Actress Sydney Sweeney has once again found herself at the center of public scrutiny, this time for her clothing choices. During her appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on March 25, 2024, Sweeney donned a form-fitting maroon dress that has ignited passionate discussions about her political affiliations and public image.
This scrutiny has escalated since Sweeney starred in a controversial advertisement for American Eagle earlier this summer. The ad drew backlash, with some critics suggesting it promoted eugenics and White supremacy. Since then, every detail of her public life, including press interviews and fashion choices, has been analyzed for any indication of her political stance.
The reactions to her recent outfit were swift and intense. Viewers quickly likened Sweeney’s look to that of a right-wing news anchor, drawing comparisons to figures like White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and former Fox News host Megyn Kelly. Under promotional posts on social media, observers expressed their opinions, with one content creator even accusing Sweeney’s team of intentionally provoking controversy.
Sweeney’s public image has been a subject of debate for some time. She first gained widespread recognition for her role as Cassie Howard in the HBO series Euphoria in 2019. Following this, she appeared in critically acclaimed projects like The White Lotus and the independent film Reality, along with upcoming titles such as Anyone But You and Christy, which chronicles the life of professional boxer Christy Martin.
Despite her rising star power, controversy has shadowed her career. In 2022, Sweeney faced criticism when photographs from a family celebration surfaced, showing guests wearing MAGA-style caps. She later responded on social media, stating her intention had been misinterpreted and urging people to stop making assumptions about her political beliefs.
The discourse around Sweeney intensified in August 2023 when reports revealed she had registered as a Republican in Florida. Yet, it was her American Eagle advertisement that drew the most ire, leading to public speculation regarding her views. In an interview with GQ published in November 2023, Sweeney expressed surprise at the backlash but did not apologize. Instead, she emphasized her love for jeans and stated, “I think that when I have an issue I want to speak about, people will hear.”
Fashion critics have noted that Sweeney’s latest outfit aligns with a more traditional definition of conservative attire. According to Marie Claire, women in right-wing politics often opt for “form-fitting skirt suits” and “full coverage makeup” to achieve a hyper-feminine look. Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic for The New York Times, elaborated that femininity in conservative circles is often exaggerated.
The dress Sweeney wore, designed by Alex Perry, featured a cinched waist and subtle shoulder padding, marking a departure from the mini-skirts and thigh-high boots she has previously favored. Perry’s designs are popular among various high-profile women, including Ivanka Trump and Selena Gomez.
As public discourse continues to swirl around her fashion choices, it remains unclear whether Sweeney’s outfit was a deliberate nod to ongoing discussions about gender and political identity or simply a coincidental style choice. In a recent interview, when asked about her name trending online, Sweeney responded with a nonchalant, “I’m like, ‘Oh, what for now?’”
The conversation surrounding Sydney Sweeney’s wardrobe choices reflects the complexities of celebrity culture, where public figures are often judged not just for their work but also for the messages their fashion choices convey. As Sweeney navigates this landscape, her ability to maintain her personal and professional identity amidst the scrutiny will likely continue to capture public interest.
