Out and About in NYC

Worn On: 12/13/23 // New York City, NY

the commentary

For the last few days I’ve thought a lot about how there’s been a certain uptick in the level of ‘glam’ in Taylor’s looks that harkens back to the early days of Midnights promotion. A time period when Taylor’s style was a two-tone mix of a patchouli hazed 70s apartment stuffed to the ceiling with well-loved vinyls over which a veneer of pinned up showgirl was laminated. Short hems, high heels, faux furs, dripping diamonds. I always felt this was an appropriate way to create a visual extension of an album that is positively full of emotions that are nuanced, complex, and that seem to be in direct opposition to one another even over the course of one track to the next. Over a year out from that album, much about Taylor’s life (professionally and personally) has been completely upended.

So to see her here now, effectively bookending Midnights fashion in a look that’s dark and ruminating and moonlit and celestial and mysterious yet sparkly and glam and alluring … it feels all the more appropriate on her birthday of all days. Adding another year of life to your experience tally often creates moments for reflection and to sift through memories - good and bad. Which sounds very much like the ethos of Midnights if you ask me.

On its surface, this is a fun party look (in a new-to-her brand which is an exciting new addition to her designer roster) that’s perfectly coordinated between the silver embellishments scattered like the night sky across her dress, to her bag, and even into the details of her shoes. Plus the extra shine factor of her jewels.

But like with any Taylor look, it’s one that gives me pause and makes me think of the context to what got us here and also to where she may be going.

My very first thought upon seeing this bag resurface was of course to the first time she carried it just a few months ago at after parties following the MTV VMAs. But it incidentally struck me that she’s also once again paired it with platform strappy peep toe heels by the same designer.

I love the sparkle factor of these earrings and their coordination with her tennis necklace. I love the motion property of these line of pieces, where the center diamond stone is actually designed on a track so that it moves within its casing. I love the thought of that tying in to transformation and forward motion.

I admire the consistent styling on display here with how everything from her jewels to her accessories all tie in neatly to the celestial embellishments on her dress.

What a beautiful ring from a lovely friend. Keleigh Teller confirmed via her Instagram that the large stunner that Taylor wore while out and about on her birthday was a gift that Keleigh had made for Taylor because friends let friends bejeweled. Keleigh also confirmed the stones here as opal and blue topaz.

Will update on designer if it ever comes to light as confirmed (you know I love a confirmed source around here) but based on the distinctive colour and edges of the box - my best guess is Cartier. Which, if true, feels so on brand for 2023 Taylor as she’s expanded her luxury jewelry collection into wearing a few Cartier pieces this year including one of their iconic Juste Un Clou necklaces and a vintage necklace.

Layering up against the NYC chill, rather than a long wool coat by the likes of recent outerwear favourites such as Gant - Taylor went glam in a faux fur shrug that, to me, once again just draws similarities to her Midnights Moschino Mayhem with Me moment.

the clothes

* Not available for purchase

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Feature Photo by Gotham via Getty Images