2026 iHeartRadio Awards
Worn On: 3/26/26 // los angeles, ca
the commentary
Taylor kicked off her first red carpet appearance of 2026 at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. As discussed over on Liner Notes, this is an award show that Taylor notably loves. She has, in fact, attended it more times than she has missed it since its inaugural airing in 2014. As a minor ceremony, the iHearts’ dress code is more casual than, say, the Grammys. Typically, this isn’t the place for a full-length ballgown. A short hemline, a playful romper, or a cool jumpsuit? All are fitting here. And, indeed, Taylor has worn a variation of all of those in her previous appearances.
But tonight, she opted for a custom pair of minty separates by Wiederhoeft — a New York-based brand that Taylor has worn before. You might remember the floral brocade set she wore on Late Night with Seth Meyersduring The Life of a Showgirl promotion. As the so-called “high priest of corsets made in New York” it seemed natural to see Taylor in one of their tight-fitting silhouettes. Corsetry is one of those pieces that feels like it’s had an evolving story in Taylor’s fashion journey. From the prom-like dresses (complete with pickups and shiny fabric) of her earliest days, to the sweeping “Love Story” Shakespearean ballgowns as costumed stand-in for a romantic belief in fairytales, to the constriction and intimacy of the bustier on Tortured Poets, all the way up to the emboldened and - as Taylor herself described - “happy, strong, confident, and free” take on a Showgirl’s costume in the present day.
While my first thought upon seeing this refreshing shade of green and spangly metallic fringe on Taylor was, GREEEEEEEEEEEEN. My second thought, between the color and the almost western-like fringe, as a debut lover, was Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version). Though would you blame a debut-hearted girl that at an awards show celebrating the hits of the radio airwaves for helplessly being reminded of a certain self-titled album that, in large part, was propelled massively by the love shown towards it from country radio? Ultimately, when paired with her peachier makeup and jewels the effect comes across more as a softened take on the two-toned colors (mint and orange) that have become synonymous with Showgirl. Rather than a bold, saturated tone that one might normally expect, I thought the choice of this milder color gave the look a sweeter, more romantic feel overall.
Indeed, by red carpet standards, I felt Taylor’s jewels tonight were lovely and quite pared back choices. Particularly as we’ve seen her really lay on the art of the stack or rock a large statement piece before. Among her choices were a dainty mixed diamond tennis bracelet by Spinelli Kilcollin featuring all the colours of gold (white, yellow, rose), and two more statement rings by L’Dezen and Selim Mouzannar worn on her right hand - plus an ear cuff from Nak Armstrong. I felt the mix tied in nicely with the custom embellishments on her Wiederhoeft set as well as the peachier makeup she opted for. Naturally, the real stars of the show were her Dena Kemp ombre earrings and, of course, her engagement ring by Kindred Lubeck. The former acted as a lovely “bridge” point between those two aforementioned Showgirl hues.
To finish things off, we have not one - but two pairs of shoes. In addition to my love of green, I’ve also always been a lover of a minimalist strappy sandal. These perfectly coordinating satin sandals by Jimmy Choo that Taylor wore to step out onto the red carpet were the loveliest finishing touch. I thought that surely nothing could top that but I happened to notice before Taylor even managed to get to her seat once inside the venue that we had experienced a shoe change! And if there’s one thing I love even more than a strappy heel … it’s an ankle strap. Note that this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Taylor exhibit a shoe change at an award show. I still vividly recall three shoe changes at the 2015 MTV VMAs. My best guess at these types of changes is geared towards comfort or, perhaps, simply for fun. If we were honing in on the “comfort” factor, I would hazard a guess that the Aquazzura’s ankle strap detail offers greater support - especially when you’re walking up stairs to accept an award on stage. I say, the more shoes the better.
the clothes
* Not available for purchaseFeature Photo by Frazer Harrison via Getty Images