Every few years, an ad comes around, and BOOM! The nation’s attention is captured. There are debates, there are buying frenzies, and there’s a lot of hype.
This summer, one such ad came out.
American Eagle was the brand that pulled off this now-viral ad that broke the internet. They hired Sydney Sweeney to, well, look like Sydney Sweeney in some fashionable denim.
And it worked. So denim is having a big revival!
As an eyewear and fashion expert, I wanted to help you with some eyewear inspiration for your denim collection! Discover my top picks.
The Sydney Sweeney Effect
You’ve probably seen the buzz (and controversy) around the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle ad! People are obsessed. So much so that American Eagle’s stock has skyrocketed since the ad’s release. It’s the Sweeney effect.
She has fast become one of the hottest celebrities out there. From her time on Euphoria to her sultry ad campaigns, she is the name on everyone’s lips.
Sydney Sweeney’s ad is not the only big push in denim marketing. Beyoncé recently fronted campaigns for Levi’s, which played off her phenomenal Cowboy Carter tour. So, the conclusion is that denim is bigger than ever.
Denim revival era
Denim never really disappeared as a fashion staple. It’s a material that goes through revivals and style upgrades. For example, Sydney Sweeney is seen wearing double denim, or a denim tuxedo, as it’s famously known. This trend has dipped in and out of fashion for decades.
Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake famously wore head-to-toe denim at the 2001 MTV Music Awards. The American Eagle take on denim in their new ad is more classic and understated, though.
It’s very ‘all-American’ with classic shapes, wide-leg jeans, and a fitted denim jacket.
Beyoncé and Levi’s collaboration, on the other hand, is more sparkly and includes more quirky shapes and styles. It seems like an ode to her Cowboy Carter tour, in which she wore outfits that combined denim and other cowboy-inspired pieces with lots of diamonds (it is Beyoncé after all).
Although the two major denim ads right now are quite different, they show that denim is all about self-expression and that you should rock your denim however you like!
Sunglasses and Denim Combinations
One of the best combinations that never fails to look stylish is denim and sunglasses.
But some sunglasses work extra well to make the blue of your denim POP. Plus, they are a key accessory that can make or break any outfit.
Let’s dive into some top styles that will make you look like a movie star.
American Eagle Head-To-Toe Denim Outfit Inspiration
If you want to pull off a denim tuxedo (denim jacket/top and jeans) similar to Sydney Sweeney’s look in one of the American Eagle ads, opt for black sunglasses.
A classic pair with black frames will contrast against the blue denim. Pick an oversized pair for that Y2K celebrity look.
These black Gucci sunglasses are subtle yet make an impression. They would pair well with a complete denim outfit because they put the attention back on your face.
Oversized shades can make the outfit city chic. Keep the rest of the look minimal with black accessories too.
Wide-Leg Sydney Sweeney-Inspired Denim
Sydney is seen in the American Eagle campaign in a pair of comfy wide-leg jeans. They fit her well but also look easy to wear daily, unlike the skinny jeans that were all the rage a few years ago.
Wide-leg jeans look great with a white tank T-shirt, as seen in the ad. It’s a timeless outfit that can be worn to the grocery store or to meet friends. To top off the look, pick a pair of equally versatile sunglasses.
These tortoiseshell shades by Prada will add some glamor to your casual denim jeans. They come in different variations. The classic brown model is perfect for an effortless outfit. The ones with the pink lenses add some extra color for a stylish look.
Classic Denim Jacket Styling Suggestions
If you’re obsessed with the denim jackets coming out of the American Eagle and Levi’s campaigns, then give it a go! Sydney Sweeney showed us the power of a flattering denim jacket. She’s seen wearing both an oversized and a fitted version, showing the versatility of denim.
Denim jackets can be worn over dresses, skirts, trousers, or jeans. They’re a good staple piece to have in your closet.
Give off that cool-girl, summer feel in these Costa Del Mar aviator sunglasses. They will add an effortless beachy vibe to your denim jacket. Top it off with Sydney-inspired wavy hair and a pink tank top as seen in the American Eagle ad.
Add Some Bling to Your Denim
Take some inspiration from both of the big denim ads right now, Levi’s and American Eagle. If you’re not a fan of bejeweled denim and prefer to keep it more simple, why not add some bling with your sunglasses!
Denim makes a good neutral base for your outfit. So keep the rest simple by adding white sneakers, a white blouse or tank, and then top it off with some bling.
This pair of cat-eye Swarovski jewel-encrusted sunglasses will get you noticed. The silver frames and grey lenses pair well with denim. It’s an easy way to take your outfit from a five to a solid 10.
TL;DR
Whether you love or dislike the hype around Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad, it proves denim is huge right now. And it’s all about expressing your personal style.
- Denim is a closet staple that pairs well with stylish sunglasses.
- Pair your head-to-toe denim look with classic oversized black sunglasses.
- Take inspiration from the casual, comfortable jeans in the American Eagle ad. Pair them with timeless tortoiseshell sunglasses.
- Combine trends in the American Eagle ad with the sparkly denim in the latest Levi’s ad by picking blingy sunglasses. It’s perfect for adding some Sweeney-inspired Hollywood glam.
