Just one week after the release of Taylor Swift's record-breaking album The Tortured Poets Department, her fashion has undergone a surprising change of direction. Gone are the black-and-white, lingerie-inspired basics inspired by Swift's intimate yet chart-topping days, and in its place are shades of green and gold. But Swift made sure to keep one constant: mixing formal designer pieces with affordable jewelry.

On Saturday, April 27, Swift and her "significant other" Travis Kells made a surprise appearance at a charity auction in Las Vegas to benefit Patrick and Brittany Mahomes' organization, 15 and the Mahomies. A few days later, journalist Sarah Chappelle (@taylorswiftstyled) tracked down exactly what Swift was wearing to dress up for the evening and break her recent style pattern.

Swift, presumably working with her stylist Joseph Cassell, paired a pleated gown by Maria Lucia Hohan, which cost over $2,000, with a $120 necklace by Vitaly. The gown featured a draped cowl neckline and gently pleated in shiny green, while her choker necklace contrasted small diamond charms and a heavy gold chain. (A photo of Swift is available at X.)

Whatever era she lives in today, Swift is a fan of jewelry under $150; prior to the release of Tortured Poets, she wore a pair of silver and gold earrings called Mazin Jewels, bracelets, and necklaces from Mazin Jewels, a brand that specializes in silver and gold earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. She also took a high-low approach to styling her jewelry, mixing luxury jewelry from Maria Tasch and Anita Ko with more affordable pieces.

The Swifts, eagerly watching the video of her weekend cameo, were less interested in the styling than in the significance of the look. (Of course, they might have re-watched the adorable video of Kels and Swift making out all night.) The shade of green Swift wore overlaps with her Gucci dress from the 2024 Golden Globes and numerous street-style outfits she wore this winter. These include a crushed velvet dress by Little Lies, Jimmy Choo x Jean Paul Gaultier boots, and a Stella McCartney sweater dresses, etc.

Fans of the Swiftverse usually associate it with snakes and green, the unofficial mascot of the Reputation era. With the return of these colors to Taylor's wardrobe, Swift fans speculate that their leader is once again leaving clues for his next project.

Fan theorizing has merit. Swift left a breadcrumb on her street style a few months ago that led to the song title of Tortured Poets. She wore an Anthropologie hair clip called "Aimee", hinting at "thanK you aIMee", and carried a handbag called "Cassandra", alluding to the ballad of the same name.

If Taylor Swift has already moved on to dropping hints about "Reputation" (Taylor's version), the mystery will not be solved until the album arrives. But her penchant for high-low styling is already evident.