The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
When I think fall, I think crisp air, the crunch of leaves, pumpkin-flavored everything, and the Taylor Swift fall aesthetic. For many Swifties, Red – with its various explicit mentions of the season and overall autumnal imagery and feel – is the go-to album to add to everyone’s pre-winter playlists. That doesn’t mean it’s her only source of fall imagery, though; with a whopping nine albums, Swift has plenty of other songs that fit right in the same category, even if they aren’t all perfectly packaged into the ideal record. To welcome the season – and, yes, to prepare for the release of Red (Taylor’s Version) on November 12 – here are 13 fall outfit essentials (plus how to recreate them) and the lyrics they’re connected to, so you can dive right into living your best Swift-inspired fall. And yes, of course the scarf is there.
1. The Cardigan
“And when I felt like I was an old cardigan under someone’s bed, you put me on and said I was your favorite” – cardigan
About a failed relationship between two teens, “cardigan” is the perfect choice for your emo autumn playlist. Fittingly, Swift created an official merch item for this song: an oversized button up cardigan with black striping and silver stars (referencing the lyric “you drew stars around my scars but now I’m bleeding”). It sold out in record time and is now being listed for hundreds of dollars on resale sites, but this oversized cardigan from American Eagle matches the vibe perfectly for those chilly fall nights, and it has endless outfit possibilities.
2. The Scarf
“I left my scarf there, at your sister’s house, and you’ve still got it in your drawer, even now” – All Too Well
Yes, it’s true – the infamous scarf! This is presumably about none other than Jake Gyllenhaal himself, who Swift dated from 2010 to 2011 – rumor has it Maggie Gyllenhaal still has Swift’s scarf. This song recounts what felt like an endgame relationship following its rough breakup, and the scarf – which opens and closes the song – has become somewhat viral among Swifties. Any scarf will do this season, but if you’re an “All Too Well” fan, I have the perfect scarf to wipe your tears away – not only is it from Free People, one of Swift’s favorite brands, but it’s also the most on-trend shade of vibrant pink.
3. The Locket
“I stood right by the tracks, your face in a locket” – Sad Beautiful Tragic
If there’s one thing Swift knows how to do, it’s absolutely shred her listeners’ heart to pieces, as evidenced in “Sad Beautiful Tragic.” Lockets are the most romantic piece of jewelry (and reminiscent of Lara Jean Song Covey from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before), and Etsy is my favorite place to look for one-of-a-kind finds – exactly what you want in a locket! If you’re single, you can still romanticize your life; stick a picture of your favorite celebrity or your dog inside.
4. The Band Tee
“I see me padding ‘cross your wooden floors with my Eagles t-shirt hanging from your door” – gold rush
“Gold Rush” is one of my favorite songs of all time. I love how upbeat it is and how perfectly it reflects falling in love with someone. While I admittedly know nothing about the Eagles outside of “Hotel California,” a classic band tee is a wardrobe staple. They’re common in thrift stores, and you can typically find the coolest ones there, but there’s plenty of online options as well (not only does ASOS keep you stylish, but they offer a student discount).
5. The Flannel
“November flush and your flannel cure” – champagne problems
Our girl loves stealing clothing from her partners! A flannel is a fall must-have. They’re so versatile, able to fit feminine, punk, and athleisure styles, and there’s no shortage of options to choose from. Madewell’s is sustainably-made and incredibly soft, and Urban Outfitters offers a few upcycled options. While I encourage you all to find the flannel of your dreams, I’m wishing you all a non-champagne-problems fall.
6. The Jeans
“You know I love Springsteen, faded blue jeans, Tennessee whiskey” – London Boy
Whether you’re team mom jeans or team skinny jeans, we can all agree that faded blue wash is a classic choice. Since “London Boy” pokes fun at Swift’s choice in British boyfriends (e.g. Harry Styles, Tom Hiddleston, and Joe Alwyn), she uses this clothing item as a representation of being “all-American.” Pick up a pair of TikTok famous denim from Abercrombie & Fitch. Jeans are a closet staple and open the door to countless outfit possibilities – throw on a chunky sweater with yours for a Christian Girl Fall or the aforementioned band tee for a grunge look. Who knows Maybe you’ll find yourself with a British partner of your own.
7. The Vintage Dress
“No amount of vintage dresses gives you dignity” – Better Than Revenge
“Better Than Revenge” is an early Taylor Swift favorite. While the message is lacking in positive values (e.g. women should be SUPPORTING other women), you can’t deny it’s catchy. Sure, vintage dresses don’t do anything to give you dignity, but they’re very cute (and good for the environment). Layer one up with tights, chunky boots, and a leather jacket for a fall-ready fit. Take a page out of fellow Swiftie Olivia Rodrigo’s book and try a vintage Betsey Johnson dress. Not only is Depop full of Betsey Johnson Y2K dresses, but it’s an easy way to secondhand shop for those who want unique pieces, but have a preference for online shopping.
8. The White T-Shirt
“You got that long hair, slicked back, white t-shirt” – Style
The inspiration for this track – AKA Harry Styles – was dubbed “one of the best dressed musicians in the world” by GQ, so we should have no hesitation in following in his fashionable footsteps. White t-shirts are incredibly easy to style, not to mention a wardrobe essential; there’s a reason Swift uses them as an example of one of the most classic clothing items – and Everlane has a skeek, eco-friendly tee I just can’t pass up.
9. The Sweatshirt
“Hand under my sweatshirt, baby kiss it better” – cardigan
It’s really no surprise that “cardigan,” named after arguably the coziest piece of cool weather clothing, has so many other clothes to reference. Sweatshirts are key for the iffy in-between fall weather. Wear yours with a warm cup of cider in your hand and crunchy leaves underfoot, and you’ll find yourself right in the middle of your very own fall photoshoot, camera not required. Varsity-inspired versions are perfect for back-to-school (and give Emma Chamberlain vibes).
10. The Mittens
“Bundled up in their mittens and coats” – Christmas Tree Farm
Okay, okay – the “How early is too early for Christmas?” debate is still raging, but I think we could all use some holiday cheer! “Christmas Tree Farm” depicts Swift’s childhood growing up on, well, a Christmas tree farm. This song is perfect for homesick college students, and cozy mittens are reminiscent of the warmth of home – these have cute smiley faces on them to brighten your day a bit, which is especially important as the days get shorter.
11. The Jewels
“You wear the same jewels that I gave you as you bury me” – my tears ricochet
If you enjoy crying, “my tears ricochet” is your new playlist staple song. All about a breakup or loss and the grief that accompanies it, the song has truly heart-wrenching lyrics (I mean, “I can go anywhere I want, anywhere I want, just not home”?? Come on!). Take the spirit of this song with you with any or all of these statement gem rings, a major 2021 trend that isn’t going away anytime soon.
12. The LBD
“After everything and that little black dress” – The Other Side of the Door
Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, Bella Hadid – the little black dress is a Hollywood favorite. LBDs are versatile and will have your back whether you’re dressing it down at the office or showing it off at a party. Plus, they work as a last minute Halloween costume piece. Let’s just hope your relationship is on better terms than Swift’s after she inadvertently ruined it.
13. The Dagger (necklace!)
“Threw out our cloaks and our daggers” – Daylight
“Daylight” is another one of my favorites, and for good reason. Swift sings about being unlucky in love all her life until she meets one person who brightens up her life and feels like day after a long night. While I don’t endorse owning a dagger, a dagger necklace is an easy reminder of the message of this song that nothing lasts forever, and you can be your own daylight.
So go forth into the pumpkin-spiced and autumnal-colored world and build your ideal ‘fit with your favoriteTaylor-Swift-inspired pieces, and live your best sad girl fall life.