We’re in for a ‘Brat’ Summer—Here’s How to Dress the Part

Charli XCX is so everywhere. Or, at least her sixth studio album, Brat is. The florescent green album cover has been splashed across both the internet and a giant mural in Brooklyn. Charli herself has been bouncing around New York, L.A., and London to promote the album. And Brat’s party-ready tracks are all anyone with taste has been discussing since the album dropped.

Brat is Charli’s most critically-acclaimed album yet, scoring a 95 on Metacritic and debuting at #3 on the Billboard chats. Though many of the lyrics are actually quite vulnerable—delving into themes like insecurity, grief, and the possibility of motherhood—the club-ready production and straightforward candor feels like a breath of fresh air after a year dominated by a certain cryptic breakup album and ultra-polished pop perfection.

Yes, Brat has plenty of introspective moments, but they’re as messy as a night out, dealing with uncomfortable feelings like “Sympathy Is a Knife’s” jealousy of another female pop star. But these lows only make the highs—the braggadocios lyrics of “Von Dutch” and “360,” the indie-sleaze production of “Guess,” and every second of “365”—feel even higher. From top to bottom, the album truly feels like a love letter to the club and to being messy, fun, and free. The internet’s reception of the album only means one thing: We’re ready to party.

In terms of fashion, we’re experiencing a similar vibe shift. Though TikToks claiming it’s “feral girl summer” have popped up for the past three or so years, trends have largely been dominated by softer aesthetics like the breezy “Tomato Girl,” quirky Scandi girl, and the inescapable quiet luxury trend. But thanks to Charli, it seems like this is finally the feral girl’s moment to shine—welcome to Brat summer.

When it comes to dressing like a Brat, there’s no set formula. It’s all about embracing your best, hottest, most confident self. It’s a vibe more so than a specific look. It’s wearing sunglasses inside. It’s having your rockstar fiance pass you a glass of champagne while you’re dancing on a table. It’s, as Charli herself said, “a strappy white top with no bra.” It’s partying all night even though you have an 8 a.m. meeting. In short, it’s not giving a fuck.

However, when it comes to inspo, there’s no one better to look to than the Brat herself, Charli XCX—she’s your favorite reference, baby. While her closet may be filled with Mugler, Marni, and Balanciaga, her core style is pretty easy to nail, no matter what you’re working with. Ahead, all the pieces you need to your own Brat summer.

Corsets

Charli hasn’t been wearing a ton of corsets this era in favor of comfy, stretchy tops, but she’s been known to love the silhouette in the past, and there’s really nothing brattier than a good corset. Go for shades of black or gray to match Chari’s current vibe, or a bold color to ensure you’ll be the center of attention on the dance floor.

LBDs

A little black dress and a night on the town are a match made in heaven. Add a little edge to the classic piece with some Charli-approved details like sheer fabrics, off-the-shoulder cuts, or a plunging neckline.

Strappy Tank Tops

If you’re going to be dancing all night, comfort is key, and there’s nothing easier than a classic tank top. Go for a classic white ribbed moment, copy the “360” cover with a gray one, or show some skin with a cool crop top. No matter what you do, follow Charli’s lead and skip the bra.

Matching Sets

Charli’s off-duty style is relatively low-key, as she sticks to simple pieces like crop tops, trousers, gorgeously tailored coats, and big boots. But when she’s performing she likes to turn up the drama with a cool matching set. She keeps the colors simple, letting details like textured ruffles do most of the work. Even if you keep it more paired back, the coordinating look will make you feel like a pop star.

No Pants

Charli is one of the many celebs embracing the no-pants trend. She wore black briefs under a pair of sheer tights for the “Von Dutch” and “360 videos”, and a similar look to her album release show in London. This is a tough one to pull off outside of a music video setting, but a pair of teeny tiny black microshorts will give you the same vibe.

Sunglasses

No matter where she is—the streets of NYC, onstage, on a red carpet—Charli almost always finishes off her look with a pair of black shield sunglasses. It adds a bit of edge to any looks as well as gives off that classic “no paparazzi please” vibe.

Brat Green

For a more overt nod to the album of the summer, opt for pops of bold “Brat Green.” Try a head-to-toe look, or add a bit here and there with your purse, shoes, or even your nails.