Sydney Sweeney’s Denim Journey: From Middle School to the Runway
Sydney Sweeney has had a long-standing relationship with denim, one that began in her middle school years and continues to evolve today. While she has the luxury of exploring high-end fashion trends with the help of stylist Molly Dickson—having tried McQueen matching sets and Miu Miu low-rises—her go-to choice for casual wear is still an affordable brand that has been part of her life for years.
During a last-minute shopping trip before our July interview, Sweeney opted for American Eagle jeans, a brand that holds a special place in her heart. “It definitely is my hometown staple,” she shared over the phone. “Rediscovering it in my twenties is such a fun thing.” The actress has since become a key figure in reintroducing the brand to a new generation, not just through her personal style but also by fronting American Eagle’s Fall 2025 denim campaign.
The campaign features Sweeney’s own creation, “The Sydney Jean,” with proceeds going to the Crisis Text Line. She also curated a selection of her favorite pieces, allowing more women to reconnect with their own nostalgic denim choices across 200 different fits.
A Personal Connection to Denim
Sweeney’s love for American Eagle didn’t start with the campaign—it was already a family tradition. Before the brand officially partnered with her, she had already convinced her inner circle to embrace the label. Her mom, Lisa, became a fan of her mid-rise baggy jeans, which led to a funny situation when Sweeney returned home and found her own jeans missing.
“I came back home and a bunch of my jeans were missing!” Sweeney laughed. “I was like, Mom, where are they? And she’s like, you’re not getting those back. They’re my favorite pair of jeans now.” This anecdote explains why Sweeney made sure to restock her wardrobe before our conversation.
Her personal collection includes a range of American Eagle staples, from the Daily Fave Tank Top to the Dreamy Drapey Stretch Ripped Super High-Waisted Baggy Jean. Even the Everyday Luxe Relaxed T-Shirt and Easyflex Loose Jean have found a permanent spot in her closet.
The Campaign: Simplicity Meets Style
In the Fall 2025 campaign, Sweeney is seen wearing a variety of light and mid-wash denim styles. The looks are minimalistic, often featuring only a jean jacket or a tied-up tee. These outfits reflect her everyday style, especially when she wants to keep her denim out of her mom’s hands.
“I am such a jeans and T-shirt girl,” she said. “It encompasses who I am off the carpet and who I really am, which I love.” Working with Dickson, she found the process effortless because the looks were drawn directly from her own wardrobe. Having her puppy, Sully Bear, nearby also added to the relaxed vibe of the shoot.
While the campaign highlights her favorite styles, it also allowed her to explore new denim trends. For instance, she hadn’t previously been a fan of the jorts revival until Dickson dressed her in an extra-baggy pair with a tank top and knee-high boots. Now, she admits she’s more open to the trend.
Staying True to Her Style
Despite experimenting with new styles, Sweeney remains loyal to her signature look: mid-rise, full-length jeans. When asked if anything could make her switch up her style permanently, she admitted that nothing has yet managed to convince her to stray far from her comfort zone.
She did mention swapping her usual tee for a “cute sweater” and a jean jacket, like the one she wears in the campaign. However, she confirmed that Celine skinnies won’t be making their way into her real-life closet anytime soon.
A Lesson in Confidence
As our conversation wrapped up, Sweeney reflected on what she’s learned about style over the years. “Style is so subjective to each individual,” she said. “If it makes you feel confident and happy, then that’s your style.”
She shared how she used to think she didn’t have a sense of style, simply wearing jeans and a T-shirt. Now, she sees it differently. “I do have style,” she said. “I wear jeans and a T-shirt, and I feel really good.”
For Sweeney, confidence comes from staying true to oneself. And while she may have explored new trends, her heart remains with the simple, timeless appeal of denim.
