Taylor Swift’s Malibu Date Look: Pleated Skirts, Loafers, and Effortless Preppy Style
Taylor Swift’s Malibu date with Travis Kelce serves up timeless preppy style inspiration, from pleated skirts to loafers, ideal for spring fashion.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Malibu Lunch Date: A Spring Fashion Moment
Fresh off a whirlwind of Eras Tour concerts and the NFL season, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were recently spotted enjoying a sunny, low-key lunch at Nobu Malibu. While fans buzzed over their affectionate outing, Taylor’s perfectly assembled preppy spring outfit—featuring a pleated skirt, pastel sweater, and statement loafers—stole as much of the spotlight as their romance. Here’s a detailed look at what Taylor wore, how to channel this style, and why this classic ensemble feels so fresh for spring 2024.
Spring Lunch Date: The Looks That Stole the Show
On a bright afternoon in Malibu, Taylor and Travis made a stylish entrance at Nobu. Taylor’s choice of a soft color palette and collegiate-inspired details fit the spring mood, embracing comfort and polish.
- Location: Nobu Malibu—setting the stage for a sun-soaked, oceanside date.
- Vibe: Relaxed, elegant, and quietly romantic, with both stars in coordinated yet distinctive outfits.
Breakdown of Taylor Swift’s Malibu Date Outfit
Every piece in Taylor’s outfit reflected her evolving style—part downtown cool, part vintage academia, and wholly effortless. Here is a detailed look at what made this ensemble instantly iconic:
- Pleated Mini Skirt (Skort): Taylor wore a tan Sandy Liang pleated mini skort, echoing the schoolgirl vibe she’s favored throughout her recent public appearances. The neutral shade provided a versatile base for the outfit.
- Repeat Wear: She’s worn this or near-identical versions before—such as last September in New York, and it remains a staple both offstage and on her Eras Tour.
- Light Blue Khaite Crewneck Sweater: Adding a pop of soft color and balancing the skirt’s classic appeal, Taylor tucked this sweater in neatly, reinforcing clean lines and subtle prep.
- Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafers: Recognizable for bold, color-block brown and white leather, these shoes channel a vintage collegiate look. Though Taylor’s specific color combo is harder to find, alternatives abound. The chunky silhouette brings an updated edge to the ensemble.
- Joseph Duclos Mini Diane Bag: With its compact silhouette and rich brown leather, this French-made handbag provided both form and function, merging everyday pragmatism with luxury signaling.
- Delicate Jewelry: Taylor finished the look with Jacquie Aiche earrings and a classic Cartier necklace—simple gold choices underlining the ease of her off-duty style.
Travis Kelce’s Coordinated Casual Style
Standing beside Taylor, Travis Kelce complemented her look in understated tones:
- Tan Sweater: Mirroring Taylor’s soft palette.
- Dark Pants: Offering contrast and balance.
- White Baseball Cap: A sporty, relaxed touch that embraced the breezy coastal setting.
The Preppy Revival: Swift’s Enduring Style Influence
Taylor’s Malibu outfit is the latest in a series of preppy-inspired looks that have come to define her recent fashion “era.” This trend has gained renewed cultural traction, nodding to academic tradition and updating it with modern ease. Taylor, at the vanguard, has helped push pleated skirts, cozy knits, and chunky loafers back to the center of the spring style conversation.
Why Pleated Skirts and Loafers?
- Pleated Skirts: Once reserved for tennis courts and prep schools, these skirts evoke nostalgia and youthful energy. Taylor has demonstrated their versatility, pairing them with tank tops, oversized coats, corsets, and now pastel sweaters.
- Chunky Loafers: Swift’s repeated affection for Reformation loafers mirrors Gen Z and Millennial style shifts—chunky-soled, gender-neutral footwear now rules, bringing comfort and statement-making stature.
- Soft Knits: Light blue, cream, or beige sweaters offer a softening effect against structured skirts, ideal for spring layering and transitional weather.
What others are reading
Recent Outfits That Set the Stage
| Date | Event/Location | Featured Pieces | Style Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 24, 2024 | Nobu Malibu Date | Pleated skirt, loafers, Khaite sweater | Classic preppy, spring palette |
| Feb 2024 | Dinner in Sydney | Corset top, micro mini skirt | Edgier, after-party vibe |
| Dec 2023 | Girls’ night out in NYC | Mini skirt, oversized shearling coat, knee-high boots | Retro influences, layered textures |
How to Get Taylor’s Malibu Date Look
You don’t need a Malibu reservation to channel Taylor’s clean collegiate style. Professional shopping editors have scouted accessible options inspired by each piece in her ensemble, so you can “twin” with Taylor on any budget. Here’s how to build your Swift-inspired spring wardrobe:
1. Pleated Mini Skirt or Skort
- Hoerev Beige Mini Pleated Skirt (~$20) – Budget-friendly take.
- J.Crew Pleated Mini Sweater-Skirt (~$118) – For extra comfort and luxe fabric.
- ASTR the Label Pleated Mini – Modern takes in pastel or earth tones.
2. Chunky Loafers
- SVEGAN Mask Vegan Leather Platform Loafer (approx. $84): Vegan leather, classic chunky style.
- G.H. BASS Whitney Leather Loafer (prices vary): Timeless penny loafer style, available at multiple retailers.
- Franco Sarto Lillian Slip-On Penny Loafer: Sleek profile and accessible price point.
3. Crewneck Sweater
- Khaite (like Taylor’s original): Investment piece, soft texture and subtle color pop.
- Affordable Alternatives: Nordstrom, Mango, and Uniqlo offer similar pastel or neutral options in cashmere or cotton blends.
4. Accessories
- Mini Bags: Look for leather or vegan alternatives inspired by Joseph Duclos (Coach, Cuyana, Polene).
- Minimalist Jewelry: Jacquie Aiche–inspired simple gold earrings and a chain necklace add polish, found easily at Gorjana or Mejuri.
The Taylor Effect: Why Her Style Resonates
Taylor Swift is a master of sartorial storytelling: every era brings a new mood, and fans track her outfits with nearly as much devotion as her albums. This Malibu ensemble, while simple, feels aspirational because it blends comfort, accessibility, and a clear through-line to her music’s themes. The look aligns with the Tortured Poets Department era and its embrace of old-school literary flair and understated elegance.
Moreover, Taylor’s visible outfit repeats prove that sustainability and style can peacefully coexist, and demonstrate how a single great piece — like a pleated skirt or iconic loafer — can be reinvented endlessly.
The Couple’s Downtime: Rest, Romance, and Routine
With both Swift and Kelce on professional hiatus, their California days have involved low-key activities: home movie nights, post-vacation unwinding, and occasional public appearances. Their increasing coordinated dressing — both favoring knits, relaxed pants, and gentle colors — shows a subtle but impactful fashion synergy, welcoming a new chapter for their public and personal lives.
- Swift’s album “The Tortured Poets Department” debuts April 19.
- Eras Tour resumes in Paris in May, with Vancouver closing the year in December.
- Kelce is currently in NFL off-season, making this time together particularly precious.
Stealing Taylor’s Look: Editor Picks for Spring 2024
Looking to replicate Taylor Swift’s Malibu lunch ensemble? Here are editor-approved shopping picks inspired by each of her standout pieces:
- Pleated Skirt/Skort: Try Aritzia’s Wilfred or Everlane’s pleated microfiber versions for premium fits.
- Pastel Sweaters: Mango and J.Crew feature lightweight crewnecks in fresh seasonal shades.
- Chunky Loafers: Dr. Martens’ Adrian, Vagabond’s Cosmo 2.0, and Steve Madden all offer loafer-boot hybrids for bold, preppy edge.
- Structured Mini Bags: Look for crossbody or top-handle designs at Madewell or Charles & Keith for similar proportions.
- Delicate Gold Jewelry: Try Missoma or Ana Luisa for elegant and petite pieces.
FAQs: Taylor Swift’s Malibu Date Outfit and Preppy Spring Trends
Q: What label was Taylor Swift’s pleated mini skirt from during the Malibu date?
A: Taylor wore a tan Sandy Liang pleated mini skort, an item she’s styled multiple times in the past season.
Q: Are Taylor’s chunky loafers still available?
A: The exact Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafers in brown and white colorway are mostly sold out, but the silhouette is offered in other shades, and there are similar styles widely available from other brands.
Q: How does Taylor Swift accessorize preppy spring looks?
A: Taylor favors mini leather bags (like Joseph Duclos’ Diane), minimalist gold jewelry, and sometimes retro sunglasses or hair ribbons for a subtle feminine touch.
Q: Can the preppy style work for everyday wear?
A: Yes—pleated skirts, pastel sweaters, and loafers are easy to dress up or down for work, brunch, or errands, especially when accessories are kept minimal.
Q: What are the recurring themes in Taylor’s recent off-stage fashion?
A: There’s an emphasis on pleated skirts, chunky or classic loafers, pastel knits, and timeless bags. Neutral bases and thoughtful layering allow for effortless transitions between public events and personal downtime.
Conclusion: A New Archetype for Spring Fashion
Taylor Swift’s Malibu luncheon look isn’t just a moment of celebrity spotting; it’s emblematic of a cultural shift towards elevated, academic-inspired fashion. Balancing comfort, iconography, and gentle romance, her approach feels acutely relevant for spring 2024. Whether you’re a devoted Swiftie or simply updating your wardrobe, taking cues from Taylor’s Malibu look offers a path to style that’s at once nostalgic and forward-looking, effortlessly blending the best of every era.
References
- https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/taylor-swift-repeats-preppy-outfit-travis-kelce-date/
- https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a60294273/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-los-angeles-date-outfits-photo/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a60296184/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-nobu-malibu-date-outfit/
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