Taylor Swift is 35! The global pop star’s birthday caps off a year in which she finished a record-breaking tour, released her 15th album, and won four Grammys. Swift also became an unexpected regular at NFL games this year, in support of her boyfriend Travis Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. The duo’s status as the ultimate power couple was solidified in early February, when Kelce secured his third Super Bowl win just one week after Swift took home her fourth Album of the Year Grammy.
Having been in the spotlight since she was 17, it’s hard to remember a time before Swift was omnipresent. During her storied, decades-long career, Swift has appeared on hundreds of red carpets, including movie premieres, Met Galas, and just about every awards show. Nearly every red carpet look of Swift’s make headlines, but some just stand out above the rest. In honor of the multi-hyphenate turning 35, here are Taylor Swift’s 35 most iconic looks.
2008 Met Gala
For her very first Met Gala, Swift wore a gold, Fearless-coded ombre gown by Badgley Mischka.
2008 Grammys
For her first Grammys appearance, Swift wore a very “Love Story”-esque gown with a corset top, drop waist, and cascading vine-like skirt.
2009 VMAs
For the 2009 VMAs, Swift wore a stunning sequin gown befit for a true star. It would be an unforgettable night for the singer songwriter, who gave a performance that started in the 42nd street subway station and ended on stage. Later, in one of the most memorable pop culture moments of the era, Kanye West would interrupt her acceptance speech after she won Best Female Video.
2010 Met Gala
For the theme “American Women: Fashioning a National Identity” at the 2010 Met Gala, Swift opted for a lightweight white gown from the brand that arguably best embodies American style: Ralph Lauren.
2010 Golden Globes
Swift added a touch of Old Hollywood glamour in a strapless pink and black ballgown at the 2010 Golden Globes.
2011 Oscars After Party
At just 21 years old, Swift sparkled in a golden mini dress from Zuhair Murad at the 83rd annual Academy Awards after-party.
2011 CMA Awards
Swift took home five awards at the 2011 CMAs, and did so in a simple, strapless gray gown from J. Mendel.
2012 Grammys
Deep in her country music era, Swift won three genre-specific Grammys in 2012 for Country Song, Country Solo Performance, and Country Album. She wore a sheer gold dress from Zuhair Murad Couture to mark the moment.
2013 People’s Choice Awards
Swift was the picture of understated elegance in a white Ralph Lauren gown at the 2013 People’s Choice Awards, where she took home the awards for Favorite Country Artist.
2013 CMA Awards
On theme with her latest album, Red, Swift chose a backless boat neck gown in a deep crimson for the 2013 CMA awards.
2013 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Swift made her Victoria’s Secret runway debut in 2013 for a performance that featured multiple outfit changes, including this Spice Girls-coded Union Jack mini dress and matching hat.
2014 Met Gala
The white tie dress code at the 2014 Met Gala ensured a very formal red carpet, and Swift’s gown did not disappoint. The singer teamed up with Oscar de la Renta for a baby pink embellished gown covered in intricate beading.
2014 Victorias Secret Fashion Show
Returning to the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2014, Swift opted for a sheer, lingerie-inspired mini dress worn over a bra and high-waisted underwear.
2015 Billboard Music Awards
Swift sparkled in a white jumpsuit from Balmain at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards, where she took the opportunity to debut her “Bad Blood” music video and paid tribute to the song with her clutch.
2016 Oscars After-Party
The “Love Story” singer pulled a look straight from the Alexandre Vauthier runway for her 2016 Oscars after-party outfit, which featured a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit.
2016 Grammys
Swift stepped out in a colorful two-piece set from Atelier Versace at the 2016 Grammys, where she was nominated for a total of seven awards. She took home three, including Album of the Year, making her the first female artist to win the award twice.
2019 Jimmy Fallon Appearance
Celebrating the release of Lover in 2019, Swift paid a visit to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in a cleverly constructed blazer dress courtesy of Jekyll & Hyde.
2019 Golden Globes After Party
Swift attended the 2019 Golden Globes after party alongside her then-boyfriend Joe Alwyn wearing a custom off-the-shoulder gown from Versace.
2019 Billboard’s Women in Music
On the very last day of her 20s, Swift stepped up to the podium at Billboard’s annual Women in Music event to accept the very first Woman of the Decade Award. She wore a navy blue Oscar de la Renta jumpsuit for the occasion.
“In the last 10 years I have watched as women in this industry are criticized and measured up to each other and picked at for their bodies, their romantic lives, their fashion,” she said during her acceptance speech. “But you know, I’ve learned that the difference between those who can continue to create in that climate usually comes down to this. Who lets that scrutiny break them and who just keeps making art.”
‘Cats’ Premiere
Just three days after her 30th birthday, Swift stepped out at the New York City premiere of Cats in a strapless floral gown designed by Oscar de la Renta.
“Honestly spending my 30th with the fans who have made my life what it is at jingle ball, then throwing the most aggressive holiday party known to womankind…” Swift captioned her post on Instagram. “I just.. seriously feel so lucky for you all and will spend forever trying to find ways to say thank you.”
‘Miss Americana’ Sundance Premiere
The “All Too Well” singer mastered the art of menswear at Sundance, where her film Miss Americana premiered in 2020. Instead of a classic suit, Swift went for a strapless tweed jumpsuit paired with a matching overcoat.
2021 Grammys
Swift had another sheer moment at the 2021 Grammys, where she stepped out in a mini dress covered in floral appliqués courtesy of Oscar de la Renta.
2021 BRIT Awards
Swift was the first woman and first non-Brit to win the Global Icon Award at the BRIT Awards in 2021. For the historic occasion, she choose a shimmering spaghetti strap crop top, paired with a matching maxi skirt.
‘All Too Well’ Film Premiere
Swift tried her hand at suiting for the New York City premiere of her short film, All Too Well. The purple two-piece set featured a double-breasted blazer and slim trousers, with some fans speculating as to whether the royal hue was a nod to her album Speak Now: Taylor’s Version.
2022 MTV VMAs
There was no shortage of sparkle in Swift’s jeweled mini dress at the 2022 MTV VMAs, which came courtesy of Oscar de la Renta. It was her first appearance at the awards show since 2019.
2022 MTV EMAs
The “Fortnight” singer had a sheer moment courtesy of London-based designer David Koma at the MTV EMAs, a.k.a. the Europe Music Awards, which were held that year in Düsseldorf, Germany.
2023 Grammys
Swift took home a Best Music Video award at the 2023 Grammys wearing a sparkly two piece set from Roberto Cavalli. The look was complete with $3 million of jewelry from designer Lorraine Schwartz.
2023 VMAs
Swift celebrated a history making night at the 2023 MTV VMAs with an after-party look that called to mind Britney Spears’s iconic early aughts all-denim ensemble.
The Eras Tour Concert Movie Premiere
After breaking box office records on its opening weekend, Swift celebrated the premiere of The Eras Tour film in a strapless, 1989-coded ballgown. She completed the look with a faux bob and her signature red lip.
‘Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé’ London Premiere
Adhering to Beyoncé’s silver-only dress code, Swift stepped out at the London premiere of Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé in a shimmering spaghetti strap dress by Balmain. The look also conveniently paid homage to Swift’s own song, “Mirrorball.”
2024 Golden Globes
Swift sparkled at the 2024 Golden Globes in a custom green gown by Gucci. The dress appeared to be a subtle nod to her equally dazzling Reputation bodysuit.
2024 Grammys
Never one to miss an opportunity to plant an Easter egg, Swift showed up at the 2024 Grammys in a white strapless gown, black opera gloves, and a special necklace that was actually a watch. The time? Midnight.
2024 MTV VMAs
For the 2024 MTV VMAs, Swift wore not one outfit but two. The first was a Reputation-coded plaid ensemble courtesy of Christian Dior. The second? An alien-inspired mini dress that served as a friendly nod to Katy Perry’s song “E.T.”
2024 Kansas City Chiefs game
Swift officially entered her WAG era in 2023 when she coupled up with Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce. For a home game on November 10, 2024, the singer donned a festive Versace skirt suit, worn over a black silk corset top from Victoria’s Secret.
The Eras Tour Bodysuit
The opening costume of The Eras Tour, which is seen on ads for the concert, the movie poster, and the book cover, will undoubtedly go down in history.