Top 10 Best Taylor Swift Red Carpet Outfits
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Taylor Swift Red Carpet Outfits. For this list, we’ll be looking at the singer-songwriter’s most iconic looks from dozens of glamorous appearances at awards shows, galas and other events. What do you consider Taylor’s most memorable look? Let us know in the comments.
#10: “42nd Met Gala” (2016)
Louis Vuitton
This was a memorable Met. As a co-chair of the event, Taylor had to show out. To suit the theme of “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” she donned a Louis Vuitton mini dress and knee-high, strappy black heels. She pushed the edginess of the outfit with a black lip and a new haircut — a platinum blonde bob. The striking outfit has lived beyond the carpet in fan theories about her relationship with Joe Alwyn. According to some fans, Taylor’s lyrics in her song “Dress” point to her reportedly meeting Joe at the Met Gala that night, referencing both their hairstyles.
#9: “46th Annual American Music Awards” (2018)
Balmain
At this awards show, all eyes were on Taylor. She hit the carpet in a metallic Balmain dress complete with a pair of matching thigh-high boots. The ensemble combined a sense of rock and disco, the latter of which Taylor joked about as she got ready. The reflective panels on the dress and boots made for a shimmering stroll down the carpet. Although she changed for her performance of “I Did Something Bad,” that evening, the eye-catching look showed up a few years later in her Netflix documentary, “Miss Americana,” which included clips from the night.
#8: “32nd MTV Video Music Awards” (2015)
Ashish
Why walk a carpet alone when you can do it with your squad? Taylor channeled high fashion slumber party vibes with her posse and outfit for the 2015 VMAs. Her sequined two-piece ensemble included a long sleeve crop top and high-waisted harem pants. She capped off the look with bold eye makeup and pumps. After posing with her pals — which included Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, and Mariska Hargitay — she took home several trophies. She was awarded for “Blank Space” and took home Video of the Year for “Bad Blood,” which starred several members of the squad.
#7: “63rd Annual Grammy Awards” (2021)
Oscar de la Renta
This was cottagecore on the red carpet. Taylor arrived at the 2021 Grammy Awards with six nominations and an outfit to remember. The floral, embroidered Oscar de la Renta dress was on theme with the recent folksy turn in her music. With long sleeves and see-through fabric, the short dress gave the illusion that Taylor had gotten ready in a high fashion meadow. Her outfit came complete with a matching floral facemask. She even performed in a woodsy cottage set at the show, although she changed into a different outfit. That night, she’d go home with the trophy for Album of the Year for “Folklore,” adding some gold to the colorful ensemble.
#6: “40th Met Gala” (2014)
Oscar de la Renta
Taylor turned up the glamor for this Met Gala. Dressed in a custom Oscar de la Renta satin gown, the singer looked elegant in her take on the theme “Charles James: Beyond Fashion.” The structured dress had delicate threadwork and embroidered sequins, beads, and petals as well as an ornate train. The dress was apparently also attractive to her cat, who Taylor said tried to roll up inside it. Her wavy hair and then-signature red lip completed the look. Taylor got ready for the ball with her model pal Karlie Kloss, who showed a behind the scenes look at the process on Instagram.
#5: “26th Billboard Music Awards” (2019)
Raisa & Vanessa
It’s a mini dress — but make it experimental. Taylor Swift attended the Billboard Music Awards in a ruffled lavender number and simple heels. Fans got a backstage look at the outfit on the singer’s Instagram, where she posed with her cats and singer Paula Abdul. The structural piece had ruffles lining the skirt, bodice, and chest, going up to create a collar. Sheer long sleeves and a soft pink lip completed the look. Her outfit was in line with the pastel palette she adopted during the “Lover” era. Her appearance came shortly after the release of her single “Me!,” which she would perform to open the show.
#4: “26th MTV Video Music Awards” (2009)
Kaufman Franco
It might not seem like her boldest look, but it became iconic. For the 2009 VMAs, Taylor Swift wore a one-shoulder gown with a red lip and matching nails. The shimmery, sequined gown was paired with crystal earrings and a bracelet. However, the dress would find fame after Taylor walked the carpet. After she accepted her award for Best Female Video for the “You Belong with Me” video, Kanye West interrupted her onstage in a moment that would become infamous. Despite the drama that would follow, the dazzling dress is still a powerful red carpet moment from the then up-and-coming artist.
#3: “58th Annual Grammy Awards” (2016)
Versace
She won Album of the Year, and she did it in style. Before scooping up three trophies during the show, Taylor walked the red carpet in a memorable outfit. She wore a two piece Versace look consisting of an orange bandeau top and fuschia skirt. The elegant, high-waisted skirt had a high slit and a tight bottom piece. She paired the look with a choker, red lip, and blunt bob haircut. Posing on the carpet and inside the show with friends Selena Gomez and Ed Sheeran, Taylor’s bright outfit seemed to suit her confident, celebratory feeling that night.
#2: “39th MTV Video Music Awards” (2022)
Oscar de la Renta
Taylor looked positively bejeweled at the 2022 VMAs. In an Oscar de la Renta minidress dripping in diamonds, Taylor caught fans by surprise with a shift into a new era. That night, where she accepted the award for Video of the Year for “All Too Well: The Short Film,” Taylor stunned fans with a new album announcement. The “Midnights” era began, and would come with many memorable looks. A few months later at the MTV Europe Music Awards, Taylor again opted for gems with a spaghetti strap bodysuit and chain-link patterned skirt by David Koma. Both looks certainly turned up the shimmer.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“47th Academy of Country Music Awards” (2012), Jenny Packham
Sparkling Red Appliques on Her Gown Marked a New Era
“36th MTV Video Music Awards” (2019), Versace
She Rocked a Custom, Colorful Blazer Dress Before Her Performance
“30th MTV Video Music Awards” (2013), Hervé Léger by Max Azria
A Wavy Bob & Red Lipstick Complemented Her Glamorous Dark Gown
“43rd Annual Country Music Association Awards” (2009), Reem Acra
A Gold-Sequined Gown Was the Perfect Choice for Her Award-Winning Night
“TIME 100 Gala” (2019), J. Mendel
She Chose Billowing Pink & Yellow Pastels for the Honors
#1: “57th Annual Grammy Awards” (2015)
Elie Saab
The “1989” era was all about bold colors. At the 2015 Grammy Awards, Taylor was nominated for three awards, including Record of the Year for “Shake It Off.” The singer turned heads on the carpet. Her dramatic, custom Eli Saab gown was a jewel-toned blue and turquoise ombre. The sharp silhouette left room for plenty of detailed accents in the look. A mini skirt peaked through her long dress. The top was a halter with additional straps crossing around her back. She added earrings and fuschia heels to complete the ensemble. Staying true to her roots, Taylor walked the carpet with her childhood friend, Abigail Anderson.