Seen at Courtside: Taylor Swift Supporting One Nostalgic and One Emerging Beauty Trend

      Last night, the New York Knicks triumphed over the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 107 to 106 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, marking an extraordinary comeback that had the entire city electrified—celebrities in attendance included Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Alana and Este Haim, and Taylor Swift. While I recognize that beauty trends can't quite compete with this landmark victory, I must highlight some daring fashion choices I noticed courtside, particularly from Swift, who is speculated to return to Madison Square Garden for her wedding to Travis Kelce in early July. (I have my thoughts on that!) Swift naturally showed up at the arena sporting her signature red lip (she is said to favor Pat McGrath's LiquiLust: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4), but she also embraced two more understated styles that I anticipate will be popular in summer 2026: fishtail braids and baby blue manicures.

      Let's discuss the braid. This isn't the first occasion Swift has showcased a fishtail pony—she sported the same hairstyle, minus the blue ribbon, during a dinner at Chez Margaux last November—but it still feels like a somewhat underrated style from the 2010s. Perhaps Swift is aware that 2026 is the new 2016? This hairstyle also seems perfect for summer, exuding a mermaid-like vibe that fits well with festival season. Accompanied by her trademark eyebrow-skimming bangs and a few loose, framing strands, Swift's look manages to be both sporty and ethereal.

      Regarding the manicure, Swift kept to the theme with a light blue set adorned with fluffy cloud nail art—a direct nod to the sky blue hue. She had actually worn it just days earlier at the Los Angeles premiere of the eagerly awaited Toy Story 5, cleverly referencing the original character Andy's cloud wallpaper. It’s fitting that she maintained the blue manicure for watching the Knicks, although I must mention the rise of frosty blue nails this summer. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec has previously referred to this shade as the "cooler sister to the glazed donut nail" since it provides a nice pop while being universally appealing and understated. Although nail trends likely weren't the first thing on Swift's mind when selecting a polish to match her "Stevie Knicks" T-shirt, I’m convinced that, even if only subconsciously, she has lent her approval to this chic color trend. Shop Baby Blue Nail Polishes.