It’s a brat girl summer: 5 style rules according to Charli XCX

Charlie XCX is definitely having a moment right now. From her iconic music video for “360”, to the release of her newest album Brat (which has already been named as one of the best pop albums of the year) – there’s even a viral dance on TikTok to one of her songs.

But it’s not just her music that’s getting attention these days. The pop singer’s style is getting noticed too – bringing back the “messy” era of the mid 2000’s.  She also incorporates a grunge-goth edge to her looks, with her wardrobe’s color palette consisting mostly of blacks, grays, and neon pops of color.

As someone who spent her formative, teenage years in that time period, Charli knows the aesthetic well, naturally incorporating the chaotic energy of “indie sleaze” without feeling too costumey or performative.

The success of Brat and her recent viral revival are all thanks to her genius branding and her ability to hone in on her style.  A scroll through her Instagram feed feels like opening a 2015 time capsule.

So in honor of it being a “brat-girl” summer, we wanted to look at some of her most recent iconic looks and pinpoint some of her fashion staples. If you want to copy Charli XCX’s style, look no further. Here are 5 styling rules according to Charli XCX.

One thing’s for sure, Charli loves a see through moment. Whether it’s a stunning yellow gown at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party or just a casual black look to watch tennis at Wimbledon – sheer is always in.

But if going for a “barely there” look is not really up your alley, there are still a number of cool ways you can incorporate a sheer look into your daily style. Wear a sheer top with a body underneath, or throw a oversized blazer over a semi-sheer dress.

It can’t be a Y2K aesthetic without a graphic tee. Charli loves a tongue-in-cheek slogan or an edgy baby tee. We’ve seen this trend picking up over the past few months and not hard to understand why. Demand for this cheeky shirts have increased by over 51% compared to last year! 

Graphic tees add a bit of fun and playfulness to a look – and are easy to combine. Wear them with a maxi skirt, a cute mini, or just a pair of jeans.

One of the most versatile pieces you can have in your wardrobe is a leather jacket. There are so many ways you can incorporate it into your daily looks, and Charli XCX is proof of that statement. She has a variety of leather jackets from oversized to cropped to more unique pieces embelleshed with fur or silver hardware.

Use your leather jacket to add some dimension and contrast to your outfit. They are an easy way to liven up an otherwise ordinary outfit. Plus, what would a pop-grunge outfit be without a leather jacket?

When it comes to accessories, Charli loves oversized sunglasses. She tends to go for the big wrap-around frames, but has also been spotted wearing the smaller, Y2K style sunglasses as well.

Sunglasses are an easy add-on to any outfit and can be just the thing your outfit is missing. With so many different shapes and styles there is sure to be a pair that’s perfect for you.

It’s true that Charli loves an all-black look – but that doesn’t mean she isn’t afraid to throw in some pops of color. She doesn’t shy away from bright colors like neon green, hot pink, and electric blue.

While summer usually means lighter shades of white and pastel colors – for a brat summer make sure to incorporate some bright neon colors into your all-black outfits.