FASHION

WHAT IS BRAT SUMMER?

By Lizzie Griffin, 1 August 2024

Charli xcx in white dress | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: Getty

WHAT IS BRAT SUMMER?

Charli XCX – Brat, has been dominating the charts since its release in June and the internet is *obsessed*. We’ve been hearing the constant rumble of Club Classics everywhere we go; heading to spontaneous raves; and feeling compelled to say, ‘that’s so brat-coded’ every time we see a green apple in public. Yep, everyone’s calling it Brat Summer, but what does it actually mean?

If you asked us what Brat Summer is about, we’d say it’s an aesthetic.

On a deeper level, however, we'd say Brat Summer is a lifestyle and an attitude inspired by Charli's new album that's packed full of official dance floor bops. There’s no uniform, but it’s about ‘I don’t care what you think’ outfit choices, wearing snagged tights, and embracing the brat-ification of the white vest. Peak-brat behaviour is about raving all night, capturing the moments on your digital camera and dissecting the night before through voice notes with friends the next day.

If you think you have some brat tendencies, then get to know the essentials…

Picture: ASOS

ASOS DESIGN hotfix embellished mini dress with slash neck detail in green | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: ASOS

SO, WHAT IS BRAT GREEN?

ASOS DESIGN hotfix embellished mini dress with slash neck detail in green, £55

If you haven’t seen the slime green posts with a low-res sans serif font all over your feed, are you really as chronically online as you think you are? Achieve Brat Summer status by adding chartreuse green to any ‘fit. Pick something trending like a dress to go all-out, 360-party-girl, or add a cute accessory for a hint of the hue. That’s SO Julia.

Charli XCX with winged eyeliner | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: Getty

Clinique Quickliner For Eyes-Really Black | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: ASOS

LAST NIGHT’S MAKEUP, ALL DAY

Clinique Quickliner For Eyes-Really Black, £22

There’s nothing more brat than looking like an IT-girl who just stepped out the club. Copy her beat with smudged eyeshadow or an effortless wing. If you’re heading to the dance floor then why not check out what's new in Face + Body? Choose a black eyeliner like this Clinique Quickliner, and spritz some MAC Fix+ on top in defense of the sweat (and possible tears).

Charli XCX with sunglasses | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: Getty

Ray-Ban pointed round sunglasses in black and grey gradient | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: ASOS

BLOCK OUT THE HATERS

Ray-Ban pointed round sunglasses in black and grey gradient, £118

Manifest the spirit of the brat by blocking out the bad vibes. Enter main character mode by wearing 90s sunglasses like Charli’s here, or opt for an oversized pair to channel that 'no pictures, please' energy the morning after the night before.

Charli XCX with big hair | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: Getty

ghd Curly Ever After - Curl Hold Spray | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: ASOS

HAIR FULL OF SECRETS

ghd Curly Ever After - Curl Hold Spray (120ml), £18.95

One thing we’re loving from Charli’s Brat Summer is her hair – it’s full of secrets. We love how she’s embracing her curls and keeping it big. BRB! Copy and pasting her hair as we speak… explore our hair care bits and add ghd Curl Hold Spray to hold it together (even when you can’t).