A Rough Guide To: Brat Summer

Georgia -


You're obsessin', just confess it 'cause it's obvious…

From her early dance bangers to cementing herself as a global pop culture icon, we’ve been following the career of Charli xcx for over a decade, one of the most celebrated and sought-after artists releasing pop music on vinyl. The arrival of Charli’s sixth studio album Brat brings with it not just a new era of outstanding music but also a new framework to follow: Brat Summer.

Amidst an explosion of internet aesthetics, Charli leads the way in summer ‘24 with a truly world-building album. But what does it mean to be a brat? Badly behaved (but still lovable), messy (whilst still being effortlessly hot), bougie but subtle. Think’ hot girl summer’ but with a whole lot more edge.

As Charli explained herself to BBC Sounds: “It can go quite luxury” referring to a TikTok of her on a yacht (with 'reluctant BF who is quite frankly over it') “...but it can also be so trashy, just like a pack of cigs and a Bic lighter and a strappy white top with no bra. That's kind of all you need.”

Unsurprisingly, the pop icon’s dedicated fans (angels) are more than on board in bringing the Brat vision to life and were lucky enough to celebrate with them (and the icon herself) at our release day album signing event at Rough Trade East. This gave us a hotbed of inspiration. So, if you’re looking to trash-luxe up your life in the name of Brat this sweaty season, check out our angels-informed list of the ultimate style essentials you’ll need to channel the album all summer long. She’s your favourite reference, baby.

Arial font
Acid green
Dark Arts Coffee
Aperol spritz in a plastic cup
Sunglasses in the club
Baby tees
Bic lighter
White tanks 
Jorts
Nike Tabis
French manicures
Messy AF mascara
Vanilla fragrance
Vintage garb
Sports cars / Bratmobiles
Cameras with the flash on
Translucent orange vinyl
Tote bags
A.G Cook
Julia Fox 
Gabbriette 
The 1975
Justice
Kamala Harris
Venue MOT 
Vocal rest 
Leaving the club at 7am
One hour’s sleep
Antiperspirant

Albums of the Year So Far...

The music that hit and the music you missed. Brat is one of 30 great titles in our Albums of the Year so Far list for 2024.

You can also pick up a copy of our Limited Edition zine in-store, featuring the physical print version of this guide to treasure forever.