Associate Director, Styling

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Associate discount

Hybrid schedule

Casual dress code

Summer Fridays

In-person interviews

Job summary

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. is seeking an Associate Director of Styling based in Pittsburgh to define and evolve the styling identity across e-commerce, editorial campaigns, social channels, marketing assets, and in-person retail experiences.

You will lead a team of in-house and freelance stylists, collaborate with Art Directors, Marketing, and Merchandising, and ensure high-quality, on-brand looks with efficient studio operations. The role blends creative vision with operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years in styling for e-commerce, retail, fashion media, or agencies.
• 3–5 years in a leadership role managing stylists and creatives.
• Diverse portfolio showing high-volume e-commerce and editorial styling.
• Strong understanding of luxury vs. commercial styling and digital consumer behavior.
• Proven track record developing creative teams in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the styling identity across e-commerce and campaigns.
• Establish and evolve styling guidelines and visual brand identity.
• Translate concepts into aspirational outfits driving conversions.
• Oversee styling for campaigns, lookbooks, product imagery, video, and social media.
• Ensure consistency in aesthetic, fit, and trend relevance across teams.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of stylists, assistants, and coordinators.
• Collaborate with merchandising, photography, and studios to meet deadlines.
• Maintain brand standards for no-retouching where applicable.

Skills

Styling leadership

Brand storytelling

Team management

Editorial & e-commerce styling

Creative direction

Job description

Overview

Associate Director, Styling role at Aerie. This position defines, evolves, and executes the styling identity across e-commerce studio, editorial campaigns, social channels, marketing assets, and in-person retail experiences. The role blends strong creative taste with operational excellence and leads a team of in-house and freelance stylists. Based in Pittsburgh, PA.

What You’ll Do

• Creative Vision & Brand Identity: Lead the creation and storytelling of all seasonal outfitting for lifestyle campaigns.
• Establish and continually evolve styling guidelines and visual identity for the brand.
• Translate high-level seasonal concepts, merchandising, and marketing strategies into aspirational outfitting that drives customer conversion.
• Oversee styling for major campaigns, lookbooks, e-commerce product imagery, video content, and social media channels.
• Ensure consistency in aesthetic, fit, and trend relevance across styling teams and studio locations.
• Maintain brand standards for no-retouching where applicable and ensure fit integrity.
• Team Leadership & Talent Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire a high‑performing team of full-time stylists, assistants, and coordinators.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and creative culture that stays ahead of industry trends.
• Studio Operations & Efficiency: Partner with Studio Operations, Production, and Photographers to optimize workflow and meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.
• Collaborate with merchandising and buying teams to prioritize key products and seasonal trends for maximum commercial impact.
• Support the lab store styling team across formats on execution of key looks that align with big ideas and strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Art Directors, Marketing, and Digital teams to create cohesive multi-channel campaign looks.
• Interface with Design and Merchandising to understand product stories, fabrication, and intended fit, translating into on-set styling.
• KPI Contribution: Ensure image quality and consistency, adherence to brand guidelines, and high standards for fit and no-retouching where required.
• Studio Velocity: On-time delivery of styled assets in partnership with marketing, merchandising, and photo studio operations.
• Commercial Impact: Contribute to higher digital CTR, increased AOV, and reduced product returns related to fit and styling.

What You Bring

• 8–10+ years of professional styling experience in e-commerce, retail, fashion media, or agency environments.
• 3–5 years in a leadership role managing stylists and creatives.
• Diverse portfolio showing expertise in high-volume e-commerce and editorial/campaign styling.
• Strong understanding of current market trends, luxury vs. commercial styling, and digital/social consumer behavior.
• Proven track record of developing creative teams, navigating fast-paced environments, and providing clear visual feedback.

Perks

• Generous Associate Discount on brand offerings.
• Summer Fridays (for Pittsburgh, NYC, and Remote Corporate Associates): extra time during the summer weekend period.
• Casual Dress Code: Comfortable attire.
• Hybrid Schedule: Mix of remote and in-office work.
• In-Person Connection: In-person presence at Pittsburgh or NYC locations for interviews, orientation, and quarterly meetups as needed.
• Fun Office Moments: Company-wide events regularly held.

Pay/Benefits Information

• Starting pay is determined by factors including relevant experience and location.
• Eligible associates may receive health care benefits (medical, vision, dental), wellness benefits, 401(k), life and disability insurance, employee stock purchase program, paid time off, paid sick leave, and parental leave and benefits.
• Paid time off and holiday pay vary by job level, location, classification, and years of service.
• AEO may provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.

About Us

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder, and Unsubscribed. We emphasize optimism, inclusivity, and authenticity, offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products. We operate stores in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through license partners. AEO is committed to an inclusive culture and equal opportunity employment.