Charli XCX’s “Brat Summer” Trend Explained! Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Lime green is making waves in the fashion world, and it's all thanks to Charli XCX’s electrifying new album, “Brat.” Since its release on June 7, the “brat” aesthetic, complete with its signature Arial font, has exploded in popularity. From slime green merchandise to edgy marketing campaigns, this high-energy dance-pop album, with its themes of partying, Von Dutch, and womanhood, has sparked a cultural phenomenon. TikTok dances, memes, and fashion trends have sprung up, coining the term “brat summer.”

“Brat summer” embodies a messy, carefree vibe, drawing inspiration from similar TikTok trends like feral girl summer and rat girl summer. What began as an album cover has morphed into a full-blown lifestyle embraced by both Gen Z and millennials. This summer of 2024, everyone seems ready to dive into the brat summer aesthetic, characterized by grungy, sticky club vibes and a bold lime green color palette. The atmosphere is thick with the scents of Marlboro lights, chips, and sweat, perfectly capturing the essence of this trend.

Charli XCX’s Brat album has pushed all things pink and Barbiecore to the side, ushering in a new era of feral, green fashion. The clean girl aesthetic is out, replaced by the messy, internet It-girl look. This trend is everywhere, resonating with cultural icons like Julia Fox and even making its way into political spheres, with Kamala Harris’s campaign page embracing the brat-coded aesthetic. As this trend takes over, it’s clear that brat summer is the new fashion frontier for 2024. In this blog, we’ll further deep dive into the trend and its impact on the world of fashion. 

What is “brat summer”?

Brat summer is a trend inspired by British singer Charli XCX's hit album "brat," which was released on June 7 and quickly soared to #3 on the Billboard charts. The trend began with the album's distinctive, minimalistic cover art: "brat" written in a low-res font on a bold lime green background. This aesthetic captured the attention of fans, particularly Gen Z, who soon christened the season as brat summer.

Brat summer is characterized by party animal antics, a cool-girl style, and a love for all things lime green. It's a trend that embodies the messy, chaotic, and unapologetic aspects of life. On TikTok, the hashtag #bratsummer has garnered over 41.2K posts, showcasing how widely the trend has spread. The word "brat" might evoke images of middle school angst, but in the context of brat summer, it's all about embracing imperfections and thriving in the chaos.

Charli XCX herself described the brat album ethos as "me, my flaws, my f--- ups, my ego all rolled into one" in an Instagram post on June 8. She elaborated further in a TikTok video, explaining that being brat means being a little messy, liking to party, making dumb mistakes, and feeling oneself while sometimes having a breakdown. It’s about being honest, blunt, volatile, and owning one's imperfections. Essentially, brat summer is a celebration of this messy, fun, and unfiltered way of life, perfectly capturing the spirit of those who live for the moment and embrace their true selves.

What is the “brat summer aesthetic”?

The "brat summer aesthetic" is a vibrant and unapologetic style movement inspired by Charli XCX's hit album "brat." This aesthetic is defined by its signature lime green color palette, minimalistic yet eye-catching visuals, and a carefree, party-centric vibe. Central to the aesthetic is the low-res Arial font featured on the album cover, which has become a symbol of the trend's raw and unfiltered approach. The brat summer look embraces elements of cool-girl style, merging grungy, streetwear-inspired pieces with bold, statement-making accessories. It’s all about standing out and embracing the messy, chaotic aspects of life with confidence and flair.

In essence, the brat summer aesthetic is a celebration of imperfections and a rebellion against polished, curated images. It’s a visual representation of a lifestyle that values authenticity, spontaneity, and a touch of recklessness. This trend is characterized by an eclectic mix of fashion, from Von Dutch hats and oversized graphic tees to chunky sneakers and neon accents. It’s a style that resonates with those who live for the moment, unafraid to express their true selves, and is particularly popular among Gen Z and millennials who find empowerment in its bold, unfiltered ethos.

The OG “brat” Style Icons

When it comes to the brat summer aesthetic, a few iconic figures have truly defined and embodied the style. These original "brat" style icons have influenced the trend with their distinctive fashion choices, blending rebellious flair with a carefree attitude. From their bold outfits to their effortless cool, these trendsetters have set the stage for the brat summer look, making them key inspirations for anyone looking to embrace this vibrant and edgy aesthetic. Dive into the world of the OG brat style icons and discover how they’ve shaped and elevated the trend.

1. Charli XCX

Charli XCX, the creator of the "Brat Summer" trend, made a bold statement at Wimbledon’s 11th day of the Grand Slam tournament with a perfect embodiment of her own style. The pop star showcased her trendsetting look in a black crocheted minidress, complemented by rectangular sunglasses, hoop earrings, and lace knee-high stockings. She finished off her outfit with Gianvito Rossi slingback heels, epitomizing the edgy and vibrant essence of brat summer.

2. Julia Fox

Julia Fox, a key inspiration behind the “Brat Summer” aesthetic, was even mentioned in Charli XCX’s song with the line, “That’s so Julia…” Fox fully embraced the brat look during her performance at Ladyland 2024, held at Under the K Bridge in Bushwick, Brooklyn, for Pride weekend. She dazzled in an iridescent “decaying orchid” corset by designer A’kai Littlejohn, perfectly capturing the edgy and bold spirit of the trend.

3. Amelia Gray

Amelia Gray made a bold statement in head-to-toe Desigual at the brand’s Spring 2025 show in Barcelona. She wore a deconstructed black vest with elaborate red and white detailing, left open to reveal a touch of skin, achieving a strikingly rebellious look. Paired with loose-fitting, cargo-style pants, her outfit added a utilitarian edge to the overall ensemble, perfectly aligning with the brat summer vibe.

4. Maika Monroe

At the premiere of Neon’s “Longlegs” at The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood on July 8, actress Maika Monroe made a bold statement with her take on the “Brat” aesthetic. She wore a sleek leather bandeau top matched with a high-waisted leather skirt that gracefully flowed to her ankles. The edgy outfit was finished with black heeled boots, adding a touch of height and further emphasizing the trend’s rebellious and stylish vibe.

The Brat Summer Aesthetic- Essentials You Need To Master The Trend

The Brat Summer aesthetic is taking the fashion world by storm, thanks to Charli XCX's hit album "brat." This trend is all about embracing a messy, carefree vibe with a bold, lime green color palette and cool-girl style. Whether you're hitting up a grungy club or just want to channel your inner party animal, mastering the Brat Summer aesthetic is a must for anyone looking to stand out this season. Dive into the essentials you need to nail this trend and make this summer your most unforgettable yet.

1. Sunglasses; edgy and always on

Sunglasses are a staple of the Brat Summer aesthetic, adding an edgy touch to any outfit. Think oversized, angular frames in bold colors or classic black, always perched confidently on your nose, even indoors or at night. They're not just an accessory but a statement, exuding a cool, untouchable vibe that's essential for mastering this trend. Whether you're blocking out the sun or just the haters, make sure your shades are always on point.

2. Knee-high lace-up boots

Knee-high lace-up boots are a must-have for the Brat Summer aesthetic, blending ruggedness with rebellious flair. These statement-making boots, often in black or bold colors, feature intricate lace-up details that add a touch of grunge to your look. Pair them with shorts, skirts, or even a casual dress to give your outfit an edgy, street-ready vibe. They’re perfect for commanding attention and embodying the carefree, party-ready spirit of brat summer.

3. Leather is always a good idea

Leather is a cornerstone of the Brat Summer aesthetic, offering an effortlessly cool and rebellious edge. Whether it's a sleek leather jacket, a pair of fitted pants, or a chic skirt, leather pieces instantly elevate any outfit with their bold texture and timeless appeal. This material not only complements the gritty, unfiltered vibe of brat summer but also adds a touch of attitude and sophistication, making it a versatile choice for any summer soirée or casual hangout.

4. Lime green nails and eyeshadow

Lime green nails and eyeshadow are essential for fully embracing the Brat Summer aesthetic. This vibrant, eye-catching color adds a pop of neon that perfectly aligns with the trend’s bold, playful spirit. Lime green nails give your fingertips a striking, edgy look, while lime green eyeshadow creates a dramatic and unapologetic statement on your eyes. Together, these elements amplify the brat summer vibe, making sure you stand out and capture the essence of this dynamic, trendsetting style.

5. A smudged smokey eye

A smudged smokey eye is the ultimate makeup look for capturing the Brat Summer aesthetic. This bold, effortlessly messy style combines dark, sultry hues with a deliberately smudged finish, giving off a rebellious and carefree vibe. The smudged effect adds an edgy, undone touch that perfectly complements the trend's gritty, party-ready spirit. It’s all about embracing a slightly disheveled look while maintaining a fierce and confident presence.

6. Messy hair, no hairbrush necessary

Messy hair is a defining feature of the Brat Summer aesthetic, embodying the trend’s carefree and rebellious spirit. Embrace the natural, tousled look with intentionally disheveled waves or loose, unkempt styles that require no hairbrush—just a bit of texturizing spray or sea salt mist. This effortless, undone hairstyle perfectly complements the aesthetic’s gritty vibe, showcasing a relaxed attitude and a willingness to flaunt your imperfections with confidence.

7. Y2K lipgloss is also good

Y2K lip gloss is a key element of the Brat Summer aesthetic, offering a nostalgic nod to early 2000s beauty trends. This glossy, high-shine formula adds a fun, playful touch to your look, reflecting light and giving your lips a bold, attention-grabbing finish. Whether you go for a clear gloss or a pop of color, Y2K lip gloss perfectly complements the brat summer vibe with its retro flair and youthful exuberance.

8. A chunky, studded belt

A chunky, studded belt is a standout accessory for the Brat Summer aesthetic, adding a bold and rebellious edge to any outfit. With its eye-catching studs and oversized design, this belt transforms a simple look into something daring and distinctive. Whether cinching a pair of high-waisted jeans or accentuating a skirt, the chunky, studded belt embodies the trend’s gritty, street-inspired vibe and ensures your style makes a powerful statement.

9. Acid-wash jeans are a must

Acid-wash jeans are a quintessential element of the Brat Summer aesthetic, bringing a retro, rebellious edge to your wardrobe. With their unique, faded patterns and distressed look, these jeans capture the gritty, carefree vibe of the trend. They effortlessly combine with other key pieces, offering a versatile, high-impact style that channels both nostalgia and modernity. Whether you’re pairing them with a graphic tee or a leather jacket, acid-wash jeans are essential for nailing the brat summer look

10. Lastly, a white tank top

A white tank top is a versatile staple for the Brat Summer aesthetic, providing a clean and understated base for more striking elements. Its simplicity allows it to seamlessly integrate with bolder pieces like acid-wash jeans or a chunky studded belt, while its casual fit captures the trend's laid-back, effortless vibe. Ideal for layering or wearing solo, a white tank top ensures that the brat summer look remains both stylish and approachable, perfect for any summer occasion.

Where can you shop for style essentials to embody the brat summer aesthetic?

Embracing the brat summer aesthetic means diving into a world of bold, rebellious fashion and vibrant style essentials. Whether you’re looking for statement accessories, edgy clothing, or standout beauty products, finding the right pieces is key to mastering this trend. Discover the best places to shop for everything you need to embody the brat summer look, from iconic streetwear brands to trendy online boutiques. Get ready to transform your wardrobe and make a statement with these top shopping destinations.

1. GoFynd

GoFynd is your go-to destination for all things streetwear, athleisure, and sustainable fashion. With its curated collection of bold and edgy pieces, it's perfect for finding the style essentials needed to master the brat summer aesthetic. Explore a range of statement clothing, accessories, and beauty products that embody the trend’s vibrant and rebellious spirit.

2. Myntra

Myntra offers a vast selection of fashion-forward pieces ideal for embracing the brat summer look. From trendy streetwear to unique accessories, Myntra's diverse range ensures you'll find everything needed to channel the bold, carefree vibe of this aesthetic. Their extensive collection features both high-end and affordable options, making it easy to elevate your style.

3. Ajio

Ajio is renowned for its eclectic mix of fashion essentials that cater to a variety of trends, including brat summer. With its wide array of edgy clothing, standout accessories, and statement-making pieces, Ajio is a prime spot for finding items that perfectly capture the rebellious and vibrant essence of the brat aesthetic.

4. Urbanic

Urbanic is the ultimate online boutique for trendy and stylish fashion, offering a curated selection of pieces that align with the brat summer aesthetic. Known for its contemporary designs and bold styles, Urbanic provides a range of edgy clothing and accessories that will help you embody the vibrant, carefree vibe of this trend.