Over 50 and off to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour? Forget a sequined leotard, here’s how you can really pull off Swiftie style in midlife

After more time, money and stress than you care to recall, you’ve managed to get two tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. But if you thought that was the hard part, you’re swiftly (pardon the pun) realizing that a far trickier obstacle must still be overcome. The question of who to take with you is easy: your teenage daughter has been a fan for years. She has already chosen her outfit, and it’s predictably short, sparkly and pink.
Which brings you to your own thorny dilemma. Whisper it, but you’re not a 16-year-old girl any more.

In ‘era’ terms, you’re ‘mid-life’ all the way. How to shed your everyday uniform of jeans and sweatshirt and embrace the occasion, while simultaneously managing not to embarrass either your daughter or yourself? Whether you’re going with your daughter, your son, your friends or simply by yourself, it’s also a glorious excuse to dress up and recapture your own youth. Although perhaps not piecemeal. The Tammy Girl ra-ra skirt you wore to your first gig (Wham, 1984, don’t judge) might not cut it now that you’re in your fifties. But what will?

Happily, Taylor Swift is far more than a prolific songwriter. She’s also (to borrow the language of her teenage fans) a prolific server of looks. Granted, some may feel terrifying to those in their late forties or fifties, but while she may be known for her playsuits, cropped tops and micro-shorts, Tay also embraces a slew of styles that are less challenging for those past the first flush of youth. Being reflective, sequins are surprisingly flattering on older skin, especially in warm, golden tones.

Taylor loves sequins, so you can be sure that a large percentage of the audience will be twinkling alongside you, a fact that should assuage any fears of looking overdressed. Avowedly anti-fur as she is, that hasn’t stopped Taylor from experimenting with myriad faux fur styles. The singer often adds a brightly coloured coat to her tourdrobe, and has recently sported shaggy fake fur in lavender, powder blue and pink, as well as black and white.

Hers might be by Oscar de la Renta or Stella McCartney, but yours could be picked up more economically from ASOS or eBay. Think of it as a fun addition to your coat repertoire, and tone it down with jeans and trainers if it feels OTT. Given the recent vagaries of the British weather, you’ll probably be glad you wore it. Bianca Jagger and the Princess of Wales aren’t the only women to harness the power and elegance of a white trouser suit: Taylor’s also a fan.

This would be a perfect concert night look for those who balk at wearing anything short, sparkly or bright. If all-white scares you then opt for a soft pastel. For a flattering, classic look choose a cropped or tapered leg. Team with heels as high as you can dance in.