It’s been three months since Taylor dropped her new album, one I had no awareness of until the widespread vitriol reached my TikTok for you page (fyp) and piqued my interest enough to listen. I thought, hey I’ve grown and changed a lot, maybe Taylor’s music has too. 🤷🏽‍♀️ And honestly speaking, I was so jarred by my enjoyment of The Life of Showgirl album that it pulled me out of my Substack hiatus.

The story actually begins back in August. I was binge watching shows on Amazon while braiding my hair when The Summer I Turned Pretty started auto-playing. While watching I was caught off guard by the tune of a song that had jazz notes and a pop melody accompanied by Taylor’s voice, ‘False God’. I stopped taking Taylor seriously as an artist after she switched from country to pop, so I was surprised that I was being pulled by this song.

So naturally when my roommate and fyp kept talking about how bad her new album was, I knew there was a chance I might enjoy it. Overall, I think it tracks her traditional projects and its composition is no different than the pop music Taylor has been making since the 2010s.

The issue: Taylor is trying to communicate adult sentiments to a maturity-stunted crowd.

I’ve always thought majority of Swifties were individuals that operate with one mind. People whose identities are built around what others tell them to like and trends online. They’re more concerned about going with the crowd, than branching out to form their own opinions in music, politics, culture, etc. In children this behavior is acceptable and expected, but if it’s still present as an adult it presents as being basic af and depicts what I considered lack luster “dimensionality”. I believe a great visual of how Swifties see the world is Katie from Horton Hears A Who, they want to focus only on the bright, upbeat, and surface level things instead of the gray reality others grow to maneuver through.

This clild-like blissfulness is why Taylor’s fanbase rejected songs in the album and claimed Taylor had lost her way, which only drew more eyes and backlash from the general public.

The songs ‘CANCELLED!’ and ‘Wood’ being most frowned upon by her fanbase makes sense, she’s still singing about relationships and ignoring the haters but her delivery is less gentle and sugarcoated than what Swifties are used to. In reality, songs like ‘Shake It Off’(2014) and ‘CANCELLED!’(2025) embody the same message of Taylor knowing herself and not caring what anyone else thinks. It just shows that even a decade later the message has never changed, but Taylor’s mentality did and many of her fans can’t see themselves in her anymore.

The truth is that Taylor Swift doesn’t entirely suck, she’s just persona-locked and misunderstood.

If there’s one thing that internet culture has taught us, it’s that becoming unrelatable is the beginning of the end.

It would appear that Taylor trying to break free from the all-American girl next door identity with this album led to backlash from all angles and a huge disconnect from her fans. From fans saying this proved her narcissistic money hungry motives to them condemning her for making music like this at her age. But I think these are excuses people are making to cope with the fact that she might not be as basic in her approach to life as them. (Which if they just stopped for a second and thought holistically about her journey through stardom they would’ve already realized, but I digress.) Judging solely from reputation of some of her closest friends, Taylor’s true personality must be worlds away from the one she displays. She is a grown woman who clearly wants to embrace the matured side of her instead of the dead weight of the girl next door, but if her fans don’t get on board her continuing down this road could be the of her career.

Writing this piece may not have turned me into a Swiftie, but it but it made me respect Taylor Swift more than I did before. I believe the ‘Life of a Showgirl’ album was a test for her fans to see if they were ready for Taylor to show more of her real self, and they failed it miserably. So now Taylor and her team must make a decision, will they get back on course and remain relatable or will Taylor fight to branch out and stay true to the woman she is now?

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P.S. writing this made me realize being so opposed to being apart of the crowd of people I deem basic is just another side of the same coin. The need to be different or seen as not basic is another form of droid behavior that, in my opinion, has led to personas like the performative man or the eclectic fem woman that has flooded the 2025 internet and Substack 👀. But I’ll stop here because that deserves it’s own post.

It’s a new season, which means it’s time for yet another persona for social media to latch onto. And this one? Well, she’s been around for a minute—since 2022, to be exact—but in true TikTok fashion, trends don't die, they just get recycled and come back stronger. The “Frazzled Englishwoman” aesthetic is having a resurgence, and it’s time we dive into who this slightly chaotic yet undeniably charming woman is—and why Gen Z is readily embracing her.

Who is She, Really?

This woman is, to put it mildly, a contradiction wrapped in a cardigan. She’s erratic but somehow calm, opinionated but not exactly a loudmouth, and she thrives in organized chaos—both in her thoughts and her wardrobe. Picture her at home, surrounded by a slight mess, scribbling a to-do list while sipping tea or coffee (always caffeinated, of course). Sound familiar? Probably because you've seen her before. She’s a direct descendant of iconic frazzled women like Bridget Jones, Iris (played by Kate Winslet in The Holiday), and Elizabeth Bennet from Pride & Prejudice. And let’s not forget—the frazzled aesthetic often comes with a cigarette in hand, because apparently, there’s no getting through a tough day without one. Thankfully, most people participating in the trend are leaving this particular accessory in the past. Oh, and let’s not forget the soundtrack to her life: obviously, she’s playing The Smiths on repeat, with a sprinkle of similarly melancholic, 80s-inspired tunes. Because what’s an aesthetic without a bit of moody music to match?

The common denominator? These women are always in a state of charming disarray, yet they radiate a certain level of poise that, attracts everyone around her.

So…What on Earth is She Wearing?

Ah yes, the most crucial part —the wardrobe. The Frazzled Englishwoman doesn’t do “effortless chic” like the French, it’s more “comfortably disheveled.” Her look is cozy, lived-in, and a little bit “I just threw this on,” but not in a messy way. More like a “planned chaos” vibe.

If you’re thinking of jumping on this trend, here’s your guide:

• Makeup: She’s all about the chapstick, but if you’re lucky, you might catch her with a hint of rouge on her lips or a delicate flush of blush on her cheeks. (If she’s really authentic, it’ll just be her natural blush after running to catch the bus.)

• Hair: Loosely arranged out of her face—if we’re being generous—or sprawling wildly around her head in soft waves that border on disheveled. For my fellow black girls, she’s definitely rocking the Zoë Kravitzs faux-braid/leave-out look or some styled short locs.

• Knitwear: Cardigans, sweaters, cable-knits—the bigger and slouchier, the better.

• Outerwear: A long coat or oversized blazer is key.

• Bottoms: Think layers—skirts over tights, pants, even stockings for good measure.

• Accessories: Knee-high boots, scarves (both chunky and thin), mittens, and yes, a baker boy hat.

• Textiles & Colors: Dark neutrals, earthy tones, and natural fibers like wool, cotton, and cashmere.

Channeling Real-Life Frazzled Icons

For inspiration beyond the movie screen, we’ve got some real-life muses to thank. Think Helena Bonham Carter, Meryl Streep, and my personal favorite, the one and only Jane Birkin. I don’t see her mentioned often in this category, but the Jane Birkin styling revival of earlier years paved the way for the frazzled Englishwoman to flourish. Jane’s aura was so strong she managed to turn lugging around an overstuffed basket of belongings into a legacy. Birkin’s haphazard, carefree style inspired Hermès —on the spot might I add, to create the iconic Birkin bag. Proof that even the most frazzled among us can leave a lasting impression.

Why Does Gen Z Relate So Hard?

Now, let’s talk about the psychology behind this obsession. The Frazzled Englishwoman trope typically revolves around women in their mid-20s to late 30s, which just so happens to be the age range that the oldest Gen Zers are now stepping into. With that comes all the delightful chaos of balancing adult goals—career, friends, love life, and the constant struggle to stay sane—all while navigating the pressures of modern life.

Much like their fictional counterparts, many young people today are figuring out how to keep their shit together (spoiler alert: we aren't). The charm of the Frazzled Englishwoman lies in her imperfections—she's not exactly nailing it, but she’s getting through it with some degree of grace, often by the skin of her teeth. It’s a vibe. It’s relatable.

“This style embraces imperfection in a way that feels liberating—it’s not about having everything in its place, but about creating a life that feels authentic, where creativity and comfort can flow freely.” Kathryn, you did your big one with that quote.

This trend is basically the perfect antithesis to the ‘Clean Girl’ aesthetic that’s been dominating social feeds for a couple of years now. It’s refreshingly imperfect, chaotic, and relatable. For many, especially those grappling with the uncertainty of young adulthood, the frazzled-yet-charming persona feels like a reflection of their realities. These fictional women, with their lives teetering on the brink of disaster but somehow always managing to pull it together, are aspirational in their own right. And yes, naturally, dressing like them feels like a step closer to achieving that dream life.

A Trend Worth Trying

Unlike some trends that require a new wardrobe and a lifestyle overhaul, the Frazzled Englishwoman aesthetic is best done with low-maintenance practices. Chances are, you already own most of these pieces. It’s less about curating perfection and more about embracing what you’ve already got.

Of all the social media-fueled trends out there, this one is arguably the least harmful. It's lighthearted, nostalgic, and actually kind of fun. That said, I’m sure across the pond a real frazzled Englishwoman sits somewhere saying “bollocks” at the appropriation of her livelihood. And to that I say, “🤷🏽‍♀️, welcome to the club”.

JK JK JK! Don’t worry it will be over soon, just give it three weeks and the world will continue as if this never happened.

“The wife and girlfriend of a star.”

While some people use this term broadly, it is most commonly applied to sports stars. Amongst the ranks of most known WAGs are Taylor Swift, Victoria Beckham, Ciara, Georgina Rodriguez, and Savannah James.

The life of a WAG has been a trending topic on TikTok for some time, but I’ve never taken the time to dive into the phenonmenum. Today, we’re touching the surface with cataloging WAGs. Initial glances suggests there is a difference between styles by sport, and while I still think that is true, there also appears a difference based on geographical location of these sports. Alongside this, there are also seem to be tiers to WAGs themselves which seems to correlate to how elaborate these women dress.

Tiers

Tier 1/ The Celebrity

These women knew fame before they knew their significant others. They are credited based off their own merits and not their man’s, in fact they may run into issues sharing the spotlight. Everyone knows they are together but that doesn’t mean they’ll post together, can’t mingle those identities.

Tier 2/ Social Media Influencer

This is probably the worst WAG tier to be since everyone will think you’re only with your partner to give you clout. On top of that everyone will think they must know your relationship business because of the nature of your job, cough *Tianna Robillard and Cody Ford*. Everyone knows this influencer is with an athlete because she loves to post with him, make content about his job, and what the life of a WAG is like. BUT, just because everyone knows you’re with him DOES NOT mean you are allowed to outshine him, especially his glory moment, cough *Morgan Riddle*, even though her most recent actions were for the girls.

Tier 3/ High School Sweetheart

To their credit, once they become wives of theses athletes I believe they outrank every other tier. They are the OGs and most likely the first loves of these men, so they have truly won. They are usually low key and just love seeing the person they’ve watched since youth grow into the man he is today. These are very wholesome and I genuinely love these WAGs because they often have to sacrifice their careers early on to support these men and raise families with them, so they deserve just as much credit to their success behind the scenes.

Tier 4/ Down to Earth and Normal People

Yeah, I don’t have anything to say about this tier. They are probably extremely similar to the third tier it’s just they didn’t meet in high school. They’re just as crucial to keeping these players grounded and humble, definitely my next favorite tier of WAGs.

Takeaways

1. If you want to get wifed, you should’ve met them in middle school or high school, or had a kid with them before fame.

2. Depending on the type they still show personality, but aren’t flashy, are sure to never outshine the athletes.

3. If they don’t have kids with them, they’ll have a small pet with them. This is an indicator of how serious the relationship it.

4. They always show support, if a game is won a WAG will post about it, if not they will leave a comment under the obligatory defeat post the best players always post.

5. Re-read everything I wrote, and then don’t take any of it seriously. This was just for fun, but I’m happy you made it to the end.

The MET Gala happened two weeks ago and for something that caused such an outrage, we truly moved on from it too fast. Let’s recap: confusing themes with unsynchronized looks, out of touch celebrities, and debut icons.

What is the MET Gala?

There were a lot of statements passed around on the necessity of flaunting another celebrity gathering during such hard times for the majority. However, many people don’t realize the MET Gala is the event hosted to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum. The money collected from the astonishing $75,000 ticket sales is used to fund and sustain the costume institute for the museum. According to The NY Times, this years efforts garnered over $26 million, which is an increase from the prior year and twice what it earned 10 years ago.

This year’s museum exhibit is focused on “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”, it highlights how fashion tech can bring life to garments that are too old and fragile to be worn again. The gala’s dress code was ‘The Garden of Time’ which is an allegory of the endless cycle of time and beauty around us. Attendee’s interpretations were varied, as usual, but this year it was clear something was mistook. The confusion was so visible that Anna Wintour, co-chair for the MET Gala, later issued an apology for the mishap.

The best thing about fashion is that while the looks were a hot mess as a whole, individually there were still victors for best dressed.

Winners of the Night

Zendaya

As expected, the co-chair to the Gala and unceremoniously crowned queen of the red carpet, Zendaya, delivered great looks with the help of longtime stylist Law Roach. She walked the steps twice in looks by Maison Margiela, Givenchy, and Alexander McQueen.

Doja Cat

Many people found this look to be repetitive and off-theme from the artist, but I found it to be one of the best looks. The Vetement’s dress drapes her body like that of Michelangelo chiseled figurine. Gardens often have similar looking marble statues that always remain long past the life of the flowers, their unmovable presence draws attention to the ever-changing environment around them. While simple the dress is a great, out-of-the-box play on the passage of time.

Mindy Kaling

A surprising one for sure, but undeniably stunning. Mindy’s dress was made by Gaurav Gupta and is, in my opinion, the second best interpretation of the theme. The dress gives an illusion of an ethereal presence that has no end or beginning, the epitome of time and creation itself.

Tyla

One of the more literal takes on the theme. This Balmain dress is made of actual sand and paired perfectly with an hourglass handbag. It’s assumed to be made of something akin to sandpaper, the dress was so stiff she had to be carried up the steps of the MET to attend.

Mona Patel

Source: Vogue

Mona debuted her first MET with the work of Iris van Herpen. Not only is this my favorite interpretation but the most on theme as well. The moving fabric mimicking butterflies was Mona’s idea and it couldn’t have been executed better. The attention to detail and dynamics of the dress make it truly unforgettable and otherworldly.

While the event is harmless and quite necessary to help fund the arts, it has been misconstrued and ill received in recent years. The attention on the event, while helpful in raising money and getting big names on the carpet, has also been its biggest downfall. Knowing the minimum cost to attend is some people’s yearly salary has left a sour taste in the mouth of people living paycheck to paycheck. The difficult circumstances some find themselves in make it harder to watch people shine on the steps, especially knowing how much they had to spend to be on them in the first place.

I will always be a supporter of the arts, and throughout history there has always been art during times of famine, war and unrest. In fact, I find art can aid and unite communities when getting through hard times. But I wonder, where does the MET go from here? What can they change to support the arts while remaining sensitive to the real world struggles beyond those steps?