Outfit of the Week: Sydney Sweeney's wardrobe is rubbing people the wrong way

The weekly fashion feature highlighting notable celebrity outfits takes a closer look at Sydney Sweeneys latest appearance, which has quickly become a topic of debate. Since starring in a controversial American Eagle campaign earlier this yearinterpreted by some as promoting divisive ideasSweeneys every public move has been intensely scrutinized, from interviews to wardrobe choices.

Earlier this week, Sweeney appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon wearing a fitted maroon dress that ended just above her ankles, paired with a polished blonde bob. Many viewers immediately compared her style to that of conservative media figures. Comments under the shows official social media posts drew parallels to figures like Ivanka Trump, Megyn Kelly, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, while similar reactions appeared on her hairstylists Instagram posts. Some content creators criticized the look, suggesting it was an intentional statement.

Sweeney first gained recognition in 2019 for her role as Cassie Howard on HBOs Euphoria, followed by appearances in The White Lotus, the indie film Reality (2023), rom-com Anyone But You (2023), and sports biopic Christy (2025), in which she underwent a major transformation for her portrayal of boxer Christy Martin. Her career has been described as one of the most promising among young Hollywood talents, leading to increased attention to her personal and professional choices.

Past controversies include photos from a family birthday party in 2022 featuring MAGA-style hats, which prompted speculation about her political views. Sweeney responded, emphasizing the events innocence. In August, it was reported she had been a registered Republican in Florida since June 2024. However, the American Eagle ad generated the strongest backlash, with many interpreting it as promoting eugenic ideas. In a later interview with GQ, Sweeney addressed the controversy without apologizing, stating she is not there to dictate opinions and that she speaks out only on issues that matter to her personally.

Her recent Tonight Show dress aligns with what some consider traditional conservative femininity: tailored silhouettes, subtle shoulder padding, and polished styling. Fashion experts note that such choices often emphasize a hyper-feminine, professional appearance. The dress, designed by Alex Perry, has also been worn by celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Doja Cat, and Jennifer Lopez, highlighting its broader appeal beyond any political connotation.

Whether Sweeneys outfit was a deliberate commentary or a simple fashion choice remains unclear. She has maintained a calm approach to online attention, recently commenting that seeing her name trending online prompts only a casual curiosity.

Author: Sophia Brooks