Is being pals with Taylor Swift the secret to success? Megastar celebrates 4th of July with her 'squad' – including Blake Lively, Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne – so who's benefiting most out of the friendship?

She's the global pop phenomenon and the youngest female ever to make it onto the prestigious Forbes World's 100 Most Powerful Women list.

With five platinum albums and seven Grammy awards, not to mention super hot Tom Hiddleston as arm candy, Taylor Swift has successfully cemented her status as the globe's savviest star.

And the singer has also been busy forging a powerful network of female friends from some of the hottest and most glamorous A-listers around.

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Taylor Swift hosted Independence Day Weekend with a celeb-packed beach party alongside (from left) Britany Maack, Abigail Anderson, Ruby Rose, Harley Gusman, Blake Lively, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss

Indeed, Taylor enlisted her powerful 'squad' as she calls them to help her ring in the 4th of July at her $17.75million home in Rhode Island.

New power couple Taylor and Tom were celebrating Independence Day Weekend with a celeb-packed beach party alongside Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, models Gigi Hadid and Karlie Kloss, and Orange Is The New Black star Ruby Rose.

Here FEMAIL examines how the leggy 5ft 10in star has aligned herself with Hollywood's coolest network of ladies who, together, have the same amount of Instagram followers as the population of the UK. But has being part of her squad boosted their credentials?

Jeetendr Sehdev, celebrity brand expert commented: 'The Taylor Swift Squad is a fascinating phenomenon. Taylor is one of the biggest stars in the world with some serious cross-over appeal from country to pop. 

Taylor's power players: Model Cara Delevingne is said to be worth $6m while actress Ruby Rose has a fortune of $2m. Meanwhile Blake Lively is said to have amassed $16m - with models Gigi Hadid and Karlie Kloss also boasting multi-million dollar bank balances

Also joining the celebrations was Taylor's good friend, British model Cara Delevingne 

'The likes of Karlie Kloss and Gigi Hadid might well be genuine friends of Taylor but they are more friends with benefits. The bottom line is that being associated with Taylor in any way, shape or form is boosting the brands of her B-list pals. 

'The Squad consists of savvy businesswomen who have come together to work together and succeed. It also shows that you don't have to be backstabbing in Hollywood to get ahead.'

GIGI HADID  

Estimate net worth: $5m (£3.75m)

Gigi and Taylor have grown increasingly close in recent months, with Gigi starring in Taylor's blockbuster music video, Bad Blood, and joining her on stage at many of her concerts.

Speaking to People about their burgeoning friendship, Gigi said: 'My favorite thing about Taylor is that she's just always herself and she's really true to that. It's really inspiring to hang out with someone that's genuine and is just unapologetically Taylor. It's cool.'

Taylor has enlisted Gigi Hadid into her close circle in recent months, with Gigi starring in Bad Blood and joining Taylor and Martha on stage in Detroit this weekend

She also opened up to InStyle about what they do for fun, saying: 'Girls night in! We love staying in.

'Our job is kind of being out. We love watching random movies and cooking or ordering in, having dance parties in the living room.'

Gigi has become one of the most famous names in Hollywood. She's also best friends with Kendall Jenner, has one of the most unique looks in the industry and is currently riding high as one of the most in-demand models. 

From being named as the face of VSPink, to landing herself countless campaigns for American super-brands like Guess and Maybelline, Gigi has been making serious waves in the modelling industry. 

Gigi, right, joined Taylor on stage in Detroit this weekend. Gigi is fast becoming one of the most famous names in Hollywood and is currently riding high as one of the most popular Victoria's Secret models

Gigi is enlisted by the biggest names in fashion, including Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Michael Kors and Max Mara to walk in their shows and star in their campaigns - and was one of the most talked-about models in the Victoria's Secret show.

She has also used her good looks to venture into the music industry, starring as the protagonist in Calvin Harris' music video How Deep Is Your Love, as well as grinding with her current boyfriend, Zayn Malik, in Pillowtalk earlier this year. 

According to College Candy, Gigi can earn between $125,000 and $300,000 for every sponsored social media post and is among the highest three paid models on social media alongside Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevigne. 

BLAKE LIVELY

Estimated net worth: $16m (£12m) 

She may be one of the fresher faces of Taylor Swift's squad but it seems that Blake Lively is quickly becoming a regular face among the singer's posse. 

The pair's outing comes after Blake was spotted by fans at Taylor's Brisbane concert on Saturday night.

A Snapchat video and series of tweets from fans suggested Blake, who was filming The Shallows in Queensland, was in the audience at Suncorp Stadium for Taylor's second Australian show during her 1989 World Tour.

Blake Lively and Taylor Swift began hanging out in December 2015 when the pair were both working in Australia. Pictured: The actress and the singer at Australia's Movie World theme park on the Gold Coast

A brief ten-second clip captured on the mobile phone application showed a blonde beauty, looking very much like Blake, chatting to a fan at the concert while Taylor sings her track I Wish You Would on stage.

In September, she revealed she was obsessed with the singer in an Instagram photo of Taylor posing with members of the actress's family.

Blake added a long caption, saying: 'Umm whoever thought I was throwin shade clearly doesn't know I have a 'Taylor Swift Please Be My Wife Voo Doo Doll' #obsessed.

'Look how rad she is here making my niece Heather feel like a rock star. Love my Canadian family almost as much as I love Taylor Lively. I mean Swift. Ok, FIIINE we can hyphenate our last names. Xo Blake Swift-Lively 4eva.'

Blake shared this image of her and Taylor on a roller coaster together on the singer's birthday where she left a gushing message calling her 'the real deal'

Following their time together in Australia, Blake, who went on to launch a lifestyle site after finding fame in The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants and Gossip Girl, sent her new friend a gushing 26th birthday message.

Blake shared a photo of them on her Instagram captioning it, 'There's a reason ' #friendshipgoals ' was invented because of her. Thank you @taylorswift for the happiness you bring to not only to everyone that knows you, but also to those who don't - you're the real deal. Happy Birthday!'

The past few months have seen Blake a little absent from her famous friend's life as she busied herself at the Cannes Film Festival where she promoted her film The Shallows, the latest in her $16 million empire, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

However, nothing appeared to have changed between the pair as they seemed closer than ever as they hit the beach on July 4. Blake is currently pregnant with her second child with actor husband, Ryan Reynolds, who also joined the ladies on the beach.  

KARLIE KLOSS  

Estimated net worth: $4m (£2.55m)

Karlie Kloss, who is one of the fashion industry's most successful young models, is arguably Taylor's best friends

Karlie is possibly Taylor's closest friend after the pair met when Taylor performed at the 2013 Victoria's Secret show.

They quickly grew close, going on a road trip and getting ready for the Met Gala together.

Karlie is one of Taylor's most powerful pals and, at the tender age of 22, the American supermodel has a dazzling career most women can only dream of.

Most recently, the catwalk queen, style icon and Victoria's Secret angel added another string to her beautiful bow as the latest 'spokesmodel' for L'Oréal Paris.

The young star, who Forbes say has an estimated £2.55m ($4m) net worth, was chosen by the French beauty giant because of her 'powerful walk, unique freshness and amazing energy'.

Karlie was discovered at a local benefit runway show and in 2007 she signed with Elite Model Management.

The pair quickly grew close, going on a road trip and getting ready for the Met Gala together

Karlie, seen on a roadtrip with Taylor, has featured in advertisements for every major fashion house from Alexander McQueen and YSL to Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton, and has, of course, walked the Victoria's Secret runway

Her first modelling appearance was for Abercrombie and Fitch and in 2008 she walked 31 runways in New York Fashion Week and closed for Marc Jacob's iconic show.

Her success spanned much further than the American coasts too. She went on to walk 20 shows in Milan, 13 in Paris and was named the best model by People magazine the same year.

She has featured in advertisements for every major fashion house from Alexander McQueen and YSL to Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton, and has, of course, walked the Victoria's Secret runway.

The model, who once walked 64 shows in a fashion week season, also starred as the clothes horse for Tamara Mellon's range, Chanel's Coco Noir scent and Nike. 

She also has her own range of dairy and gluten-free sweet treats called Karlie's Kookies. 

Karlie Kloss, second from right, Martha Hunt and Gigi Hadid join Taylor for dinner 

RUBY ROSE

Estimated net worth: $2m (£1.5m)

With Ruby Rose starring in one of America's grittiest comedies and Taylor Swift taking on the role of the pop princess, the pair don't make the most likely of friends. 

However, the two have time and time again showcased a close bond since New Year 's Eve when they were seen partying together at Taylor's now ex-boyfriend Calvin Harris' show.

Taylor Swift surprised her close friend Ruby Rose at the GLAAD television awards in April

Ruby, who joined by new girlfriend Harley Gusman for the 4th July celebrations near the star's home in Rhode Island, has proved herself an invaluable support to Taylor over the past year.

The Wildest Dreams singer has suffered a few knocks but Ruby Rose, 30, has proved herself to be a firm friend sticking up for the singer on several occasions.

In February the actress voiced her disapproval of Kanye West's 'misogynistic' track, Famous, which raps about having sex with Taylor Swift.

Ruby Rose jumped to Taylor's defende when she wasn't impressed with many of Kanye's recent comments about women

The Orange Is The New Black star took to social media to have her say, tweeting: 'Too many lines crossed. If I put myself in the shoes of the women he has hurt recently.'

Just last week Ruby Rose posted a message in support of Taylor and Tom's new relationship.

Ruby Rose took to her Instagram page with a lengthy and slightly cryptic message seemingly aimed at her close friend Taylor Swift.

The post by the actress and DJ details Ruby's thoughts which, although did not mention the Shake It Off singer's name, clearly eluded to the star.

'If a woman moves on from a relationship 8 months (or 2 weeks) after a breakup isn't that beautiful?' Ruby asked.

Despite their differing careers, the pair have bonded over their successes, with Ruby Rose's acting career seeing her net worth reach a reported $2million since starring in the Netflix drama, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

When it comes to support, Taylor has returned the favour to Ruby Rose after she surprised her close friend at the GLAAD television awards in April.

Speaking of her friend, Taylor said: 'Tonight I'm here to honour someone who, through her words and through her actions, proves that she is a force of nature. She tells the world that no one can judge us and no one can stop us.'

CARA DELEVINGNE 

Estimated net worth: $6m (£4.5m) 

Who isn't Cara friends with? The bubbly star, who is known and loved in the fashion industry for her outgoing personality, also joined the power squad on the beach and was one of the A-listers cast in Bad Blood. 

Cara and Taylor, along with Ellie Goulding and Karlie Kloss, partying together at the Brits

They met at the Victoria's Secret show in 2013 and Cara even jokingly spanked Taylor's bottom on stage.

As well as being one of the world's most famous new breed of supermodel, Cara is making a name for herself in Hollywood.

The Instagram favourite has roles in a number of major blockbusters coming out this year and has also spoken of her desire to crack the music industry. 

Thanks to her stellar modelling career and fledgling acting career, she currently has an estimated net worth of $6million (£4.5million), according to The Richest.    

ABIGAIL ANDERSON 

Net worth: Unknown 

Before Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne and Ruby Rose there was Abigail Anderson, Taylor's original BFF.

The 26-year-old Nashville, Tennessee native, who met Taylor at high school, was such a big feature in her life that she had a whole song - Fifteen - written about her, starred in the singer's early music videos and was even her date at last year's Grammys.  

The pair, now both 25, pictured larking around while they were at Hendersonville High School in Tennesee

The pretty redhead, who works with veteran support groups, has just purchased her first home in Nashville, Tennessee. 

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2014, Taylor revealed that Abigail's independence is part of the reason why the two remain so close - despite their very different lives.

'A good girlfriend for me is someone who is an individual and has something that they are deeply passionate about. 

'Abigail works with making sure that veterans from World War II get their compensation,' she said.

'The fact that she is so passionate about what she does allows her to be able to relate to me on that level, that I'm so dedicated to what I do.' 

Abigail, pictured with Taylor from their school days, said of their first meeting in English class, 'We just really connected… and ever since then we have been inseparable'

The long-time pals met at Hendersonville High School in Tennesee in an English class when they were just 15.

Speaking about their first bonding experience to biographer Liv Spencer, Abigail recalled: 'We were the ones in the back of the class saying negative things about Romeo and Juliet because we were so bitter toward that emotion at the time.

'We just really connected… and ever since then we have been inseparable.' 

Taylor has credited Abigail as the inspiration for the song Fifteen, which was about their experiences of falling in love and having their hearts broken during their first year in high school. 

One lyrics reads: 'And Abigail gave everything she had to a boy / Who changed his mind / We both cried.'

HARLEY GUSMAN 

Net worth: Unknown

Ruby Rose (right, pictured on Instagram) and her rumoured new girlfriend Harley Gusman (left) packed on some serious PDA as they frolicked together at Taylor's party

Miami-born Harley is vice president and co-founder of organic cosmetics company Truly Organic - and is now part of Taylor's inner circle

Ruby Rose and her rumoured new girlfriend Harley Gusman packed on some serious PDA as they frolicked together at Taylor's party.

Miami-born Harley is a model and vice president and co-founder of organic cosmetics company Truly Organic.

The line includes cruelty-free, non GMO Fair Trade shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, face cream, exfoliant, body oil and lubricant.

The brand describes its products as 'wholesome' and multivitamins for your skin and hair. 

Now as Ruby's new lover, after the actress broke off her engagement to designer Phoebe Dahl, Harley has found herself immersed in Taylor's inner circle.

And the new A-list connections are bound to come in handy as the savvy businesswoman continues to expand her company.

BRITANY MAACK

Net worth: Unknown

Letting loose! In the 11-minute video, the 26-year-old songstress donned matching Reem Acra gowns with her oldest, dearest friend as they excitedly danced and sang onstage the romantic festivities

An obvious attendee at this weekend's celebrations was Taylor Swift's very oldest pal Britany Maack.

The pair have literally known one another their entire lives with a friendship expanding more than two decades riding horses together in Pennsylvania.

The pair demonstrated the strength of their friendship when in February, Taylor acted as bridesmaid to her close pal when she tied the knot.

Taylor Swift fans made a touching maid-of-honour speech from her BFF Britany Maack's wedding reception in Reading, PA on February 20.

'My favorite accomplishment of my entire life is that everything in my life has changed except for me and Britany,' the 10-time Grammy winner told her gal pal. 

The 10-time Grammy winner said: 'She was my partner in crime at Brownie's sleepaway camp and she was my date to the Grammys. And little did either of us know that prince charming for Britany would be the kid that sat next to me in class with a bowl cut and a Lego lunchbox'

'She was my partner in crime at Brownie's sleepaway camp and she was my date to the Grammys. And little did either of us know that prince charming for Britany would be the kid that sat next to me in class with a bowl cut and a Lego lunchbox.'

Taylor was referring to the groom, Benjamin LaManna, whom she's 'known since age four.'

'He would chase her and pursue her through middle school and junior high and high school, and their paths would diverge, and then come back together,' the Bad Blood belter explained to the crowd.

'It would be so magically unpredictable, but at the same time, so incredibly fated just like the best love stories are.'