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Let's Talk About Brat Summer: the Charli XCX Trend

Music & Podcasts

November 10, 2024

Having long false lashes, dark and slightly smudged eye makeup, and wearing edgy clothing is a trend that has been making its way around the internet this past summer. It is very different from what we have been seeing recently with the clean girl or coastal granddaughter aesthetic. This new look is a characteristic of summer 2024. But where is this new revamped Y2K style coming from?

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Brat: What is it?

“Brat” by Charlie XCX debuted on June 7th. It is an electro-pop album that speaks about various topics that people may find themself relating to, such as competition, relationships with parents, jealousy, party culture, etc. This is relatable for many people because it showcases a different side of humanity: imperfection.

It was the first album Charli released in five years due to her contract renewal with Atlantic Records. It was announced on February 28th, 2024, and the single “Von Dutch” was released the day after.

File:Brat-remix-cover-art.png

Atlantic Asylum from Wikimedia Commons

The term “brat” has always had negative associations. If you are a brat, you might be annoying, spoiled, greedy, or rude. However, this past summer has been all about embracing your inner brat with Charlie XCX's new album.

The album, which contains viral hits like “Apple” and “Von Dutch” is deeply treasured by millions of teens around the world for the message it conveys. Unlike the common definition of the term, it is not about being rude or greedy. Instead, it's about being okay with not being perfect. The internet has always been about perfection. People tend to post their most beautiful pictures on the internet to make it seem like they have the “dream life” or are better than others. The Brat summer trend is all about recognizing that you do not have to be perfect. It has been heavily compared to the Demure trend because of how different the two are. Demure is all about being classy and sophisticated, while Brat is about being careless and free.

“just like that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes, who feels herself, but then also maybe has a breakdown, but kind of parties through it” -Charlie XCX.

Although it is known as a trend, I think that Brat summer is so much more than that. It is different because it allows us to accept ourselves shamelessly. Yes, the internet will be back to its usual state of wanting to show perfection.

But for this brief moment, we have seen people in a new light. Julia Fox, for example, took advantage of this trend to show her unapologetic personality. Now, along with lime-green clothing and messy hair, she is a symbol of Brat summer. Kamala Harris has also been seen exercising this trend. Harris received praise from Charlie XCX when she tweeted “kamala IS brat”. The Harris campaign soon later changed their official Twitter page to match the vivid green of the Brat album cover. Also, many internet celebrities such as Emma Chamberlain, Chloe Cherry, Alex Consani, etc. were featured in the 360 music video.

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Being a Brat girl

To practice the Brat summer trend, you need to realize that nothing is permanent. Followers of the trend adopt a “you only live once” mindset which allows them to be who they truly are. It is important to be a little bit risky in life and sometimes does things you generally wouldn’t do just “for the plot”.

This perspective will force you out of your comfort zone and will allow you to possibly discover things about yourself that you had not previously known. Maybe try giving strangers compliments, or stopping to smile at the bus driver on your way to school. Someone who practices the Brat way of life doesn’t often weigh the consequences of their actions, which although may be seen as a negative thing, makes it so that they rely on their intuition a lot. They also stop caring about what others think of them because they live life for themselves instead of other people. They are less willing to bend over backward for others' requests and are instead focused on enhancing their own lives.

“I wanted this record to feel like I was having a conversation with the listener in a true way. I could say that to you in the back of a cab on the way to a club. Like tonight?

I want to dance with A. G.” -Charlie XCX.

To look like a Brat girl, try experimenting with darker clothes with pops of bright color. Streetwear is a staple of Brat girl clothing. It is reminiscent of the mob-wife aesthetic but is much more laid back and casual.

Maybe, try layering short-sleeved shirts over full-sleeve shirts, or putting on a leather jacket over your outfit. Brat makeup is generally very bold and dark, so having slightly smudged eyeliner or a vivid lip combination would contribute to the overall look. This style of makeup is generally matte and heavy and focuses on creating a dramatic look to the eye. Brat hair is generally very messy and can be achieved with messy buns or half-up hairstyles. It is supposed to seem effortless and last-minute.

Brat and It's completely different but also still brat

On October 11, 2024, Charlie XCX released “Brat and It's completely different but also still brat” a remix album of the original Brat. It contains reimaginations of the original tracks with new collaborations and beats. This album, although not as popular as the original, has had many notable moments throughout the internet.

Although the essence of each song is the same, the music on this album is completely different. It has been almost “remastered” in a way.

“The reason I love electronic music and clubs and DJs so much is that everything is endless. Everything can be repurposed and reimagined. As a pop writer, I find that exciting. It was cool to use Boiler Room as a space to demonstrate that artists often make five different versions of a song and the song that is put out is not the only one.” -Charlie XCX.

Brat summer is a trend that has given many people a refreshing perspective on life. It has taught us to embrace who we really are instead of hiding it in a facade on social media. Nobody is perfect, but Charlie XCX teaches us to love this aspect of humanity instead of concealing it.

Anvi Mathur
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Writer since Oct, 2023 · 7 published articles

Anvi is a writer for the Teen Magazine. She resides by the eastern coast of the United Stated. She is passionate about knowledge, and enjoys learning about medicine, psychology, cosmology, and philosophy. A member of National Junior Honors Society, she loves giving back. In her free time, she enjoys over-analyzing books and journaling. When she isn't writing, you can find her reading or dancing.

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