Style

This Nostalgic Fashion Brand Is Making A Comeback—Here Are 10 Items To Snag For Spring

Remember the days of popped collars, dimly lit dressing rooms, and cologne that smelled so pungent that when you walked by the storefront, it nearly knocked you off your feet?

By Anna Hartman4 min read
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Abercrombie & Fitch

Not only did Abercrombie & Fitch make half-naked men strolling around a shopping mall seem like a “normal” business practice, but this brand was, at one point in my life, the epitome of cool. Well…that is until it wasn’t.

Over the past few years, Abercrombie & Fitch has undergone a massive rebranding that has transformed their image from outdated and borderline offensive to trendy once again. While many Millennials may cringe at the memory of their signature moose design and bold “A&F” logo plastered across everything, their new image can be best described as neutral everyday basics with the perfect touch of femininity. They’re now catering to Gen Z and Millennial aesthetics in an Aritzia-meets-Zara kind of way.

Not only did their clothing go through quite the evolution, but their overall message and values have changed in a major way as well. Much of this can be attributed to Fran Horowitz, the brand’s CEO, who took over in 2017. She stated, “Abercrombie isn’t a brand where you need to fit in – it’s one where everyone truly belongs. We lead with purpose, and that inclusive and equitable spirit is woven throughout all we do.” Fast forward to today and the company’s focus is on size inclusivity, supporting non-profit organizations, and environmental sustainability. 

Abercrombie & Fitch’s new image can be best described as neutral everyday basics with a touch of femininity. 

Abercrombie & Fitch now has millions of organic TikTok videos created by consumers with hashtags #abercrombie, #abercrombiehaul, and #abercrombiestyle that made their comeback a very real and profitable one. With 4.8 million followers and over 4 thousand posts, their social media presence on Instagram alone is impressive. This is, in part, due to their strategic partnerships with top influencers like Mik Zazon, Rahel Brhane, Bre Sheppard, and Lauren Luyendyk where they’ve tested everything from designing denim lines together to sponsoring try-on hauls. 

They certainly have a good marketing team behind them, but let’s be honest, none of that would matter without trendsetting new arrivals. As a fashion writer and influencer myself, I’m extremely selective about the items that I’m willing to invest in. Over the years, I’ve learned that less is more when it comes to my closet. Building a capsule wardrobe is key to choosing my next OOTD without the added stress of 100+ items that don’t pair well together. 

Each season, I allocate a certain budget to replacing or adding carefully thought-out pieces into my wardrobe. The criteria for purchasing is that the item must be a high-quality, everyday staple and be able to mix and match seamlessly with other separates I already have on hand.

Today, I’m bringing you along on my shopping haul and we’re going to break down 10 stylish pieces from Abercrombie & Fitch to snag for spring before they sell out. 

1. ‘90s Ultra High Rise Light Wash Straight Jeans

Enter the TikTok-famous denim that quite *literally* looks incredible on everybody, no matter their size or shape. With over 1,700 reviews and an overall 4.4 rating, this is the first item I hit “add to cart” on my newest A&F order. With mom jeans back in style and the crisscross waistband detail more popular than ever, I wouldn’t be surprised if this particular pair of denim becomes my most worn piece this spring.

Shop the ‘90s Ultra High Rise Light Wash Straight Jeans, $89

2. Vegan Suede Moto Jacket

If you don’t own a moto jacket yet, now is the time to invest in one for year-round wear. This style has been around for ages, and it’s obvious that it isn’t going anywhere. You can easily dress up this faux suede jacket (with a LBD) or down (with a bodysuit and jeans) depending on the occasion. It also comes in the colors cream and black in vegan leather. 

Shop the Vegan Suede Moto Jacket, $120

3. Asymmetrical One-Shoulder Seamless Bodysuit

This bodysuit is a great example of how Abercrombie & Fitch took a basic wardrobe staple and turned it into a trendy must-have. With the asymmetrical design, it’s perfect for making a statement with simple straight leg jeans or dressing up with a mini skirt (or skort) and heels. 

Shop the Asymmetrical One-Shoulder Seamless Bodysuit, $45

4. Tweed Wrap Skort

Skorts are one of the most underrated fashion creations that have ever existed. Try to convince me otherwise. This tweed mini skort is as stunning as it is practical. Mix and match any of the tops I’m sharing here for a seamless transition from daytime casual to evening chic.  

This skort also comes in a navy pattern and white checkered pattern, and is part of a matching 3-piece set

Shop the Tweed Wrap Skort, $55

5. Scrunchie Heel Sandals

A neutral sandal with a practical, low heel is a necessity in any sophisticated woman’s wardrobe. Although the “scrunchie” style is a very trendy one, this heel in particular has the potential to become a timeless staple because of how subtly the design has been executed. These heels also come in black and brown.

Shop the Scrunchie Heel Sandals, $69

6. Poplin Cinched Puff Sleeve Top

Now, I may have a slight obsession with curating neutral outfits, however, I do believe that it’s important to weave some color in here and there. As a girly girl at heart, my pick for the pink floral design shouldn’t surprise you. However, this feminine crop top comes in black, solid pink, and yellow as well. 

Shop the Poplin Cinched Puff Sleeve Top, $49

7. Cropped Boxy Denim Jacket

Never underestimate the power of a good quality jean jacket. Just like the moto jacket, I believe a denim jacket belongs in every woman’s wardrobe, no matter her fashion aesthetic. It will never go out of style and it's the perfect layering solution for throwing on in the spring, summer, and fall.

Shop the Cropped Boxy Denim Jacket, $89

8. Knotted Halter Maxi Dress

*Chef’s kiss* This maxi dress is my personal favorite among A&F’s new arrivals, and I have already envisioned myself wearing it in multiple scenarios for our upcoming vacation. The halter silhouette with the knot-front cut-out is minimal but still on-trend, and the tiered skirt is a tried and true design. 

This dress also comes in a beautiful dark green floral pattern if you’re looking for more of a statement piece for attending an upcoming wedding.

Shop the Knotted Halter Maxi Dress, $99

9. Slim Cropped V-Neck Sweater Vest

Ah yes, the resurgence of sweater vests. This may be an unpopular opinion because I know that some people feel like this Y2K adaptation has gone a bit far (and can come across as dorky at times). Nevertheless, this is one of the trends I hope never dies. I love the preppiness of a cable knit sweater vest and how versatile it can be when styled in the right way.

In addition to ivory, this cropped vest comes in navy blue and light green, either of which would be ideal for styling over top of a white button-down shirt. 

Shop the Slim Cropped V-Neck Sweater Vest, $49

10. Ultra High Rise White Straight Jeans

Along with much of the Millennial and Gen Z population, I feel that the rule of “you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day” is outdated and unnecessary. I’m here to say that my white jeans get worn year-round, and I don’t care who knows it! This pair of straight leg denim is too good to hide away for eight months out of the year. 

With nearly 600 reviews and an overall 4.4 rating, if you’re searching for a pair of white jeans to add to your capsule wardrobe, I feel confident in recommending these to you as a stylish investment choice. 

Shop the Ultra High Rise White Straight Jeans, $90

Closing Thoughts

Who doesn’t love a good redemption story? From smelly, dark dressing rooms and clothes that made you feel like a walking billboard, to timeless wardrobe staples and classy designs that enhance your OOTD no matter who you are, Abercrombie & Fitch has certainly come a long way.

Whether you’re ready to retire your outdated jeans or you’re searching for something to wear for your next date night, hopefully my list of 10 items to snag this spring has inspired your next stylish look!

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