
I don't usually tell people what to do, but if you don't own this book yet, get it now. Buy it, ask for it for Christmas. Do something!
What a stunning book! From the gold-sprayed edges to the quality of the pages and photos on the inside, it could cost twice as much and I would willingly pay it. And I promise it has nothing to do with the fact that both Sarah and I adore when Taylor wears green (though it is very endearing).
I remember following TSS on tumblr years ago and being impressed by her quickness in finding out what Taylor is wearing at any given moment, but also just enamored with her observations and interpretations on each post. The way she includes a little story referencing to some past event or lyric and dives into history. To say I love her writing style might be a gross understatement.
And even though, we don't always agree on what was a good or bad outfit, I trust that she'll be able to point out some detail I hadn't even thought about.
I don't usually tell people what to do, but if you don't own this book yet, get it now. Buy it, ask for it for Christmas. Do something!
October 18, 2024
This book is so amazing!! I knew Sarah was not going to disappoint - I truly loved reading every single page. Unfortunately, the 4/5 rating is because the only issue with a book on style is the design of the book. I don’t know if it was a cost issue or what the reasoning was, but there were several times where Sarah beautifully described outfits of Taylor’s and then there was no photo to match the description. She laid out the Blank Space video immaculately but not a single photo was included for reference. I thought this was odd and also a bummer! It would be one thing if it happened once, but it was a repeat occurrence. More photos to match Sarah’s stunning writing next time! ♥️
October 22, 2024
i love taylor swift and i love this book
October 13, 2024
I enjoyed this so so much!! it warms my heart to read a book about Taylor by someone who has been a pillar in the swiftie community for so long. I cried at, honestly, way too many points, but so many of the looks mentioned are so nostalgic to me.
October 13, 2024
Love 🫶💚💛💜♥️🩵🖤🩷🩶🤎💙🤍
October 11, 2024
truly a love letter to taylor swift and fashion from an incredible author/swiftie!!
also very informative for those of us who joined the fandom later in life 🫶
also very informative for those of us who joined the fandom later in life 🫶
November 13, 2024
It’s really sad that Sarah is getting review bombed and lied about by immature Swifties who didn’t even read the book because this book has so much love for Taylor from cover to cover. As most long time fans and fashionistas know, she has been blogging about Taylor’s style for over a decade, helping fans find exacts and similar items for their own closet.
This book is not a rehashing of her extensive blog, just listing off designers; it is a general overview of what the keynotes of each era contained and why she felt Taylor and her stylists opted for those choices. She often adds her own commentary by stating what she felt the goal of the look was, as well as whether she felt it was achieved. There is no body shaming in that sense, simply was it pulled off successfully or not.
There is a final chapter called “bloopers” which includes a few looks Sarah does not think were successful— however she notes that taste is subjective and one of your favorites may very well be among them (as one of mine is lol).
This book is a perfect Christmas gift for any Taylor fan. Sarah is a big name in both the blogosphere and swiftie fandom and her opinions on fashion come from years of working in the industry, and are a pleasure to read.
This book is not a rehashing of her extensive blog, just listing off designers; it is a general overview of what the keynotes of each era contained and why she felt Taylor and her stylists opted for those choices. She often adds her own commentary by stating what she felt the goal of the look was, as well as whether she felt it was achieved. There is no body shaming in that sense, simply was it pulled off successfully or not.
There is a final chapter called “bloopers” which includes a few looks Sarah does not think were successful— however she notes that taste is subjective and one of your favorites may very well be among them (as one of mine is lol).
This book is a perfect Christmas gift for any Taylor fan. Sarah is a big name in both the blogosphere and swiftie fandom and her opinions on fashion come from years of working in the industry, and are a pleasure to read.
Want to read
October 26, 2024જ⁀➴ mmm 😊 ❛❛ 𝒘𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝑻𝒀𝑳𝑬 ❞ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
-`♡´-
-`♡´-
November 15, 2024
The book felt rather mean-spirited. And for what? Can’t think who the target audience for this book was. It’s just not even mean in a funny but endearing way. It’s making quips about her eating disorder and relationships etc. Maybe it’s for the general public who like to casually make fun of Taylor’s relationships. It’s definitely not for the Swifties.
November 15, 2024
This book encompassed everything Taylor Swift. Personally, I feel like it leaned a bit closer to a biography, than a book focused on her fashion. It certainly came with analyses of era's and their outfits, but I guess I expected more?
January 28, 2024
We're so hype for October 2024!!! 13 years of the blog yes MA'AM!!!!!!!!!!!!! #SwiftieSupport
November 21, 2024
A fun look into Taylor’s eras through fashion! It was cool to see the author’s takes on how each era had really notable style elements and the Easter eggs within Taylor’s fashions. I love her Instagram, so it was nice to read her book to see her takes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews