Are We Really Wearing Orange?! 13 PEOPLE Staffers React to Taylor Swift’s New Color Story and Album Era

If the PEOPLE staff could pen a letter to Taylor Swift asking her about her new album, our first question would be if any love songs are dedicated to Travis Kelce (after all, the pop star did make a special appearance on her boyfriend’s podcast to announced TS12 aka The Life of a Showgirl). Our second next question would be: is it really time to embrace orange?

Whether or not you’re a Swiftie, you would have likely seen the color taking over your Instagram feed and that’s all down to the power of the pop star, who introduced her orange aesthetic with the help of the Kelce brothers slash New Heights podcasters — and the Empire State Building, which turned its lights orange just for the singer.

We’re not surprised that Swift has entered a new era. After all, each of her albums have their own color story and it was only right that The Life of a Showgirl get the same treatment. However, we’re still on the fence about the color itself.

First things first: in defense of the bold color choice, Swift has expertly tied it into her everyday and onstage wardrobe in a way that makes us want to buy the next orange thing we see. But her way with style might not cut it for those of us who aren’t quite ready to welcome the tricky hue with open arms.

So, we put the subject up for debate amongst PEOPLE’s editors and passionate Swifties, and what we received were 13 hot takes. Read them below.

Hedy Phillips (Senior News Editor, Style): “As an October baby, orange (aka the official color of fall) has always been my favorite, so I’m glad Taylor finally clued in to what some of us have known all along about this fun shade! It’s actually perfect for all year round and some of us (aka me) can even rock it as a hair color (though I don’t recommend it for our girl — she’s a blondie for life). Plus, the orange section of my closet is already stacked, but there’s always room for more. Who needs another excuse to shop?”

Rachel DeSantis (Senior Writer, Music): “Orange makes me think of fall, which makes me think of Red, and because that is my favorite Taylor record, I’m all for it.”

Karli Bendlin (Director of Content Strategy): “I am here for it. It’s a Taylor era like we’ve never seen and I like that it reflects how ‘loud’ her and Travis Kelce’s love is. It’s also a nice pivot from quiet luxury and the trending butter yellow.”

Georgia Slater (Staff Editor, Parents): “In the words of Elle Woods, ‘Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed!’ ”

Kelsie Gibson (Senior News Editor, Society & Culture): “I think fans have been dying for ‘Karma’ orange theories, so Taylor got tired of hearing it and was like, fine here’s an orange album. But also red and yellow (Kansas City Chiefs colors) make orange, which nods to her relationship with Travis.”

Breanne Heldman (Executive Editor, TV and Events): “Orange is not for me, but sparkles are, so there’s that, showgirl. Also, what color is she saving for TS13?”

Kimberlee Speakman (Writer-Reporter): “I find orange to be a joyful change compared to the dull, achromatic tones of The Tortured Poets Department to be honest. It really shows her mind and spirit are in a more positive place.”

Jordan Greene (Writer-Reporter, Society & Culture): “I’ve been team orange since day one. I grew up cheering for the San Francisco Giants and even picked a college with an orange mascot. So if Taylor’s going orange next, no need to try and convince me — I’m already all in!”

Skyler Caruso (Staff Writer, Sports & Style): “If orange means the album comes out this October, I’m down!”

Starr Bowenbank (Staff Editor, Style): “As someone who identifies as a dark autumn color season gal, Knicks fan and serious pumpkin lover — count me in.”

Victoria Edel (Staff Writer): “Orange looks so good with other colors and also somehow reminds me of both summer and fall.”

Natasha Dye (Writer-Reporter, Sports): “I like that its so WNBA-coded, considering Taylor is dating an athlete. It also reminds me of the Kids’ Choice Awards.”

Sabienna Bowman (Staff Editor): Orange is the official color of spooky season, old school Nickelodeon and the couch on Friends. Orange is nostalgia, it’s childhood and while it looks terrible on me personally, I’ll find a way to join team orange if Taylor is bringing those vibes to the party this fall.”