Why is everyone so obsessed with Taylor Swift's style? It's because she's the girl next door — but better
- People are fascinated by Taylor Swift's every move, but some are especially curious about her style.
- Psychologist Carolyn Mair said that's because Swift is "the girl next door — but better."
Fascination surrounds everything Taylor Swift does: her massive tours, her relationships, and of course, her clothes.
But when it comes to the latter, fans aren't tuning in because they expect the shocking fashion antics of stars like Doja Cat, Lady Gaga, and Kim Kardashian.
Instead, Swift's outfits are simple, understated, and in many cases, relatable. Who hasn't thrown a big T-shirt over bike shorts and called it a day?
It's that attainability that keeps eyes glued to the icon's every outfit, according to Carolyn Mair, a chartered psychologist, fashion-business consultant, and the author of "The Psychology of Fashion."
"Taylor Swift's style reflects her personal fashion choices rather than ones that conform to industry trends," Mair said. "This authentic approach has made her a style icon and very relatable figure for her fans, almost like the girl next door — but better."
Mair described Swift's style as having "classic elegance" but also "a modern, eclectic twist."
"What sets her style apart from other celebrities is its remarkable versatility," she said. "Swift effortlessly transitions from vintage-inspired looks to contemporary, edgier ensembles — always maintaining an air of sophistication."
In recent weeks, many of Swift's street style looks have included basic wardrobe staples like baseball caps, denim, and loafers.
Still, she's shown them off with unique jewelry, bold lipstick, and trendy designer handbags.
While Mair noted that intense media attention on Swift creates extra excitement around what she wears, there's also an inherent interest in celebrities who dress like us.
"A parasocial relationship is a one-sided emotional connection with a media figure, celebrity, etc. that results from regular consumption of media content featuring this person, which leads to a sense of familiarity and connection with the celebrity," Mair said.
"And Swift's style offers a form of parasocial interaction," she added. "Many of her fashion choices can be emulated easily by her fans, which makes her even more aspirational and relatable."
Of course, you can't talk about Swift's fashion without mentioning her famous "eras."
Whether it's her street style or performance fashion, Swift's known to regularly change her look to match both her latest work and her mood.
She wore dozens of sparkling minidresses after releasing "Fearless," romantic summer dresses while promoting "Speak Now," and rainbow everything during her "Lover" period.
Mair said Swift's eras likely help the musician communicate "her emotional and creative journey," while also serving as a "style strategy."
There's a connection, she said, between Swift's "personal identity, artistic expression, and fashion." So by changing her aesthetic with each era, according to Mair, Swift can keep her image fresh and stay connected with those who support her.
"From a psychological standpoint, this fosters a sense of authenticity and relatability as fans can observe her growth and transformation through her fashion choices, which creates an even more profound and enduring bond between Swift and her fans," she said.
But more broadly, Swift's eras and ever-changing fashion prove something bigger.
"It reinforces the idea that clothing is more than a form of self-expression," Mair said.