The casual, raucous, and beer-scented stands of a football stadium aren’t the first place I’d look for a celebrity to make symbolic fashion statements—all in the name of romance. Yet, for the better part of the last four months, that’s exactly what I’ve come to expect from Taylor Swift’s appearances at Kansas City Chiefs games while she supports her boyfriend, Travis Kelce.
Let me take a moment to backtrack. Though I like Swift’s music, I don’t consider myself a member of the enthusiastic “Swiftie” community. However, within the last year, I’ve noticed my tastes growing decidedly more Swift-oriented. It began last spring, when I flew to Nashville—along with Brittany, my best friend since middle school—for Swift’s “Eras” tour.
A mutual friend had acquired four tickets for the occasion, and I soon found myself braving sprinkling rain while outfitted in my “Reputation”-best all-black: Ksubi skinny jeans, a Marc Jacobs bag chain-turned-necklace, and a crystal fringe-trimmed jacket sourced from a local boutique the day prior. Together, Brittany and I swayed in our height-defying seats while belting out “Enchanted,” “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and “Karma,” surrounded by waves of colored lights from our wrist bracelets; two united dots in the sea of 70,000 people that filled Nissan Stadium.
At the time I was working as an editor for a retail market website, and when I returned home to New York, I began covering Swift’s on- and off-stage outfits. Subconsciously channeling the nonchalant spirit of Midnights, my looks slowly grew to include more boots, sneakers, and handbags accented with dark crystals and metallic textures. My reporting on the mega star’s style led me to amass a small library’s worth of knowledge on her go-to brands, silhouettes and color palettes—as well as what they symbolize. Swift is nothing if not loyal, especially when it comes to her clothing, with an understanding that it both tells a story and will be analyzed by legions of individuals online. (For example: When the “Eras” tour stopped in L.A., Swift donned five blue outfits to announce the release date of “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”).
That intentionality will likely come into play when the singer attends the Super Bowl on Sunday. Thus far, Kelce’s games have found Swift adopting a sideline VIP suit uniform for cheering on the Chiefs. The basic formula includes jeans, shorts or a mini skirt—usually in blue, black or plaid—paired with a T-shirt or sweatshirt in white, red or black. Oversized windbreakers, bombers and varsity jackets—always in Chiefs colors—bring a relaxed and spirited comfort to the looks, which Swift tops with a crossbody bag. Layered gold and diamond jewelry is often from Maria Tash, Foundrae and Vrai; boots and block-heeled loafers are courtesy Christian Louboutin, Larroude, Stuart Weitzman and Prada (though Chiefs-colored Nikes have also made an appearance).
A version of that uniform was on full display when the Chiefs won the AFC title, and Swift and Kelce shared an instantly-viral kiss on the field. Cozied up in a red knit sweater from BFF Gigi Hadid’s label Guest in Residence, Swift’s accessory game was in high gear: Mejuri’s garnet-set Heirloom ring, a gleaming diamond tennis bracelet by Wove, and BaubleBar’s $44 Kansas City Chiefs dog tag necklace (which is currently waitlisted). The duo’s artist-and-athlete pairing also created a nostalgic moment, bringing to mind the teen film tropes of opposites attracting; very “She’s All That” and “High School Musical.”
Again, messaging isn’t new to Swift’s wardrobe. And given that the Super Bowl is the most outsized football game there is, her look will likely follow the same storyline as her past game-day outfits—with potential for elevated themed pieces, of course.
Ahead of Sunday’s matchup, check out our predictions for what Swift may wear. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to add a few few pieces to your own wardrobe—whether you’re supporting the Chiefs or simply want a dash of Miss Americana style in your winter rotation.
