Taylor Swift’s ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ Transformation: A Style and Sound Evolution

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The music video for Taylor Swift’s latest hit, “I Knew You Were Trouble,” shows a new side of the once-country cutie.

With acting, voice-overs, and a rocker-chic ensemble, Taylor strayed from her standard girly-girl style, and the extra edge looks good on her!

A Visual and Stylistic Shift

Directed by Anthony Mandler, Taylor Swift showcases an edgier style. She wears pink ombré hair, a ripped T-shirt, and skinny jeans. This departure from her typical “good girl” image coincides with her much-discussed relationship with Harry Styles.

Musical Evolution and Lyrical Depth

“I Knew You Were Trouble” is a track from Taylor Swift’s 2012 album, “Red”. Co-written by Swift, Max Martin, and Shellback, the song blends dance-pop, pop rock, and teen pop with a notable dubstep refrain.

Its innovative sound marked a departure from Swift’s traditional country-pop style. The lyrics delve into the aftermath and self-blame of a turbulent relationship.

Elegance With an Edge

Adorning a dress from David Koma's Spring 2013 collection, Taylor Swift embodied the epitome of understated eleganceAdorning a dress from David Koma’s Spring 2013 collection, Taylor Swift embodied the epitome of understated elegance (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Fittingly, just days before the release of “I Knew You Were Trouble” for the Z100 Jingle Ball event, T-Swift opted out of her signature girly flair and donned a sleek and sexy LBD.

Taylor Swift showcasing a chic and sultry little black dress (LBD) at Z100's Jingle Ball 2012Taylor Swift showcasing a chic and sultry little black dress (LBD) at Z100’s Jingle Ball 2012 presented by Aeropostale in New York City on December 7, 2012 (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

The dress was figure-skimming and short, not exactly the kind she usually wears on the red carpet.

The form-fitting, shorter length was a departure from Taylor Swift's typical red carpet choicesThe form-fitting, shorter length was a departure from Taylor Swift’s typical red carpet outfits (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

How do you like Taylor’s “new” look?

Taylor Swift with her trademark bold red lip at the Z100 Jingle Ball 2012 Lounge PartyTaylor Swift with her trademark bold red lip at the Z100 Jingle Ball 2012 Lounge Party in New York City on December 7, 2012 (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Footwear Fashion Forward

She maintained girly playfulness and paired her patent leather paneled David Koma dress with gold-trimmed black peep-toe pumps. These shoes looked very similar to the nude slingbacks she wore to the 2012 Ripple of Hope Awards:

Taylor Swift shows off her feet in black peep-toe pumpsTaylor Swift shows off her feet in black peep-toe pumps (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Taylor’s shoes are the Jimmy Choo ‘Torte’ pumps. Unlike the Jimmy Choo ‘Frosting,’ which are slingbacks, the ‘Torte’ heels are closed at the back in a more standard peep-toe pump style.

What makes them different from the usual? The glitzy gold-trimmed platforms, of course! We can’t find the black version online, but the nude one is available at Farfetch.

Jimmy Choo 'Torte' Pumps in NudeJimmy Choo ‘Torte’ Pumps in Nude, €595

If you’re interested in Taylor’s heels, try the black ‘Frosting’ or ‘Pavlova,’ which are more like ankle-strap sandals than pumps. If you want something closed at the front, go with the ‘Brulee’ instead:

Jimmy Choo 'Frosting' Slingback Pumps in BlackJimmy Choo ‘Frosting’ Slingback Pumps in Black, $775

Jimmy Choo 'Pavlova' Ankle-Strap Sandals in BlackJimmy Choo ‘Pavlova’ Ankle-Strap Sandals in Black, $775

Jimmy Choo 'Brulee' Suede Pumps in NavyJimmy Choo ‘Brulee’ Suede Pumps in Navy, $775