Taylor Swift's Style Through the Years

See how Taylor changed her look from sweet little girl next door to a sparkly fashion goddess...

5th years old Taylor Swift (1994)

Back when she was just a regular elementary schooler in rural Pennsylvania, Taylor dressed in true early '90s style—zip-up mock turtlenecks were totally the norm back then! Even though she looks like a regular kid, Taylor was already writing songs and singing at local festivals.

13rd years old Taylor Swift (2002)

Taylor must have take inspiration from Britney when she tried out a sheer tank and bejeweled bra. This pseudo-scandalous look is definitely not Taylor’s sweet style, which is why I'm glad she only wore it once!

15th years old Taylor Swift (2004)

She's always the girl next door in her songs, but back in the day, Taylor looked like the girl next door in faded jeans, a statement tee and sneaks.

And then the girl next door turned into a country singer! Taylor combines the two looks with her regular girl plain tank and jeans and country-inspired accessories, like the cowboy hat, studded belt and of course, guitar! She looks adorable, but this outfit doesn’t show off the star she truly is!

Seventeen years old Taylor Swift (2006)

The year her first single, "Tim McGraw" was released, Taylor dressed simply for her first Country Music Television awards. The hanker-chief hem white dress is cute, but the dangling black bits in the middle just leave me confused. 

For her first time at the BMI Country Awards, Taylor went for red-carpet glam in this jewel-encrusted black cocktail dress. This night not only marked her singing debut, but the start of her signature sparkly style. 

Eighteen years old Taylor Swift (2007)

Staying true to her country spirit, Taylor proved that cowboy boots can go with anything—even a little black dress! Unfortunately, this one-shoulder ruffle dress is kind of shapeless and totally hid her curves.

At the '07 CMTs, Taylor wished for some extra bling (an award!) to go with her already super-sparkly dress. Luckily she totally got it — she won Breakthrough Video of the Year for "Tim McGraw"! However, though she does looks pretty, between the light pink tulle and bajillion sequins, this dress is a little too princess-y for a country rocker chick!  

I know Taylor loves her sparkles (check out that guitar!), but she toned it down for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Instead of a candy cane red and white sequins outfit, Taylor opted for a subdued White Christmas look in this ankle-length cream coat and black turtleneck. Not her most stylish moment (the coat hides her cute shape!), but hey, it must've been freezing out there, so forgive her. 

At the Country Music Association Awards, Taylor awaited her "White Horse" in this poufy gold dress. She won the Horizon Award that night, but frankly, we think she could've won Best Dressed at a Renaissance Fair. 

Nineteen years old Taylor Swift (2008)

Taylor broke out the lilac for the '08 Grammys, where she was nominated for Best New Artist(!). She looks really pretty in this floor-sweeping gown, but you have to wonder if she can Breathe in that tight bodice!

A more casual Swift rolled up to MTV Studios for TRL in her standard uniform of a cute little dress and cowboy boots. The layers and halter of the dress and the monochromatic color scheme made this outfit look chic rather than country bumpkin. 

T looked trendy and ultra cool in this black-on-black ensemble for an appearance on David Letterman. High-waisted short pouf skirts, patterned tights, and knee-high boots were all totally in at the time and Taylor managed to put them together without looking like a trend victim. And she even broke out a turtleneck—luckily not a mock one this time! 

Hey Taylor, just because you're at a CNN event doesn’t mean you have to dress like a news anchor! She looks so grown up—maybe a little too grown up. It's classy, but a little too business casual for our fave pop-country star!

Taylor got comfy in this adorable berry-colored v-neck dress at the CMT Music Awards (where she won Video of the Year for "Our Song"!). She even ditched her matching heels! But hey, as she says, other girls wear high heels—she prefers sneakers, and that's part of her charm!

You've got to be Fearless to wear a dress made entirely of turquoise sequins! This pretty party frock is truly perfect—it catches your attention and shows a little skin (but not too much!). It's bold, it's fun, and it works. What's not to love?

Twenty years old Taylor Swift (2009)

 

Who needs a Jonas Brother when you've got friends like these (and a Grammy nomination…)?! 

Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus hid from their exes backstage at the awards show in cute knee-high boots and pre-show outfits. Taylor's taupe shift dress is casually cool and reasserts her fearlessness about running into a certain ex. 

Taylor looked sophisticated and stylin' at the Grammy Salute to Icons party in this silvery LBD. Though she stayed true to her signature red carpet style, this dress gave those sparkles a grown up feel! 

Taylor carried on her new fashion-forward style in this LWD at the 17 Again premiere in Sydney. She found yet another way to spice things up with sparkles and rhinestones on the neckline of an otherwise plain white dress. This is a picture definitely don't want to burn! 

At the CMTs, Taylor won Video of the Year for "Love Story"—hey, everyone loves her songs! And I'm definitely love her style, especially in this 1920s-inspired dress. So Gatsby-chic! 

21st years old Taylor Swift (2010)

We rarely see pics of Taylor off the red carpet, but we love her casual everyday style! The plaid shirt pays homage to her country routs, but the sleek boots and cool beanie is 100% city slicker. Plus, we’re having major bag envy over that cute cross body. 

In the biggest departure yet from her usually sparkly style, Tay rocked a slick black suit at the American Music Awards! She looks equal parts powerful and pretty, and love that she didn’t even try to glitz up the outfit with tons of statement pieces. Less can always be more!

Can’t imagine a more Taylor-y take on an LBD! When she stepped on to the carpet in this amazing combination of sequins and lace that was the moment I knew she would continue to land on Best Dressed lists for a long time.

22nd years old Taylor Swift (2011)

In 2011, Taylor started shying away from sequin-encrusted minis and leaning more towards elegant ball gowns! We die for this Elie Saab dress with romantic, sparkly lace—the cap sleeves highlight her toned arms perfectly!

Only have one word for Tay’s Alexander McQueen gown: woah. The blush color is still classic Taylor, but the delicate lace detail and artistically draped skirt give the look a more sophisticated feel that proves the favorite singer is definitely growing up! 

When Taylor accepted the Nashville Symphony’s Harmony award, she looked like she could be standing on holy ground in this angelic Reem Acra dress! The colors are absolutely gorgeous, and the embellished bodice fits seamlessly with Taylor’s usual red carpet style.  

23rd years old Taylor Swift (2012)

In 2012, Tay adopted a new signature stage style: high waisted shorts, a 3/4-length sleeve shirt, and flat, comfortable shoes. She’s been wearing a variation on this practical-yet-adorable uniform at basically every show since the VMAs! 

In celebration of her new (amazing) album, TSwift toured the globe in a multitude of red dresses! I'm so used to seeing her in neutrals, but her fair complexion positively glows against this scarlet frock and matching ruby lipstick.

Going back to her bedazzled roots, Taylor wore a cream and gold Oscar de la Renta dress to the Ripple of Hope Gala in December. Instead of the allover sequins from her past, she opted for less flashy golden flakes that are so glamorous! 

While everyone else was speculating on her short-lived relationship with Harry Styles, Taylor was too busy looking drop dead gorgeous on the carpet at the People’s Choice Awards to care! She made everyone’s Best Dressed List with this white Ralph Lauren gown, stunning bronze smoky eyes, and a pretty updo.

From cowboy boots to sequins to high-end glam, we hope Taylor’s amazing fashion sense is here to stay stay stay!