What is the brat summer that is taking the internet by storm?
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Since its release in early June, Charli XCX’s new album has shuffled the trend deck. Goodbye clean girl, now it’s time for brat summer! But far from being just a simple style, the trend is above all a state of mind. An analysis of a new vision of life and a style riding on anti-fashion.
What is brat summer?
Before being the most sought-after trend of the moment, “brat” is primarily the title of the new album by British artist Charli XCX. Unveiled in early June, the singer’s sixth album caused a tidal wave in streams and beyond! Indeed, with its acid-green cover and pixelated font, the album did not go unnoticed. Its visuals and the themes of the songs depict a unique universe that has hypnotized the planet.
More than an aesthetic: a state of mind
While the coquette girl and other ballet and tennis core presented themselves as simple fashion trends, brat summer stands out as being much more than that. Indeed, it is primarily a state of mind.
Through her album and personality, Charli XCX highlights a new vision of womanhood. The perfection sought by the clean girl trend is replaced by a quest for authenticity. The brat mood emphasizes the strengths and weaknesses of women, as well as those of a generation. This makes it a movement embraced worldwide. The brat girl possesses a free, rebellious, volatile, bold, and fun spirit; she has a wild side, even if it means doing or saying silly things, she goes out, expresses her opinion without holding back…
In short, it’s a state of mind that is less about appearance and reconnects with sensations and emotions, with the aim of living youth to the fullest.
The brat: a style that cannot be bought, but lived
Brat summer stands out for its unique character; it cannot be purchased, but is composed in reflection of the life vision of the one wearing it. Nevertheless, the spirit of the movement is described by the artist as someone who can have “a pack of cigarettes, a BIC lighter, and a white tank top without a bra”. In essence, it is an effortless style at the intersection of several influences.
Between retro pieces and others borrowed from the clubbing universe, the brat summer girls reinvent the Y2K style with a more provocative edge and a bit of a rough approach. While the clean girl aimed to be perfectly polished, with color harmonies to look pretty on the feed, the brat girl breaks free from these codes.
The brat aims to be anti-trend and even plays with the ugly. Notably with its emblem: the green brat. This refers to a loud and indescribable green that can be disconcerting but makes a significant impact. And yes, against all odds, lime green is even establishing itself as the new color to adopt! (for a mood looking to distance itself from fashion trends, it’s a bold move).
The style incorporates eclectic pieces, cuts, and materials, from leathers to faded denims, as well as leopard prints and other transparent fabrics. DIY t-shirts, babydoll tops, micro shorts, and short jackets are revealed in looks that are full of character!
Embrace the brat summer girl trend!
If you’re tired of perfect outfits punctuated by bows and ribbons, here’s our selection of pieces to express your wild side. Don’t forget your flip phone or your Sony Cyber-shot to capture your looks!
Photos: Pinterest
