IT’S A BRAT SUMMER!
An album… a style!
Charli XCX is everywhere now. Or, at least her sixth studio album, Brat, certainly is. The vibrant green album cover has been splashed across the internet and a giant mural in Brooklyn. Charli herself has toured New York, Los Angeles, and London to promote the album. And Brat’s party-ready tracks are reflected in all the people with taste who have been discussing the album since its release.
Brat is Charli’s most critically acclaimed album, scoring a 95 on Metacritic and debuting at number 3 on the Billboard charts. Although many of the lyrics are actually quite vulnerable, delving into themes like insecurity, pain, and the possibility of motherhood, the club-ready production and novelty feel like a breath of fresh air for both the artist’s fans and the music and fashion world.
The evolution of a female subculture
In terms of fashion, we’re experiencing a similar shift in vibe. For the past three years or so, trends have largely been dominated by softer aesthetics like “Tomato Girl,” the “Scandi girl,” and the inevitable “quiet luxury” trend. But thanks to Charli, it seems this is finally the feral girl’s moment to shine: welcome to Brat Summer!
When it comes to dressing like a Brat, there’s no fixed formula. It’s about embracing your best, hottest, and most confident self. It’s more of a vibe than a specific look, wearing sunglasses indoors and having your rockstar partner hand you a glass of champagne while dancing on a table. It’s, as Charli herself said, “a strappy white top with no bra.” It’s the aesthetic that involves partying all night even if you have an 8 AM meeting. In short, a rebellious and unconventional concept.
The ultimate inspo: Charli!
However, when it comes to inspiration, there’s no better reference than the ultimate Brat: Charli XCX, who, with the help of long-time stylist Chris Horan, has fully embraced the hyperpop disco “party girl” aesthetic, favoring brands like Balenciaga and Marni while embracing grungey knitwear, “Matrix”-looking leather, and oversized silhouettes, creating the pure “Brat” aesthetic.
Listeners of the singer have enthusiastically embraced “Brat” green as a summer shade, inspired by the album cover. In fact, searches for “Charli XCX” on Depop were trending in June, up 212% month-on-month, according to the online resale platform.
Your new wardrobe
Literally, “brat” means a “spoiled child” or “bratty girl.” Stylistically, it means leather garments, asymmetrical dresses, pointy boots, micro-skirts, ripped stockings, and a lot of attitude. The Brat style is based on that ugly-chic that designers like Demna Gvasalia love and that has recently been adopted by several brands in their own shows.
Below are some runway looks from brands like Sportmax, Diesel, and Aniye Records, which have decided to integrate this aesthetic into their collections.
And it’s immediately mainstream!
The growing popularity of Brat Girls has also had a significant impact on mainstream fashion. As already seen, fashion brands and designers themselves have started to incorporate elements of the Brat aesthetic into their collections, from bright and bold colors to 90s and 2000s inspired cuts. In addition, celebrities such as Rihanna, Julia Fox, and Cardi B have adopted looks that recall the Brat style, helping to bring this subculture into the mainstream spotlight.
The movement is expanding to include a greater diversity of styles and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the growing inclusivity of contemporary fashion and culture. New influences, such as cyberpunk and retrofuturism, are further enriching the Brat aesthetic, demonstrating the movement's ability to adapt and grow.
