Brat Green Is The New Barbie Pink - How To Style It This Summer

As the sun sets on the eras of bold Bottega green and Barbiecore pink, we're ready for a change. But while 2024's trending colors have given us fresh options like Pantone-favored peach fuzz and spring's go-to butter yellow, it seems the fashion world isn't completely ready to say goodbye to green. Rather than disappearing altogether, this enduring hue is pivoting to an even brighter shade: slime.

So far, the so-called "brat green" is proving to be as influential as its designer forbearer, appearing everywhere from trending manicures to viral aesthetics in the culinary scene. But this kiwi-esque color has more humble beginnings than a Milanese luxury fashion house, first rising to popularity after appearing as the background of Charli XCX's 2024 record, "Brat." Though the British singer's sixth studio album was a summer release, this divisive shade is sticking around for the foreseeable future, having already appeared in Gucci, Fendi, and Brandon Maxwell's fall lineups. 

But when it comes to summer styling, it's important to first differentiate brat green from other shades. This isn't the cooler emerald-like Bottega green, nor should it fall anywhere near mint, seafoam, or parakeet. Instead, it resembles a uranium-glass kind of green, like you'd see on Mike Wazowski from "Monsters Inc." There is some leeway here, with lighter variations gravitating more toward tennis-ball green and even lime, while the darker boundaries draw closer to Kermit green. It's been associated with monsters, aliens, and toxic sludge, but that doesn't mean brat green is ugly — you can dress it up with color-blocking, tone it down with everyday essentials, and even get creative to make it extra feminine. 

Charli XCX admits that brat green isn't the prettiest color. "I wanted to go with an offensive, off-trend shade of green to trigger the idea of something being wrong," she told Vogue Singapore this April. But you can make it chic by incorporating some color-blocking. Pink and green have always been best friends, but you can get creative with this, whether you'd prefer something equally bright or to tone it down with a subtler shade. And since brat green is everywhere, you should have no problem finding this hue on more formal garments. 

You can achieve a coquette look by combining brat green with ultra-feminine girlcore fabrics, like tulle. Go for romantic midi or maxi skirts with a light and summery top, and if you don't like this color on its own, opt for an ombré effect. You could also experiment with girlier accessories, like shimmery metallic shoes. And believe it or not, going girly is one of the best ways to tribute Charli XCX, who shouts out "coquettish" gals on the "Brat" track "Mean Girls."

When worn with confidence, nothing says "effortlessly cool" like bike shorts. You can keep your ventures into the world of brat green casual by opting for an everyday button-up (not necessarily buttoned up) over some basic bike shorts. Wear this look with sneakers if you want to fully lean into athleisure territory or even Converse for a super-casual take. It will send the message that you're seamlessly staying on top of the trends without needing everyone to know about it.

Some people just can't imagine themselves feeling confident in a color that resembles slime, and that's okay. You can still jump on the brat-green bandwagon without betraying your personal values thanks to easy, breezy accessories. Go for an alien-green handbag and color-block it with some hot-pink pumps, or if you want to channel a preppy look (which is all the rage in 2024), reach for knee-high socks and a summery minidress. 

We're just saying — slime can be sexy. Brat green on silky or satiny hues is just as sensual — and in many cases, as formal — as any other hue. Rock this trend at your next event with a radiant evening gown that almost makes you look radioactive. Red and aquamarine dresses may have turned you into the best-dressed wedding guest in 2023, but in 2024, nuclear-powered green will slay like nothing else. 

You can give your brat-green 'fit a classic feel by going with a tried-and-tested print. Naturally, this hue pairs like a dream with snakeskin, which was trending in 2023 and has stuck around pretty strongly. Ideal for both daywear and nighttime, a dress or jumpsuit in a brat-green reptilian pattern will guarantee you a high-fashion moment. Long sleeves add more formality and still work for summer — just keep your material sheer and breathable.