Want to look cool this Summer? Then you've got to dress like a brat. No, no, we don't mean you revert to childhood and start throwing tantrums at the mall— we've all been there, done that, and got the t-shirt! Thanks to Charlie XCX and her viral album, Brat, this summer trend calls for embracing our imperfections, the beautiful chaos, and just having fun. The aesthetic is elevated y2k party girl, and, of course, anything lime green goes. So, to ensure that your wardrobe is brat-ready for summer, here's our round-up of our must-have vintage styles from the early 2000s available now on fashionandfables.com.

What is Brat Summer and Why It's the Ultimate Vintage Trend!

Brat is a summer trend inspired by English musician Charli XCX's hit 6th album “brat”. Released on June 7 2004,  the album and Charlie's style and ethos behind it has gone viral, with a plentora of lime green marketing campaigns and over 41.2K posts under the hashtag #bratsummer on Tiktok. Charlie best explains the  meaning of “brat”  in a TikTok video when she said:

“You’re just like that girl who is a little messy, likes to party, and maybe says some dumb things sometimes. Who feels herself but maybe also has a breakdown. But kind of like, parties through it, is very honest, very blunt. A little bit volatile. Like, does dumb things. But it’s brat. You’re brat. That’s brat,”. How does this translate to your wardrobe? Well, the look is cool party girl thus very much elevated edgy y2k aesthetics!

Well, now that's sorted let's get to the best vintage outfits for brat summer trends with our collection of retro y2K fashion for summer looks.

1) The Cool Tops

How to style a brat summer wardrobe? Every brat-ready wardrobe needs a collection of cool tops—the more figure-flattering the better! Think sleeveless sexy designs and mid-riff-bearing spaghetti-strap tops to anything with a striking animal print. 

This vintage morgan du toi piece is an example of Brat done right. Its got a touch of the wild with its statement animal print and is seductive with a hint of lace and that figure-flattering silhouette knocks it out of the park   As is, of course, this y2k pink halterneck design- perfect for dancing the night away to Charlie's "360" track 

 

  

 

2) The Sexy Dress 

For day, we love this sexy red slip dress. The vintage design with an 80s taffeta finish and seductive rouched details was made in Italy by the brand Pilatus. It comes with a tailored blazer, so it can easily double as a date night dress. 

 

 Another option that will work for your next night out is this y2k H&M swirly print dress

 

 

3) The Shiny Number

This y2k futurist number is made for the dancefloor, and the best part: as it is a skirt suit you are getting two for the price of one. Sexy yet sophisticated, the retro pleather design is by French brand a jus d'orange. Not a skirt kind of gal, not to worry, you can still be so brat with this metallic Capris 

4) The Camo Piece

Your off-duty style will rank high on the brat list with this camouflage print Super Dry shirt. Complete with two breast pockets, the y2k button-down piece works for all seasons.  If you like your camo with a dose of color, this pink army-inspired print trousers will work as well. 

 

 

5) The Crocheted Bag

Forget your basic totes—this summer, it’s all about the crochet craze! A crocheted bag isn’t just an accessory; it’s a statement piece that screams boho-chic with a Y2K twist. These textured beauties are perfect for elevating your casual outfits while keeping things playful and nostalgic. Whether you’re heading to a farmer’s market or a sunset picnic, a crocheted bag effortlessly adds vintage charm to your look. Opt for bold color blocks or neutral tones, like this one we have in store to match the brat aesthetic and make every outfit Insta-worthy

 

7) The round buckled belt

Low-rise jeans and round buckled belts—the early 2000s gave us well-loved trends. Relieve those days—but with a modern brat summer twist—with this vintage belt. Made by Brownings, it is a piece that will last for decades to come. 

 

 

8)  The Green Pieces 

Green is no longer just a color—it’s a vibe, and it’s dominating the fashion world this season. From lime to olive, adding green to your wardrobe instantly injects a fresh and edgy flair. Channel the brat energy with oversized lime-green cardigans, olive halter tops, or neon accessories that pop against neutral palettes. For a playful touch, try layering green pieces with plaid skirts or denim for that perfect retro Y2K edge. Green is bold, confident, and anything but subtle—just like you.

 

 

Be sure to remember, as brat summer is all about being yourself, it's important to embrace the Brat Summer look with your own spin on things. To inspire your own take, check out our exclusive vintage pieces and subscribe for more style tips