4 activities to unleash your inner ‘brat’ in Florida

Inspired by Charli XCX’s hedonistic lyrics, being “brat” is all about having fun and living life on your own terms.

The ‘brat summer’ persona has taken off ever since Charli XCX released “Brat” earlier this summer. I have seen dozens of videos on my Instagram and TikTok pages where various experiences and items are being called ‘brat.’ What exactly does it mean to have a brat summer, and how do I experience one in Florida?

Inspired by Charli XCX’s hedonistic lyrics, being brat is all about having fun and living life on your own terms. To be brat is to be spontaneous, adventurous, and unapologetically yourself. Here are four activities you can try to channel your inner brat. 

1. Go to a concert… any concert.

From the local band at a small venue to a bigger artist like Charli XCX at a stadium-sized venue, bumping live music is an essential stepping stone to having a brat summer. If you’re feeling bold, opt for pit tickets and let loose—feel the beat, soak up the atmosphere, and appreciate the music. Side note: Earth, Wind and Fire is coming to Tampa on Aug. 16, and Charli XCX is coming to Orlando on Oct. 6 at the Kia Center. 

2. Thrift a pair of sunglasses to wear everywhere.

Part of being brat is not caring about what others think, and sunglasses are the perfect accessory to embody this mindset. Sunglasses are more than just an accessory; they are a symbol of confidence and attitude, which is so brat. Go to your local thrift store and find a pair that screams “IDGAF” to you. A thrift store I love to stop by for accessories in Gainesville is Flashbacks, but any local thrift store should work. Choose something bold and unique that you would wear out to channel your inner brat wherever you go. 

3. Take beach pictures on a digital camera.

The y2k grit of digital camera photos perfectly captures the aesthetics of a brat summer. The raw and unfiltered look embodies the carefree and chaotic spirit that we want to channel. Forget about perfect angles and filters— take candid beach shots that capture the messy, spontaneous moments. Embrace the indie sleaze and let your digital camera document your unforgettable brat summer at a local beach in Florida, like Clearwater Beach. 

4. Go on a spontaneous road trip to Miami. 

Call your friends, pack some snacks, and take a spontaneous drive around Florida. Before you leave, make a playlist of catchy songs to blast on the car ride (don’t forget to add the entire “Brat” album to the playlist). Consider stopping by Miami Beach to soak up the sun and get the perfect tan. Then, get ready, put your makeup on in the car, and meet a stranger at a dive bar like Lost Weekend in Miami. It’s all about embracing the thrill of the unknown and your freedom during a brat summer.

RELATED: Discover the 5 hottest places in Miami to dance to reggaetón