Sydney Sweeney’s See-Through Dress Draws Mixed Reactions, Commentary

Actress Sydney Sweeney wore a see-through dress to Variety’s (Lean Left bias) Power of Women event in Los Angeles on Wednesday, sparking mixed reactions and commentary.

For Context: In July, Sydney Sweeney appeared in a viral ad for American Eagle that prompted split media coverage. Days later, President Donald Trump voiced support for the ad when it was revealed that Sweeney is a registered Republican.

Social Media Criticism: Sweeney and her dress have remained widely discussed on social media in recent days, and The New York Post (Lean Right) highlighted “sour social media users” who “ripped” her for it. One user wrote, “She’s literally at the Power of Women podium talking about being underestimated while wearing a dress that puts her body on display more than her message.” Other comments highlighted by The Post included “Beautiful dress, wrong occasion for it though” and “That dress doesn’t empower but overpower.”

Only Conservatives: An analysis from CBC (Lean Left) questioned, “Why do people care so much?” CBC noted that on Instagram, “some praised Sweeney's bravery, while others said such outfits sexualize women more than empower them.” CBC spoke to Toronto-based culture writer Stacy Lee Kong, who said the criticisms of the dress feel “a little bit old-fashioned” and that they are mostly “coming from conservative commentators.” CBC added that “Sweeney is generally popular among conservatives” and noted her Republican voter registration.

Megyn Kelly: Many mainstream outlets highlighted comments made by conservative commentator Megyn Kelly (Right) and actress Sharon Stone. Kelly called the dress a “rare misstep” from Sweeney and described her opinion as “controversial.” Kelly said the female body is “beautiful” and complimented Sweeney’s looks but said she is “definitely pro-modesty.” The Daily Beast (Left) described Kelly’s comments as a “vicious attack.” 

Sharon Stone: Stone told Variety at the event, “It’s OK to use what mama gave you. It’s hard to be hot, and I think we all know that.” Stone added, "When Jane [Goodall] was on the cover of Life Magazine for her work with gorillas, she was in her safari shorts and shirt… Other scientists said, ‘Well, she only got the cover of Life Magazine because she had good legs.’ And Jane said, ‘Well, if I did, then that helped me get more money for my research.’”

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