The 1989 era is all about crop tops, high-waisted denim shorts and a clean, minimal color palette of white, red and navy. It photographs beautifully and it is one of the easiest eras to recreate with pieces you may already own.
Build the base outfit
Start with a white or striped crop top and a pair of high-waisted denim shorts — cuffed, distressed or plain all work. If you would rather not bare your midriff, a cropped white button-down tied at the waist gives the same silhouette. Finish with white sneakers or ankle boots depending on the weather.
Add star and seagull details
Small gold star jewelry — stud earrings, a delicate necklace or a star hair clip — is the fastest way to signal 1989 without a costume. A polaroid-camera bag or a simple crossbody in red also nods to the era’s visual branding. Keep accessories minimal; this era’s whole aesthetic is clean and uncluttered.
Hair and makeup
A sleek high ponytail or a textured lob is the go-to 1989-era hairstyle. For makeup, think a classic red lip with a clean, barely-there base — winged eyeliner if you want extra polish. It is a much more pared-back look than Fearless or Reputation, which is part of what makes it easy to wear.
The quick recap
A crop top, high-waisted denim shorts, a small gold star accent and a red lip — that is the entire 1989 formula, and most of it you can pull straight from your closet. It is the lowest-effort, highest-payoff era on this list. Check out our other era guides for Fearless, Reputation and Lover.