Brat Summer Isn’t Over: How To Achieve The Viral Fashion Aesthetic

We’re well into “brat summer,” a season defined by Charli XCX dance-pop anthems, a viral "Apple" TikTok dance, and an unapologetically you energy. And two months after the queen of indie sleaze fashion and meme culture released her sixth studio album Brat, an EDM-pop phenomenon that has ushered in a viral fashion aesthetic, there’s no sign of it coming to an end just yet. In the last few weeks alone, Charli XCX has dropped another remix, with Billie Eilish for the song “Guess,” and unofficially endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in a tweet by labeling her a "brat."

What does brat style entail, exactly? It’s a bold punk, Y2K fashion aesthetic that calls for trendy hot pants, Von Dutch trucker hats, and neon Brat Green. It spans from casual graphic baby tees during the day to sheer black tights (preferably ripped) at night for that “365 party girl” vibe. But most of all, being a brat is about having the unabashed confidence of an It girl, like Charli XCX and her Brat remix collaborators Addison Rae, Lorde, and Eilish. So upgrade your summer outfits with skin-revealing styles and trendy accessories that’ll help boost your confidence.

Read on to find styles inspired by Brat song lyrics and Charli XCX’s outfits to add to your brat shopping starter pack, get you “looking like an icon,” or build your concert outfit for the  North American “Sweat Tour” with Troye Sivan starting in September.

The easiest way to take on the Brat Girl summer aesthetic is by wearing a chartreuse or neon green color reminiscent of the album cover art, which Charli said took 65 shades to narrow down to “the final most ultimate most brat green,” in an Instagram post.

Many of your favorite brands and retailers are selling bright green clothing and accessories, so you don’t have to look far. We love the idea of a lime green dress, but if you’re looking to tip-toe into this Brat trend (we see you, minimalists), we recommend going for accessories (like trendy handbags and statement earrings), shoes (architectural heels or retro sneakers), or cheerful swimsuits. Then, paint on a trendy “grasshopper green” manicure, and take on the rest of the summer in saturated-green style.

Embrace the Y2K aesthetic with wrap-around sunglasses. Pick from a style that gives a luxe, futuristic Matrix vibe… or a gas station-chic athleisure look. Charli has been seen wearing the retro sunglass style in black with crop top-and-jean combos, patterned mini dresses, and even evening gowns. You, too, can cart up sleek black wrap-around sunglasses that can go from day to night (we recommend wearing them indoors and out clubbing, while scream-singing “Club classics” like Charli). Opt for clear, mirrored sports sunglasses for casual summer outfits or pink shield sunglasses for a pop star-approved look.

What does a mean girl look like, exactly? According to Charli, she’s probably “in a sheer white dress, wearing last night’s makeup. All coquettish in the pictures with the flash on.” Oh, and she “worships Lana Del Rey in her airpods.” Okay, we don’t condone being a mean girl, but we do endorse being a party girl who listens to Lana and Charli. Take the pop star’s lead and wear sheer mini asymmetrical dresses or mesh midi ruffle dresses that give off a feminine and carefree vibe because, according to Charli, “everything is romantic.”

Yes, you can make tights work in the summertime. Channel Charli and wear black sheer tights under hot shorts or summer dresses. You can find more summer-appropriate styles like white lace, glitter fishnet, or colorful tights. If you want to copy the “I might say something stupid” lyric, “I snag my tights out on the lawn chair,” buy a pair of pre-distressed tights (or rip up a pair of old, forgotten stockings to revive them with a pop-punk life). If tights aren’t your vibe, try a pair of sheer or lace-y knee-high socks like the ones Charli wore to the Wimbledon Tennis Championships (see above).

When asked what Charli’s Brat essentials are in a BBC Sounds interview, the singer suggested the aesthetic teeters between “quite luxury and so trashy” and that she’d wear “a strappy white top with no bra.” This is exactly what she wore in the viral 360 music video, a look that she styled with black briefs and sheer black tights, but even before that, she wore a tattered T-shirt-inspired gown to the 2024 Met Gala (above). For everyday life, opt for a classic white tank top to wear on its own throughout the hot summer or to serve as a staple layering piece. And if you’re looking for something more playful and kitschy, take inspiration from Charli, who sings about baby tees in 360, and her fans, who have been wearing Brat-inspired graphic T-shirts.

The song “Von Dutch” transports us back to the early 2000s when celebrities like Paris Hilton and Gwen Stefani proudly wore trucker hats from the brand. Today, Charli sings “Von Dutch, cult classic, but I still pop.” Wear that Von Dutch hat you have in the back of your closet, or cart up new ones similar to the nostalgic style. To bring even more kitschiness into your Brat starter pack, pick a style with cheeky text, like the neon green “Brat” cap Charli was seen holding. Personally, we are partial to a “Ciao” hat for blending the European summer and brat girl aesthetics together.

Whether she’s on stage, in a music video, or in an editorial spread, Charli has been embracing the micro-short trend during her brat era. Most recently, she stepped out for her 32nd birthday party in a button-front pair. She has also styled the daring shorts with fitted tanks and pointed heels as well as oversized jackets and chunky boots. In day-to-day scenarios, keep it classic with versatile black short shorts… or go bold with sequined, suede, or tulle styles. If you’re still feeling hesitant about the leg-baring trend, consider pairing your hot pants over tights, with a long trench coat, or under a mesh dress for an equally trendy naked dress look.

Charli XCX has made a case for black knee-high boots in the summer. In a video interview with British GQ, the singer said she can’t live without her Prada pair, which she revealed she snagged from The RealReal. She explained that the flat-heeled boots are both rave-ready and long-walk-ready. However, she’s also been seen wearing stiletto sock boots and slouchy, fold-over heeled boots. We’re all about this Brat trend because knee-high boots are a great staple shoe that’ll allow you to continue your Brat summer into the fall and beyond.