For once, it’s good to be a brat.
Gen Z is preparing for a reckless “brat summer,” inspired by the release of Charli XCX’s wildly popular new party album, “Brat.”
The LP — which scored millions of streams in the first week of its release earlier this month — is comprised of bass-thumping dance anthems such as “Club Classic,” “Guess” and “Girl, So Confusing,” all performed by the black-haired Brit.
On TikTok, a search for “brat summer” yields thousands of posts, with self-proclaimed “brats” explaining what the term means.
For many, it represents a kind of recklessness, grittiness and supreme self-confidence — the polar opposite of last year’s “clean girl” aesthetic, which marked by sleek minimalism, neutral colors and a kind of preppy propriety.
“Severely unwashed hair, phone on 18%, drinking soda from a can, I fear brat summer has begun,” content creator Steph Amoroso wrote on TikTok.
Others have describe “brat summer” as sleeping in last night’s makeup, stumbling through the front door at 2 a.m. after a night of clubbing or getting some spontaneous ink (some diehard brats have even been branded with the “brat” album art as a lower back tattoo.)
When asked about what she believes a “brat summer” is, Charli XCX (real name: Charlotte Emma Aitchison) described the attitude and aesthetic as “trashy.”
“A pack of cigs, a Bic lighter and a strappy white top with no bra,” the hitmaker declared in a viral video.
“Brat summer” has a signature color: the distinct acid green that’s the same shade as the cover of the Charli XCX album.
According to stylist Chris Horan, 65 color swatches were considered before the singer landed on the lime green hue.
Those who subscribe to the “brat” way of life have incorporated the radioactive color into their wardrobes — and even tech companies are trying to get in on the trend.
On Instagram, there’s now a “brat” filter which colors an image in the signature shade.
“The ‘brat’ campaign has transcended anything we thought it could be – everyone from Duolingo to corporate brands are jumping on board to get a piece of the viralness,” Horan told Vogue, describing the color as an “offensive, off-trend shade.”
And the coolest “it” girls are in on the craze.
In the music video for “360,” Charli XCX enlisted Julia Fox, whom the song name drops, as well as actresses Chloë Sevigny, Chloe Cherry, Hari Nef, Rachel Sennott and model Gabriette Bechtel.
But you don’t need to be a cool girl or a clubber to be a “brat,” according to one writer, who says that’s the reason for its popularity.
“The best part is that it’s not something that you need to buy into. It’s not centered around soft luxury and signifying wealth – its key ingredients are empowered female friendships, audacious fun and a healthy side order of grot,” Elle beauty writer Katie Withington wrote.
“That’s what makes it feels so spontaneous and infectious; it’s an open invitation for anyone of any gender or class to be unfiltered, carefree and a just a little bit messy.”
