How Taylor Swift Does Girl Gang Style in Real Life: Lorde, Lena Dunham, and the BFF Look

Taylor Swift
Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Swift / @taylorswift

Two years have passed since Taylor Swift famously quipped, “There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” Turns out, Swift wasn’t just throwing shade—in fact, she’s taken things to a whole new level. From actresses (Emma Stone, Hailee Steinfeld) and fellow musicians (Lorde, the Haim girls), to a bevy of models (Lily Aldridge and Gigi Hadid), female friendship is Swift’s new thing, landing her a spot on our March cover with BFF Karlie Kloss and culminating in this week’s release of her “Bad Blood” music video, with its star-studded cast of women.

A spot in Swift’s inner circle is a coveted one—just ask Avengers: Age of Ultron star**Elizabeth Olsen,** who recently ran into Swift at a party. “I just talked at her for like a long time, and I think I blew it because we didn’t exchange phone numbers or anything,” Olsen shared on The Late Late Show. “I’m still nervous thinking about it right now.” Perks of membership include Ina Garten–inspired baking sessions, Britney Spears sing-alongs, and a recurring guest spot in Swift’s expertly curated Instagram feed.

From Breton-stripe tees to matching sweatshirts, we couldn’t help but notice an unspoken dress code among Swift’s super friends—it’s uncanny. So, as Swift kicks off her 1989 world tour, we took a look at eight simple rules to dressing like a member of her girl gang, plus how to get the look yourself—Olsen, take note.

Back to Basics

A trip to Taylor’s seaside manse calls for springtime casuals. Think preppy basics with a vintage touch—paint-splattered, tapered jeans, a crisp white button-up—to match the weekend’s adorkable mood. Teal rickshaw, anyone?

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Swift / @taylorswift
Image may contain Clothing Apparel Pants Denim Jeans Sunglasses Accessories and Accessory
Ray-Ban round metal, $150; revolveclothing.com; Chance scoop-neck tee, $60; chanceco.com; Citizens of Humanity Kylie military jacket in combat green, $378; citizensofhumanity.com; NSF painted beck jeans, $288; madewell.comPhoto: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of revolveclothing.com; Courtesy of chanceco.com; Courtesy of citizensofhumanity.com; Courtesy of Madewell
Logo Mania

On Wednesdays, we wear slogan tees. These cheeky “Bill Murray” sweatshirts came from eco-friendly Los Angeles brand (and model off-duty favorite) Reformation, which has a number of similar vintage styles to choose from. We suggest the “Basic”—worn ironically, of course.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Swift / @taylorswift
Image may contain Clothing Apparel Sweater Sweatshirt Human and Person
Reformation Basic sweatshirt, $118; for information: thereformation.com; Reformation Look at Me sweatshirt, $118; thereformation.com; Reformation Bill Murray sweatshirt, $118; thereformation.comPhoto: (All) Courtesy of thereformation.com
Dots and Stripes

Brunch with Tay means lemon ricotta pancakes—cheat day!—at Sarabeth’s in Tribeca. Printed, ladylike separates are a must, but in complementary patterns, like polka dots and tweed, to avoid getting matchy-matchy. It’s a clique, guys, not a cult.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Swift / @taylorswift
Image may contain Clothing Apparel Dress Texture and Blouse
Tibi wrap-effect striped silk crepe de chine top, $350; net-a-porter.com; Thakoon polka-dot wrap dress, $3,250; farfetch.com; Kenzo Dots Stripes shorts, $578; farfetch.comPhoto: (From left) Courtesy of net-a-porter.com; Courtesy of farfetch.com; Courtesy of farfetch.com
Go Retro

For a rooftop picnic and some feminist discourse, two pairs of retro acetate shades will do nicely. Just grab a plush velvet throw from your chaise longue and The Feminine Mystique from your bookshelf for a picture-perfect afternoon.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Swift / @taylorswift
Image may contain Sunglasses Accessories Accessory Towel and Bath Towel
Gucci Flora silk inlay cat-eye optyl sunglasses, $310; lanecrawford.com; Adam Selman x Le Specs The Hunger sunglasses, $120; openingceremony.com; ABC Carpet Home abcdna luminous velvet throws, $495 each; abchome.comPhoto: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of lanecrawford.com; Courtesy of openingceremony.com; Courtesy of abchome.com
Sail Away

When channeling your inner Jackie Kennedy—boatside, as one does—go for classic nautical pieces. Marinière tops, a simple gray T-shirt dress, and Aviators or Wayfarers for shades. An American in Paris à la Jean Seberg is also an acceptable muse.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Swift / @taylorswift
This image may contain Clothing Sleeve Apparel Long Sleeve Home Decor and Pendant
Zara short striped sweater, $40; zara.com; Tibi lace-up cotton sweater, $345; net-a-porter.com; Banjo Matilda Como cashmere sweater, $425; net-a-porter.comPhoto: (From left) Courtesy of Zara; Courtesy of net-a-porter.com; Courtesy of net-a-porter.com
Black and White

Going monochromatic is the easiest route to picturesque, grammable dressing. Mix things up by varying textures, like a shaggy white fur coat, or add a touch of animal print, then give the camera your most insouciant stare.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Swift / @taylorswift
Image may contain Clothing Apparel Footwear and Shoe
Jason Wu stretch polo shirt, $595; stylebop.com; Edun calf hair-trimmed cotton miniskirt, $1,391; mytheresa.com; Acne Studios Penny Croco loafers, $620; barneys.comPhoto: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of stylebop.com; Courtesy of mytheresa.com; Courtesy of barneys.com
Fifties Swim

A bandeau top and modest bikini bottom are flattering on most bodies—perfect for matching with friends—but contrasting colors and prints keep things from being too boring. The occasional fifties-style high-rise suit is also good—just save the monokini for **Rihanna’**s yacht.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Swift / @taylorswift
Image may contain Clothing Apparel Underwear Lingerie Swimwear Bra and Bikini
Victoria’s Secret The Knockout bandeau, $44; victoriassecret.com; Victoria’s Secret high-waist bottom, $37; victoriassecret.com; J.Crew gathered halter underwire bikini top, $50; jcrew.com; J.Crew pinup bikini brief, $50; jcrew.com; Orlebar Brown Ravenna and Balmoral bikini, $320; net-a-porter.comPhoto: (From left) Courtesy of Victoria’s Secret; Courtesy of J Crew; Courtesy of net-a-porter.com
Color Contrast

Sometimes, you have to let the leader stand out from the crowd. Sleek black styles—a pleated leather skirt, a wrap dress slit up to the thigh—make for perfect set dressing when Taylor wears her sweetest white summer frock. The world will know what it means.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Swift / @taylorswift
This image may contain Clothing Dress Apparel and Home Decor
A.L.C. Reed strappy back jumpsuit, $695; farfetch.com; Self-Portrait Graciella paneled floral-lace and mesh mini dress, $520; net-a-porter.com; Carven fancy striped tweed woven dress, $790; bergdorfgoodman.comPhoto: (From left) Courtesy of farfetch.com; Courtesy of net-a-porter.com; Courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com