With all the hullabaloo going on in Taylor Swift's love life in 2012, it is a pleasure to see her enter a fresh new year, having returned to her glittery white and metallic signature red carpet style. Sure the skirts are shorter and the necklines plunging, but her latest sartorial efforts look like HER. Not like she is playing a role or trying to impress a boy. And I like it. Taylor wore a glistening Elie Saab mini dress to the 2013 NRJ Music Awards on the weekend. Hair and make up were largely natural and the whole thing was tasteful without being twee.

A few days before, Taylor attended an awards show in Madrid, wearing an embellished white Kaufmanfranco dress with a daring sheer neckline that looks more dramatic than it actually is. Once again the hair and make up were largely natural and she looked lovely. No red prom dresses like those that dominated almost every public appearance in 2012. No fuss. This is a sleeker Taylor Swift. Stripped back. And I continue to be impressed with what she is doing with style.