by Oana-Maria Moldovan
If last summer was all about Barbie, this summer we’ve spun around in circles, did a 180, and it’s become all about BRAT. We’re officially out with the wellness clean girl aesthetic and in with the chaotic party girl vibe.
What is BRAT Summer?
BRAT Summer, drawing inspiration from Charli XCX’s recent album of the same name, emerged as a fashion and lifestyle movement that glorifies an effortless it-girl vision for the past month. This trend melds elements of indie sleaze, Y2K nostalgia, and a hint of punk attitude, embodying a mindset that intertwines vulnerability with confidence.
It’s about debauchery, trashy clothes, a pack of cheap smokes, and doing things ‘for the plot’, but at the same time about openness, identity, girlhood, and long-lasting friendships. BRAT is exactly the kind of summer nights we’ve all dreamt of when we were younger.
While BRAT summer can be seen as just a fleeting trend, some consider it a statement that empowers individuals to embrace their multifaceted personalities.
Just like the album explores multiple ideas (identity, girlhood, love, grief, and so on), the trend revolves around the concept of people existing as diverse beings that can be more than just one thing at a time.
In simpler terms, BRAT summer is about being everything and nothing at the same time.
The Influence of Charli XCX
Charli XCX’s influence is pivotal in defining the BRAT summer mindset. From shutting down New York City with impromptu performances to release a surprise deluxe edition of the album, she is the mother of BRAT summer and embodying an ethos of being effortlessly cool and confidently unconventional.
Her candid, unfiltered engagement on social media platforms like TikTok has resonated with fans, having candidly engaging with many, only further solidifying the trend’s appeal.
Ahead of her latest edition of PARTYGIRL at Ibiza’s iconic Amnesia nightclub on Friday night, Charli XCX gave fans on the Spanish island an unforgettable surprise. Partnering with CUPRA Official and CUPRA UK, she delivered an impromptu DJ set right on the beach, creating a perfect prelude to the main event.
Charli XCX explained why Ibiza holds a special place in her heart. “It’s a really special place,” she shared. “I enjoy driving from the airport and seeing every single poster of every single residency. It’s really funny. It almost feels like a spoof. There are so many DJs who come here and play. I can’t wait to come back more and spend more time here. I really just want to swim. That’s kind of all I want right now. Let’s go swimming.”
The surprise DJ set was a teaser for the highly anticipated PARTYGIRL event, which is part of Boiler Room's world tour.
How to Achieve the BRAT Summer Look
While it’s all about being your authentic and unfiltered self, there is a certain formula that goes into the BRAT look and experience.
Neon Green:
The signature colour of BRAT summer is neon green, prominently featured on Charli XCX’s album cover. This bold hue is a staple for creating standout looks, whether through clothing, accessories, or makeup. Neon green not only catches the eye but also symbolises the bold, carefree attitude that BRAT summer embodies.
This certain colour has been, for the longest time associated with both rave culture and the late mall punk mouvement.
Effortless Style:
BRAT summer is about looking effortlessly stylish. Think cropped T-shirts, sporty sunglasses, and micro shorts paired with slogan tees. Charlie said it’s all about that thrashy white tank top worn without a bra.
The aesthetic leans into a slightly messy, yet still hot vibe, often embracing a “just rolled out of bed after a long night” look with an edge. This breezy style reflects a blend of high and low fashion elements, making it accessible yet chic – like drinking a Margarita while your friend sips their neat Vodka.
A mix of High and Low Fashion:
The trend blends luxury items with everyday pieces. For instance, you might combine a maxi satin skirt with an old tee that has a nasty slogan on it and a pair of short pumps.
Alternatively, it can be polished with high-fashion items from brands like Yves Saint Laurent or Balenciaga, complemented by strong eye makeup. This juxtaposition of high and low fashion elements is central to the BRAT Summer aesthetic.
Iconic Accessories:
Digital cameras, sporty sunglasses, and maximalist jewellery are must-haves – especially if one mixes and matches with metallic shades. These accessories contribute to the flirty yet unapproachable aesthetic that’s central to BRAT Summer. They offer a throwback to Y2K – and no, we are still not tired of it – while adding a modern twist.
Think about the chunky belts your mother has hidden in the back of her closet from the late ‘90s and early 2000s, about that mesh-like dress you swore you’d wear one day or even the shortest shorts you can find.
Unconventional Pieces:
BRAT Summer isn’t afraid to incorporate unconventional pieces into the mix. Hoodies with micro skirts, chunky bangles, and edgy footwear are all part of the trend. These pieces reflect a nonchalant attitude, adding to the overall rebellious spirit of the BRAT Summer look.
It’s about the type of clothes you wish to wear but never have the opportunity to do so. What this aesthetic does formidably is allow the fashion-inclined people to be bold, out there, in other people’s faces.
Embracing the BRAT Summer Mindset
In a way, is such a vulnerable thing to do, to permit others to see your ugly parts on the outside, worn like a glove, like a big silver necklace; something that is there to stay, something we are not afraid to show people anymore.
And that’s the thing, you see BRAT Summer encourages individuals to embrace their confidence and susceptibility equally. This duality is at the heart of the trend, allowing for a range of emotions and styles to coexist. Whether you’re in a girly summer dress or serving attitude in blacked-out sunglasses and knee-high boots, the key is to be authentically you and no one else.
The trend promotes unapologetic individuality, inspiring people to break free from societal expectations and norms. This means embracing your distinctive style and personality without worrying about fitting into a specific mould. BRAT Summer is about celebrating your quirks and imperfections, making it a truly empowering mania – in the best way.
At its core, BRAT Summer is rebellious. It’s about challenging the status quo and adopting a carefree, slightly messy vibe. This rebellious spirit is reflected in the fashion choices associated with the trend, such as pairing luxury items with casual pieces and embracing unconventional accessories.
BRAT Summer isn’t just about the clothes; it’s a state of mind. It encourages embracing all facets of one’s personality, whether it’s feeling invincible or vulnerable. The trend promotes being unapologetically yourself, revelling in the complexities and contradictions of modern femininity. Charli XCX’s influence on this trend is evident not just in the visual elements but in the attitude she exudes.
Edited by Emily Duff