Last Updated on November 28, 2024 by Sophia Angel Lou Quiachon
From MySpace demos to arena-filling hits, Charlotte Emma Aitchison—better known as Charli XCX—has transformed from a London warehouse party fixture into one of pop’s most influential voices. She has consistently pushed the boundaries of mainstream pop by collaborating with avant-garde producers like SOPHIE and A.G. Cook.
Beyond her music, Charli’s fearless approach to fashion has become as signature as her chart-topping hits. Let’s take a stroll through her best looks!
Who is Charli XCX? Background and Career
Charli XCX, born Charlotte Emma Aitchison on August 2, 1992, in Cambridge, England, is a British singer and songwriter known for her pop music. She began her musical journey at the age of 14, posting songs on Myspace and performing at illegal warehouse raves in East London. Her stage name, “Charli XCX,” originated from her MSN Messenger display name—”XCX” standing for “kiss Charli kiss.”
In 2010, Charli released a series of singles and mixtapes under Asylum Records. She first gained international recognition after a collaboration with Swedish duo Icona Pop in the 2012 track “I Love It” reached number one in the UK. She later released her debut studio album, True Romance in 2013. But although she received positive reviews it did not blow up as much.
Charli XCX’s Rise to Fame
Charli’s breakthrough came in 2014 when she featured on Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” after it topped the U.S. charts and became one of the year’s best-selling singles. That same year, her solo single “Boom Clap” reached the top ten in the U.S.
Exploring more experimental sounds, Charli collaborated with producers from the UK collective PC Music, leading to the release of the EP Vroom Vroom (2016) and mixtapes Number 1 Angel and Pop 2 (both 2017). During the COVID-19 lockdowns, she created her fourth studio album, How I’m Feeling Now (2020), which received critical acclaim.
In 2022, Charli released her fifth studio album, Crash, returning to mainstream pop and becoming her first album to reach number one in the UK and Australia. She even contributed the single “Speed Drive” to the 2023 film Barbie. Her sixth and most recent studio album, Brat (2024), finally received widespread critical acclaim with successful singles like “360” and “Apple.”
A Look at Charli XCX’s Fashion
In the early stages of her career, Charli XCX’s fashion was heavily influenced by the soft grunge aesthetic. This style incorporated elements like tartan mini skirts, fishnet stockings, crop tops, and smudged makeup, drawing inspiration from 1990s punk and grunge movements.
As her music evolved, so did her fashion choices. In recent years, Charli XCX has embraced what is referred to as the ‘brat’ aesthetic. A playful yet rebellious attitude, with elements like miniskirts, faux-fur coats, and bold accessories characterize this style.
See our favorite Charli XCX looks below:
Effortless Chic
Starting with something basic but classy, we revel at Charli wearing a basic brown sleeveless top, wide-leg pinstripe trousers, and glitter platform heels. Her hair is pulled into a high ponytail with her money pieces framing her face.
The finishing touches? A long brown scarf and chic oversized sunglasses. It’s a look that anyone can pull with enough confidence and the right pair of sunglasses.
Darcey
If you’re looking for a similar pair as Charli XCX’s sunglasses, then we have the perfect pair for you at Classic Specs. Darcey in brandy tortoise is perfect for your chic fits. It has a wide lens height and medium fit so it sits nicely on your face.
Messy Hair, Don’t Care
Everybody has their own “lazy” days, and Charli proves that you can still look hot even with no makeup and a simple lounge set.
In a selfie she posted on Instagram, we see Charlie in a gray lounge set and a pair of stylish eyeglasses. Her nails are painted burgundy, and she wears her fit with her stomach peaking ever so slightly.
Rodwell
At Classic Specs, we have an identical pair to Charli XCX’s sunglasses. Rodwell in Havana Tortoise is a medium-fit rectangular sunglasses with the same pattern as Charli wears and it comes with prescription lenses as needed.
Party Girl
Rock your next party by channeling your inner Charli XCX with a sexy bralette, leather mini skirt, and a pair of black, narrow sunglasses. Keep your hair wild and kinky if you want to go all out!
What we love about this fit is that it’s edgy, but easily something you’d find in your closet. You can even add your own twist to it, like switching to leather pants instead of a skirt.
Todd
If you’re missing a pair of square sunglasses for your next rave, get a pair from Classic Specs. It’s a wider version of Charli XCX’s sunglasses and is made to flatter all face types so you look good regardless of what you wear.
Graphic Femme
Another look to add to your night out lookbook is this fit by Charli.
Pop’s favorite rebel steps out in a textured brown fur coat that screams luxury with an attitude. The British singer crouches in glossy black patent boots, while sheer tights and a crystal-fringed skirt add that signature Charli edge. Her trademark raven waves complete the look, proving once again that nobody does punk-meets-posh quite like her.
Steal Charli XCX’s Look With Classic Specs
Want to channel Charli’s bold style? Classic Specs offers the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern edge that captures the pop star’s fearless fashion sense. Our premium frames, crafted from Italian-sourced cellulose acetate, bring the same level of quality you’d expect from high-end designers—without the markup.
Whether you’re drawn to retro-inspired shapes or contemporary designs, Classic Specs’ easy-to-navigate collection lets you filter by frame shape, face shape, and color to find your perfect match.
