Store Spotlight: Classic Americana at American Eagle

Fashion is a manifestation of personal expression, and thus shifts as one changes and grows. This is particularly true in youth. I certainly do not still dress the way I did in my own Friday-night-at-the-mall days, but I recently returned to one of my old haunts: American Eagle Outfitters.

It has been a while since I shopped in AEO. Back then it was in a different location and was abbreviated as AmEagle. Nowadays the store is located near the Cheesecake Factory entrance upstairs, but otherwise little has changed. Now, as then, the store is an entry-level guide to preppy style, less intimidating than its now-positively-foreboding neighbors, and .

American Eagle is housed in an airy, light store with plenty of space that gladly contrasts with its moodier, shutters-closed brethren. While similar in merchandise, I have always felt American Eagle a far cry from those stores. Where some offer a sense of exclusivity put forth by their environment and not least by pricing, American Eagle is more casual and accessible. To put it another way, when I was in high school and distinctly uncool, I did not set foot inside Abercrombie but frequented AEO.

American Eagle remains a purveyor of classic Americana, relaxed preppy styles that always give one the sense of “back-to-school.” While the target demographic seems to be the student set, their clothing transcends age when mixed with other pieces. A pair of jeans here, a sweater there, and you can still look like you’re on your way to work instead of math class. In fact, that varsity style is what has recently endeared me to American Eagle again: fresh plaids, worn-in denim, and gauzy boho florals exude comfort and carefree sensibility. 

My one and only gripe with AEO is the staff. Perhaps this is where I suffer from no longer being 16, but the dichotomy of eager greeters and blasé cashiers is annoying to this jaded retail worker. I appreciate the attention on walking in, but I start to feel like Lindsay Lohan as an employee levels me with intense eye contact and runs down the day’s deals.

On the other hand, the line seems to move a little slowly, probably partly due to their insistence that you share your email to complete your purchase. Is it so much to ask to buy a shirt without receiving emails every day for the rest of my life? But this may just be my issue; when push comes to shove the employees are entirely helpful, and in the end you walk out satisfied.

The unique charm of American Eagle compared to other stores is its nostalgia. No, not just for those of us who wore the eagle emblem to pep rallies; the idea is to feel that way in even the newest duds. American Eagle appeals to the vintage, slightly undone look of those who purport not to care how they look, but coincidentally look great. With their simple layout and affordable prices, AEO really has made “effortless chic” effortless.