We’re Having a Brat Girl Summer: The Charli XCX Aesthetic Explained and the Key Pieces You’ll Need to Channel the Trend
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If pixelated text paired against a loud, lime green backdrop has been flooding your feeds, you’re not alone. Whether you’re here for it or not, we’ve officially entered the Charli XCX Brat Girl Summer vortex.
At a Glance: Brat Girl Summer Style Staples
What is Brat Summer?
Last month, the pop phenomenon sent fans into a frenzy after she dropped her sixth studio album, Brat. The club-ready record is what Rolling Stone has called, “A hyperpop roller coaster of post-Saturn return, early-thirties anxieties, and It-girl bravado.” What has followed in the weeks since its release is something that we (and probably the pop visionary herself) could never have predicted.
Since its inception, the now-extended album has had everyone and their mother associating a bold, lime green shade with the release. The viral aesthetic has spanned across social media, where users are taking to their stories and TikToks to post sightings of lime green… well, anything. Totally random neon green graffitied walls, sports cars, and accessories are all getting the star treatment in online posts, with some creators even adopting the brightly-colored hue into their own lives with hair dye transformations and makeup. The result? An all-encompassing pop-culture moment coined as: “Brat Girl Summer.”
In a recent Rolling Stone UK interview, Charli XCX dissects the meaning behind the moniker she assigned to her album: “It’s about this sort of behaviour that everybody adopts on the internet, whether you’re a Twitter troll or whether you’re dancing to Addison Rae on TikTok. There is this element of unabashed, shameless, Me-centric content that is being made, but I also think behind that is a lot of people who use that as a protective layer,” she said. “Brattiness is a cloak. You’re only a brat if you’re acting out against something that’s made you feel a little bit insecure.”
How Do I Dress For a Brat Summer?
There’s no sign of this energetic pop cultural domination losing steam; in fact, this is just the beginning. The future-forward superstar said it best herself, “I’m everywhere/I’m so Julia.” And of course, she meant it. So if you’re anything like us and ready to embrace this flawlessly chaotic movement in all of its glory — and want to know how to dress for a Brat Summer — we’ve put together a complete Charli XCX Brat Girl shopping guide with the help of a style expert who perfectly nails the Brat-esque aesthetic.
We consulted NYC-based stylist and image consultant Forza Mike, who works in editorial and wardrobe direction for video and film. She provided us with the key style elements of bratting with a purpose. So start revving your engines, bump that “365, party girl” playlist loud, and check out our best Brat Girl Summer-inspired looks to bounce around in this season:
Everyday Brat
To achieve a daily Brat-inspired look, Forza Mike advises as one of her style guidelines: “Stand out, but not too much.” For a put-together femme-forward Brat look, opt for a crisp white sleeveless shirt, pleated skirt, winged eyeliner, and buckled boots. Accessorize with some signature wraparound oval shades, and top it off with a spritz of a light and fruity green scent.
Boiler Room Brat
Pull off any club-centric Brat look with a fitted top and straight baggy pants. We’ve seen the pop princess turned Boiler Room DJ rock looser-fitting jeans that expose some cheeky under-layers — and stylist Forza Mike suggests the perfect thong-style jeans from Alexander Wang to replicate it to a tee. She says, “Always be ready for the rave. Comfortable footwear — down to loose layers.”
Casual Day Brat
For the ultimate Brat Summer essential, Ms. XCX says it herself, in a now-viral TikTok, that “a strappy white top, with no bra” is a staple item needed to emulate the trend. Forza Mike suggests pairing that with some relaxed, rugged jeans, sleek silver hardware, an edgy baseball cap, and a Nike swoosh-themed wallet.
Dinner Date Brat
In case you’re looking to slow things down and make Brat a bit more romantic, opt for a satin mini cocktail dress for date night. Paired with some knee-high boots, and the option of adding sheer or fishnet tights, you can still channel your inner brattiness but with a much softer side.
Sporty Brat
For any fans who’ve had Brat on loop since its release, you’ll understand that sonically it doesn’t follow any rules — much like this trend. With the Brat aesthetic, anything goes. And that’s why we particularly love this soccer jersey look paired with delicate lace and strappy, Y2K heeled sandals that Mike has pieced together. She advises buying the jersey oversized to “Wear as a mini dress for more dynamic layering.”
Festival-Ready Brat
Short shorts and fast shades will bring the energy to any sets you plan on checking out to this festival season. Studded looped belts and slick back buns are a must if you’re thinking of adding some spiked jewelry. With this, you can easily explore the pop-meets-punk corner of the Brat aesthetic and still fall within the “Von Dutch” arena, thanks to the crystal-cut logo tank that’s sure to turn a few heads.
Cute and Comfy Brat
Marrying one viral trend with another is what Mike has achieved here, making ballet flats Brat when paired with lace-trim bike shorts and an oversized sweatshirt. Accent the look with a neon green mani and some Y2K-inspired hair accessories, for an early 2000’s callback that’s easy to throw on, feels comfortable, and looks on-trend. A tip: Mike suggests slipping a white button-down collared shirt under the sweatshirt to elevate the look further.