Sydney Sweeney brought a wave of old Hollywood glamour to the red carpet this week, capturing widespread attention with a striking white dress that drew immediate comparisons to two of entertainment’s most enduring icons: Marilyn Monroe and Pamela Anderson. The actress arrived at the premiere of her upcoming film radiating a blend of classic beauty and contemporary confidence, instantly becoming one of the most discussed appearances of the evening.
Sweeney, known for her performances in Euphoria, Reality, and Anyone But You, has steadily become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable rising stars—not only for her on-screen work, but also for her ability to command a red carpet with stunning fashion choices. Her latest appearance, however, marks a distinct evolution in her public image, as she leaned directly into the aesthetics of the golden age of Hollywood as well as the bold glamour of the 1990s.
The white gown she wore featured a clean, sculpted silhouette that highlighted Sweeney’s signature style while echoing the elegance of Marilyn Monroe’s most iconic looks. Critics noted the resemblance to Monroe’s famous white halter dress, immortalized in the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch. While Sweeney’s dress was a modern interpretation rather than a recreation, the essence was undeniably present: simplicity elevated by confident femininity, the kind Monroe helped define for generations.
But the look also carried unmistakable traces of Pamela Anderson’s fashion legacy. Anderson’s 1990s era—a time associated with bombshell glamour, volume-filled hairstyles, and body-hugging white satin—was reflected in Sweeney’s overall presentation. With her blond hair swept into soft waves and her makeup kept luminous and understated, Sweeney paid homage to Anderson’s signature aesthetic without drifting into nostalgia, creating instead a fresh take that felt both intentional and contemporary.
Fashion analysts and entertainment reporters emphasized that Sweeney’s choice of styling was particularly effective because it bridged two very different eras of Hollywood beauty. Monroe’s influence spoke to the timeless power of old Hollywood mystique, while Anderson represented the bold, unapologetic allure of late-20th-century celebrity culture. By embodying both, Sweeney positioned herself within a lineage of blonde Hollywood icons who shaped culture through both performance and personal style.
The premiere itself, held ahead of the upcoming release of Sweeney’s still-unrevealed film project, drew heavy media coverage. While much of the event focused on cast interviews and anticipation surrounding the film, Sweeney’s appearance quickly became the dominant headline, with images of her gown circulating widely across social platforms within minutes. Fashion magazines and entertainment outlets praised her look as one of her strongest to date, noting her growing presence as a red-carpet trendsetter.
Sweeney has frequently spoken in interviews about her admiration for strong female performers of past generations, and her latest public appearance seemed to reflect those influences more boldly than ever. Though she has not commented directly on the inspiration behind the gown, fans and industry observers alike continue to draw comparisons across timelines, citing the actress’s ability to embody glamour in a way that feels natural rather than performative.
Her appearance at the premiere reinforces a broader shift in Hollywood’s current fashion landscape, where nostalgia-driven styles are experiencing a resurgence. Sweeney’s dress—minimalistic, sculptural, and evocative—aligned perfectly with that movement, proving that simplicity paired with classic styling can still dominate in an era of increasingly elaborate couture.
As excitement builds for her upcoming film, one thing is clear: Sydney Sweeney is not only cementing her place as a leading talent on screen, but also emerging as one of the defining fashion figures of her generation. Her latest red-carpet moment, infused with the spirit of Monroe and Anderson yet undeniably her own, may well be remembered as one of the standout Hollywood images of the year.
