Brat vs Demure: The Ultimate Trend Face-off
In the fast-paced world of fashion, trends come and go, but two are currently stealing the spotlight: the brat and the anti-brat, or as Jools Lebron likes to call it, the “demure.” Although these trends have reached saturation on social media, they’re still alive and kicking in the fashion scene. For brands and retailers, they continue to present a unique opportunity to cater to contrasting styles that resonate with today’s consumers. Whether it’s the loud, rebellious nature of brat fashion or the understated elegance of the demure look, both trends remain relevant, offering fresh ways to connect with fashion-forward audiences.
Take a look at Stylumia’s top picks of products that are peaking consumer interest, as observed by our proprietary demand ranking engine that consumes data at internet scale and provides a relative ranking among products in a particular market, retailer and/or brand.
The Brat
Brat fashion is your gateway to tapping into the rebellious spirit that’s all about being loud, colorful, and unapologetically bold. Inspired by Charli XCX’s 2024 album “Brat“— which isn’t just music; it’s a cultural phenomenon. This trend thrives on defiance, and your brand can capitalize on this by offering edgy, statement-making pieces that challenge the norm.
Think Julia Fox meets Emma Chamberlain at a thrift store, trying on outfits that scream, “I woke up like this,” but also, “Don’t talk to me.” Picture a white tank top with bright green oval sunglasses—because why blend in when you can look like a walking lime emoji? Throw in some low-rise jeans or outrageously short shorts (hello, 90s comeback) and finish it off with embellished leather shoes and bags. It’s basically the look you’d wear to strut around pretending you’re too busy for anything, even though you just spent 30 minutes picking the perfect IG filter.
1. Scoop Tank Mini Dress – Forever 21, 2. Logo Embroidered Cotton Polo Shirt – Sporty & Rich, 3. M-Onervax Logo-Plaque Mock-Neck Top – Diesel, 4. Low-Rise Boyfriend Jeans – Blumarine, 5. Heidi Low-Rise Belted Shorts – Isabel Marant, 6. Low-Rise Denim Miniskirt – Miu Miu, 7. Le Cagole S Leather Shoulder Bag, 8. Nappa-Leather Tote Bag, 9. Dada 100mm Slouchy Boots, 10. Retro Oval Sunglasses – Gap, 10. Oval Sunglasses – H&M, 11. Polo Oval Sunglasses – Ralph Lauren, 13. Layered Ribbed Tank Top – Karl Lagerfeld Jeans, 14. Crop Tank Top – H&M, 15. Ribbed Tank Top – Re/Done
The Demure
On the flip side, the demure trend is equally ripe for the picking, but with a twist. It all started with Jools Lebron’s ironic video where she described a look with phrases like “very demure, very mindful,” and “very cutesy.” What began as a satire quickly evolved into a full-fledged trend that embraces fall colors, classic cuts, and an understated elegance, all while maintaining a very self-aware tone. For brands, this is an opportunity to offer products that exude quiet confidence and timeless sophistication.
Tap into this trend with an understated, effortlessly polished vibe. Picture cozy knit cardigans, burgundy hues, and classic plaids—think vintage bookstore meets fall wardrobe goals. Suede and trench coats add just the right touch of sophistication without trying too hard, perfect for those days when you want to look like you’ve got it all together (even if you’re just grabbing coffee). It’s the kind of style that gives off quiet confidence, like the girl who’s always reading a good book but secretly has an enviable wardrobe tucked away.
1. Cable-Knit Cashmere Cardigan – Prada, 2. Fine-Knit Cardigan – H&M, 3. Polo Poly-Motif Cable-Knit Cardigan, 4. The Chelsea Trench Coat – Burberry, 5. Elevated Trench Coat – Abercrombie & Fitch, 6. Belted Cotton Trench Coat – Stella McCartney, 7. Knitted Silk Mini Dress – Prada, 8. Logo-Embroidered Piqué Skirt – Miu Miu, 9. Signoria Ballet Flats – Gucci, 10. Large Suede Handbag – Prada, 11. Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Boot – Ugg, 12. Veralli Suede Bow Ballerina Flats – Manolo Blahnik, 13. Panther Gingham Midi Skirt – Vivienne Westwood, 14. Jacquard Crepe-De-Chine Blouse – Prada, 15. Peter Pan Collar Gingham Blazer – Alessandra Rich
So, whether you’re launching a new collection or refreshing your current lineup, consider how you can incorporate elements of both brat and demure. By doing so, you’ll not only stay ahead of the fashion curve but also offer your customers the versatility they crave. After all, the beauty of fashion today is that it’s all about self-expression, and your brand can be the one to help them express every side of who they are.
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