Taylor Swift's mod Elle photo shoot

Growing Pains

On her insecurity:

"Middle school was what programmed me to be semi-insecure, like, all of the time. I didn't fit in…. I'd stand on the outside of the circle but I was never really in. That's when I started to realize there's this thing called rejection."

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Write On

On the speculation surrounding her songs and famous exes:

"To me it's just writing songs the way I always have. It's me sitting on my bed feeling pain I didn't understand, writing a song, and understanding it better. If people want to dissect the lyrics, that's their right, but it's all coming from the exact same place as where I started. It's just something I do to feel better."

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Cut to the Chase

On rumors:

"I'm sure if I looked up the latest Google Alerts rumor it would say I'm chasing somebody who doesn't like me as much as I like him—people love that angle on me. They're like, 'Oh Taylor, coming on too strong again, chasing boys.' I never chase boys. They don't like it!"

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Fair Fight

On ex-boyfriends:

"I don't think I've ever yelled at an ex-boyfriend. Ever. I'm not a yeller. I'm not a fit thrower. If something is done, it's done."

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Style Chameleon

The singer effortlessly shifted from super-cool to whimsical to daring, wearing best-of-the-season looks from Burberry Prorsum, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, and Proenza Schouler.

Star Power

One of spring's best and brightest fashion trends: colored metallics in sophisticated silhouettes. ELLE creative director Joe Zee immediately knew that no one could rock the sparkle and shine like Taylor Swift, dressing her in glittery tops and a metallic blue and green bomber jacket.

Full Volume

After arriving at the set in New York City dressed casually chic in a Topshop jacket and Chanel oxfords, Swift took on the DJ role, blasting a hip-hop playlist on her iPod and inspiring hairstylist Ken O'Rourke to pump up the volume on the star's fine blond hair with René Furterer's Anti-Dehydrating Volumizing Mousse.

Girl Talk

Swift also managed to look stunning on the sidelines while staying as low-key and friendly as ever—and even took time out to catch up with pal and Glee star Dianna Agron, who stopped by the shoot.

See more from Swift's shoot in the March issue of Elle, on newsstands February 19. In the meantime, click through the slides to check out the singer's most memorable style moments.

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Lady in Red

While out and about in Paris last month, Swift looked effortlessly elegant in a fire engine red toggle coat and skinny jeans.

Golden Touch

Swift was a knockout at the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes in a sparkly Elie Saab nude mini and metallic Jimmy Choo sandals.

City Slicker

While hanging with friends in Madrid, the pop star struck a sophisticated chord in a cinched-waist wool coat, ribbed tights and heels.

Plum Choice

The blonde beauty beamed in a Donna Karan eggplant taffeta gown with a low-cut back and dramatic train at this year's Golden Globes. A sleek bun and statement earrings added old-school glamour to finish the look.

Breakup Revenge

In her first appearance after her split with Harry Styles, Swift stunned in a capped-sleeve ivory Ralph Lauren gown with a plunging neckline at the People's Choice Awards. A playful braided 'do and oversize turquoise earrings kept the look youthful.

Street Chic

Even on a chilly winter evening, Swift looked polished to perfection in a brown flared jacket and violet checked scarf.

Party Lines

The black-and-white-striped Kate Spade dress the pop star wore to the KIIS Jingle Ball concert was vintage Swift: demure, elegant and modern all at once.

Short Stop

Go glam or go home: Swift rocked a Zuhair Murad mini, embellished with intricate beading in an array of gold tones at the 40th American Music Awards.

Shady Lady

Swift attempts to go undercover in oversize sunglasses, a black tee, skinny jeans and trendy oxblood velvet loafers.

Sheer Perfection

Swift hit all the right notes in this delicately embroidered nude-and-red Jenny Packham gown. Blunt bangs and a ruby red lip finish off her look at the 46th Country Music Awards.

Yellow Fever

While the sweet songstress can wear everything from whimsical and romantic to modern and sleek, she looks most natural in her signature retro look: a sunny, vintage yellow dress, matching cardi and scarlet lip.

Tux Luxe

Looking fresh and modern at the MTV Music Awards, Swift donned a J. Mendel silk crepe tuxedo with a plunging neck and metallic Tom Ford heels.

Strapped In

In a lace-paneled red chiffon Elie Saab gown at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards, Swift was covered up, but still sexy.

White Now

The crooner chose another J. Mendel dress for the 47th Country Music Awards—this one with metallic cutouts. A nude lip and smoky eye complemented the sleek style.

Work of Art

Swift looked super-glam in a gold capped-sleeve Zuhair Murad gown with elaborate beading and an elegant train for the 54th Grammy Awards.

Shine On

Swift dazzled in a Zuhair Murad strapless mini and chunky curls at the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Emerald Isle

A kelly green satin strapless dress and peep-toe heels made up Swift's sweet look at the Los Angeles Easy A premiere.

Seventh Heaven

The pop princess looked angelic in this off-the-shoulder ivory beaded and lace gown by Ralph Lauren at the 2010 Met Gala. Pinned-under waves and glowing makeup completed the romantic look.

Black Beauty

This sleek black gown by Kaufman Franco was a sexy choice for Swift who, in 2009, was just starting to make some bold choices on the red carpet.

Belle of the Ball

Taking home a slew of awards at the 43rd Country Music Awards—including Album of the Year—Swift looked like a fairy-tale princess in this gold sequin and tulle gown by Reem Acra.

Booted Up

Back in 2007, the singer rocked big hair and cowboy boots at the American Music Awards.