Raising Hell: A Brat’s Guide to the South

"Brat Summer" is a term coined from the EDM and pop-based artist, Charli XCX and has been the aesthetic goal of the summer. This idea can be understood as a celebration of a bold, playful, raunchy and rebellious attitude, reflecting the tones from her album. Chartreuse and black, miniskirts with thongs placed above the waistline, white tees with black bras underneath, and of course vivacious and skeezy parting, in copious amounts all embody the vibe of brat summer. When thinking about this theme, it encompasses a mix of upbeat, edgy music, vibrant visuals, and a general sense of youthful defiance of morality and civility. It channels an attitude of fun and individuality, embracing a playful, sometimes provocative, persona that aligns with XCX's signature style and sound.

So, in a time where everyone is bumping a proverbial (or sometimes literal) line, how do we in the demure south partake in this brat-ification? It seems there are two avenues to embracing this phenomenon; bringing LA to Nashville, and putting the ‘cunt’ in country. The first plays into the scenery, meaning ‘brattifying’ the culture around you. Two stepping with a stranger in your ‘miss me’ jeans on the band playing’s tab. Wearing excessive amounts of camo and heels to the club, lime green moonshine, and swapping out the y2k wraparound sunglasses for a bright pair of Oakley’s, and the slick back for a Von Dutch trucker hat. To contrast this, bringing the luxe vibes of LA to the south has also been trending. This includes dancing behind the DJ booth at Night We Met or The Office in your tallest platforms and mini skirt, laying out and ordering pool service at soho or dive motel on some “entrepreneur” man’s card, going to Steeple Chase in the morning then Lipstick Lounge right after, and of course, accepting everybody regardless of gender identity and expression especially in states like Tennessee where proposed drag bans are trying to limit queer people’s freedoms.

This mindset embodies a vibrant celebration of individuality and playful self-expression, and it flourishes across the country, it has the potential to dilute the conservative climate in the South. The movement encourages people to blend local culture with edgy flair or bring eclectic party vibes to their summer festivities. We need more brat experiences this year, so grab your people, a cig and a ridiculously undersized purse, because brat summer isn’t over; 365 party girls will stay bumpin’ that.

 Strike Out,

Isabella Preston

Isabella Preston is the Copy Editor and a Writer for Strike Magazine Chattanooga. You can find her at imp.preston@gmail.com or on Instagram at @bellapresto0o