How to Wear a Taylor Swift-Inspired ‘English Teacher’ Aesthetic This Fall

amanda mcarthur

sep 4, 2025

Ever since Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's recent engagement announcement, we've been going over their words again and again: "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married 🧨"

We love the way Taylor uses "English teacher" as a descriptor, and honestly, that's precisely the aesthetic we're looking to embrace this fall. It's equal parts preppy, friendly and cozy, and makes us want to curl up under a blanket and spend a few hours with a good book. Eager to do the same? Here's how to wear the English teacher look this year.

Cozy Cardigans

Taylor Swift's "cardigan" may be a song about feeling discarded and forgotten, but our favorite cozy pieces will never be abandoned under someone's bed. These open-fronted pieces are typically knitted, so they can worn open or closed depending on the temperature and the desired warmth, feeling like a comfort blanket you can bring with you anywhere and bestowing a casual and approachable look.

Shutterstock: happy young woman in knitted cosy cardigan with tray and cup reading book at modern home in sunny autumn day.

(via Shutterstock)

Cat-Eye Glasses

Not only are cat-eye frames a favorite of Taylor's, but with their unique shape, with both rounded and pointed edges, they convey a bookish intelligence. We can't be the only ones who've ruined our eyes with endless reading! We get that it can be costly to buy a new pair of prescription glasses just for the aesthetic, but the good thing is that you can also find plenty of sunglasses options in this shape.

Shutterstock: Fashionable, elegant woman wearing glasses, trendy leather beret, hand watch, classic autumn coat, posing near red call box in street of city. Copy, empty space for text

(via Shutterstock)

Also read about: Everything We Know So Far (and Predictions) About Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl Track List

Muted Plaids and Gingham

In the right muted hues, such as browns and greys, plaid and gingham simply screams fall while also evoking studious, teacherly energy. Perhaps it's because we associate these patterns with school uniforms, but they always remind us of learning in the classroom. With the right layering, you can also add a dash of fun and warmth for good measure.

Shutterstock: Happy smiling fashionable blonde woman wearing trendy autumn outfit with classic brown coat, trendy cap, beige turtleneck sweater, leather belt, plaid mini skirt, posing outdoor. Copy, empty space

(via Shutterstock)

Sweater Vests

We can't think of anything preppier than a sweater vest combined with a collared white shirt, making it an essential for your English teacher looks. While we're drawn to knits, fall colors or even playful graphics, the sky really is the limit in styling a sweater vest. It can a warm yet academic piece that lends a unique touch to any ensemble.

Shutterstock: Young Caucasian Female Student Holding Books in a Bustling Train Station. Intelligent Woman with Curly Hair, Wearing a Sweater Vest and White Shirt, Looking Upward with Hopeful Expression

(via Shutterstock)

Oversized Knits

Taylor is also known for her sweaters (bringing them up multiple times in her songs), and for this aesthetic, the chunkier and more oversized the knit, the better. There's something extra comforting about a huge and heavy piece that drapes over you, bringing a sense of security and making you feel like you can tackle whatever the fall season throws at you.

Shutterstock: A woman in an oversized cozy orange sweater prepares pour-over coffee, with warm sunlight filling the rustic kitchen

(via Shutterstock)

Also read about: Taylor Swift's 10 Most Iconic Love Songs of All Time

Inviting Stripes

There's something about stripes that's always friendly and inviting, and we associate them with kindly English teachers who are eager to make their students fall in love with reading. You can't go wrong with classic black and white stripes, but if you're feeling more daring, you can try something monochromatic or even multicolored and layer with subtler pieces if needed.

Shutterstock: A female student intently studies with a tablet, wearing headphones and a colorful striped sweater, seated in a cozy, modern cafe environment.

(via Shutterstock)

Accessorized Layers

If you're ready to channel the vibes of Red (Taylor's Version), it's time to invest in great accessories. First, protect yourself from the cold with multiple layers, including a warm and comfy coat over your base pieces, and then add a cute hat and oversized scarf for good measure. We think most English teachers would appreciate pieces that are as practical as they are stylish.

Shutterstock: Hello autumn. happy modern woman in red hat with scarf rejoicing in the city park.

(via Shutterstock)

Florals With a Fall Twist

And finally, just because autumn is coming doesn't mean you have to ditch your florals. Flowery looks are whimsical and inspiring, but for the English teacher aesthetic, we suggest opting for more subdued colors and patterns that incorporate florals without being fully dominated by them.

Shutterstock: Fashion shot of a gorgeous young woman in boho style dress and accessories posing at studio. Bohemian, modern hippie style.

(via Shutterstock)

Also planning to wear a ton of Showgirl orange this fall? Click HERE to discover our favorite hues for the season.

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