For months we’ve watched on with envy as our mates in the Northern Hemisphere have lived out their brat summer dreams following the release of British pop superstar Charli xcx’s latest album. But now, Australia, it’s own turn.
Beyond becoming the official anthem of summer, Brat has given rise to a new way of life. But what does it really mean to be a brat? In a TikTok, Charli described the brat persona as a “girl who is a bit messy and loves to party and maybe says dumb things sometimes. Who feels herself but maybe also has a breakdown.” Essentially, being a brat is about being loud, chaotic and unapologetically you.
As neon green continues to light up phone screens around Australia, we’ve curated the ultimate brat summer itinerary for all you party girls.
1. Ditch your non-brat clothes
Black is out, and brat green is officially in. Spring is the perfect time to give your wardrobe a brat summer glow-up. That means making room for graphic baby tees, trendy hot pants, sheer black tights, knee-high boots and speed dealer sunnies. Oh, and anything neon green can stay.
Remember, one brat’s waste is another brat’s treasure, so hit up your local op shop or market for second-hand gems. And while you're at it, consider donating your pre-loved clothes to keep the cycle going.
2. Sip on an iced matcha latte
True brats need their caffeine fix. After all, how else are we supposed to keep the party pumping all night long? It’s perfectly timed that iced matcha lattes have become the hottest (or coolest) drink of summer, mirroring the vibrant green of Charli’s latest album cover. Hunt down your closest café serving up the jungle juice and be prepared to pay $12. Sure, that’s steep, but there’s something delightfully bratty about splurging on trendy treats.
Bonus brat points: Paint your nails a striking shade of nuclear waste so you can snap a cute pic holding your matcha.
3. Go apple picking
“The apple don’t fall far from the tree…” Sadly, there won’t be any apples waiting under the tree this summer since they’re out of season. But you can still go on a whimsical adventure and run wild in the fields at your closest fruit farm. Pick sweet strawberries, juicy peaches, bright cherries and plump mangoes – and perhaps whip up a cheeky cocktail using your freshly picked fruits.
4. Catch a gig at The Tivoli
If you’re an OG brat, you might’ve been lucky enough to catch one of Charli xcx’s two exclusive solo concerts in Australia last year. The pop superstar played gigs at The Tivoli in Brisbane and Northcote Theatre in Melbourne, both iconic venues that have hosted music royalty over the years. This summer, embrace your weird, wild and wacky side by booking tickets to see the next up-and-coming talent at one of these legendary spots.
5. Blast the bops on a road trip
If “I’m gonna drive, gonna drive all night” is your summer anthem, it’s a sign to press play on your next road trip. Go full brat and hit the open road without a specific destination in mind, blasting Brat on repeat for the ultimate vibe. If that sounds too free-spirited for you, check out our top Aussie road trips here.
6. Nab tickets to Laneway Festival
One of Australia’s biggest festivals is here to make our summer so 'Julia' with a very hot line-up, headlined by the woman of the moment, Charli xcx. This is the only chance to see the chart-topping songstress perform in the Southern Hemisphere during her visit, with Laneway Festival headed to Brisbane Showgrounds, Sydney Centennial Park, Melbourne's Flemington Park, Adelaide’s Bonython Park and Perth’s Wellington Square in February, 2025.
7. Head to the airport, the airport
Just follow Charli’s lead and make your way to the airport for the ultimate summer getaway. The greener the destination, the better, obviously. Queensland’s World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest ticks all the boxes with its 3,000 different plant species, as does the National Arboretum Canberra, home to one of the world’s largest living collections of rare, endangered and significant trees.