Actress Sydney Sweeney has become an unlikely political lightning rod, with her latest television appearance sparking a fresh wave of commentary about her evolving style and its perceived political connotations.
The 'Retro Fox News' Look That Set Social Media Alight
Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this week, the 28-year-old star presented a dramatically different image. Known for showcasing her figure, Sweeney opted for a more conservative, high-necked scarlet dress with full sleeves and prominent shoulder pads. Her hair was styled in a sleek, metallic bob and her makeup was notably heavy, featuring dark lipstick.
The transformation did not go unnoticed. Fans on social media platform X were quick to draw comparisons, with one remarking she looked like a "retro Fox News blonde" from the 2000s. Another sniggered: 'The Mar A Lago transition is almost complete.' Comments ranged from questioning if she was "auditioning for Fox News" to noting she was "leaning into" a Republican aesthetic.
This controversy follows a summer uproar over Sweeney's American Eagle jeans advert, which some frenzied critics absurdly likened to 'Nazi propaganda' due to its play on the phrase 'good genes' with the blonde, blue-eyed actress. Reports subsequently emerged that Sweeney is a registered Republican, drawing condemnation from some fans and a joking endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The 'Mar-a-Lago Face' Phenomenon Explained
Sweeney's viral talk show look emerged just weeks after plastic surgeons warned of a new trend dubbed 'Mar-a-Lago face'. This term, previously known on social media as the 'duck look', describes a specific style of facial reconstruction.
According to Dr. Ayman Hakki of Luxxery Medical Spa, the look is characterised by a higher forehead, thinner nose, thicker lips, and a more defined jawline, creating what he called an "almost a square duck look". Dr. Philip Schoenfeld of Renu Med Spa added that while the 'duck look' was about overdone lips, 'Mar-a-Lago face' results in a "whole overall overdone face" where features become distorted.
The nickname stems from speculation about the striking features of high-profile women in Donald Trump's orbit, such as Melania Trump – who denies major facial surgery – Kristi Noem, and Kimberly Guilfoyle. Notably, the surgeons reported that ordinary women and men from across the political spectrum are now requesting this makeover.
Surgeons Issue Warnings Over Dangerous Trends
While not deeming fillers inherently unsafe, the experts expressed significant concern. Dr. Hakki warned the trend could lead patients down a slippery slope, potentially resulting in a resemblance to Michael Jackson or Jeff Bezos' wife, Lauren Sanchez. He noted that patients "definitely" aspire to look like Melania Trump, a look he described as "a little manly" and not universally considered beautiful years ago.
Dr. Schoenfeld highlighted the psychological dangers, stating that when patients seek permanent changes to look "more like an Instagram post than an actual human being," it becomes problematic. Celebrity makeup artist Erwin Gomez confirmed the trend's popularity in Washington, D.C., revealing clients from both parties ask to emulate Melania's smoky eyes, plump lips, and prominent cheekbones, often paired with Trump-inspired bronzer and Botox.
As for Sweeney, her hairstylist Glen 'Coco' Oropeza defended her Tonight Show look against online criticism, clarifying it was not a wig. The incident underscores how a celebrity's styling choices can inadvertently fuel broader cultural and political conversations about beauty standards and identity.
