With a crisp in the air and pumpkin in my chai, I stepped outside this morning in a black oversized sweatshirt from Aritzia and hair in a slicked back bun, pretending to be semi-put together. But then again — “I’m in a sweatshirt”, I thought, “Isn’t this the universal signal for ‘I’m feeling totally lazy today’?”
According to Bratumn, it’s actually quite the opposite. Charli’s “Brat” universe is replacing the classic fall jeans-and-a-blazer duo with sweatshirt-hybrid tops and stilettos. Think lightweight cotton, possibly draped with loose-hanging pieces, as made popular by Acne Studios, and other rising brands like Sia Arnica. Just add your favorite pair of sunglasses, and you have the official “Brat” uniform.
Take a walk down Lafayette St in Noho, and this observation becomes a religion. Every line I ever drew about the lazy-day garb became blurred. Sweatsuits and thigh-highs... zip-ups, skirts and pumps... casual boleros and kitten heels... it was cotton fleece galore. This so-called “universal” covenant of sweatshirts? Right out the door.
So, to dress up the sweatshirt or not to? Can a sweatshirt really be dressed up? Should it be? To answer these questions, we must look at history. Or, rather, herstory. Norma Kamali’s 1982 iconic sweatshirt collection supports the idea that a sweatshirt has no boundaries. Forty years later, Kamali’s career-defining, genre-bending collection became a bold prophecy. The archetype of current fashion is built upon Kamali’s vision of sweatshirt glam, whether we know it or not. She’s the first queen of sweatshirt fabric, but certainly not the last. From drop-waist fleece dresses to puff sleeves and jumpsuits, this collection undoubtedly had a ripple effect that continues to wave into 2025. It makes me wonder if the “locker room chic” fashion defined by Kamali was the true start to a more authentic world.
I do think the sweatshirt trend, whether rooted in 1980’s nostalgia or not, is a nod to the honesty and realness we now crave. Hyper aware of the challenges of everyday life, we’d rather jazz up reality than live in a mirage of flawless style devoid of the real human experience. We’ve traded the skirt-suit and So Kate pumps for a more sincere, relaxed glam that imitates “I’ve got a lot of sh*t on my plate today, but I’m serving while doing it.” And this is exactly what being brat is all about. I think Charli is intentionally setting a standard for brats everywhere: dress exactly how you need to get through the day, and the club will be waiting for you when you decide to throw on those pumps. Or the coffee shop — whatever floats your boat. There’s no rule to fashion, just like there’s no rule to navigating life. So, the verdict is in, or at least my verdict. Here’s to sliding on those sweats and pulling up those Jimmy Choo knee-highs. The only way to truly ruin a bold, bratty sweatshirt fit is to do it without confidence... and sunglasses.