Rising Star Under Intense Spotlight
Sydney Sweeney has become one of Hollywood’s most talked-about talents, captivating audiences in projects such as Euphoria and Anyone But You. With her growing fame has come constant attention, not only for her acting but also for her style choices. Each red carpet look or Instagram post is met with a flood of commentary, ranging from admiration to harsh criticism.
This intense public gaze has not always been easy. During an Instagram Live in May 2021, Sweeney tearfully revealed she was “trending on Twitter right now for being ugly,” a reminder that behind the glamour is a person facing real pressure. Despite the scrutiny, she continues to embrace bold fashion risks, often sparking heated debate along the way.
Red Carpet Controversies
At the June 2022 MTV Awards, Sweeney wore a pink Y2K-inspired Miu Miu mini skirt with an ultra-cropped top. While she described the look as a tribute to an “old iconic runway show” that she recreated with the brand, social media reactions were divided. Trolls targeted her physique with cruel remarks, though Sweeney herself expressed satisfaction with the outfit.
A year later, her May 2023 appearance at the Cannes Film Festival drew attention for what many assumed was a wardrobe malfunction. Wearing a white bustier slip dress with an exposed blue Miu Miu bra, she was accused of a styling mishap. In reality, the look was intentional, part of a then-popular exposed bra trend embraced by other stars including Scarlett Johansson.
Family Celebration Turned Political Firestorm
In August 2022, Sweeney shared photos from her mother’s country-themed 60th birthday party. While her own outfit—a romper with boots and a cowboy hat—was on theme, images of attendees wearing a “Blue Lives Matter” shirt and red hats resembling MAGA caps sparked backlash. Sweeney quickly clarified on Twitter, writing, “An innocent celebration for my moms [sic] milestone 60th birthday has turned into an absurd political statement, which was not the intention.”
Music Videos and Empowerment
Her September 2023 appearance in the Rolling Stones’ “Angry” music video reignited debates about her image. Dressed in a leather corset and studded hotpants, she received both praise and criticism. In December 2023, she told Glamour UK, “I find empowerment through embracing the body that I have. That’s sexy and strong, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. I’m in a Rolling Stones video. How cool and iconic is that?”
Vacation Photos and Online Backlash
During a summer 2023 trip to Australia, Sweeney posted photos in a green swimsuit. What should have been a carefree vacation update quickly drew derogatory comments targeting her appearance. Many fans, however, defended her, with one writing, “Let the poor girl wear a bathing suit.” This clash underscored the relentless double standards she faces.
A swimsuit photo from a vacation should not become a referendum on someone’s worth or appearance. For Sweeney, sharing such images is no different from what countless young people do every day on social media, yet her celebrity status magnifies the criticism. Her decision to keep posting despite the negativity reinforces a message of body confidence and the right to live authentically without constant policing from strangers online.
The Challenges of Fashion Fit
Sweeney has often faced criticism that her red carpet gowns appear ill-fitting. She explained in a December 2023 Glamour UK interview that designers frequently provide sample pieces not tailored to her body: “It’s not made to fit my boobs and a lot of times we’re not allowed to like, cut or alter stuff. So, I’m like, forced to fit in something that doesn’t fit me and it won’t look right.” By contrast, she noted that custom looks, such as the silver Miu Miu gown she wore at the Anyone But You premiere, showcase her confidence and comfort.
Body Politics and Media Narratives
Her figure has been a frequent subject of commentary, especially during her March 2024 Saturday Night Live hosting debut. Outfits from the show, including a Hooters shirt in a sketch, led to think pieces speculating on the broader cultural implications of her body type. A National Post article controversially asked, “Are Sydney Sweeney’s breasts double-D harbingers of the death of woke?” illustrating how her fashion choices are often politicized beyond her control.
Even casual moments invite scrutiny. In March 2024, Sweeney announced her partnership with drinks company Bai, wearing jeans and a T-shirt in her promotional photos. Yet comments still focused on her figure rather than the collaboration. As one fan noted, “[She’s] just trying to show off a product she worked on and all the comments are about her chest.”
Archival Fashion and Comparisons
At the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party, she wore a Marc Bouwer gown once made famous by Angelina Jolie. While intended as a respectful homage, online discussions turned into a “who wore it best” debate, with some suggesting Sweeney should have waited before attempting such an iconic look.
Her earlier fashion experiment at the 2021 Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda show in Venice also drew criticism. Her aqua Giambattista Valli gown, with rosettes and a dramatic silhouette, was likened to a “modern-day Cinderella” ensemble that clashed with the Venetian backdrop.
Fashion Risks That Spark Conversations
From sheer gowns to visible underwear trends, Sweeney has continued to embrace bold looks, even when critics call them missteps. Whether in a casual promotion, a family celebration, or on the world’s biggest red carpets, her outfits consistently fuel online conversation.
Through it all, she has remained unapologetically herself. As she told Glamour UK, embracing her natural body and fashion risks is a source of empowerment. For Sydney Sweeney, every outfit is more than just fabric—it is a statement of confidence, resilience, and individuality in the face of unrelenting public scrutiny.
