If you close your eyes and think of 2014, you probably see a polaroid. Maybe there’s a teal border. There is definitely a pair of dark, slightly oversized wayfarers involved. Taylor Swift didn’t just release an album with 1989; she basically codified a uniform for an entire generation of fans.
The 1989 Taylor Swift sunglasses aren't just one single pair of plastic frames. They are a vibe. They represent that specific transition from the "vintage librarian" look of the Red era to the sleek, New York City "it-girl" aesthetic that took over the world. Honestly, it’s impressive how much heavy lifting a simple accessory can do for a brand.
The Ray-Ban Wayfarer: The Unofficial Official Accessory
Most people looking for the quintessential "1989 look" are actually looking for the Ray-Ban Wayfarer RB2140. Taylor wore these everywhere. She wore them while walking her cat, Meredith, in Manhattan. She wore them in the "22" music video—which, yeah, technically Red era, but it set the stage. By the time the 1989 World Tour kicked off, the Wayfarer was basically part of her DNA.
Specifically, she frequently rocked the classic black frames. But she didn't stop there. She toyed with the "Red on Transparent Gray" and those weirdly cool "Brown Blue Crystal" geometric patterns.
Why do they work?
It's the tilt. The original Wayfarer has a specific "pantoscopic tilt"—the way the frames lean forward. It gives off this effortless, "I just threw these on to hide from the paparazzi" energy that perfectly matched her 2014-2015 street style. If you’re trying to replicate this, look for the Original Wayfarer, not the New Wayfarer. The "New" ones are softer and more rounded. The "Original" ones have that sharp, aggressive angle that screams 1989.
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The Official 1989 Taylor's Version Merch
Fast forward to the re-release. When 1989 (Taylor’s Version) dropped, the merch team knew exactly what they were doing. They released official 1989 Taylor Swift sunglasses that weren't just a generic brand. They were cream-colored. They featured the "1989" branding on the side in that iconic sky-blue font.
These merch shades are a bit different from her high-end designer pairs. They’re plastic, obviously. They’re meant for the Eras Tour. But they actually sold out incredibly fast because they bridged the gap between "concert souvenir" and "actually wearable accessory."
I’ve seen these pop up on resale sites like Mercari and eBay for anywhere from $60 to $100. Kinda steep for plastic, but hey, it’s the era of the Swiftie economy. The cream color is particularly great because it mimics the "Shake It Off" video aesthetic—bright, optimistic, and slightly retro.
Beyond the Wayfarer: The Cat-Eye Shift
If you watch the "Blank Space" or "Wildest Dreams" music videos, the sunglasses game evolves. In "Blank Space," it’s all about the high-fashion drama. We’re talking Linda Farrow. We’re talking Elizabeth and James.
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In "Wildest Dreams," she pivots to a classic 1950s cat-eye. It was a more "Old Hollywood" take on the 1989 theme. While the Wayfarers were for her "off-duty model" look in the streets of Tribeca, the cat-eyes were for the persona.
What to look for in a 1989-inspired pair:
- The Shape: Sharp rectangles or distinct cat-eyes. Avoid round lenses; those belong to the Red era.
- The Finish: Glossy black or matte cream. No tortoise shell (unless it's that specific blue-grid Ray-Ban).
- The Vibe: It needs to look like it belongs on a Polaroid.
Why We Are Still Obsessed
Trends usually die after two years. It’s been over a decade since the original 1989 came out. Why are we still googling these glasses?
It’s because that era represented a very specific kind of independence. It was the "moving to the big city" era. The sunglasses acted as a shield and a crown at the same time. Whether she was wearing $300 Ray-Bans or the $25 merch version, the message was the same: I’m doing this my way.
If you’re trying to hunt down a pair today, you’ve got options. You can go the authentic route with the RB2140—just make sure you get the 50mm or 54mm size depending on your face shape. Or, you can scour the secondhand markets for the "Taylor's Version" cream shades. Just be wary of fakes on sites like AliExpress; they look the part in photos but usually feel like they’ll snap if you breathe on them too hard.
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Making the Look Work in 2026
Fashion has moved on, but the 1989 aesthetic is weirdly timeless. You don't have to wear a matching two-piece set and a bob to make the sunglasses work.
Try pairing the cream 1989 Taylor Swift sunglasses with a simple oversized white button-down and denim. It keeps the "New York" energy without looking like you're wearing a costume. Honestly, the best part about these shades is that they actually protect your eyes while making you look like you have a secret.
For those looking to buy, check the official store during holiday restocks, but your best bet is likely specialized eyewear retailers that still carry the legacy Ray-Ban models she made famous.
If you want to get the exact look, focus on the lens tint. Taylor usually goes for a G-15 Green lens or a standard gray gradient. It’s dark enough to be mysterious but light enough that you aren't walking into walls at the concert.
Start by measuring your face width to ensure a Wayfarer-style frame won't overwhelm your features, then look for a pair with a slight forward tilt to capture that authentic 2014 silhouette.