Honestly, the internet hasn’t been this obsessed with a lime green shade since... well, maybe ever. If you’ve scrolled through any social feed in the last year, you’ve seen the "Brat" phenomenon. But it’s not just about the music or the messy-chic aesthetic. When we see Charli XCX in bikini photos—whether it's a blurry mirror selfie or a high-prod shoot—it’s doing something weirdly profound to how we view "summer bodies."
She’s basically killed the era of the perfectly posed, airbrushed "Clean Girl" vacation.
Instead of the beige, minimalist, quiet luxury vibe that dominated for years, Charli is giving us something feral. Think smudged eyeliner, an Aperol Spritz held high like a trophy, and string bikinis that feel more like clubwear than beachwear. It’s a vibe. It’s intentional. And it’s why everyone from your younger sister to high-fashion houses like Acne Studios is scrambling to keep up with her "unpolished" energy.
The "Brat" Summer Effect on Swimwear
If 2024 was the year the world turned green, 2025 has been the victory lap. Charli XCX has spent the last year proving that her aesthetic wasn't a fluke. When she posted that iconic shot in a tiny black string bikini and matching flip-flops ahead of Coachella, she wasn't just showing off a tan. She was declaring "Brat Summer" open for business.
The look was simple. A black string bikini. Chunky sunglasses. Voluminous, wind-blown hair.
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It’s the lack of effort that makes it work. While other celebs are doing 14-step skincare routines before hitting the pool, Charli looks like she just rolled out of a rave and straight onto a lounge chair. This "party girl" image has actually moved the needle in the fashion world. According to data from 2024, Charli generated nearly $800,000 in Media Impact Value for brands like Marni. That’s a lot of money for looking "messy."
Breaking Down the Charli XCX Bikini Formula
You’ve probably noticed she doesn't do "traditional" beachwear. Her style is a mix of Y2K nostalgia and futuristic pop-star energy. Here is what actually makes the look:
- The Tiny String Bikini: She favors classic black or neon "Brat" green. It's about being bold and unbothered.
- The Accessories: It's never just a swimsuit. It’s the "C*nty Boot," the wrap-around sunglasses, or a vintage designer bag.
- The "Sweat" Factor: Her looks often feel lived-in. She’s famously quoted saying her style is "wearing last night’s makeup" with "sweat marks all on my clothes."
This isn't just about fashion; it's about a shift in search intent. People aren't just looking for "cute swimsuits" anymore. They are searching for a specific feeling. They want to know how to look like they’ve had the best night of their lives and are now recovering in the most iconic way possible.
Why Charli's Body Positivity Hits Different
Let’s be real. The fashion industry has a history of being... let's say, restrictive. But Charli XCX in bikini shoots feels like a breath of fresh air because she’s not trying to be a mannequin. At the 2025 Grammys, she flaunted her curves in a waist-cinching Jean Paul Gaultier corset gown, but in her candid vacation shots, she’s just living.
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She’s been very open about her body, often posting unedited photos that show she’s human. In a 2024 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she mentioned being happy to be the face of a "more realistic" sartorial movement. It’s about confidence that doesn't rely on a filter.
This is why the "Brat" aesthetic has stayed so relevant. It’s accessible. You don't need a million dollars or a personal trainer to wear a neon green two-piece and have a "feral" summer. You just need the attitude.
From the Club to the Coast
We saw this transition clearly during her recent tour. She’d go from a sheer, gothic Dilara Findikoglu dress at the BRIT Awards to a pink underwear set for a pre-show mirror selfie. It’s all part of the same narrative. Whether it’s lingerie, high fashion, or a bikini, the message is: I’m here, I’m loud, and I’m having more fun than you.
High-street retailers have noticed. Brands like PacSun and Revolve have been flooded with "Brat-coded" swimwear—neon ribbing, underwire bralettes, and Y2K-inspired cuts. It's a complete pivot from the "Quiet Luxury" and "Old Money" trends that peaked in 2023. We’re done with being quiet. We want to be loud.
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How to Channel the Charli XCX Swim Aesthetic
If you're looking to upgrade your summer wardrobe with some XCX energy, forget the rules. Honestly, the more "clashing" it feels, the better.
Start with a foundation of bold colors—neon lime, shocking pink, or a classic "don't-mess-with-me" black. Then, ruin the "perfection" of it. Wear it with a pair of beat-up Converse or some oversized, "ugly" sunglasses. The goal is to look like you're in the middle of a 365-day party.
Actionable Style Steps:
- Ditch the "Matchy-Matchy" Look: Mix a sporty bikini top with a sheer skirt or leather-look shorts.
- Texture is Everything: Look for ribbed fabrics, lace trims, or even metallic finishes that catch the light.
- The Hair and Makeup: If your hair looks too perfect, you’re doing it wrong. Think "saltwater chic" or "I just woke up in Ibiza."
- Confidence over Coverage: Whether you prefer a one-piece or a tiny string bikini, the "Brat" philosophy is about owning the space you're in.
Charli XCX has fundamentally changed the conversation around celebrity beach style. It’s no longer about who has the most expensive yacht or the most symmetrical tan. It’s about who has the most personality. By embracing the "messy" and the "feral," she’s given everyone permission to stop worrying about the "perfect" bikini photo and start worrying about having a perfect time.
The next time you're picking out swimwear, ask yourself: Is this "Clean Girl" or is this "Brat"? If you're leaning toward the latter, you're already on the right track.