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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Naomi May

Taylor Swift style file: as she releases a new album, we chart the fashion evolution of the pop princess

At the 2018 American Music Awards in October (Picture: Getty Images )

Taylor Swift has announced via social media that she will be releasing her eighth studio album, Folkflore, at midnight this evening.

The 30-year-old songstress wrote on Instagram: "Tonight at midnight I’ll be releasing my entire brand new album of songs I’ve poured all of my whims, dreams, fears, and musings into. I wrote and recorded this music in isolation but got to collaborate with some musical heroes of mine."

Since she first burst into our lives in 2006, in a flurry of country music, corkscrew curls and cowboy boots, it's not just her music that's evolved, her style too.

Her self-titled debut album was released when she was just 16 years old, and suddenly she was propelled into the limelight at lightning speed.

Nashville-native Swift's anthems about unrequited love and heartbreak resonated with people around the world, as did her love of floaty prom-style dresses and boots.

Performing on stage in 2007 (Getty Images )

During her first few years in the spotlight, Swift opted for an array of A-line dresses, which she wore with her curls in their natural state.

As her star began to ascend, she employed the help of celebrity stylist Joseph Castell, who introduced the singer to higher-end labels, such as Elie Saab and J.Mendel.

In fact, Parisian haute couturier Mendel then became one of Swift's red-carpet go-to's. She opted to wear his designs on a handful of occasions, including the 47th Academy of Country Music Awards in 2012.

Wearing J.Mendel at the 47th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards in 2012 (Getty Images )

Her street style, meanwhile, relied on a staple mix of co-ords, playsuits and very short shorts with towering heels.

But after a string of highly-publicised relationships, Swift withdrew from public life and focussed on writing new music.

But when her album Reputation was released in 2018, Swift returned to the public eye with a bang, donning an array of edgier ensembles.

Most notably the head-to-toe silver Balmain look she wore to the 2018 American Music Awards, with accompanying thigh-high boots.

In Balmain at the 2018 American Music Awards (Getty Images )

The singer swapped her girly melodies for synth pop, and ditched her frumpy preppy looks in the process, racking up some serious style points for her.

With collaborations on her new album including songs with Bon Iver and The National, could it be that Swift's style will morph once more? Perhaps into a more chilled and nonchalant look? Only time will tell.

From teen queen to bona fide pop princess, scroll through the gallery above for more images of Swift's evolution over the years.

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