Many of us know Taylor Swift as the hitmaker who soundtracked the 2010s and 2020s with somber breakup tracks and upbeat pop anthems. Perhaps what helped Swift, 36, withstand is that she shifts her tone and aesthetic, allowing each album to mark a particular era in her life.
Although, it is not just the music that changes, but also, her social circle. While Swift has friends who have been by her side since before she was famous, her celebrity clique is ever evolving.
Newsweek has contacted representatives for Swift via email for comment.
Swift and Travis Kelce have their work cut out trying to decide who to invite to their wedding, but Jessica Bishop, founder of The Budget Savvy Bride, tells Newsweek that guest lists are “built around meaningful relationships.”
Bishop said: “One of the beautiful things about a wedding is that it brings together people from different chapters of life. Some friends have been there for years, while others may have become important more recently. Rather than focusing on how long someone has been in your life, I think the more meaningful question is how they’ve shown up for you.”
With that, Newsweek looks back at the friendships that defined Swift’s career and who may make the cut.
The Country Era
Swift’s naiscant career was a far cry from her current pop music. Back then, Swift’s friends were predominantly from school. Some have stood the test of time, namely Abigail Anderson, in addition to her mentors at the time. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw inspired her early music, with Swift’s debut single even named, “Tim McGraw.”
Many of her friends are still on the scene 20 years later, so we give them a 10/10 chance of attending. As for the collaborators, they are a 4/10.
The Red and 1989 Era
In 2012 to 2016, Swift gained a new social circle, marking the rise of her celebrity friendship group. Swift was surrounded by Selena Gomez, Blake Lively, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss and Cara Delevingne. Who could forget the “Bad Blood” music video which saw 17 cameos, including Hailee Steinfeld, Ellie Goulding, Hayley Williams, and Lily Aldridge?
We give this era of friends a 7/10 chance of being invited.
The Reputation and Lover Era
The infamous 2016 feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian significantly damaged her image, and Swift stepped back from the public eye, maintaining a close group of friends. She was supported by high school friend Abigail Anderson, Ed Sheeran (who collaborated on Reputation), the HAIM sisters and music producer Jack Antonoff.
Many of those who stood by her remain close. That begs the question of whether those friendships are deeper because of what they went through.
We give them a 9/10 chance of attending.
The Folklore and Evermore Era
Released in 2020, the pared back albums were produced with Aaron Dessner and Antonoff, with contributions from Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Lively praised Folklore, saying it was “full of heart, soul, humor, passion, intelligence.”
Despite her support, questions remain over Lively’s attendance, given the fallout from her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni.
Swift’s boyfriend of the time, actor Joe Alwyn, also collaborated but he has a 0/10 chance of attending.
The Kelce Era
After meeting Travis Kelce in 2023, Swift gained a host of new friends, including his family, their spouses and Kansas City Chiefs teammates.
Bishop said: “They come from different worlds, but there seems to be a lot of support surrounding their relationship. When people who care about you are genuinely excited for your future, differences in social circles matter a lot less.”
Swift was often seen cheering Kelce on alongside Brittany Mahomes and Kylie Kelce, in addition to Lively, Ice Spice and longtime friend, stylist Ashley Avignone. Swift also grew close with Sabrina Carpenter before announcing her as the opening act for the Eras Tour in 2023.
The newest crop of friends seem highly likely to attend, given how present they are in Swift’s life, so it’s a 10/10 for them.
Which Friends Span Multiple Eras?
There are certain friends who have stuck by Swift, namely Avignone, Anderson, Gomez, Sheeran, Antonoff and Lively. Other bonds may still be new in comparison, but they look set to stay by Swift’s side as she enters her newlywed era.
“There’s room to honor longtime friendships while embracing people who are helping shape your life today. There’s something truly special about seeing loved ones from various eras of life intersect in one place,” Bishop told Newsweek.
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