In 2008

This is all very ideal for a 19 year old in 2008. She was squeaky-clean and just crossing over from country, and she was never going to dive straight into insanity. This outfit says, "I'm getting the lay of the land." That bracelet says, "Heather, COME AND FIND ME."

In 2009

This more direct attempt at glamour feels like it's too formal for the VMAs. It's neither outrageously glam enough, nor wacky enough. So while she looks nice, it's almost like she was burning it off because otherwise it had to go back -- like realizing you didn't read your library book until the day before it's due. And is what she was wearing when Kanye stormed the stage, and she could NOT have scripted THAT better, because it underscores the sense of him barging in on the innocent young thing.

In 2009

This is the sequel to 2008, really. (I thought this was what she had on for Kanye originally because I saw her holding a trophy in this, but ... she won several, I think, so OH WELL.)

In 2010

So of course, the next year was when Taylor got up on-stage and sang a humorless ballad all about how deeply an immature person wounded her. This was, I think, the beginning of Taylor starting to take herself very very very seriously (not that she wasn't entitled to be annoyed by Kanye, however).

I mean. Barefoot and brooding a year later? Singing a lecture? Girl.

in 2012

This was a step toward sophistication, but the hair looks too fake to me. It might NOT be fake, but it really resembles mannequin hair.

And whether you like the pants depends heavily, I think, on the angle at which they are viewed. This one is less advantageous.

This was "We Are Never Getting Back Together," and a jaunty striped shirt will certainly make a girl feel like you can tell a dude to EFF OFF. I liked this performance. It was cute and had personality that an endless parade of sparkly short skirts and bras do not.

In 2013

This was pretty on her. I believe she'd JUST started playing around a bit more with fashion? The hair isn't quite coming together, but she looks great in the dress -- which is another one I might have saved for, say, an Oscar party.

In 2014, in Mary Katrantzou

And then HERE WE ARE: The leotard. This was so silly, and totally looks like a puzzle straight out of Dolce & Gabbana for The Da Vinci Code.

But I think it's the fit that was the worst, honestly. This manages to be a wedgie that's also still a bit baggy?

And this is gapping right at her crotch. TAYLOR. If you're going to do this, there is no room for error. Not a millimeter.

On-stage, for "Shake It Off," she went very Ice Princess. It looks fine but I liked her skipping around in stripes better, although literally shakng while wearing fringe is probably fun.

in 2015 in Ashish

I can't go with her on this journey, though. Metallic houndstooth, sure. But that much midriff while also being a tracksuit? Pass. She's feeling her edge, but I'd rather avoid that cut.

2015 MTV Video Music Awards - Fixed Show

And, more of the Drum Majorette look, although I appreciate this picture for being an instruction manual on how to spray-paint abs on a dude.

It's Taylor's Turn: A Brief History of Swifty at the VMAs

In case rumors of an appearance on Sunday are true.