What Is ‘Brat Summer’? Explaining the Viral Trend Inspired by Charli XCX’s Album and Y2K Nostalgia

Charli XCX’s “Brat” album captured the zeitgeist this summer, sparking a new viral trend known as “Brat Summer.” The trend is characterized by a distinctive style of dress and a carefree, bold mindset that resonates with the party girl aesthetic.

The “Brat” look is defined by its edgy 2000s-inspired fashion with a touch of sophistication. It combines elements of a party girl’s lifestyle with a refined touch, creating a unique style that stands out. However, Brat Summer goes beyond just fashion; it embodies a particular attitude and mindset.

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In a TikTok interview, Charli XCX explained in simple terms what it means to be a “Brat”: “You’re that girl who’s a little messy, likes to party, and sometimes talks nonsense. She’s honest, straightforward, and a little volatile. That’s what Brat is.” The lyrics to her song “Mean Girls” sum up this attitude, making it one of the album’s standout tracks.

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Brands like Area and retailers have been quick to embrace the Brat Summer trend, and shopping guides are now featuring products that fit the aesthetic of the trend.

Celebrities have also embraced the Brat Summer style, whether they’ve been rocking it for a while or were recently inspired by Charli XCX’s summer anthems. This widespread adoption has made Brat Summer a defining trend of the season.

Charli XCX

The designer herself stepped out at Wimbledon, attending day 11 of the Grand Slam tournament, in a quintessentially “Brat Summer” look. The singer embodied her own trend, wearing a black crochet minidress paired with rectangular frames, hoop earrings, knee-length lace stockings and Gianvito Rossi slingback heels.

Julia Fox

One of Charli XCX’s inspirations for the “Brat Summer” aesthetic is Julia Fox, who even gets a special mention in one of Charli’s songs with the line “That’s so Julia…” Fox embodied the “Brat” look during her performance at Ladyland 2024, held at Under the K Bridge in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood for Pride weekend. She wore an iridescent “decaying orchid” corset designed by A’kai Littlejohn.

Amelia Gray

Amelia Gray wore head-to-toe Desigual for the brand’s spring 2025 show in Barcelona. She wore a deconstructed black vest with intricate red and white detailing, left open to reveal a hint of skin, creating a striking and rebellious look. Her loose-fitting cargo pants added a utilitarian touch.

Maika Monroe

Actress Maika Monroe made a bold statement at the premiere of Neon’s “Longlegs” at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood on July 8. She wore a sleek leather bandeau top paired with a matching high-waisted leather skirt that fell to her ankles. The bold look was completed with black heeled boots, adding height.

Charli XCX’s Style Through the Years (PHOTOS)

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Launch Gallery: Charli XCX’s Style Through the Years (PHOTOS)

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