Taylor Swift Ditches Her Favorite Fall Boots For the Perfect Winter Sandal

Whenever Taylor Swift steps out of the house, many Swifties like me pick apart her look for clues that Reputation (Taylor's Version) is on its way. While this may sound like a deeply parasocial venture—and to an extent, it is—it's one of the pop star's own making. After all, she's been known to leave clues about her work in red carpet and street style looks, seemingly dropping hints about The Tortured Poets Department well before the Grammy-nominated album was even announced.

So it's no surprise that fans are zooming in on Swift's latest look, which she wore for a night out with Zoë Kravitz in New York City…and are coming up with more questions than answers. Sure, the dress is partially blue, a color largely associated with her self-titled debut album, but the painted bodice of her corset dress is certainly the main focal point.

While the dress and vintage-inspired purse are both designed Vivienne Westwood, a designer she's been gravitating towards for the past couple of months, the look is also missing the plaid motif that's shaped most theories about her 12th studio album. “No boots. No plaid. What's happening?" one Swiftie questioned on X.com.

Yes, let's talk about her shoes. Be it 2013-coded ankle booties or patent leather thigh-highs, Swift has been rocking some form of badass boot to nearly every Chiefs game, date night, and red carpet event in recent memory. While she has made exceptions for certain looks, these burgundy velvet mules by Aquazzura are certainly a notable departure.

If you are adding these straight to your holiday party mood board, you might want to cop Swift's green-blue pedicure as well. While this particular version of Aquazzura's twist 95 sandal might be a bit hard to source online, red accessories—from deep burgundy to cherry—are having a moment in 2024. These velvet Loeffler Randall ankle strap sandals even feature a similar twist detail for $295.

Perhaps Taylor Swift is taking a break from Easter Egg dressing or something about this look is the key to unlocking TS12. The answer will reveal itself eventually…probably.