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THE "brat" aesthetic is a trend coined by pop star Charli XCX that's been taking the internet by storm in 2024.

It's said to celebrate "sweaty party-girl chaos" and was inspired by Charli's album, Brat - here's what we know about it.

The 'Brat girl' aesthetic has taken the internet by storm
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The 'Brat girl' aesthetic has taken the internet by stormCredit: Instagram/charli_xcx

What is the meaning of a Brat girl summer?

The term "Brat girl" aims to take away the negative connotations from the word "brat".

Usually the word would mean a child or person who behaves badly, especially if they expect to get everything they want.

But Charli XCX has redefined the term to embrace the traits that come with being a brat.

What is the meaning of a Brat girl summer?

Brat girl summer means embracing the "brat" aesthetic this summertime in the way you act and dress.

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Lime green is the colour of choice, as per the rapper's album cover.

Your style could include wearing dark eyeliner, having messy hair and making sure to focus on being unapologetically yourself.

Short shorts, mini skirts and graphic T-shorts, paired with heeled boots are the order of the day.

The trend is the opposite of the "clean girl aesthetic" which is all about simplicity, a natural look, and classic styles.

Who coined the term Brat girl summer?

British singer Charli XCX released an album called "brat" in June 2024 and it has inspired a whole new way of life.

It hit No3 on the Billboard 200 but reached the top spot on the Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart.

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The "brat" look is casual yet edgy but the aesthetic as a whole involves a confident sassy attitude.

Charlie revealed in a BBC interview, that a "brat summer" can be "kind of luxury" but also "so trashy".

The singer added: "Just like a pack of cigs and a bic lighter. And a strappy white top with no bra.

"That's kinda all you need."

You’re that girl who is a bit messy and loves to party and maybe says dumb things sometimes. She’s honest, blunt and a little bit volatile.That's Brat

Charli XCX

In a TikTok interview, Charli explained the essence of being a “Brat”.

She said: "You’re that girl who is a bit messy and loves to party and maybe says dumb things sometimes.

"She’s honest, blunt and a little bit volatile.

"That's Brat."

One song, Mean Girls, is especially Brat.

It begins with the lyrics: "Yeah, it's 2 a.m. and she's out there
In the sheer white dress, wearing last night's makeup."

It continues: "All coquettish in the pictures, with the flash on
Worships Lana Del Rey in her AirPods, yeah."

Why has Charli XCX callled Kamala Harris a brat?

Kamala Harris has embraced the "brat" trend during her presidential campaign scattering references across her account.

Charli showed her support by tweeting "kamala IS brat" shortly after President Joe Biden announced he was stepping out of the race for president.

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Vice President Kamala Harris has embraced the brat aesthetic
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Vice President Kamala Harris has embraced the brat aestheticCredit: The Mega Agency
Charli tweeted support for the Vice President writing 'Kamala is brat'
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Charli tweeted support for the Vice President writing 'Kamala is brat'Credit: Twitter/charli_xcx

How can I achieve the Brat aesthetic?

There is advice on how to achieve the "Brat aesthetic" all over the internet but here are a few style suggestions

  • Messy hair. No hairbrush necessary.
  • Sunglasses; edgy, square-rimmed, and always on.
  • A smudged smokey eye.
  • Knee-high lace-up boots.
  • Leather, in general, is good.
  • Y2K lipgloss is also good.
  • Lime green nails and eyeshadow, because why not.
  • Old, corded Apple headphones.
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