How to achieve a 'Brat Summer' aesthetic

The summer of 2024 has brought us a surprising trend: the Brat Summer aesthetic. This trend draws inspiration from the late '90s and early 2000s fashion, embodying that era's carefree, fun-loving spirit. It's all about making bold statements and embracing a playful, confident attitude.

Charlie XCX and her latest album reintroduced the style, and many have taken the Brat Summer fashion and beauty look as a way to embrace the real, messy, and chaotic side of them. 

© Karwai Tang / Getty Images

Learn below how to achieve this semi-grunge meets party-girl aesthetic:

Fashion Staples

Bold Prints and Colors

• Vibrant Palette: Embrace bright, bold colors like hot pink, neon green, electric blue, and sunshine yellow. These colors are attention-grabbing and perfect for summer.
• Fun Prints: Incorporate playful patterns like animal prints, florals, and quirky graphics. Mixing prints can add a unique twist to your outfit.

Statement Tops

•   Crop Tops and Halters: Show off your midriff with crop and halter tops. Look for designs with catchy phrases, rhinestones, or graphic prints.   Baby Tees: These tight, short-sleeved tees are a nod to the 2000s. Choose ones with nostalgic logos or cute motifs.

Bottoms with Attitude

• Mini Skirts and Shorts: Opt for denim mini skirts, cargo shorts, or high-waisted shorts. Distressed or frayed edges add an extra rebellious touch.
•  Wide-Leg and Flared Pants: Channel the early 2000s with wide-leg or flared jeans and pants. Low-rise options are also an excellent choice for a more daring look.

Layering Pieces

• Oversized Jackets and Hoodies: Balance out the bold, tight-fitting tops with oversized denim jackets, hoodies, or bomber jackets. 
•   Cardigans and Shrugs: Lightweight cardigans and shrugs are perfect for layering over your crop tops and dresses.

 Beauty and Hair

Bold Makeup

• Smudged Eyeliner: Apply eyeliner generously and then smudge it for that effortless, undone look. This gives a grungy, lived-in feel that is perfect for late-night summer parties.
•   Glossy or Undone Lips: Opt for glossy lip glosses in pink, nude, or clear shades. The idea is to keep it simple, shiny, or even messy as if you've been out dancing all night.
•    Plenty of Mascara: Apply mascara to give your lashes a thick, voluminous look. The more, the better for this unapologetic style.

Playful Hairstyles

• High Ponytails and Pigtails: Embrace high ponytails, space buns, or pigtails for a fun, youthful look. Add in some colorful hair extensions or highlights for a bold statement.
•   Crimped and Wavy Hair: Crimped hair or loose, beachy waves can give you that effortless, lived-in look. Feel free to experiment with different textures.