What is Brat Summer? The Meaning Behind the Charli XCX Trend

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have heard the phrase “Brat summer” being said everywhere you look – but what does it actually mean? If you don’t already know, I’m sure that everything will start making a lot more sense once you do, like those memes that look like Charli XCX’s album cover.

Brat summer has overtaken last year’s most popular aesthetic, Barbiecore. While Barbie fever saw everything pink, cute and feminine, Brat summer is pretty much the complete opposite. It all kicked off with the release of Charli XCX’s Brat album, which dropped in June 2024. The album cover is bright green and features the title in a recognisable black font, an image that has been constantly replicated ever since. Let’s delve into the details. Next, read about the mob wife aesthetic and mermaidcore.

Contents hide

1 What is brat summer?

2 What is brat green?

3 Brat summer essentials

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What is brat summer?

Brat summer is an aesthetic and attitude to life that emerged from the release of Charli XCX’s Brat album this year. Essentially, it’s about embracing our chaotic energy, and let’s face it, constant existential crises, while partying hard as a distraction. Unlike hot girl summer, brat summer encourages a more raw, edgy, and sometimes messy approach to life. It’s about enjoying life to the full, even when facing challenges.

Charli herself said that “Brat behaviour stems from insecurities. It is this combination of ultra confidence yet ultra vulnerability. It is not one or the other; it’s both.” In another interview, she added that brat summer is both “luxury and trashy” simultaneously and identified brat summer essentials as “a pack of cigs, a BIC lighter” and “a strappy white top with no bra”. Iconic.

What is brat green?

Brat green is the colour associated with the trend, which can be seen on the cover of Charli XCX’s brat album. It’s a bold, vibrant lime green shade that reflects the carefree and rebellious spirit of the brat summer aesthetic. It’s a departure from the previous year’s Barbiecore pink and represents a shift towards a more edgy and individualistic style. On a more practical level for those who want to use the brat green in their creative projects, the HEX code is #8ACE00. You’re welcome!