For those who have kept up with Taylor Swift’s journey, it’s clear that fashion is a pivotal element of her narrative. In her latest music video for “Opalite,” however, Swift takes an unexpected turn by stepping back—way back—to the ‘90s.
Teaming up once more with her trusted stylist, Joseph Cassell, Swift swaps out elaborate gowns and vibrant tour ensembles for thrifted fabrics, lived-in denim, and a sweet touch of mall culture nostalgia. The outcome is undeniably one of her most endearing fashion periods to date.
The imagery unfolds like a surreal late-night infomercial. A slightly solitary Swift, with her brown locks, spends time with her pet rock until serendipity—and cable TV—attracts her attention. Enter Domhnall Gleeson, who feels just as awkward and heartfelt, forming a connection with his own cactus companion. It’s a gentle, quirky, and emotionally rich narrative, with the fashion echoing this vibe.
Rather than opting for high fashion’s elite names such as Roberto Cavalli or Versace, “Opalite” has a more intimate feel. It’s akin to rummaging through your parents’ garage and rediscovering long-forgotten treasures.
Here are some vintage fashion highlights you might have missed.
The Backwards Polo Moment
In one of her living room scenes, Swift dons a color-blocked polo from Ralph Lauren’s early ’90s line. Featuring bold stripes of teal, yellow, purple, and red, this retro piece is worn backward—a styling choice she has embraced before, setting a playful tone.
The Aztec Jacket on the Swings
During a serene swing-set moment, Swift wears an ‘80s suede-and-sherpa men’s jacket adorned with an Aztec print. Its teal base beautifully complements weathered brown trousers, stylish boots, and a snug hat, giving off a perfectly thrifted vibe.
The Nostalgic Overalls
Among the few contemporary designs in the video, the now-sold-out “Sweet Pea” overalls from Free People’s heritage collection feature charming needlepoint embroidery. These pieces harmonize beautifully with the vintage aesthetics present in Swift’s pink bedroom.
Karaoke Night, ’90s Edition
For her karaoke scene, Swift fully immerses herself in the decade, sporting a red mini dress adorned with butterfly clips and chunky platform sandals. She even adds a friendship bracelet to her rock, an understated nod to the beloved tradition from her Eras Tour.
Jazzercise Sneakers
Paired with an impressive ‘80s jazzercise-inspired tracksuit, Swift sports vintage-style Reebok Club C 85 sneakers. Their clean and minimal design transports you straight to an old-school tennis catalog.
Photo Booth Denim
One standout ensemble features an ’80s two-tone denim vest from Guess, layered over a striped long-sleeve shirt. This look is completed with high-waisted light-wash jeans, a bold belt, and brown boots. The scene even features a fun cameo from Lewis Capaldi, adding to the delightful chaos.
The Cat Sweatshirt
No music video from Swift would be complete without a nod to cats. Here, a light yellow “Hang in There Baby” sweatshirt from Basic Editions features an endearing cartoon cat, perfectly aligning with her brand. Her accessories include butterfly earrings, a floral claw clip, and a fanny pack.
The Matching Finale
The video culminates with Swift and Gleeson donning stunning matching teal tracksuits adorned with orange stripes, custom-designed for them. This ensemble resonates with the playful retro infomercial style, while also reflecting items available in Swift’s merchandise line.
Although “Opalite” appears straightforward, the fashion choices are anything but casual. The styling strikes a tone of nostalgia without crossing into costume territory—personal yet unpretentious. It serves as a reminder that the most impactful fashion moments often come from garments that have already experienced a past life before finding their way into your wardrobe.
