What is ‘brat summer’? The New Lifestyle Trend
British singer Charli XCX has kicked off a new cultural wave with her album 'brat'
Charli XCX at the Après Met 2 Met Gala After Party hosted by Carlos Nazario, Emily Ratajkowski, Francesco Risso, Paloma Elsesser, Raul Lopez and Renell Medra on May 6, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Aurora Rose/WWD via Getty Images)
Music doesn’t just fill the silence; it also sets trends for fashion and lifestyle each season. This summer, British singer Charli XCX has kicked off a new cultural wave with her album brat. The album has inspired a trend among internet users who are deeply into pop culture, leading to what’s being called ‘brat summer’—a fashion trend that celebrates being carefree, authentic, and bold.
The term ‘brat summer’ took off this summer of 2024 after brat was released on June 7, marking the start of the season. Charli XCX’s trend is all about feeling free and modern while keeping an alternative edge. It’s about blending high-end fashion with more laid-back, everyday looks—like pairing the fanciest brands with a simple pack of cigarettes and a plain white tank top to create the perfect summer outfit.
The cover of brat says a lot with just a few details
It perfectly captures the vibe of ‘brat summer’ with its simple design: the title in black and slightly blurred, set against a neon green background. This bright color has become a signature of Charli XCX’s current style and is even used in memes on social media. The cover gives off the message that you don’t need to take things too seriously. If the British singer can use a straightforward image for her album cover, then you shouldn’t stress too much about what others think of your look.
This style, defined by her sixth studio album, is more than just dark sunglasses, digital cameras, and crop tops. The real vibe of this trend is about embracing a laid-back, fun attitude and recognizing that summer is the perfect time to show off your true self and a rebellious side. There’s something special about a pop star setting a trend that gives you a reason to relax and not sweat the small stuff.
Now that you know what ‘brat summer’ is all about, it’s the ideal time to just be yourself, no matter what others might think. And if you need a reminder, just listen to the 18 tracks on the album—they’ll quickly bring back that summer energy you need.
