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
- Strappy White Top: Artfish Sleeveless Tank on Amazon
- Wraparound Sunglasses: Port Tanger x Ice Studios Sunglasses on Ssense
- Black Buckled Boots: Athlefit Knee High Biker Boots on Amazon
- A Hint of Bright Green: Beetles Neon Green Gel Nail Polish on Amazon
- Low-Rise Relaxed-Fit Jeans: 95 Super Baggy Jeans on Revolve
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
Boiler Room Brat
Laidback Brat
Dinner Date Brat
Sporty Brat
Festival-Ready Brat
Cute and Comfy Brat
There’s no denying it: Brat, and everything that’s come with it, has gone stratospheric. Characterized by bold, playful fashion and an unapologetic attitude, the Brat Girl aesthetic invites us all to the party and empowers us to step out of our comfort zones.
No matter your Brat Girl mood, embrace your style with enthusiasm. Mix and match freely, trust your instincts, and as Forza Mike recommends, “Commit to you and your look no matter what.”
Happy Bratting!