Last weekend, Grammy winning singer-songwriter Taylor Swift kicked off her “The Eras” tour in Glendale, Arizona (temporarily named Swift City in her honor). The shows opened with pop-punk power houses Paramore, as lead singer Hayley Williams knew Swift early in their careers in the Nashville, Tennessee area. The tour’s name was born out of her fans affectionately referring to each of her respective 10 studio albums as “eras,” due to their individual production, lyricism, and accompanying color palette and fashion style.
Given Swift’s long career in songwriting, her detailed and often poetic lyrics are chock full of niche references that have left a lasting impression on fans and critics alike. The detailed wording present in many of Swift’s songs stems from her humble country music career beginnings, as the genre tends to heavily lean into the storytelling aspect of songwriting.
After a Ticketmaster debacle that led to parent company Live Nation to testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, fans are ready to go all out for their hard-earned tickets. From lyrical references to music video recreations, countless fans have been sharing their creative costumes and outfits on TikTok.
One fan dressed up as a key-lime green dog for night two of the tour. The costume is a reference to Swift’s track “The Last Great American Dynasty” from her pandemic era “Folklore” album. A TikTok user named Eleanor (@eleanor..37) showcased her costume ahead of the show. The song tells the story of real life socialite turned composer Rebekah Harkness, who once lived in Taylor Swift’s home in Rhode Island. The house is affectionately referred to as “Holiday House,” and has been home to some of Swift’s famous Fourth of July celebrations since she initially purchased the property in 2013.
https://www.tiktok.com/@eleanor..37/video/7211669714567810346?_r=1&_t=8aoaU3pLZve
Others planned their ensembles around specific era-defining music videos. On Swift’s debut album, her song “Picture To Burn” became a standout angsty country anthem about an ex boyfriend who never let her drive his truck. Model and digital creator Madeline Ford recreated one of Swift’s most iconic music video looks for the track in preparation for her upcoming local tour stop.
@madelineaford sTATE THE OBVIOUS ????
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Another fan dressed up as Swift’s longtime collaborator and producer of her last few albums, Jack Antonoff, who also performs as solo act Bleachers. TikTok user Luis Romo (@luispabloromo)’s outfit came from a now infamous clip of Antonoff and Swift crafting the catchy bridge of “Lover” track “Getaway Car.” The clip made the rounds on TikTok following its feature in Swift’s 2020 Netflix documentary “Miss Americana.”
@luispabloromo Glasses are on the way lol the girls that get it .. get it #taylorswift#swiftok#erastour#taylorswifterastour#swiftie#jackantonoff#getawaycar
♬ original sound – Riz (Taylor’s Version) – Riz (Taylor’s Version)
The creativity continued when two fans dressed up as the two versions of Swift’s Wonderstruck perfume, which debuted in conjunction with her “Speak Now” album. Caroline Carpenter (@carolineelise3) shared the video to her TikTok account, where it has amassed over 120,000 likes.
@carolinelise3 Wonderstruck perfume DUUUPEE find us in section 132 row 3!!! @Taylor Nation @Taylor Swift #taylorswift #erastouroutfit #glendaletstheerastour #speaknowtaylorsversion #swifttok #tstheerastour
Two fans filmed other Glendale concertgoers’ creative ensembles throughout the night. Many were rooted in Swift’s lyrical choices, from a couple dressed as the sunshine and midnight rain that Swift sings about on “Midnight Rain” to a walking willow tree from “Willow.” The video compilation was posted to Brianna Renee (@briannaxrenee)’s TikTok account.
@briannaxrenee SEE U AT NIGHT 2 ????????????✨ first time at a Taylor concert so excited! #taylorswift #erastour #erastouroutfits #swiftcity #taylornation #glendaletstheerastour #swifttok
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With dozens of tour dates and ten eras to choose from, the creativity seems boundless when it comes to the musical inspiration behind fans’ costume choices. Swift’s long and sonically diverse career leaves listeners with no choice but to become lovers of something from every unique era.
