In the words of Charli herself, “I’m your favorite reference, baby, call me Gabbriette, you’re so inspired.” In the age where influencers have become our new role models, finding the right ones to inspire confidence can be tricky. Luckily, a new age of It Girls is upon us, and I’m here to steer you in their direction. From an It Girl aficionado herself, here are my top picks on style icons, industry pros and the brattiest leaders of 2024.
Brat Summer and Charli XCX
@charli_xcx
Charli XCX’s new single “360” dropped May 10 in addition to her music video masterpiece, featuring the who’s who of celebrity cool girls, from Chloe Sevigny to Emma Chamberlain. Looks were served, jaws were dropped and lives were irrevocably changed. Then, just a few weeks later, in June, a new aesthetic emerged, and a summer prophecy was born: Charli XCX released “brat.” How could we have known that nothing would be the same? Following the album’s drop, Charli flitted across the world, hosting release parties and attending Ibiza Boiler Room sets, each time giving a vibe we could only dream of emulating one day. Each outfit she wore differed from the next, whether it was something classic — like micro shorts, garters and a white long-sleeve tee — or something entirely her — like a custom lacy, sheer dress by Rafael Lapestritu that just screams indie sleaze.
But “brat” is about more than just fashion. It’s about the color green — Pantone 3570-C to be specific — party-girl chaos, Kamala’s coconut tree or romanticizing 2014 Tumblr. Most importantly, it’s about not giving a fuck. That’s the beauty of “brat” — it’s a burst of brazen authenticity. The honest-to-a-fault-lyrics that make you feel like you’re gossiping with Charli in the girl’s bathroom at your favorite club are backed by hyperpop dance beats, perfect for a rave or a morning commute if you’re hip like that. And her authenticity makes Charli an It Girl worthy of the title.
It Girls have influenced society since before the internet; as a Greek courtesan and model, Phyrne charmed her dinner party guests with wit and devastating beauty in the fourth century B.C. While, thankfully, times have changed, It Girls have not disappeared, nor has their influence diminished.
We all know an It Girl — someone whose presence is simply magnetic. They seem effortlessly themselves, have killer style and an indescribable ‘it-factor,’ but where do they come from? How do you become one yourself? What is the ‘it’ that makes the Girl?
There’s no concrete answer, but it involves embracing yourself and exploring your passions, whatever that means to you. Following “brat” summer, the trend of being an It Girl is on the rise, which is a win for feminism and the much-needed encouragement for women to be wholly themselves — it’s the permission to just work it out on the remix.
“To me, ‘brat’ summer is just fun and feminine for everyone and I love that the trend is giving a positive and uplifting message on femininity,” said Erin Lanier, a senior majoring in marine affairs and anthropology. “The album is also rated super highly, and I’m always happy to see a woman on top.”
Below is a short list of the many It Girls out there who exude “brat,” which I’ve dutifully compiled as you begin your journey to become not just an It Girl but That Girl.
Gabbriette Bechtel
@gabbriette and @nastycherryband
She is THE reference, the icon and chef extraordinaire. Gabbriette Bechtel, known colloquially as just Gabbriette, is a dancer-turned-model-turned-lead-singer of Nasty Cherry-turned-internet icon. Having grown up wanting to be a backup dancer in music videos, Gabbriette found her niche in Nasty Cherry, the girl band started by Charli XCX for a short Netflix mini-series, and made lasting impressions.
If you need a mood booster for a night out, immediately play “Music With Your Dad,” arguably their best song. However, her girl-band days are behind her. Nowadays, Gabbriette is now seen modeling across the world, hosting curated dinners for famous brands and posting cooking TikToks from her kitchen, featuring her pet rat.
Her arms are littered with tattoos and she rocks a makeup look emphasizing her favorite feature: eye bags. She opts for chic and sleek looks for nights-out and casual, loose silhouettes on her day-to-day. The Gabbriette makeup look is coveted by all cool girls and easily replicated thanks to her MAC Cosmetics lip combo, a moody neutral color epitomizing her esoteric nature.
Alex Consani
@alexconsani
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to wake up every day and just be so hot? Alex Consani became the world’s youngest transgender model at 12 years old and has been killing it ever since.
You’ve maybe seen videos of her backstage interviews looking drop-dead gorgeous and delivering lines of self-love wisdom laced with humor or her infamous TikToks of her acting a fool in public on @CaptainCrook and @Ms.Mawma.
Her style is just as loud as her personality, donning Diesel mini skirts, bleached brows, lacy mini dresses, leather or sometimes a thrifted striped sweater. She always prioritizes sexiness, queerness and transness. Alex Consani is unapologetically herself, and I love her for it.
Lindsay Vrčkovnik
@linmick and @verconiik
New York City’s darling knitwear enthusiast and lover of the great outdoors, Lindsay Vrčkovnik is a girl on the go. She is whimsical in nature and brings a lust for life to everything she does, whether it’s her eclectic home decor, quirky outfits, religious workout routine or world travels.
She is the proud owner of two dogs, a rabbit and a snake, which she takes almost everywhere because what’s life without your best friends? Lindsay owns and operates a custom knitwear brand, Verconiik, which has seasonal drops showcasing brightly colored and sustainably made shorts, hats, vests, dresses and sweaters, reflecting her inherent creativity.
Her day-to-day wardrobe is much of the same funky knits. She also oscillates between oversized mismatched suits to tiny dresses with a pair of sexy heels or just hiking shoes — forever a naturist icon.
Kaia Gerber
@kaiagerber and @libraryscience
Nothing is sexier than a girl who reads; model actress Kaia Gerber does it well. She has an effortlessly classic style reminiscent of her mom’s, Cindy Crawford, 90s supermodel look, which features wide-leg trousers and jeans paired with cotton basics, sneakers, a chic pair of sunglasses. And she never forgets the perfect accessory — a good book.
Her book club, Library Science, began in 2020 when she wanted to connect with other avid readers, friends and fans, and have a platform for necessary dialogue on topics like queerness, motherhood, addiction, intersectionality and climate change.
Outside of her hobbies, Kaia is a true girls’ girl, cheering on her friends through life’s obstacles and celebrating their successes. Her sensible, chic style reflects her persistent curiosity and intelligence, making her both a role model for life and fashion.
Suki Waterhouse
@sukiwaterhouse
She is mother, literally. Not only is Suki Waterhouse a model, actress and singer, but she’s a cool mom — not to mention she’s dating the internet’s vampire boyfriend, Edward Cullen, but this article isn’t about men.
She wears fur coats, sparkly mini dresses, chunky boots, thick eyeliner, shaggy hair and somehow still looks like an ethereal angel. Her maternity style was no different. You can find her dancing around on stage and in music videos — glam, sparkles, baby bump and all. Suki’s style has a laissez-faire essence, which translates into her music, and she says, “Yeah, I’m cool and fabulous. What about it?”
Her latest album, Memoirs of a Sparklemuffin, carries that same mantra, walking the line between perfectly ridiculous and transcendently hypnotic.
Devon Carlson
@devonleecarlson and @wildflowercases
Devon Lee Carlson is like if a girl was the sun. She’s an influencer for her sense of style and the company Wildflower Cases she co-founded with her sister, but she’s notorious for her never-ending smile.
Devon is the internet It Girl, vlogging her way through fashion weeks, Coachella, drop parties and her day-to-day life in LA. Suppose you’re looking for the latest fashion trends. In that case, I suggest pulling up Devon’s Instagram as she cycles through her extensive wardrobe, pulling together a mix of designer, vintage, thrifted and custom pieces to create endless looks.
Her style is ever-changing but maintains a consistent self-expression, as seen in her affinity for looks reminiscent of the early 2000s — think lowrise pants, strappy heels, tracksuits, different bags and big sunglasses.
So, What?
Okay, so yeah, all these girls are really cool. What does that have to do with you? The great news is you’re already cool. I mean, if you’re reading this, you obviously have taste. Now, you just have to own it. Whether that means dying your hair, writing a novel or just dancing the night away with friends, do what you will. But do it loudly, happily and without a care.
“Sometimes, I feel really unconfident with myself, and when I put on my cute outfit, it just makes me feel so much better about myself,” said Natalie Gutierrez, a senior computer science major. “Not only that, but it’s a way to express who I am because clothes are more than just something you need to wear. They’re an opportunity for self-expression.”
I urge you to be fearlessly yourself, be unyieldingly kind, and for the love of God, please be a brat.
words_mary gorski. photo&design_marita gavioti.
This article was published in Distraction’s Fall 2024 print issue.
Follow our Social Media:
