Welcome to Same Same But Different. As Gen Z and millennial fashion editors, respectively, we know a thing or two about shopping—for all ages, and especially our demographics. As we find the best products for you, we can’t help but do a little shopping for ourselves and build our personal (age-appropriate) wish lists. And now, we’re sharing them with you. Ahead, check out what’s in our hearts and in our carts lately.
Dale Chong: First things first: I’d be remiss not to pay tribute to Charli XCX, whose BRAT album kicked off the cultural movement that is now forever known as brat girl summer. Slime green is everywhere—on my Instagram feed, in the windows of my favorite thrift stores, and on the most stylish individuals on the street. At first, I was skeptical of this particular aesthetic, but then somehow I managed to drink the Kool-Aid—because it’s not solely about the looks; it’s about the vibes. And being a brat is all about not giving a f*ck. Dare I say it’s the sartorial realization of “screaming, crying, throwing up?” What does being a brat mean to you, Meg?
Meg Donohue: Finally, a movement I feel like I was made for. Tenniscore was cute, and quiet luxury is great, but those trends are not necessarily me. I feel at home in the brat era. I started my own reclamation of the word earlier this year when I decided it was time to be more outspoken, to be unashamed and unapologetic in asking for things I need or want. I speak solely for myself when I say that I need to give less of a damn about other people and prioritize yours truly. I’m letting myself be a little messy and lean into the chaos rather than make myself mad by trying to avoid it. On a cerebral level, this is what brat means to me.
But in terms of aesthetics, it means a fresh take on club kid attire. I’m revisiting all my favorite Y2K trends, including slogan tees, trucker hats, wedge flip-flops, and barbed wire tramp stamps. Diesel and Miaou are two brands that feel particularly bratty to me, and I’m dreaming about this strawberry latex halter specifically. I sense that we may differ more on this theme than some others…how are you applying brat to your own style?
DC: I know (and feel) the essence of the IDGAF brat mood—which, up until recently I was referring to as my “hot girl era” before realizing that it was simply, well, brat. After all, in the words of our dear colleague Samuel Maude, “A brat summer is all about late nights in a club, sweating through your shirt and not having a single care, making out with hot boys (or even maybe your friends) and taking them home. It’s about a little drunk cigarette that you extinguish on the backs of your enemies. It’s about a crisp cold beer and a tiny white tank top. You are the main character; it’s all about you because you’re the reference and moment.” Poetic, no? And while I’m not doing all of those things, I’m certainly channeling that energy.
Anyway, back to your question. I’m taking a more minimalist approach—sans slime green (I would, but it simply doesn’t work with my complexion). That takes form in a ’90s-inspired tank top from Éterne, which makes me think of the spaghetti strap tops of my youth paired with ultra-long denim shorts in a grungy khaki green from DL1961.
I’ll be accessorizing with the New Balance sneakers I can’t stop wearing, plus a cute little Versace shoulder bag, because why not? And finally, because this is about late nights in the club above all, I will be embellishing my sweat-destined makeup looks with rhinestones. That just feels right to me.
MD: Noting “sweat-destined makeup” as a potential band name. To your point, brat really is a state of mind, first and foremost. It looks different to everyone, as evidenced by the poll I took of our coworkers. Erica Gonzales quite scholastically said:
“As opposed to last year’s hot-pink summer of Barbie, Charli XCX’s lime-green Brat summer has a little more attitude, a little more edge, but is by no means superficial. Maybe you’re going to a rave and keeping your smudged makeup on the next day, but you’re also working things out with your longtime frenemy. Maybe you’re a party girl, but you also contemplate whether it might be time to become a mom. Maybe you’re doing the ‘Apple’ dance on TikTok but you also feel self-conscious about your body. It’s about being vulnerable just as much as it is about being That Girl and a little bit of a mess—whether you’re a regular at the club or not.”
Well said, Erica; I always knew you were a huge brat. In other news, I’ll be accessorizing with this gold Lilith medallion that Awe Inspired and Julia Fox collaborated on. The “I’m so Julia” line has been playing on a loop in my head, so it’s only right. Are there any other ways you’re brat-ifying your life?
DC: Could there be anyone more brat than Julia Fox? I think not! Embracing this particular lifestyle also means incorporating the things in my closet that have worked for ages—like my favorite graphic T-shirt (which is bound to wear down beautifully over time) and miniskirt. It’s feminine but a little rock ’n’ roll—especially when I finish the look off with these Frye harness boots, another wardrobe staple for the season of the brat. Without a doubt, this has become my go-to look for the weekends where I’m out until dawn.
Of course, I don’t think my brat summer would be complete without a cheeky point-and-shoot camera—because, at least for me, brat girl summer is the new indie sleaze, and I mean that in the best way possible.
MD: I’m all in on the digital camera. Some day, those candids might end up in a history book under the “2020-2029: Through the Eras” chapter alongside the definition of “nepo baby” and a Kardashian family tree. I wonder what Brat’s successor will be…food for thought. Until next time!