Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour: Fans Embrace Concert Fashion and Friendship Bracelets in Toronto

Absolutely, let’s dive into the delightful spectacle that is the upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Toronto! As I channel a blend of Jimmy, Rowan, Ricky, and Lee, picture this: a stage at the Rogers Centre set to erupt with fans dressed to the nines, sporting outfits inspired by an artist whose wardrobe could simultaneously fuel a fashion line and a textile factory!

Now, let’s get this straight: these aren’t just any fans; these are hardcore “Swifties,” the kind of devotees who make the word “obsessed” sound like a casual interest. I mean, the enthusiasm around this tour isn’t just about the music; it’s an event. Think of it like the Olympics of pop music, but instead of gold medals, we have sequined dresses and handmade friendship bracelets. Some people spend years perfecting their craft; these fans spend months preparing for a concert — like Olympic training but with more glitter and significantly fewer calories burned.

Victoria Ngai, a 26-year-old elementary school teacher, embodies this spirit. She plans an outfit inspired by Swift’s Folklore album—flowing dresses, floral patterns, and face gems aplenty. It’s like she’s stepping straight out of a whimsical fairy tale… or at least the fanciest cottagecore Pinterest board you’ve ever seen. And let’s not overlook the preparation — 35 friendship bracelets to trade! You know you’re committed to a pop star when you’re sitting on your living room floor like a crafting guru.

And those not-so-casual observers, uh—those are their friends—are transforming what could have been a standard concert into a fashion week extravaganza worthy of Milan. We’ve got Haley Brittain rocking a sequined outfit inspired by Midnights and her mother, herself donning a shiny blazer, ready to steal the spotlight. It’s a family affair that would make any red carpet event feel like a casual trip to the grocery store.

What’s this about wearing costumes, you ask? Oh, let’s not even get started on the woman dressed as a typewriter for “The Tortured Poets Department.” That right there is artistic commitment. In a world filled with bland concert tees, these fans are out there creating haute couture looks. And can you blame them? If Taylor’s performing in sparkles, the fans must shine bright like the diamonds she sings about!

Of course, along with the dazzling outfits comes the age-old tradition of friendship bracelet trading. Why? Well, it’s all a nod to Swift’s song “You’re on Your Own, Kid,” from Midnights, naturally. A simple gesture that transforms an enormous venue into a cozy, intimate community. Honestly, handcrafted bracelets are the new tickets—they’ll probably be up on eBay before the sun sets on the last concert!

In all seriousness, this is not just a concert; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s a gathering of creativity, unity, and a sincere love for an artist who has inspired so many. So as the crowds gather for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, let’s revel in the joy, the craftsmanship, and perhaps, for those dubious about it, consider that sometimes it takes a typewriter and a handful of sequins to make the world a brighter place.

So, if you’re heading to one of these shows, strap in and get ready for a celebration like no other. And remember: dress fabulously, trade those bracelets, and unleash your inner Swiftie—this is an experience designed for freedom and fun, with a side of sequins, of course!

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As Taylor Swift gears up to kick off her six Eras Tour concerts at Toronto’s Rogers Centre starting this Thursday, fans are already preparing for the experience by curating outfits inspired by Swift’s iconic style.

Each concertgoer brings a unique touch to their attire by incorporating elements that reflect their favorite Taylor Swift eras, with many showcasing friendship bracelets as part of a communal tradition. These bracelets are not just accessories but symbols of connection among fans.

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“It’s been a running theme for a lot of her concerts for many years that people would dress up inspired by outfits either she’s worn on stage or from the albums or inspired by the lyrics,” said Markham elementary school teacher Victoria Ngai, 26, who is going to the Friday show after a university friend offered tickets.

“My best friend Alex (Baldwin, 27,) and I are going to meet up and get ready together (at my partner’s place downtown). Because they are sister albums, I’m going to embody (2020’s) Folklore, she’s going to represent (2020’s) Evermore. Expect long flowing dresses and braids for me, complemented by florals, while Alex will sport plaid to mimic the album cover where Taylor wears a plaid coat. We’re also planning to add face gems for an extra sparkle.”

Markham elementary school teacher Victoria Ngai, 26, says her Taylor Swift concert-going look for the Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, show in Toronto is inspired by Swift’s Folklore album.
Markham elementary school teacher Victoria Ngai, 26, says her Taylor Swift concert-going look for the Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, show in Toronto is inspired by Swift’s Folklore album. Photo by Victoria Ngai

Toronto lawyer Haley Brittain, 29, is excited to attend the Thursday show after winning tickets from Rogers with her mother Heather White Brittain, 62, who is flying in from Halifax the night before to stay with her daughter.

Haley is planning to wear a black sequined dress inspired by Swift’s Midnights (2022) and Reputation (2017) albums, while Heather will don a silver sequined blazer similar to one Taylor wears during her performance of The Man.

“People have really gotten into dressing up,” remarked Haley. “When I went to the (Eras Tour show) in Detroit (in May), it was amazing to see the creativity in the costumes fans crafted.”

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Sarah Andrews, 46, and her daughter Brielle, 15, will take the GO Train in from their Oshawa home for the Saturday show with Sarah’s outfit inspired by the song Daylight and Brielle wearing a tinsel jacket paired with a rhinestone body suit and skirt inspired by one of Swift’s Eras Tour outfits.

“I think it’s definitely a time for creative expression, but then anything goes,” said Sarah, who won her tickets from Rogers. “There are some funny costumes. I saw someone at her show who was dressed up as a typewriter for The Tortured Poets Department (2024) album.”

Martha Murphy, 58, of Port Lambton, south of Sarnia, is going with her daughter Kate, 21, a fine arts student at Western University in London, Ont., to the Saturday show.

Kate plans to wear “a white little dress and some black gloves to embody Taylor’s Tortured Poets Department look, while mom will coordinate in a striking black frilly top.”

The two, who also won their tickets from Rogers, will drive into Toronto and spend the night with friends.

“We’re just going to get into it and feel the vibe of it all while trading (friendship) bracelets,” said Martha Murphy.

These bracelets are inspired by Swift’s song You’re on Your Own, Kid from Midnights.

“There’s a part that says, ‘So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it,’” stated Kate.

“And then everyone was like, ‘For this tour, we should make bracelets with song names on them and then give them out and trade them.’”

Victoria Ngai has crafted no fewer than 35 bracelets, which she plans to wear before initiating trades.

“It’s just a nice community-building activity,” she said. “Trading and making friendship bracelets makes a show as massive as the Eras Tour feel intimate.”

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