Taylor Swift has a knack for releasing hit songs, and one of her newer singles, “Mean”, is no exception. The song’s music video is particularly noteworthy; it has a vintage feel that makes it stand out from Taylor’s past videos. Various scenes throughout the video are reminiscent of the early 20th century, focusing heavily on styles from the ’20s and ’30s.
Below, I’ve created three outfits inspired by Taylor Swift’s “Mean” video for you to use as inspiration for your own unique looks.
Table of Contents
Outfit 1
The first scene of the video is set to look like a farm house on the prairie. Taylor is dressed in a very vintage knee-length neutral-colored dress paired with tan Mary Jane heels as she strums on her banjo. Although this look might be a little too country for your personal taste, the key to achieving this look is focusing on understated appeal.
Dress, Shoes, Necklace, Earrings
For a more everyday look appropriate for class, try a vintage-inspired dress such as this one with lace detailing. Pair the frock with neutral Mary Jane pumps. Subtle touches like the bird necklace and rose earrings give the look an understated, muted vibe and finish the ensemble.
Outfit 2
The next outfit change for Taylor is introduced in a scene centered around a train and railroad tracks. Taylor is literally tied up in ropes while wearing a very ruffly dress over striped tights. She adds classic oxfords, a floral headpiece, and a pearl statement necklace to complete the ensemble. This is the outfit featured on the single’s album cover as well.
Dress, Shoes, Necklace, Bracelet, Earrings, Flower Clip
Even though you (thankfully) won’t be tied up in ropes on railroad tracks, you can wear a cute ruffle dress like this one inspired by Taylor’s. Pair it with vintage-inspired oxfords and add a flower clip to your hair for a completely put-together look. For jewelry, wear dainty pearl earrings to contrast with the chunky statement necklace. Add a fun rope bracelet as a playful hint to the scene in the video!
Outfit 3.
The final outfit Taylor wears in the video is glitzy to the max! Her metallic gold fringe dress highlights a ’20s flapper appeal. Bright lights and flashing signs make the set look as though it was pulled from Broadway itself, making Miss Swift’s outfit shine even more.
Dress, Shoes, Necklace, Earrings
For a dressier look inspired by the glitz of the final “Mean” look, try out this cream-colored, flapper-inspired fringe dress! Pair it with metallic pumps for a modern and fun look. As for accessories, less is more, so add a pair of star stud earrings and a cute microphone charm necklace. Whether you’re on stage or on campus, you’re sure to shine with this look!
What do you think?
Do you like Taylor Swift’s new single? Do you like the music video? Are you inspired by vintage pieces from the ’20s and ’30s? Would you wear any of the looks? Which one is your favorite? Would you like to see more posts like this in the future? Let me know in the comments!
Love it! Taylor Swift is my favorite! I really like the vintage looks from this video!
all of the looks are just perfect!
Loving the retro look! But somehow taylor manages to keep the look excessively girly for my taste…but nevertheless, great post!
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE TAYLOR SWIFT! NICE INSPIRATIONS!
J’ADORE the second outfit! The dress is a perfectly toned down version of Taylor’s, and the rope bracelet is too perfect! I would keep the heeled oxfords and tights, myself, rather than going to flat oxford, but I understand that the flat is more practical and comfortable for most people, and also makes the look a little less copperplate. This is the most beautiful music video – I hadn’t seen it until I saw this post, and the vintage lover in me had to head over and watch it…about four times in a row. It really seems somewhat earlier than the twenties and thirties in the train scene – very fin de siecle cabaret feel, almost steampunk, with the dark shadows and the creepy circus guys!
A brassy pocket-watch necklace might not be out of place in the second outfit, to add more of an edge and a suggestion of these delightful villains…just a thought.
Hi CF!
I have been reading your articles for about a year now and I really appreciate the time and effort you all dedicate in writing these articles for us the readers. I was wondering if it were possible to do a piece on fashion outfits inspired by the movie “Bride Wars.” Thanks!
I love that you did a post based off Taylor Swift’s “Mean” music video. The fashion is absolutely to-die-for. You did a great job being inspired by her costumes, without making it look too costume-y. The accessories are my favorite though!
love this so much! taylor swift might not be my girl, but i really love what you did with the outfits and the way you took from a music video. I really love the last outfit–it looks so broadway/burlesque (but classy haha)/old hollywood.
I love, love, LOVE this! You should do a Taylor Swift series! I would love to see more! In addition to being incredibly talented,Taylor has amazing style!
The hairpiece Taylor wears in Outfit 2 is from ban.do and you can buy it yourself if you go to their press&celebrities section in their website. I’d provide the link but I don’t want to come of as a spammer, so just search for ban.do headbands.
I love that you did a music video, and I admit Taylor Swift is one of my favorite singers (in addition to being a great style icon)! Look #2 is easily my favorite. 🙂