Life of a Showgirl Isn’t Out Yet, But the Fashion Influence Is Already Here

If your feed is suddenly glittering with rhinestone-studded dresses, flashes of red, silver, orange, and gold, and makeup that looks more fit for the stage than the sidewalk, well, it’s not a sign that Halloween or Christmas is coming soon. It’s a sign of anticipation for another global spectacle: Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl.

Announced on August 12th during her boyfriend’s podcast and set to drop on October 3rd, the album has already turned timelines into a runway of sequins and spotlight-ready looks.

Some fans are sitting tight, waiting patiently for the big reveal. Others are busy guessing—what will it sound like? What stories will the lyrics tell? What kind of cinematic universe will the videos create?

But plenty aren’t waiting at all: they’re already stepping into the spotlight themselves, channeling The Life of a Showgirl aesthetics in their outfits, experimenting with bold makeup, and letting little pieces of Taylor’s stage glamour slip into their everyday style.

 

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Taylor Swift has been teasing fans with glimpses of her upcoming album covers, now available for pre-order, each one dripping in theatrical glamour.

In one, she wears an extravagant bralette encrusted with stones, connected to bottoms— and yes, also covered in rhinestones. From the sparkling lines of stones, two pieces of sheer white fabric drape over her hips like liquid light.

Crowning the look is a headpiece that falls onto her forehead before cascading into her hair, paired with armbands trimmed with feathers that trail down her arms. The entire ensemble is crafted from French wirework, layered over blush-toned fabric to create a flawless nude illusion.

But this look isn’t just fashion fantasy—it carries history. The outfit was originally designed by Bob Mackie for Jubilee!, a Las Vegas revue that became the city’s longest-running show, dazzling audiences from 1981 until 2016. Produced by Don Arden, the show’s visuals drew inspiration from Florenz Ziegfeld, the legendary producer celebrated for his lavish, larger-than-life Broadway productions that reshaped stage aesthetics forever.

 

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Taylor’s other outfits continue this burlesque-inspired story, balancing bold sexiness with sophistication. Revealing but never vulgar, they project a sense of taste, luxury, and power. Perhaps that’s why so many are already embracing this new era of burlesque-infused fashion—a dramatic, sparkling counterpoint to the understated tones of the current “quiet luxury” trend.

So, if you’re wondering how to step into The Life of a Showgirl aesthetic without looking over the top in everyday life, here are a few tips inspired by what fans (and fashion brands) are already trying:

Bright Oranges and Reds

These two colours are quickly becoming staples of the showgirl palette. People are weaving them into their wardrobes through tailored suits, skirts, tops, and dresses. Consider an orange satin halter top from Zara paired with jeans, or  a white satin skirt, and a blazer tossed over the shoulders. An outfit that can shift easily from a day at work to a night out.

The finishing touches matter: sparkling jewellery, a rhinestone-covered mini bag, and heels create the perfect look for a social event. But if you’re heading into a more office-focused setting, tone it down with a sleek leather tote and comfortable yet polished shoes.

 

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Red works in the same way: choose one bold piece—or a few in matching shades—and style them to suit the occasion. One standout example comes from & Other Stories, who put together a work-appropriate yet playful look: a heart-embossed leather mini skirt paired with a red bead-embellished shirt, finished with cut-out leather mules shaped like hearts. In the same spirit, they designed jewellery pieces—a heart pendant earring, necklace, and ring—that echo the showgirl aesthetic while staying subtle enough to mix into more minimal everyday outfits.

Rhinestones and Corsets

Sparkle doesn’t need to stop at jewellery or accessories—rhinestones can live anywhere: on jeans, shirts, shoes, even outerwear. The key is balance. Everyday life won’t look “too much” if you choose the right amount of shine for the occasion. The rule of thumb? The bolder the event, the bolder the rhinestones.

 

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Take the corset, for example. The brand Perfect Corset NY offers versatile takes on this piece. One look pairs a black corset with a sheer black skirt that drapes over the hips, finished with a choker adorned with a black rose. The result is pure burlesque glamour—dramatic yet tasteful, perfect for a night at the theatre.

For something more casual, River Island has you covered with dark blue diamanté jeans styled with a matching corset. Together, the set makes a dazzling choice for a night out, but each piece can also be worn separately—adding just a touch of sparkle to more understated outfits.

Silk and Lots of Feathers!

We’ve already seen the rise of Sleeper’s silk pajamas on the streets—though never in their simplest form. They’re always dressed up with ruffles, beads, and now, feathers. Silk twin-sets trimmed with feathers on the hems of trousers and the cuffs of sleeves feel straight out of The Life of a Showgirl playbook.

The best part? They work as separates too. Feather-trimmed pants with a white T-shirt, a belt, and a sharp blazer become instantly chic when paired with a classic bag and elegant shoes. Sleeper offers a wide range of these playful yet polished variations.

 

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For even bolder options, look to Lichi. The brand reimagines feathers on classic pieces like an electric-blue blazer, which can be styled as a set with a rhinestone-embellished top and skirt—or simply thrown over a minimal top and trousers for a statement that still feels wearable.

Yes, this style is experimental and definitely not for everyone. But that’s exactly what makes it exciting: a chance to diversify your wardrobe, show off your personality, and even give your outfits from last Christmas a glamorous second life.

Words by Dana Shmyha