Transitioning From Brat Summer to Princess Diana Fall
My favorite time of year is finally beginning. The leaves are changing, the temperature’s dropping, and I can finally put away my knock-off Hermés slides and change into my knock-off Ugg Tazz Suede Slippers. Just like the four seasons, our style changes with each time of year.
This summer was one for the history books. Not only were the music charts constantly stacked with female pop icons (shoutout to my QUEENS Taylor, Sabrina, Chappell, Billie, and Beyoncé), but one artist in particular inspired an entire phenomenon for the world to follow from June to August. Charlie XCX’s Brat album took the musical world by storm and, in turn, tackled fashion trends at the same time.
Brat Summer was more than just a mindset: It was a lifestyle. Messy, chaotic and hot, the Brat aesthetic often included rocking last night’s makeup, bras thrown to the side and a lighter on tap. Trashy and sexy combined themselves in the form of attention-drawing colors, heavy textures, simple white tanks, lots of leather and platform boots that rival those worn by the Spice Girls in the 90s. Paired with black-out sunglasses and bulky jewelry, the Brat-inspired style caused confidence and an unapologetic “party-girl” attitude that took over the summer.
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Brat Summer was exactly what it needed to be: A summer trend. As the weather changes, school and work come heavily back into focus, and daily responsibilities take priority once again; our style will inevitably reflect these shifts. Thank goodness we have a style icon to look up to during these trying times.
The Queen of People’s Hearts herself, Princess Diana.
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The People’s Princess style was able to inspire generations to come, even after her life was tragically cut short. Her inspiration comes not only through her designer and couture formal gowns but through her everyday style. Though, we can never forget or not appreciate the Dior Slip dress from the 1996 Met Gala or, of course, the iconic Stambolian “Revenge Dress.”
Image Courtesy: https://www.vogue.com/article/princess-diana-met-gala-dress
Princess Diana Fall consists of pulling your favorite bulky sweaters and equestrian boots out of winter storage. Staple turtlenecks to go with printed sweater vests or pencil skirts are also a must in order to channel her classy yet comfortable aesthetic (very demure, very mindful, very cutesy, of course). A dress shirt tucked into straight-leg pants or the clever addition of a statement collar consistently adds a professional touch to any outfit.
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Some people may think that a Barbour Jacket is a masculine coat, but from Princess Di’s example, I’ve learned that this very coat can be durable and practical as well as feminine and stylish. You can even channel her aesthetic during a workout when you match a pair of biker shorts with whatever oversized college sweatshirt you choose to sport. Her style can apply to any age or gender, and the air beginning to chill is my cue to start the transition.
Whether you’ve thrown out the basic tanks and taken your chunky sweaters out of storage, or you’ve moved on to a more individualized take on fall fashion, the transition from Brat Summer to Princess Diana Fall is a great starting point to learn how to dress for the different seasons. Style is absolutely subjective, and everyone is encouraged to put their own personal twist onto any outfit. Personally, I love having a subject to base my aesthetic around, and if there was ever an icon I would be proud to look up to, Princess Diana meets that mark.
Strike Out,
Ann Harper Covington
Editor: Madeline Jankowski
Athens