Taylor Swift Dazzles in Edgy Tartan Look at the VMAs

At the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday night, Taylor Swift turned heads with a bold fashion choice that marked a departure from her usual style. Embracing a ‘90s fashion revival, Swift sported a striking tartan ensemble by Dior, showcasing a chic taffeta bustier and skirt in vibrant yellow.

Her outfit drew clear inspiration from a classic ‘90s look: the preppy yellow tartan ensemble worn by Alicia Silverstone’s character, Cher Horowitz, in the 1995 film Clueless. While this look has been referenced before, such as when Natalie Portman donned a similar outfit for Halloween in 2022 and Blackpink’s Jisoo wore a version for the Dior Fall-Winter 2022 show in Paris, Swift’s iteration brought a fresh, edgy twist.

Swift’s tartan ensemble featured punk-inspired elements, including black buckles, a collar, and a zippered front that added a daring edge. This contrasted sharply with the traditional preppy style of the original Cher Horowitz outfit. She paired the bustier and skirt with velvet shorts, thigh-high boots, and gloves, completing the look with a dramatic black smokey eye instead of her usual red lipstick. This ensemble was part of Dior’s 2025 Cruise collection, which celebrated Scottish craft traditions and drew inspiration from Mary, Queen of Scots. The collection was showcased against the backdrop of Drummond Castle’s grand gardens in Scotland, where models in gothic plaid pieces paraded through the historic site.

Swift’s VMAs appearance marked a notable shift from her typical red carpet style. Known for her glamorous gowns adorned with crystals, diamonds, and sequins, Swift’s usual red carpet look is often characterized by classic silhouettes and overtly glamorous details. Her tartan outfit, with its punk accents, showcased a more daring and unconventional side.

The VMAs were a night of significant triumph for Swift. She walked away with seven “Moon Person” trophies, including the prestigious Video of the Year award for her collaboration with Post Malone on “Fortnight.” The Best Collaboration award was also among her wins. During her acceptance speech, Swift took a moment to reflect on the September 11 attacks, honoring those who lost loved ones and the collective loss experienced on that tragic day.

Swift’s VMAs appearance came just a day after she made headlines by endorsing Kamala Harris for the U.S. presidency. This endorsement added a layer of political significance to Swift’s high-profile appearance, capturing global attention.

In summary, Taylor Swift’s tartan look at the VMAs was a bold and edgy departure from her usual style, reflecting both a nod to ‘90s fashion and a contemporary twist on punk aesthetics. Her performance and multiple awards underscored a successful night, blending a significant fashion statement with moments of personal and political reflection.