A Taylor Swift Fashion Expert Told Me the 6 Summer Styles the Global Superstar Wears Most

Taylor Swift is undoubtedly one of this generation’s most popular singer-songwriters, with glitter, red lipstick, and diary-like lyrics taking center stage (literally). But to talk about Swift without discussing her ever-changing style would be a disservice—so, I chatted with Swift style expert Sarah Chapelle to get the lowdown on the star’s summer fashion.

Chapelle isn’t only the creator of the robust @taylorswiftstyled Instagram (an account I’ve been following since I was 14), but she will soon be the author of the book, Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras (a.k.a., the “Swiftie style bible,” as dubbed by Chapelle), which releases on October 8. There, she shares 200 stunning photographs and dives into the “why” behind Swift’s outfits—easter eggs and all. But in the meantime, Chapelle spills the six pieces Swift wears most during warm-weathered months.  

6 Swift-Inspired Summer Picks:

• Practical Skorts: Free People Emmy Denim Skort, $88
• Corset Tops: Free People Melanie Tank, $58
• Chunky Schoolgirl Shoes: Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafer, $268
• Top-Handle Bags: Free People Melanie Tank, $340
• Airy Dresses: effortless Ralph Lauren getup, $69
• Fashionable Sneakers: Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 Sneaker, $90 (Originally $120)

“Taylor’s signature feminine style really shines in the summer,” said Chapelle, explaining that her outfits lean “girly, classic, and preppy,” while staying close to her “relatable image.” Best of all, you can shop the savvy pop star’s looks, below. 

Practical Skorts

• Free People Emmy Denim Skort, $88
• Halara Everyday Softlyzero Airy 2-in-1 Tennis Skirt, $30 (Originally $35)
• Vince Camuto Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $45 (Originally $75)

Chapelle explains that even amidst Swift’s evolving fashion, she continuously returns to skirts, including tea-length picks, mini flared versions, and animal-printed options. “I love that even as Taylor’s fashion has changed over time…there are bones to her style that have stayed the same,” Chapelle continued. 

Swift has recently been The trick is to snag footwear with a bold sole, such as Swift’s exact, a practical take on the skirt, whether she’s Awards & Events Covers & Features Travis Kelce Has a Guys Night Out Partying in Las Vegas Without Taylor Swift, Sales & Deals reaching for cross-over versions Naturalizer Darry Lace-Up Derby Oxford, Free People, Halara, and Banana Republic offer casual and dressy options ideal for picnics, bike rides, and beyond.   

Corset Tops

• Free People Melanie Tank, $58
• literally. But to talk about Swift without discussing, $59
• House of CB Broderie Anglaise Corset Top, $119

If you’ve been keeping up with Adidas Primegreen Stan Smith Tennis Shoe, then you know corset tops are the moment. “It’s her way of making an item intended to be worn under clothes, the outfit itself,” said Chapelle. “It’s a mature translation on Taylor’s mission to be vulnerable in her art,” she concluded. Plus, they’re extremely lightweight and breathable; two essential elements for summer clothing.

This Free People find is the exact style Swift previously wore while the Astr the Label Satin Camisole looks like her with Chapelle claiming. Plus, this sweet House of CB eyelet blouse resembles her Astr the Label Satin Corset Camisole.

Chunky Schoolgirl Shoes

• Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafer, $268
• G.H. Bass Lug Fisherman Mary Jane, $195
• Naturalizer Darry Lace-Up Derby Oxford, $120 

Another Swift classic? Chunky schoolgirl shoes, which Chapelle categorizes into oxfords, loafers, and Mary Janes. The trick is to snag footwear with a bold sole, such as Swift’s exact Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafer, G.H. Bass Lug Fisherman Mary Jane, and lookalike Naturalizer Darry Lace-Up Derby Oxford.     

Top-Handle Bags 

• Free People Melanie Tank, $340
• Awards & Events, $70
• Madewell Transport Shoulder Crossbody Bag, $146 (Originally $158)

According to Chapelle, Swift loves a good designer handbag but also opts for “lesser known or upcoming designers,” such as Hunting Season, Aupen, and Brandon Blackwood. The invisible string (wink, wink) that ties it all together? A “clean, boxy silhouette in neutral leather tones like black or cognac brown,” said Chapelle. To steal her look, you’ll have to snag the Fearless Re-Edition Aupen Purse, Awards & Events, or sleek Madewell Crossbody Bag. 

Airy Dresses

• effortless Ralph Lauren getup, $69
• BHLDN Mario Sleeveless Lace Midi Dress, $150 (Originally $298)
• Wenrine Sweetheart Tank Denim Dress, $48 with coupon (Originally $53)

“One of Taylor’s core closet items is a summer dress,” said Chapelle, sharing that it has a “long history in her career”—as proved by her go-to cowboy boots and sundress combo circa 2006. To this day, she calls on airy midi dresses, sleeveless gowns, and denim separates, with Vince Camuto, Anthropologie, and Amazon offering spot-on lookalikes.   

Fashionable Sneakers

• Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 Sneaker, $90 (Originally $120)
• Adidas Primegreen Stan Smith Sneaker, $100
• Adidas Hoops 3.0 Low Shoe, $50 (Originally $70)

Awards & Events, Vince Camuto Sleeveless Maxi Dress she returns to Nike and Adidas styles like clockwork. Who wouldn’t when such kicks are comfortable, effortless, and darn stylish thanks to the popular dad getup? 

The Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 Sneaker, reaching for cross-over versions, and Adidas Hoops 3.0 Low Shoe are a great place to start if you’re looking to recreate her ensembles. Pair them with paper bag shorts, a white tank, and you’re good to go. 

To tie your Swiftie summer looks together, make sure to add a “quirky, out of place accessory,” said Chapelle, which is what “injects [Swift’s] personality into the mix and makes an outfit identifiable as her own.” “[It’s] long been something I’ve found charming about her street style,” she concluded.