For those who have been keeping up with Taylor Swift’s career, it’s clear that fashion holds a significant role in her narrative. However, in her latest music video for “Opalite,” she takes an unexpected turn. She intentionally pulls back, drawing inspiration straight from the ’90s.
Collaborating again with her longtime stylist, Joseph Cassell, Swift opts for thrifted fabrics, comfortable denim, and a sense of mall-core nostalgia rather than her usual theatrical gowns. The outcome is one of her most delightful style phases yet.
The music video unfolds like a whimsical late-night infomercial. Swift, with brown hair and a slightly solitary demeanor, spends time with her pet rock until a chance occurrence involving cable TV connects her to Domhnall Gleeson, who is similarly adorably awkward, bonding with a cactus. The overall vibe is sweet, quirky, and emotionally vulnerable, perfectly matching the clothing choices.
Instead of flaunting high-end brands like Versace or Roberto Cavalli, “Opalite” conveys a more intimate approach. The outfits appear almost homemade, reminiscent of the joy of rediscovering forgotten treasures in your parents’ attic.
Here are some of the standout vintage fashion highlights you may have overlooked.
The Backwards Polo Moment
In one scene set in the living room, Swift sports a vibrant, color-blocked polo shirt from Ralph Lauren’s early ’90s collection. Featuring bold stripes in teal, yellow, purple, and red, she wears it backward—a styling choice she’s previously embraced, immediately establishing the nostalgic tone.
The Aztec Jacket on the Swings
During a serene moment on the swing set, Swift dons a men’s suede-and-sherpa jacket from the ’80s adorned with an Aztec design. The teal jacket is paired with brown trousers, boots, and a cozy hat, giving it a beautifully thrifted vibe.
The Nostalgic Overalls
Among the more contemporary pieces is a pair of “Sweet Pea” overalls by Free People, which draw inspiration from vintage styles and feature charming needlepoint embroidery. These now-sold-out overalls make an appearance in Swift’s pink bedroom, blending beautifully with the vintage selections around her.
Karaoke Night, ’90s Edition
For a karaoke scene, Swift fully embraces the ’90s theme, wearing a red mini dress, accessorized with butterfly clips and chunky platform sandals. She even includes a friendship bracelet for her pet rock, a subtle nod to the traditions from her Eras Tour that fans are fondly familiar with.
Jazzercise Sneakers
Swift pairs her ’80s-style jazzercise tracksuit with vintage-inspired Reebok Club C 85 sneakers, offering a clean and minimal look reminiscent of classic tennis advertisements from that era.
Photo Booth Denim
One particularly lively outfit features an ’80s two-tone denim vest from Guess layered over a striped long-sleeve shirt. Completing the look are high-waisted light-wash jeans and a statement belt, along with brown boots. This scene also enjoys the surprise appearance of Lewis Capaldi, contributing to the delightful chaos.
The Cat Sweatshirt
No Taylor Swift video would be complete without a nod to her love for cats. In this video, she wears a pale yellow sweatshirt featuring the slogan “Hang in There Baby,” a quirky cartoon cat design emblematic of the ’90s. Her accessories include butterfly earrings, a floral claw clip, and a fanny pack, adding to the playful aesthetic.
The Matching Finale
The video concludes with both Swift and Gleeson adorning matching sparkly teal tracksuits featuring orange stripes, tailored specifically for them. This look captures the nostalgic essence of retro infomercials and mirrors styles that are available in Swift’s merch shop.
On its surface, “Opalite” might seem lighthearted, but the thoughtful fashion choices are far from coincidental. It evokes a sense of nostalgia without crossing into costume territory, displaying a personal touch without seeming overly sentimental. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that the most impactful fashion moments often come from garments that have a history before they come into your life.
