Brat Summer: Charli XCX vs. the Clean Girl Trend

Some might wonder what the term “brat” means, as it’s recently been popping up everywhere on the internet. The brat trend has already swept up others, declaring the summer of 2024 brat summer. “Brat” means a “naughty, mischievous child,” but Charli XCX is giving this term a new twist with her latest album. Released in June, Brat has exploded onto the summer scene. This album isn’t just a musical hit; it’s a cultural phenomenon, breathing new life into pop culture with its bold style and fresh sound. So, what exactly is this brat summer trend that everyone’s talking about?

We first got to know Brat when Charli XCX released a low-resolution green album cover a few months before its debut, following her singles “Von Dutch” and “360.” The persona that Brat embodies became apparent after watching the “360” music video, which features it-girls like Chloë Sevigny, Julia Fox, and Gabbriette: a strong party girl who is aware of her sex appeal, perfectly imperfect, and trying to navigate life. This electro-pop album delves into the experiences of women, particularly those in their late twenties and early thirties, with an approach that is both bold and authentic. Instead of portraying a so-called empowered woman, the album showcases a wide range of complex emotions we all experience daily. Like us, you might have started spotting Brat in every lime green item you see. It draws us in effortlessly, making us feel genuinely understood.

The album’s influence on the brat summer craze is impossible to ignore. With its bold use of a single eye-catching color on the cover and the name Brat in simple, easily replicated black lettering, it’s no wonder this trend has taken off. You might have started spotting Brat in every lime green item you see, just like us!

Brat’s striking visual style, that has resonated with many, has made waves in social media, meme culture, and the fashion and beauty industries. What started as a visual statement has evolved into a full-blown trend, known as the brat aesthetic or brat summer, reflecting a lifestyle that goes far beyond the iconic lime green color.

 PreviousNext  

So, who is a brat? While the brat summer aesthetic is open to interpretation, Charli XCX has dropped some hints about what it entails. For Charli, this look—a mix of rebellious, sexy, and fun vibes—can be nailed with a simple baby tee worn sans bra or a low-key makeup look. The brat aesthetic, with its rebellious and fun vibes, isn’t about chasing perfection or looking polished; it’s all about embracing the joy of life, discovering yourself, and living in the moment.

 PreviousNext  

Lately, we’ve been spotting the brat aesthetic—an edgy departure from the long-standing reign of silent luxury and clean girl trends—especially on social media. This carefree, party-girl vibe of the brat aesthetic is reminiscent of Kate Moss’s iconic late ‘90s look. Think black, smudgy eye makeup, effortlessly refreshed lip gloss, and slightly tousled, wavy hair. In the “360” music video, perfectly capturing the album’s manifesto, most it-girls are rocking smokey eyes and bold black eyeliner. The video starts with a team discussing how the new it-girl should have a look that’s “really hot, in like a scary way.” This femme fatale appearance breaks away from traditional beauty standards, focusing on empowering women and embracing a bolder, more rebellious style. Another striking feature in the video is the bleached eyebrows, giving a cool, almost alien vibe. This trend, which has been popping up in alternative fashion circles recently, aligns with the second key trait for an it-girl: “You have to be, like, known, but at the same time unknowable.” Bleaching the brows, which are crucial for expressing emotions, is the perfect touch for a standout like Julia.

 PreviousNext  

Now, let’s talk about brat green. After last year’s Barbie pink, it’s clear that brat green is 2024’s hottest color. Inspired by the iconic album cover, this vibrant hue is creating a buzz across nail art, hair dye, makeup, and monochromatic outfits, practically teleporting us into the Shrek universe. Brat green has a bold, almost artificial edge. Even a tiny accessory in this shade can make you a part of the brat scene.

 PreviousNext  

Social media has rapidly showcased brat’s impact on pop culture in a big way. Its influence is bound to grow even more in the months ahead. The album’s effortlessly cool, DIY-friendly aesthetic has led to a swift adoption of the trend. This quick uptake has spurred a flood of brat-themed content. Expect everything from snappy slogan tees and green-toned outfits to party dresses and festival clothing with a nod to the 2010s indie sleaze style to make their way into our wardrobes soon.

 PreviousNext