• Style Guides
    • All Style Guides & Tips
    • Boho Style Essentials
    • Classic Style Essentials
    • Edgy Style Essentials
    • College Wardrobe Essentials
  • College
    • All College Articles
    • Dorm Bedding 2020
    • College School Supplies Checklist
    • Dorm Color Scheme Guide
    • Dorm Organization Tips
  • Outfit Ideas
    • All Outfit Inspo
    • College Outfits
    • 21st Birthday Outfits
    • Cold Weather Outfits
  • Sorority
    • All Things Sorority
    • Sorority Rush Essentials
    • Sorority Rush Outfits
  • Shopping
    • All Shopping Guides
    • Best Budget Fashion Stores
    • Where to Buy Sweaters
    • Best Online Thrift Stores
    • Timeless Jewelry Guide
  • Beauty
    • All Things Beauty
    • Makeup Essentials Guide
  • Valentine’s
    • All Valentine’s Posts
    • Valentine’s Day Gifts 2021
    • Valentines Gifts for Boyfriend
    • Valentine’s Day Gifts for Girlfriend
    • Cute Valentines Outfits
    • Galentine’s Day 2021
College Fashion
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Write for us

Rethink This: Abercrombie & Fitch

It’s time to rethink the brands we’ve deemed “out.” This month, we take a look at a mall staple that has recently undergone a major makeover.

Last Updated on February 27, 2019 by Sabrina - Howard University
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.

Welcome to Rethink This, a monthly column where I revisit once popular stores and brands that have fallen by the wayside in the hopes that CF readers will see them in a new light.

a&f logo

Official Promotional Image

Oh, Abercrombie & Fitch.

Once the pinnacle of mid-aughts Americana-cool, the brand has recently fallen on some hard times. After reports on their “discriminating” hiring practices and a Supreme Court case striking down their discriminatory dress code, you were hard-pressed to find people who would openly admit to wearing Abercrombie. 

Now that controversial CEO Mike Jeffries has left the company, A+F has slowly been turning over a new leaf. Would you be willing to give the store another chance? Read on for our take:

a&f screenshot

Official Promotional Image

History

Founded in 1892 in New York City, A+F spent the better half of the 20th century as a luxury sporting goods store. After declaring bankruptcy in 1976, the brand eventually ended up under the control of The Limited, who transformed Abercrombie & Fitch into the teen retailer we see today. Fortunately, Abercrombie has done away with the hypersexualized marketing that has defined the brand for so long, and is putting more emphasis on trendier clothing.

Within the last year I’ve noticed a remarkable change in A+F stores. While t-shirts emblazoned with ABERCROMBIE still exist, their presence in stores and online has significantly decreased in favor of graphic shift dresses, flattering bathing suits, and festival-ready shorts.

Abercrombie & Fitch Outfits

With the exception of two items, the following outfits are all comprised of Abercrombie & Fitch merchandise. In order to avoid looking like a Laguna Beach cast-off, try to stick to urban neutrals that give off a sleek, edgy vibe.

Mix It Up

Abercrombie mixed prints outfit

Dress, Shirt, Sneakers, Sunglasses, Hat

For a casual afternoon spent shopping with your girls, this black-and-white check shift dress is the perfect base to start your outfit. I’ve added the plaid top to bring in a little bit more color, dimension, and ’90s flair. Pro tip: tie the shirt around your waist to accentuate your figure in an otherwise shapeless dress.

Since they go with everything, everybody needs a pair of basic white kicks in their wardrobe. This pair from Superga is a little bit pricey, but in the end they are totally worth it. Finish off the look with chic sunnies and a wide-brimmed fedora to help shade you from the sun.

Cropped and Loving It

chic abercrombie look

Top, Bottom, Bag, Necklace, Sandals, Lipstick

Although there are many notable items in this outfit, the standout piece to me is the wrap-front skort. What better way to tell your friends that you’re down for anything than with a multi-functional item? Let your midriff breathe in this grid print crop top, then throw on some t-strap sandals.

Accessorize your look with a Southwestern-inspired statement necklace that brings in a touch of brightness, as well as an on-trend bucket bag. Polish off the monochromatic look with a matte fuchsia pout.

Let’s Go to the Beach

Abercrombie beach look

Top, Bottom, Bikini Top, Bikini Bottom, Sandals

I don’t know why I was surprised, but I was absolutely blown away by Abercrombie & Fitch’s denim and swimwear options. The basis of any good beach trip starts with the bathing suit, and this graphic black-and-white bikini set is perfect.

These distressed high-rise shorts serve as a great cover-up, and so does the graphic tank. For the finishing touch, throw on embellished sandals that will look fashionable, even when covered in sand.

Thoughts?

When was the last time you shopped at Abercrombie & Fitch? Did this post change your view on the brand? What are some other brands/stores you believe other CF readers should “rethink”? Let us know in the comments below!

Tags : Abercrombie & Fitch, black and white, Outfit Ideas

Leave a Comment
Originally published on July 11, 2015
Previous A Love Letter to My Boyfriend (Jeans)
Next Brand Obsessions: MINKPINK and Wildfox

Related Posts

Plus size holiday dresses

Plus Size Fashion: The Top 5 Places to Buy Holiday Dres...

Formal Looks Inspired by the 2019 Oscars

We Found a $7 Bodysuit That’ll Take You from Day...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • bloglovin

SEARCH CF

Get the latest CF updates! (Delivered weekly, no spam ever, unsubscribe anytime.)

21 Cute Backpacks for School 2021: Our Picks for Going to Class with Style

Sling some style over your shoulder this semester.

Best of 2020: Fashion, Beauty, College Essentials, and More!

All of my favorites from an unforgettable year, to say the least.

Vintage Posts

Copyright © 2007-2021 College Fashion LLC | Contact • Privacy Policy • Terms of Service • Disclosure • Write for Us