Many Taylor Swift fans were too stunned to speak after the singer announced the release of her 11th album at the Grammys on February 4. Months of easter eggs had Swifties convinced that the Grammys would be leading to an announcement of Reputation (Taylor’s Version).
However, the blonde mastermind once again fooled her fans by sharing that she has been working on a new album that will be out on April 19. The album, named “Tortured Poet’s Department” has fans excited for new music and a whole new era. As fans excitedly count down the minutes to the new album’s release, the fashion girlies have a big question – how do we dress for this new era?
The sensual, black-and-white vibe of the album cover art, Swift’s old Hollywood glam red carpet look at the Grammy’s, and the multiple posts that Swift has shared to her Instagram in the weeks since the announcement are pointing to a dark academia vibe.
After all, we all know nothing Taylor Swift does is accidental. Pulling from the official album art, Swift’s Grammys look, and her recent streetwear looks, it seems it is time to break out some blazers and bows to get ready to join the Tortured Poet’s Department.
A Houndstooth Trench
Recreate Blondie’s first look ever spotted with NFL boyfriend Travis Kelce. By adding a long well-tailored houndstooth trench to bring a basic black outfit from ordinary to chic. Style it with a simple updo, and grab a moleskin notebook and a fancy pen to complete the full tortured poet’s department look.
Shop here – Steve Madden Trench
Brown Heeled Boots
The key to completing the vibe of an academia aesthetic outfit is always the shoes. A pair of tall boots has the perfect vibe of someone who walks to class at an East Coast university in the fall while the sidewalks are covered in leaves. Obviously, we all know Taylor Swift loves knee-high-heeled boots since she stuns in them both on and off the stage.
Shop here – Juliet Holy Knee High Boots
A Black Bow
Adding a coquette bow to almost anything has truly taken over the internet. But, let’s not forget that Queen B from Gossip Girl often donned a bow with her prep school uniform. Blaire Waldorf is the perfect mix of chic girlhood and academia. Make sure everyone knows what a tortured poet you are by adding black bows to all of your fits.
Shop here – Satin Hair Bows
A Pleated Mini Skirt
Add a little prep school chic to your wardrobe by wearing a pleated mini-skirt year-round. This piece can so easily be dressed up or down making it a perfect staple piece. Take note from Taylor Swift, herself, and dress it up with tall boots and a cropped sweater. For a more casual look layer it with an oversized crewneck and sneakers.
Shop here – Hollister Pleated Skirt
Black Off The Shoulder Top
A black off-the-shoulder top is perfect for adding a chic vibe to a comfy outfit. Style it with trousers for a chic work outfit or with your favorite straight-leg jeans for a girl’s night out. As we all know, Miss Americana loves to wear her best streetwear styles with all of her girls.
Shop here – Tilly’s Off The Shoulder Sweater
Add a Bit of Pinstripe
Nothing says classy academia like a navy suit with a bright white pinstripe pattern. Take the look from masculine to feminine by pairing classic pinstriped trousers with a cropped vest in the same pattern. Taylor Swift wore a similar style in NYC in 2022 – she really has been preparing for this moment for years.
Shop here – Venus Pinstripe Set
Heeled Loafers
We all know Swift loves a heeled moment, even though she is already 5’11”. But there is no better way to make a bold statement that says I am an academic, a poet, and confident than a heeled loafer. Style them with a pair of trousers or jeans for a look that will stun from morning coffee to drinks with your girls at the bar.
Shop here – Steve Madden Ashe Loafers
Taking a little style inspo from Taylor is the perfect way to dress for this new album. Think academic and flirty as you get ready to be part of the Tortured Poet’s Department.
