Ranking Taylor Swift's Most Iconic On-Stage Outfit Changes

“The Eras Tour” (2023-24)
After a mesmerising performance of “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince” and “Cruel Summer”, Swift fully milked this moment of glory in the most beautifully cheesy fashion. She gave a speech about feeling powerful and then, with the assistance of one of her dancers, donned the most dazzling blazer known to humankind. With a truly iconic line, she launched into “The Man”. Of course, like all good Eras tour outfits, this one came in a variety of colours, each as stunning as the last. Plus, it acted as a perfect symbol for what the song represents, encapsulating her strength.

“47th Annual American Music Awards” (2019)
This 2019 award show saw Swift winning Artist of the Decade, and thus performing a medley of songs. She began with “The Man,” while dressed in a long white shirt emblazoned with the names of each of her albums. A group of supremely talented young girls then came on stage and danced with her before the music stopped. The shirt then came off, the little ones left, and we were treated to a sparkling, golden bodysuit. It perfectly matched the era transition, as “Love Story” began to play. Later in this same performance, Swift added a pink and gold cape to her outfit, ending the medley with a gorgeous rendition of “Lover”.

“The Eras Tour” (2023-24)
The surprise songs were perhaps the most anticipated moment of every Eras tour show, so it’s only right that Swift included an outfit change to mark the moment. Initially taking place after the “1989” set and then coming post-“TTPD”, the moment had audiences holding their breaths. A dress was waiting handy, and she’d change into it with help from her dancers on stage. These garments underwent many variations as the tour progressed and went through different legs, but they were always standouts. Fans would howl with excitement seeing which piece was chosen for their night — and which deadly surprise song combos would follow.

“43rd Academy of Country Music Awards” (2008)
We’re going all the way back to 2008 now, with a performance of “Should’ve Said No” at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Even at the age of 18, Swift knew how to put on a show. The initial outfit doesn’t exactly give a signature T. Swift vibe, with her hoodie largely hiding her iconic blonde curls. But this was all to make the quick change extra impressive. As the chorus ended, a pair of dancers gripped the sides of the star’s outfit and tore it away in a blink-and-you-miss-it moment. Swift tilted the microphone as people rightfully cheered for her newly revealed black dress.

“45th Academy of Country Music Awards” (2010)
It’s only right that a song with this title includes an outfit change. At the 2010 ACMs, Taylor descended from above in a white flowy dress in angelic fashion, typified by the “hallelujah” in the lyrics. She reached up to her shoulder and tore away the ensemble, able to then walk through the crowd in a black top and pants. The moment brought a new level of excitement from the crowd, and put an infectious smile on Swift’s face as she made her way to the stage. We can’t think of any way to describe this other than epic.

“The Red Tour” (2013-14)
This performance was full of quirky outfits with its masquerade ball aesthetic. Swift began in a floor-length gown. As the second verse came to an end, she was lifted by her dancers before being placed down as the room went dark. In a matter of seconds, she was revealed to be in a black bodysuit as the lights returned. The high-energy music matched the mood/outfit change perfectly. This transition felt as though it represented a shift from innocence to maturity, and we love seeing this growth represented visually through clothes.

“The Eras Tour” (2023-24)
With its synthesized vocals, “Midnight Rain” offered the perfect moment for a mid-tune outfit change. At the end of “Lavender Haze”, Swift’s fluffy jacket came off to spotlight her large T-shirt dress, and she gave us a killer rendition of Anti-Hero. She then began “Midnight Rain” on a platform up above her dancers. As her singing paused, ready for the first chorus, she let herself fall into their arms. Umbrellas surrounded her, creating a sense of mystery, while a solo performer held the audience’s attention. When the second verse began, Swift emerged, now in a bodysuit, summoning a new wave of cheers from the crowd. And yes, she was sparkling.

“Fearless Tour” (2009-10)
It seems this song has been used by Swift quite often when it comes to on stage outfit changes, and we can see why. At the 2009 VMAs, she performed in a subway station, losing a hat and trenchcoat to reveal a red dress beneath. At the CMT Awards, she replicated the imagery of the music video, going from nerd mode to full glam. She also basked in the cheers that followed her plain black shirt giving way to a gold dress at Sound Relief. This energy was all fully encapsulated at the “Fearless” tour, where the singer’s majorette uniform was torn away. In its place was a shining, tasseled dress. The microphone tilt only heightens this moment’s iconic status.

“Fearless Tour” (2009-10)
Once upon a time, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” featured Swift braving the cold to show off her sparkly dress. That isn’t the most memorable fashion swap “Love Story” has seen, however. At the “Fearless” tour, having started the number in a big red gown reminiscent of “Romeo and Juliet”, she joined her dancers for the second verse and chorus. After the bridge, they crowded around her and the lights dimmed, concealing her. The music and applause then began to swell as she emerged in a gorgeous wedding gown complete with headpiece. The fairytale imagery of this moment truly encapsulated the “Fearless” era wonderfully.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

A Perfect End to a Perfect Show

A Seamless Transition After the “ 22” Hat

She Does Exactly as the Song Says

From Dress to Bodysuit in Epic Fashion

Swift Rocks Those Tassels

“The Eras Tour” (2023-24)
This outfit change, where Swift was undressed by her dancers and convinced to put on a show, isn’t just iconic for its visuals, but also for its depth. Before singing about the struggle of giving every performance her all despite being heartbroken and emotionally exhausted, Swift acted as though she didn’t want to carry on. Dancers Kam and Jan weren’t having it, though! Once the outfit was complete — with her white dress being swapped for a two-piece — the music started, and she switched into ‘performer mode’. For a song that encapsulates the Eras Tour itself, Swift went all out, serving full theatrics. And who could forget the London performance where Travis Kelce himself became part of the show, sending fans into a frenzy?

Do you have a favorite outfit change? Or perhaps a song you think deserved one? Let us know in the comments!