16 outfits Taylor Swift has worn this year, ranked from worst to best

Taylor Swift at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on October 17. Gilbert Flores/Variety/Getty Images Taylor Swift is back.No, she hasn't announced her 13th studio album or another massive world tour. She's simply stepped back into the spotlight after a few quiet months away.Since March, the music icon has been photographed at awards shows, walking around New York City, and sitting in suites at Arrowhead Stadium — in support of her husband, Travis Kelce, of course.Naturally, she's worn statement outfits for each occasion. Designer jackets, expensive jewelry, and luxury handbags remain her signatures.Some of her recent looks are the epitome of her effortless street style, while others haven't made much sense. Here's how we'd rank what she's worn this year, from worst to best. Taylor Swift brought back peplum tops in May, but she probably shouldn't have. Taylor Swift in New York City on May 14. Aeon/Getty Images She was photographed in New York City wearing a $1,190 white button-up blouse from Stella McCartney, $1,350 The Row trousers, sandals from the same brand, and a black leather belt.The bottom half of the outfit was chic, but her top looked too formal, making the outfit feel corporate.It couldn't be saved by Swift's $4,500 Fendi bag or her Cartier Santos Demoiselle watch. The outfit she wore to a Chiefs game in September wasn't memorable. Taylor Swift at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 20. David Eulitt/Getty Images Swift was spotted on September 20 standing in a suite at Arrowhead Stadium with her mom and mother-in-law.She kept her outfit simple that day: denim bottoms, a black leather belt, and a $40 Chiefs tank top from Wear by Erin Andrews.There was nothing really wrong with the outfit; the musician looked cute and comfortable. Still, it was so simple that most fans probably won't remember it next season. The same could be said for the checkered dress she wore a few days earlier. Taylor Swift at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 14. David Eulitt/Getty Images At another Chiefs game, Swift wore a $295 checkered dress from Guest in Residence.It was a sweet, festive choice for the occasion, especially when paired with her signature red lipstick.At the same time, though, the pattern made the dress resemble a picnic tablecloth, which wasn't ideal. One tweak could have saved Swift's 2026 MTV Video Music Awards look. Taylor Swift attends the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2026. John Shearer/WireImage/Rich Polk/Billboard via Getty Images She arrived on the blue carpet wearing a couture gown from Tamara Ralph. It had a halter neckline, a black velvet bodice with a mesh back, and a sparkling silver skirt that wrapped around her hips and reached the floor.From the front, Swift looked powerful and stylish.Unfortunately, the thick, lace-up feature on the back of the dress made it look less elegant. She chose elevated basics for an NBA playoff game, though they weren't super memorable. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at a 2026 Knicks and Cavaliers game. Tim Phillis/AP Swift and Kelce were sitting courtside when the Knicks played the Cavaliers in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.Both wore denim outfits for the game, though Swift's look was undoubtedly flashier. She paired $790 Stella McCartney jeans with a black denim jacket and a chain-embellished tank top from the designer.Swift also sported a Dior purse, Stella McCartney sandals, and an assortment of gold jewelry — including her massive engagement ring.The outfit was fun, but also simple and a little forgettable. Swift was ready for fall when she made a surprise appearance on "Saturday Night Live" in October. Dakota Johnson and Taylor Swift at "Saturday Night Live" on October 3. NBC/Will Heath/Getty Images She took the stage alongside her friend, Dakota Johnson, wearing a $595 Simkhai brown plaid minidress. Swift also wore a $1,500 Yves Saint Laurent chain belt, a gold Cartier bracelet, Burberry boots, and hoop earrings.The outfit didn't make for her flashiest fashion moment, but it was cute and understated. She embraced her girl-next-door vibe for a New York City outing in June. Taylor Swift in New York City on June 15. Aeon/Getty Images Photographers captured Swift wearing a $295 Guest in Residence polo top, light-wash denim jeans, Gucci sandals, a matching leather belt, and an assortment of gold jewelry.She also carried the large Chloé Penelope bag.It was one of Swift's most cohesive looks so far this year. The musician accepted 7 iHeartRadio awards in a green corseted minidress. Taylor Swift at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Phillip Faraone/Getty Images Wiederhoeft designed the ensemble, which was sleeveless and decorated with silver sparkles.Swift wore it with $36,000 Dena Kemp earrings and Jimmy Choo sandals. The assortment of rings and bracelets she wore also retailed for $36,000.Swift looked pretty, and her outfit was solid. It wasn't her best look of the year, but it was far from her worst. Swift's street style reemerged in April, and it was strong from the start. Taylor Swift in New York City on April 27. Aeon/Getty Images On one New York City outing, Swift paired a blue-and-white striped Staud dress with $1,195 Christian Louboutin sandals and a yellow mini Lady Dior bag.The outfit was fun and perfect for summer. The mix of diamond and opal jewelry she wore with it only added to the look. Her date-night style this year has been feminine and flowing. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in New York City on May 15. DAMEBK/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images Just look at the floral Doen dress she wore for a night out with Kelce in May. The off-the-shoulder design had puffed sleeves, a semi-sheer skirt, and a ruffled neckline.The dress was cute on its own, but it looked even better with Swift's choice of accessories: $920 Aquazzura sandals, gold jewelry, and a small raffia bag. Swift proved that you can't go wrong with a classic black-and-white outfit. Taylor Swift in New York City on May 12. DAMEBK/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images On a different night in New York City, Swift was photographed wearing a white Retrofête minidress. The simple garment had a high neckline, long sleeves, and a short pleated skirt.On its own, the dress might not have stood out on Swift. However, she accessorized to perfection.She contrasted the garment with a slouchy black Dior purse, Gucci slingback heels, and a ponytail. Even as a wedding guest, Swift sparkled. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in New York City on May 16. XNY/Star Max/Getty Images Swift and Kelce attended a wedding in New York City in May and were photographed outside the event.While Kelce sported a black Essentials suit with subtle pinstripes, Swift glowed beside him in a shimmering Maria Lucia Hohan gown.The sleeveless design had waist cutouts, all-over ruching, and thin straps.It looked stunning on Swift, who wore it with gold Aquazzura sandals and opal jewelry that previously belonged to Elizabeth Taylor (whom Swift name-checked on her latest album). Swift showed some spirit at a major NBA Finals game. Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden for the NBA Finals. Al Bello/Getty Images Swift sat courtside with Mariska Hargitay, the Haim sisters, and other Knicks fans who cheered their way through Game 4.Her outfit for the night was perfectly on brand. Made by Alana Haim, Swift's blue T-shirt had "Stevie Knicks" printed in orange across the chest.The shirt was festive and fun, nodding to Swift's love for both the sports team and the iconic musician. She wore it with Area jeans and chain-adorned sandal heels. She looked glamorous in a black floral gown at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction. Taylor Swift at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction in New York City. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Swift became the youngest woman inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June.She wore a custom Givenchy gown for the occasion. It was black, strapless, and corseted at the bodice, which connected to a floor-length skirt with a thigh-high slit.It was a memorable look for an equally memorable night. The pop star looked more like a princess at the "Toy Story 5" premiere. Taylor Swift at the "Toy Story 5" premiere in Los Angeles. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Swift arrived on the red carpet wearing a patchwork minidress from Erdem.It had a corset bodice, off-the-shoulder sleeves, exaggerated pockets, and a raw hemline.The dress was playful, fashion-forward, and the perfect choice for a movie premiere. Swift sparkled her way down the Academy Museum Gala red carpet. Taylor Swift at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Dior designed Swift's baby-blue gown, which suited her in silhouette and color.It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline, a glittery bow up top, all-over ruching, and a floor-length skirt with a short train.She accessorized with Aquazzura heels and Chopard diamond jewelry. Read next Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Amanda Krause is a Senior Reporter at Business Insider covering a variety of lifestyle topics.Her work at BI includes profiles of beauty moguls, analyses of celebrity fashion, reviews of trending products, expert interviews across topics, features about booming small businesses and lucrative side hustles, and live coverage of award shows, pageants, and other events. Amanda has also widely covered Disney brands and theme parks, writing everything from slideshows about her experiences on Disney cruises to breaking-news stories focused on major changes and layoffs within the company. She previously appeared on CBS in 2024 to discuss the Met Gala and won an Anthem Award in 2023 for her work on Business Insider's package "Better Me."Amanda graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a degree in Communications and Journalism, and has more than seven years of experience in the lifestyle space.You can email her at akrause@businessinsider.com.ExpertiseFashion, celebrity style, beauty, lifestyle trends, and Disney theme parks. Fashion Style Taylor Swift More Red Carpet Celebrities