American Eagle channeled throwback styling and West Coast vibes for its Spring 2020 collection.
The teen specialty retailer previewed its men’s and women’s collections in New York City last week, revealing a line-up that includes heaps of beach-ready pieces and ’90s-inspired denim.
After a couple of seasons that saw rigid denim nab the spotlight, American Eagle is betting on the Dream jean, a new skinny jean made with lightweight, curve-hugging, four-way stretch denim. The brand also added stretch to its popular mom jean for the first time.
Novelty denim for women included multi-colored striped overall shorts, a jean jacket with the styling and stitching of a ’80s nylon track jacket and a selection of lightweight denim jumpsuits. Relaxed styles like a halter neck one-piece and a long-sleeve button-front jumpsuit with an elasticized waist broke away from the utility-driven boiler suits that have permeated all tiers of denim as of late.
Nineties vintage washes were featured across the men’s and women’s line of jeans and denim jackets. The collection is punctuated with bold indigo and black acid wash-inspired washes. Destruction returns on women’s mom jeans and shorts, as well as on tapered styles for men. Whereas black and gray denim trended for men, white—be it denim or linen—was a main focal point for women.
For men and women, fleece pullovers—which are poised to be a popular holiday item for the brand for the 2019 holiday season—were given a springtime update with sun-kissed neon nylon plackets and trim, or blurred dye effects. The color effects are carried into men’s and women’s oversized sweatshirts and vintage-looking tees, as well as women’s mesh tops.
Sorbet-hued baseball hats and striped swim trunks add pops of color to beach-bound pieces. A kaleidoscope of fresh colors updated solid T-shirts, terry short, crew socks and hair scrunchies. Finishing touches include camera bags and fanny packs made with reflective fabrics and stacked friendship bracelets.
