Tate McRae’s Fashion Transformation: Couture, Confidence, and Sports Cars
Exploring Tate McRae’s fashion evolution through her latest music video.
Tate McRae has dropped the new music video for her latest single, ‘Sports Car’, where we see her styled like never before. Clocking in at just three minutes, the video features 12 stunning looks that range from high-fashion couture to archival pieces.
Known for her vocals and incredible dance moves, the 21-year-old has also become a style icon in her own right. With her highly anticipated album, So Close to What, set to drop on February 21st, it’s clear that McRae is stepping into a new era.
The Early Days
Tate McRae first entered the spotlight at just 12 years old as a dancer on So You Think You Can Dance, but it wasn’t until her original song went viral on TikTok that she gained widespread recognition as a singer. Soon after, she signed with RCA Records and released her debut EP, All the Things I Never Said.
Early in her career, McRae’s style was heavily rooted in streetwear. She often wore oversized hoodies, leather jackets, and vintage band t-shirts, which became staples of her wardrobe. High-waisted cargo trousers were another key piece of her look, capturing the early 2000s streetwear revival trend. Her fashion choices during this time reflected her raw, unfiltered persona as a young artist, prioritizing functionality and comfort for her performances while keeping an edginess that set her apart.
A Style Evolution
The release of Tate McRae’s debut studio album, I Used to Think I Could Fly, marked a turning point in her style evolution. Released in May 2022, the album showcased McRae's growth not only as an artist but also in her visual aesthetic. Her aesthetic during this era shifted to a more vibrant and playful tone, featuring a bold, eye-catching color palette. The music videos themselves captured a nostalgic suburban aesthetic, drawing inspiration from late 20th-century Americana.
Rather than completely abandoning her previous aesthetic, this era was more about broadening her fashion horizons as she embraced more feminine silhouettes with her signature edge.
Her Signature Style
With her second album THINK LATER, released in late 2023, McRae has truly come into her own, carving out a distinctive aesthetic that blends her edgy roots with a more sophisticated pop star image.
She can be seen wearing sporty elements like jerseys and oversized jeans and styles them with feminine pieces such as corsets and bedazzled bustiers. Her aesthetic is a unique fusion of influences from ice hockey culture and early 2000s pop. Although unexpected, she effortlessly pulls off this ‘sporty glam’ aesthetic, giving her a recognizable look that is synonymous with her brand.
Just as Olivia Rodrigo is known for her signature purple hues and Sabrina Carpenter has Old Hollywood glamour, Tate McRae has carved out her own identity in the fashion landscape.
Ever Changing
Just when you thought Tate McRae's style couldn't get any more impressive, she continues to push boundaries with her latest music video for "Sports Car."
"This video brought a lot of discomfort for me," McRae confessed to Vogue. "Wearing wigs was a new venture, as I've always embraced my natural hair and style." This willingness to push boundaries speaks volumes about McRae's commitment to her craft, both musically and aesthetically. The video showcases some seriously show-stopping outfits, including a Roberto Cavalli corset from the Spring 2007 ready-to-wear collection, bringing McRae's Pinterest board to life.
There's also an Atelier Biser feather coat paired with massive Sam Macer heels, channelling some major Lady Gaga-esque drama. Plus, a Versace look styled alongside a horse for one of the video's most editorial moments, to name a few.
As Tate McRae enters this exciting new era with the release of her third album, she continues to incorporate her signature sporty edge into her style, but with a fresh twist. Moving away from ice hockey influences to Formula 1-inspired visuals, a shift that's particularly evident in her "2 Hands" music video.
With her upcoming "Miss Possessive Tour" with over 50 shows worldwide, McRae is cementing her status not just a musician but a true style icon in the making.
Watch Tate McRae's new music video for her latest single, ‘Sports Car’ below: