Beyond BRAT Summer: How to embrace BRAT-ism through Winter or Transition Towards a Demure Season
Beyond BRAT Summer: How to embrace BRAT-ism through Winter or Transition Towards a Demure Season
By Charlotte Oakley Deville
The past couple of weeks have certainly triggered panic as temperatures have dropped, the nights are drawing in, my Raynauds are reappearing, and summer clothing now clogs up the SALE rack in stores.
For many though, leaving behind the summer weather isn’t at the height of their concerns, instead, this transitional period seems to be calling curtains on their BRAT Summer era.
This leaves those spiritually affiliated with the BRAT Summer aesthetic at a hypothetical crossroads…
To BRAT, or not to BRAT, that is the question…
So, for those looking to put an A/W-spin on BRAT-ism, and those keen to ‘redeem’ themselves by turning towards the ‘Demure, Mindful, Cutesy’ side of life, here is my advice for whichever path you choose to take:
Firstly though, let us clear up some sticking points for those who think ‘BRAT’ is simply the term for an ‘ill-mannered’ and ‘unruly’ child in caps lock.
What is BRAT Summer?
A far-cry from 2023’s Barbie summer, or the traditionally tasteful ‘old-money’, ‘clean girl’, and ‘demure’ aesthetics currently circulating, ‘BRAT Summer’ was coined as a result of Charli XCX’s June 2024 release of her ‘Brat’ album. ‘BRAT’ denotes an aesthetic trend, attitude, and lifestyle that celebrates the un-hinged and erratic, embraces chaos and imperfection, is associated with the garish lime-neon-green album cover, and is embodied by an archetype of Gen-Z and Millennial smudged eye-liner party girls. Think more along the lines of how ‘Weird Barbie’ was portrayed.
A ‘BRAT’ may also be complimented as ‘so Julia’ after Charli XCX praised the actress/model Julia Fox as an ‘It’ girl for her confidence in simply ‘being everywhere’, putting herself out there, and being the centre of attention.
The young, wild, and free spirit of BRAT is now threatened by the obstacles imposed by colder weather and the demise of summer spontaneity. However, there are plenty of ways to maintain BRAT-ism.
How to have a BRAT Autumn/Winter:
Fear not BRATs, there are plenty of ways to continue your antics during the colder months. These include…
Bringing out the Doc Martens, leather trousers, and wearing a jumper on nights out to avoid a not-so-stylish cold.
Fusing your BRAT mindset with Mob-Wife aesthetic clothing by flaunting longline leather and ‘fur’ coats.
Performing the infamous Apple dance and taking the BRAT album as outfit inspiration for Halloween.
Swapping seasonal sequins for grungy metallic looks, particularly silvery-black shades.
Conversely, a will towards redemption is on the cards for those suffering from the aftermath of their reckless BRAT Summer. Luckily, the late summer ‘Demure’ aesthetic arose to save the day.
What is the ‘Demure, Mindful, Cutesy’ aesthetic?
A term popularised by Tiktoker, Jools Lebron @joolieannie, the ‘Demure, Mindful, Cutesy’ aesthetic stands in direct contrast to the BRAT. The aesthetic oozes understated elegance, etiquette, modesty, and aligns with the ‘clean girl’ and ‘old money’ mindset and style.
To contextualise, Demure is nursing a white wine over dinner whilst BRAT is buzzing from Jägerbombs in the club.
Demure has been on a Hot Girl Walk and enjoyed a Pumpkin Spice Latte on a crisp autumn morning before BRAT has made it home from the night before.
BRAT demands attention and can’t be missed, whilst Demure attracts attention towards their sophistication.
To embody such a figure this Autumn Winter. I suggest…
Veering towards Burgundy and Brown tones to add depth to your Creams and Beiges.
Seeking tailored and military-style clothing: Chanel-esque boucle jackets (perhaps mindfully purchased from a charity shop in affluent areas), gold military style button detailing, collared blouses and dresses.
Ballerina pumps and kitten heels.
Journalling, reflecting on the year so far, living more intentionally.
Baking, cinnamon / maple / pumpkin spiced coffees and foods, cooking with seasonal vegetables.
Crisp morning walks, yoga and stretch classes.
