While there’s no official uniform for members of the Tortured Poets Department, whatever Taylor Swift chooses to show up in usually does the trick. Such was the case at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, where the artist was nominated for a whopping 10 awards (last year’s count was four, and she won all of them). This time around, Cher Horowitz was the department principal/principle inspiration—which is to say plaid was the name of the game.
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On September 11, Swift arrived at New York’s UBS Arena in a yellow-and-black plaid Dior getup that included a matching bustier, overskirt, and choker. Underneath, she wore black hot pants and knee high boots, rounding out the outfit with strappy leather gloves that reached almost to her shoulders. (I’m going to say it!! It’s giving Reputation. Especially with those shiny black square-shaped nails.)
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Makeup-wise, Swift stuck with the dark academia theme, swapping her signature bright red lipstick—she’s been rumored to favor Pat McGrath Labs’ MatteTrance formula in “Elson”—for a brick red shade. Her eyes were fully and expertly lined (the look was likely the work of celebrity makeup artist Lorrie Turk) and her complexion leaned more matte than dancing-in-the-rain glossy.
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When it came to her famous curls, the 34-year-old decided to brush out her texture in favor of super lengthy, voluminous waves and a slightly side-swept bang. While her nails appeared simple at first glance, the design was surprisingly intricate with celestial-themed silver details that echoed the phases of the moon.
And listen, I know we said she was giving Reputation (Taylor’s Version) last year, but this year I think it’s really happening. Call me a clown, but who could ignore a hair tease like that?