How to Dress Like Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department"

As I listened to Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department" for the first time, I felt gratitude, thankful to have another heartbreaking, emotional album I can listen (and cry) to forever. Then, I had a second thought: "How can I turn these songs into outfits?"

Just as an artist like Swift might immediately see a vision for music videos or album artwork when she finishes a song, a fashion writer (a.k.a. me) will picture what the protagonist she's singing about might be wearing — and, boy, is there plenty to go off of on this new record. The references to unbuttoned sundresses and tugged-at sweaters as representative of the state of relationships are just the tipping point.

If you're looking to dive deeper into Swift's poeticism through the lens of fashion or are in search of an updated concert outfit for the European leg of the "Eras" tour (see you in London!), you've come to the right place. After closely studying all the new "TTPD" songs, I've curated six outfits inspired by its lyrics — for Swifties, by a Swiftie.

"My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys"

On "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys," Swift compares her partner's attitude toward her to a young boy's relationship with his toys: As much as he might love her, he's actively destroying the feeling that connects them — just as a child might knock down a sand castle that took him hours to build. ("I'm queen of sand castles he destroys... I should've known it was a matter of time.") With its beachy undertones, a literal interpretation of the song might lead you to dressing for the beach, complete with a bikini, crochet top and shell-beaded bag.

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"But Daddy I Love Him"

"But Daddy I Love Him" speaks to relationships that people in your life disapprove of: "No, I'm not coming to my senses. I know he's crazy, but he's the one I want." The theme of forbidden love is reminiscent of 2008's "Love Story," where she sings, "We keep quiet, 'cause we're dead if they knew." Rather than hide in the shadows with her lover, though, Swift now unapologetically embraces them: "Now I'm runnin' with my dress unbuttoned, screaming, 'But, Daddy, I love him." What better than a button-up sun dress and "Fearless" era cowboy boots to run in the sun in?

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"Florida!!!"

In an interview with iHeartRadio, Swift described Florida as the place where people flee and try to "reinvent themselves," to start anew after committing a crime — or a big life event: "When you go through a heartbreak, there's a part of you that thinks, 'I want a new name, I want a new life.'" Naturally, "Florida!!! (feat. Florence + the Machine)" reflects this. "All my girls got their lace and their crimes... No one asks any questions here," she sings. A lacy outfit that doubles as beach attire is the perfect look for mourning and escaping the aftermath of a split.

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"loml"

Swift comes to terms with the person she thought was the love of her life being the "loss of [her] life" on "loml," looking back on a relationship (likely with her actor ex) and singing: "What we thought was for all time was momentary... You cinephile in black and white." Reflect that cinematic, black-and-white ending with old Hollywood-inspired pieces.

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"Clara Bow"

Swift compares the 1920s film star Clara Bow to Stevie Nicks, then to herself, in "Clara Bow," both through looks and their experiences with fame: "Take the glory, give everything. Promise to be dazzling. The crown is stained, but you're the real queen." To continue "dazzling" and maintaining the ever-moving spotlight, you need glimmering outfits with bright metallics and glamorous accessories.

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"imgonnagetyouback"

Swift opens "imgonnagetyouback" with: "Lilac short skirt, the one that fits me like skin." Minis have played a large role in Swift's discography (see: 2008's "You Belong With Me," 2014's "Style") and personal life (see: her New York street style). Emulate the signer's uniform of choice — only this time in purple — to encapsulate this song.

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