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Charli XCX’s Brat is one of 2024’s standout albums, and Brat Summer is about embracing your quirks, pushing boundaries, and living unapologetically in every moment
As much as we love labeling, we also love flipping them and turning negatives into positives. Brat? Totally in right now. With Charli XCX at the wheel—thankfully she’s not on top of the windshield—Brat Summer is zooming to the front of seasonal trends. Touted as one of 2024’s standout albums, Brat has sparked a club music revival, mixing audacious style with an irreverent look. Here’s your cheeky guide to mastering the Brat Summer vibe, all while channeling your inner internet it-girl.
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Color Code: Neon Green
Only green flags here. Sort of. Neon green rules Brat Summer. A striking green top, accessories, or even nail polish in this eye-popping hue is a must, even if it hurts the eyes sometimes.
Subtlety is so last season, so amp up your ensemble with accessories like sunglasses, hats (Von Dutch, anyone?), or even sneakers. They inject fierceness ala ‘stoplight chic.’ For a daring look, paint neon green nail polish over chipped nails.
Mix High and Low Fashion
Brat Summer is a melting pot of high-end elegance and street-smart sass. Picture luxury handbags rubbing shoulders with a strappy white top and no bra, or designer boots strutting alongside micro shorts and a cheeky slogan tee. We love celebrity trends on a budget!
Reach into your mom’s closet for a designer handbag that brings back memories and style points. Pair it with strappy tops and micro shorts for a look that confidently declares independence, even if you’re still asking for money. Complete the look with chunky boots or sporty sneakers to keep your stride as confident as your style. It’s a nostalgia-served style if you’re a bit delusional.
Bratty Essentials
Accessories are the Julia Fox of the Brat Summer look—brave, quirky, and extra. Grab items that add that perfect dose of edge to your outfit. Looking otherworldly can never be grounded.
Eat up the competition with essential accessories. Think tooth gems for a smile that sparkles brighter than your future, oversized hoop earrings that any Olympian in Paris can see and jump through, and hand-bedazzled phone cases for a Y2K throwback that turns every call into a glittery moment—even if it’s for a breakup.
Messy Hair and Makeup
Girl, it’s not so confusing: the beauty of Brat Summer lies in its undone look. It looks camp right in the eye—to the beauty of imperfection—where a bit of smudged eyeliner and tousled hair speaks volumes about spontaneity and confidence.
Revamp your beauty routine with these tips: experiment with bleached eyebrows for that surprise look. Opt for aggressive eye makeup that demands attention, balancing it with a minimalist approach elsewhere—because who needs excess but the eyes? Never shy away from messy buns, but always try to brush your hair. You woke up like this, yes, but always effortless chic, please.
Embrace the Attitude
Brat Summer is not just about the look; it’s a state of mind. It’s about being yourself, welcoming your complexities, and not caring too much about what others think. Are they directing your biopic? No.
Keep it real—be honest, blunt, and a little bit unpredictable. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries, but remember to own up and apologize when needed. Whether you’re just nodding on the dance floor or vibing in chill mode, live every moment like it’s your main character arc.
Brat Summer is all about celebrating individuality with your core group of it-girl friends. Uphold confidence: Let your hair be messy, your style bold, and your attitude unapologetically you. Live out loud—so loud you can get kicked out, but that’s what makes it worth it.
Photos: CHARL XCX, GABRIETTE, EMMA CHAMBERLAIN, and HARI NEF (via Instagram)
