We Picked a Cardigan Inspired by Each Track on Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’

Celebrating one year of the trailblazing album

It was just a simple photo of an aesthetic wooded area shot in black and white. Maybe a little questionable to be posting during the hot month of July, but not so far out there that Taylor Swift fans would think it was anything other than a quick snap of nature the pop star wanted to integrate on her Instagram feed. All was normal for a few minutes until there was another post with a similar landscape. And another...and another...and another. Soon enough, it was evident what was happening, and the internet went crazy. 

Ten pictures later, the songwriter dropped the biggest surprise of summer 2020– a midnight launch of an album she wrote and recorded entirely throughout the beginning of the pandemic. Releasing just shy of a year to her prior album, this timeframe was unheard of for the singer. Typically, she takes at least two years between her award-winning albums. But, as time is unpredictable, so is art. Swift expresses she was inspired to write this album while in isolation, and it provided a creative outlet for her during a dark time in the world. 

Yes, July 23, 2020, is indeed a day that will be remembered by Swifties for a very, very long time. Just ten simple photos, but they had the power to contain unimaginable meaning to those who adore and are greatly influenced by her records.

It’s now been a year since those cryptic pictures hit our screens and folklore was released. The success it has been praised with the past 12 months proves the powerful force Swift has in the music industry. An album with no prior PR being awarded Album of The Year at the 63rd GRAMMY Awards? Only Taylor Swift could pull that one off so gracefully.

As the lead single off the album was entitled “cardigan,” we thought it would only be fitting to celebrate the one-year drop of folklore by styling a cardigan for each groundbreaking song on the album. So, grab a glass of wine, shuffle songs on folklore, and check out our picks for cardigans that will make you feel as spontaneous and joyful as the day the beloved album debuted. 

The 1

LOVESHACKFANCY Lata cropped pointelle-knit cotton cardigan

The knitted star pattern on this cardigan gives off dreamy and whimsical vibes– perfectly fitting for a song about a could-have-been romance.

Cardigan

Taylor Swift the “cardigan”

It would be a crime to pair any other cardigan with the debut single of folklore. The fact that Taylor wore this same garment in the music video is a tell-tale sign you need to buy it now. 

the last great american dynasty 

ALICE + OLIVIA Kitty Bow Front Wool & Cotton Blend Cardigan

A knitted white sweater with sleek black-tie bows screams “old money,” much like the Gatsby-esque parties described in this track.

Exile (feat. Bon Iver)

THE GREAT The Bobble Sophomore Cotton Blend Cardigan

If you’re gonna be exiled, you might as well make a statement with this cozy wrap that features bubbly baubles sprinkled on top of the fabric. 

My tears ricochet

THEORY Merino Wool Long Rib-Knit Cardigan

Long-length cardigans are your best friend when you need to curl up, cry, and let your tears ricochet down your cheeks. 

Mirrorball

ST. JOHN EVENING Starlight Sequin Mesh Cardigan

Sparkly, reflective, glamorous, and shimmery– are we describing this cardigan or an actual mirror ball? 

Seven

MANGO Cotton crochet cardigan

Can’t you just envision yourself wearing this playful piece while swinging in the trees at seven feet high and sipping sweet tea in the summer? 

August

SHEIN Plus Open Knit Crop Cardigan

August: a month of clear blue skies and warm summertime sun. This flirty cropped cardi is perfect for flaunting when, as Taylor so beautifully sings, you’re living for the hope of it all and canceling plans to meet behind the mall. 

This is me trying

RAG & BONE Kara Cardigan

When trying your hardest becomes a daunting effort, take comfort in the fact that you’re nuzzled up in a snug and colorful sweater. 

Illicit affairs

MADEWELL  x Kule Leopard Sinclair Crop Cardigan Sweater 

A saucy cardigan for a secretive tune about forbidden affairs. The intricate design pattern mirrors the complicated relationship taking place that Taylor so easily sings about. 

Invisible string

MADEWELL Eastdale Tie Front Cardigan Sweater

An invisible string is a metaphor that ties together soulmates, and bright melon orange is a blossoming color that reflects a budding romance. This particular clothing piece also details a frilly bow tie, so, contrary to the song, this invisible string isn’t so invisible. 

Mad woman

RIVER ISLAND Pretty Crochet Cardigan

A mad woman needs a dark and dangerous– and maybe a little sultry– cardigan, right?

Epiphany

TOPSHOP Cozy Rib Tie Front Crop Cardigan 

This delicate cream-colored sweater is effortless and uncomplicated– just like some of the best epiphanies that come to us. 

Betty

“Betty” centers around a youthful high school relationship. What better match for this song than a button-up in a youthful baby pink shade?

Peace

WILFRED Alps Cardigan

A simple and delicate cardigan for a simple and delicate wish: peace. 

Hoax

STAUD Cargo Colorblock Sweater

This sweater is a prime example of a hoax. Is it beige? Is it black? Whatever the hue, we’ll definitely be wearing this trendy sweater.  

The lakes (bonus track)

KNOWONECARES Cropped One Button Space Dyes Cardigan

What would be more picturesque while reminiscing at the lake than this breezy, airy, and soft wrap top?