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If the pixelated text paired with a strong lime green background has flooded your feeds, you're not alone. Whether you're here for it or not, we've officially entered the throes of Charli XCX Brat Girl Summer.
At a Glance: Brat Girl Summer Style Staples
What is Brat Summer?
Last month, the pop phenomenon sent her fans into a frenzy after releasing her sixth studio album, Brat. The club-ready record is this Rolling rock has called it, “A hyperpop rollercoaster of a post-Saturn, early 30s angst and It-girl swagger”. What followed in the weeks since its release is something 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, green hue with the release. The viral aesthetic has spread all over social media, with users using their Stories and TikToks to post lime green sightings of… well, anything. Totally random neon green graffiti walls, sports cars and accessories all dominate online posts, with some creators even adopting the bright hue into their lives with hair dye and makeup makeovers. The result; A total pop culture moment was coined as: “Brat Girl Summer.”
In a recent Rolling rock Interviewed in the UK, Charli XCX elaborates on the meaning behind the moniker she gave her album: “It's about this kind of behavior that everyone on the Internet adopts, whether you're a Twitter troll or dancing with Addison Rae on TikTok. There's this element of unabashed, shameless, me-centric content being made, but I also think behind that is a lot of people using it as a protective layer,” he said. “Sensitivity is a cloak. You're only stupid if you're dealing with something that's made you feel a little insecure.”
How to Dress for a Summer Brat?
There's no sign of this energetic pop cultural dominance losing steam. in fact, this is only the beginning. The future superstar said it best herself: “I'm everywhere/I'm so Julia.” And of course he meant it. So if you're anything like us and ready to embrace this flawlessly chaotic movement in all 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 an expert style that perfectly nails the Brat aesthetic.
We consulted the New York-based stylist and image consultant Come on Mike, who works in production and wardrobe direction for videos and films. He gave us the basics of bratting style with a purpose. So start revving your engines, crank up your '365, party girl' playlist, and check out our best Brat Girl Summer-inspired looks to rock this season:
Daily Brat
To achieve an everyday Brat-inspired look, Forza Mike advises as one of her style guidelines: “Stand out, but not too much.” For a put-together Brat look, opt for a crisp white sleeveless shirt, pleated skirt, winged eyeliner and studded boots. Accessorize with some signature oval shades and top it off with a soft and fruity green scent.
Brat Boiler Room
Pull off any club-centric Brat style with a fitted top and straight wide leg pants. We've seen the pop princess transform the Boiler Room DJ with looser jeans that reveal some cheeky under-layers — and Forza stylist Mike suggests the perfect thong-style jeans from Alexander Wang to replicate to a tee. She says, “Always be ready to rave. Comfortable footwear — to soft mattresses.”
Casual Day Brat
For the ultimate Brat Summer, Ms. XCX says herself, in a now-viral TikTok, that “a strappy white T-shirt, no bra” is a staple she needs to rock the trend. Forza Mike suggests pairing it with relaxed, rugged jeans, sleek silver hardware, an edgy baseball cap, and a Nike-themed wallet.
Brat Date Night
In case you want to slow things down and make the Brat a little more romantic, opt for a satin mini cocktail date dress. Paired with some knee-high boots and the option of adding sheer or fishnet tights, you can still channel your inner sensuality, but with a much softer side.
Sporty Brat
For the fans they had Brat on loop since its release, you'll know that sonically it doesn't follow any rules — just like this trend. With the Brat aesthetic, anything goes. And that's why we especially love this soccer jersey look paired with delicate lace and Y2K heeled sandals that Mike put together. She advises buying the oversized jersey to “Wear as a mini dress for more dynamic layering.”
festival-Ready Brat
Short shorts and snappy shades will bring energy to any ensemble you plan to try this festival season. Studded loop belts and slick back buns are a must if you're thinking of adding some studded jewelry. With this, you can easily explore the pop-meets-punk corner of the Brat aesthetic and still fall into the “Von Dutch” arena, thanks to the crystal tank with the logo that's sure to turn some heads.
Cute and comfortable Brat
Marrying one viral trend with another is what Mike has achieved here, making Brat tank tops when paired with lace-lined bike shorts and an oversized sweatshirt. Accent the look with a neon green mani and some Y2K-inspired hair accessories for an early 2000s callback that's easy to do, feels comfortable, and looks fashionable. A tip: Mike suggests layering a white button down shirt under the sweatshirt to elevate the look even more.
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