Dear Swifties everywhere, 

After much anticipation, the time has finally arrived to stream Red. If you aren’t a fellow Swiftie, allow me to provide a bit of context for you. On June 18th earlier this year, global phenomenon and 11-time Grammy Awards winner Taylor Swift announced that she’d be re-recording her beloved album originally released in 2012. Whether you’ve been waiting for this moment since Fearless (Taylor’s Version) came out or simply want to reminisce on childhood nostalgia, keep reading. Below is a list of ways to prepare for this surprise that we never saw coming.

Gearing up with childhood (or current) merchandise

I have a photo from when I was about five years old in front of the Christmas tree proudly holding Swift’s second studio album Fearless. For the longest time, it was my most prized possession — and rightfully so. That being said, right now is the best possible moment to gather all things Taylor Swift in light of the approaching re-recordings. Perhaps you’re like me, guilty for splurging on Folklore merchandise this past summer, or like others who have a collection of items from the previous nine albums. Wearing your favorite Taylor T-shirt or cardigan this Friday is one of the best ways to get into the Red (Taylor’s Version) spirit. 

Bring the necessities

If you’re struggling to find your middle school T-shirt with Swift’s face plastered on it, fear not. There are certainly other ways for you to celebrate. Every one of her albums follows a certain theme that is carried throughout her songs. For instance, Taylor’s fifth album 1989 had many references to New York City and the city life, while Evermore was very whimsical, to say the least. When it comes to Red, fans around the world have correlated it with the autumn season and all things red. Pull out your quintessential fall outfit with a pair of red lips and you’re good to go. Swifties will not fail to recognize your lips as it’s been Swift’s signature look as of late. Additionally, it might not be a bad idea to keep a stash of tissue paper handy — ten minutes of “All Too Well” calls for it. 

Clear your schedule

Let’s face it. Once Red (Taylor’s Version) is released this Friday, you aren’t leaving your apartment (or dorm). You’ll either be too sad or ecstatic to do anything but replay every single song on an everlasting loop. Perhaps your roommate will be perplexed by your sobbing when listening to “The Last Time.” Or on the opposite end of the spectrum, you’ll be “dancing around the kitchen in the refrigerator light” during the popular “22.” Either way, Taylor Swift will literally be asking you to “stay stay stay” on Friday and throughout the weekend. Okay, maybe for the rest of the month of November. That’s okay! You know you wouldn’t want it any other way. 

… and enjoy!

Similar to many others, Swift’s work has been very formative to who I am today. From songs about heartache to the next stages of life, it’s easy to see how this is. I can recall all the sweet moments when I would sing along to her songs on the radio in the car with my mom. This admiration went as far as creating a homemade music video to “22” with an old friend of mine. Whether or not you’re a fan of Swift, it’s difficult to dismiss the excitement around her re-recording. It’s not very often when our childhood favorites re-record their past works. So, enjoy the magic while it lasts.

There you have it. A few ways of many to prepare for Red (Taylor’s Version). Everything is always better with others. Make sure you’re listening along to your favorites plus the additional from the vault with your Swiftie friends. Happy listening!

Kindly,

A fellow Swiftie