❌

Normal view

16 outfits Taylor Swift has worn this year, ranked from worst to best

21 October 2026 at 15:37
Taylor Swift at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on October 17.
Taylor Swift at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on October 17.

Gilbert Flores/Variety/Getty Images

  • Taylor Swift has been busy attending awards shows, sporting events, and more this year.
  • Her signature style has been on display at every occasion.
  • Swift's best looks have been simple and elegant. Her worst was too corporate.

Taylor Swift is back.

No, she hasn't announced her 13th studio album or another massive world tour. She's simply stepped back into the spotlight after a few quiet months away.

Since March, the music icon has been photographed at awards shows, walking around New York City, and sitting in suites at Arrowhead Stadium — in support of her husband, Travis Kelce, of course.

Naturally, she's worn statement outfits for each occasion. Designer jackets, expensive jewelry, and luxury handbags remain her signatures.

Some of her recent looks are the epitome of her effortless street style, while others haven't made much sense. Here's how we'd rank what she's worn this year, from worst to best.

Taylor Swift brought back peplum tops in May, but she probably shouldn't have.
Taylor Swift in New York City on May 14.
Taylor Swift in New York City on May 14.

Aeon/Getty Images

She was photographed in New York City wearing a $1,190 white button-up blouse from Stella McCartney, $1,350 The Row trousers, sandals from the same brand, and a black leather belt.

The bottom half of the outfit was chic, but her top looked too formal, making the outfit feel corporate.

It couldn't be saved by Swift's $4,500 Fendi bag or her Cartier Santos Demoiselle watch.

The outfit she wore to a Chiefs game in September wasn't memorable.
Taylor Swift at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 20.
Taylor Swift at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 20.

David Eulitt/Getty Images

Swift was spotted on September 20 standing in a suite at Arrowhead Stadium with her mom and mother-in-law.

She kept her outfit simple that day: denim bottoms, a black leather belt, and a $40 Chiefs tank top from Wear by Erin Andrews.

There was nothing really wrong with the outfit; the musician looked cute and comfortable. Still, it was so simple that most fans probably won't remember it next season.

The same could be said for the checkered dress she wore a few days earlier.
Taylor Swift at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 14.
Taylor Swift at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 14.

David Eulitt/Getty Images

At another Chiefs game, Swift wore a $295 checkered dress from Guest in Residence.

It was a sweet, festive choice for the occasion, especially when paired with her signature red lipstick.

At the same time, though, the pattern made the dress resemble a picnic tablecloth, which wasn't ideal.

One tweak could have saved Swift's 2026 MTV Video Music Awards look.
Taylor Swift poses at the MTV Video Music Awards beside a rear view of her black-and-silver dress.
Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2026.

John Shearer/WireImage/Rich Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

She arrived on the blue carpet wearing a couture gown from Tamara Ralph. It had a halter neckline, a black velvet bodice with a mesh back, and a sparkling silver skirt that wrapped around her hips and reached the floor.

From the front, Swift looked powerful and stylish.

Unfortunately, the thick, lace-up feature on the back of the dress made it look less elegant.

She chose elevated basics for an NBA playoff game, though they weren't super memorable.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at a 2026 Knicks and Cavaliers game.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at a 2026 Knicks and Cavaliers game.

Tim Phillis/AP

Swift and Kelce were sitting courtside when the Knicks played the Cavaliers in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

Both wore denim outfits for the game, though Swift's look was undoubtedly flashier. She paired $790 Stella McCartney jeans with a black denim jacket and a chain-embellished tank top from the designer.

Swift also sported a Dior purse, Stella McCartney sandals, and an assortment of gold jewelry — including her massive engagement ring.

The outfit was fun, but also simple and a little forgettable.

Swift was ready for fall when she made a surprise appearance on "Saturday Night Live" in October.
Dakota Johnson and Taylor Swift at "Saturday Night Live" on October 3.
Dakota Johnson and Taylor Swift at "Saturday Night Live" on October 3.

NBC/Will Heath/Getty Images

She took the stage alongside her friend, Dakota Johnson, wearing a $595 Simkhai brown plaid minidress. Swift also wore a $1,500 Yves Saint Laurent chain belt, a gold Cartier bracelet, Burberry boots, and hoop earrings.

The outfit didn't make for her flashiest fashion moment, but it was cute and understated.

She embraced her girl-next-door vibe for a New York City outing in June.
Taylor Swift in New York City on June 15.
Taylor Swift in New York City on June 15.

Aeon/Getty Images

Photographers captured Swift wearing a $295 Guest in Residence polo top, light-wash denim jeans, Gucci sandals, a matching leather belt, and an assortment of gold jewelry.

She also carried the large Chloé Penelope bag.

It was one of Swift's most cohesive looks so far this year.

The musician accepted 7 iHeartRadio awards in a green corseted minidress.
Taylor Swift at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Taylor Swift at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Phillip Faraone/Getty Images

Wiederhoeft designed the ensemble, which was sleeveless and decorated with silver sparkles.

Swift wore it with $36,000 Dena Kemp earrings and Jimmy Choo sandals. The assortment of rings and bracelets she wore also retailed for $36,000.

Swift looked pretty, and her outfit was solid. It wasn't her best look of the year, but it was far from her worst.

Swift's street style reemerged in April, and it was strong from the start.
Taylor Swift in New York City on April 27.
Taylor Swift in New York City on April 27.

Aeon/Getty Images

On one New York City outing, Swift paired a blue-and-white striped Staud dress with $1,195 Christian Louboutin sandals and a yellow mini Lady Dior bag.

The outfit was fun and perfect for summer. The mix of diamond and opal jewelry she wore with it only added to the look.

Her date-night style this year has been feminine and flowing.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in New York City on May 15.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in New York City on May 15.

DAMEBK/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

Just look at the floral Doen dress she wore for a night out with Kelce in May. The off-the-shoulder design had puffed sleeves, a semi-sheer skirt, and a ruffled neckline.

The dress was cute on its own, but it looked even better with Swift's choice of accessories: $920 Aquazzura sandals, gold jewelry, and a small raffia bag.

Swift proved that you can't go wrong with a classic black-and-white outfit.
Taylor Swift in New York City on May 12.
Taylor Swift in New York City on May 12.

DAMEBK/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

On a different night in New York City, Swift was photographed wearing a white Retrofête minidress. The simple garment had a high neckline, long sleeves, and a short pleated skirt.

On its own, the dress might not have stood out on Swift. However, she accessorized to perfection.

She contrasted the garment with a slouchy black Dior purse, Gucci slingback heels, and a ponytail.

Even as a wedding guest, Swift sparkled.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in New York City on May 16.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in New York City on May 16.

XNY/Star Max/Getty Images

Swift and Kelce attended a wedding in New York City in May and were photographed outside the event.

While Kelce sported a black Essentials suit with subtle pinstripes, Swift glowed beside him in a shimmering Maria Lucia Hohan gown.

The sleeveless design had waist cutouts, all-over ruching, and thin straps.

It looked stunning on Swift, who wore it with gold Aquazzura sandals and opal jewelry that previously belonged to Elizabeth Taylor (whom Swift name-checked on her latest album).

Swift showed some spirit at a major NBA Finals game.
Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden for the NBA Finals.
Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden for the NBA Finals.

Al Bello/Getty Images

Swift sat courtside with Mariska Hargitay, the Haim sisters, and other Knicks fans who cheered their way through Game 4.

Her outfit for the night was perfectly on brand. Made by Alana Haim, Swift's blue T-shirt had "Stevie Knicks" printed in orange across the chest.

The shirt was festive and fun, nodding to Swift's love for both the sports team and the iconic musician. She wore it with Area jeans and chain-adorned sandal heels.

She looked glamorous in a black floral gown at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction.
Taylor Swift at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction in New York City.
Taylor Swift at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction in New York City.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Swift became the youngest woman inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June.

She wore a custom Givenchy gown for the occasion. It was black, strapless, and corseted at the bodice, which connected to a floor-length skirt with a thigh-high slit.

It was a memorable look for an equally memorable night.

The pop star looked more like a princess at the "Toy Story 5" premiere.
Taylor Swift at the "Toy Story 5" premiere in Los Angeles.
Taylor Swift at the "Toy Story 5" premiere in Los Angeles.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Swift arrived on the red carpet wearing a patchwork minidress from Erdem.

It had a corset bodice, off-the-shoulder sleeves, exaggerated pockets, and a raw hemline.

The dress was playful, fashion-forward, and the perfect choice for a movie premiere.

Swift sparkled her way down the Academy Museum Gala red carpet.
Taylor Swift at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.
Taylor Swift at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Dior designed Swift's baby-blue gown, which suited her in silhouette and color.

It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline, a glittery bow up top, all-over ruching, and a floor-length skirt with a short train.

She accessorized with Aquazzura heels and Chopard diamond jewelry.

Read the original article on Business Insider

4 of the best looks at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala, and 3 that missed the mark

19 October 2026 at 15:41
Taylor Swift attends the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.
Taylor Swift attends the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

  • The Academy Museum Gala was the most star-studded event in Los Angeles over the weekend.
  • Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, and Colman Domingo were all in attendance.
  • Unfortunately, not every celebrity outfit was a winner.

The Oscars red carpet has some competition: the Academy Museum Gala.

Since 2021, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has hosted the gala to celebrate film and raise funds for future exhibits.

This year, celebrities came out to support, and they mostly did so in style. Taylor Swift, for example, wore one of her best outfits of the year to the event on Saturday.

Unfortunately, there were some fashion duds, too.

These are the best and worst outfits we saw throughout the night.

Taylor Swift looked like a princess in a baby-blue gown with a glittery bow.
Taylor Swift at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.
Taylor Swift at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Dior designed the strapless gown for Swift. It had all-over ruching, a sweetheart neckline, a floor-length skirt with a short train, and a silver bow that extended down its bodice.

Swift wore it with Aquazzura heels and Chopard diamond jewelry.

The pieces made for one of Swift's best outfits of the year, and one of the night's strongest looks. The gown's princess silhouette and light coloring suited Swift perfectly.

Kim Kardashian's vintage dress didn't feel true to her.
Kim Kardashian at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.
Kim Kardashian at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.

Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Kardashian's cream-colored gown was designed by Balenciaga in 1951. It was strapless with a ruched, baby-pink neckline, a corseted bodice, and a lace-lined skirt.

The design also had a pink bow that extended into a train across the back. She wore it with a diamond necklace and matching earrings.

The gown itself is a piece of fashion history, but it didn't suit Kardashian. Its old-school fabrics didn't match her modern style, and her short hair made the overall look appear like a costume.

Colman Domingo was dapper in satin and sparkles.
Colman Domingo at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.
Colman Domingo at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

He wore a custom Valentino suit comprising a black blouse left unbuttoned, flared trousers, a bedazzled blazer, a satin cummerbund, and a matching loose tie.

The sparkling look was glamorous and accessorized well with silver pinky rings and a statement watch. It was also tailored perfectly to the actor.

Connor Storrie's outfit would have looked better with a different jacket.
Person in a long black coat and scarf poses on a black mat before white draped curtains.
Connor Storrie attends the Annual Academy Museum Gala.

Michael Buckner/WWD via Getty Images

His Saint Laurent look was refined, featuring only wide-leg trousers, a satin top with a neck scarf, and a coat.

It was the latter piece that unfortunately distracted from the rest of the outfit. It was too long and looked out of place.

He either should have worn a shorter style or ditched outerwear entirely.

Da'Vine Joy Randolph wore a beautiful dress with long sleeves and a longer train.
Da'Vine Joy Randolph at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.
Da'Vine Joy Randolph at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Randolph wore Louis Vuitton for the occasion. Her white gown had off-the-shoulder long sleeves, a fitted bodice, and a floor-length skirt that was tailored perfectly to her height.

A back bow and train pulled the glamorous ensemble together and gave it a dramatic flair.

The best part of Randolph's look, though, was how she completed it with an updo hairstyle and diamond jewelry.

Sofia Richie should have taken a bigger fashion risk.
Sofia Richie at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.
Sofia Richie at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Richie, a model and influencer, arrived wearing vintage Versace. The black gown from 2001 was sleeveless and form-fitting, with a high neckline, long skirt, and skinny attached train.

She looked pretty, but her dress was overly simple — especially when paired with a slick-back bun hairstyle and minimal jewelry.

Adding bold makeup or statement accessories could have elevated the look.

Greta Lee stunned in sequins.
Greta Lee at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.
Greta Lee at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

She wore Dior for the gala in the form of a sleeveless, ankle-length gown made entirely from strings of beads.

The latter were arranged in rows of blue and white, with a few leaf shapes peeking through up top.

The dress was perfect in color and material for Lee, and there was nothing else like it on the red carpet.

Read the original article on Business Insider

❌