Charli XCX's BRAT era officially has a swimwear chapter — and it's as unapologetic, bold, and effortlessly cool as everything else she does. From a relaxed spa day during the press run for her new mockumentary to a fur coat–and–bikini combo at Sundance, the Grammy winner has been serving bikini content all year long, and we are here for it.
Whether she's rocking a chic black bikini top at a spa or showing up to a film premiere in bikini bottoms and thigh-high boots, Charli XCX treats swimwear like fashion — and that energy is impossible not to steal.
Charli's Spa Day Bikini Moment for "The Moment"
Earlier this year, Charli shared an Instagram carousel that quickly went viral — because, well, it's Charli. She appeared relaxed and glowing in a chic black bikini top with a swirl design and halter neckline, wrapped in a white robe, giving off pure spa-day goddess energy. The photos dropped around the release of her mockumentary film The Moment, which premiered at Sundance in January 2026 to major buzz.
Photo via The Fashion Spot / Yahoo Entertainment
The look is so effortlessly on-brand. A simple black bikini — no logos, no fuss — paired with soft, minimal styling. It's the kind of swimwear moment that proves you don't need a beach to make a bikini feel iconic.
BRAT Meets Sundance: The Fur Coat Bikini Look We're Still Thinking About
When Charli headed to the 2026 Sundance Film Festival for The Moment premiere, she didn't pack a parka like everyone else. She wore a black bikini underneath a floor-length brown fur coat, paired with pointed-toe heels, dark narrow sunglasses, and a champagne flute. Against a backdrop of snowy Utah mountains, she captioned the post: "Love you sundance!!!"
Photo via Reality Tea / Getty Images
This is the BRAT philosophy applied to swimwear: wear your bikini whenever, wherever, however you want. The fur coat is optional. The confidence is mandatory.
Bikini Bottoms as Bottoms: The Moment Premiere Look
At the UK premiere of The Moment, Charli went full fashion-forward with a look that's already legendary in her style catalog. She wore a black bikini bottom with thigh-high boots, a black leather jacket with a cinched waist, and minimalist silver jewelry. Actor Alexander Skarsgård joined her on the red carpet, and the photos were absolutely everywhere.
Photo via Reality Tea / Getty Images
The move to wear a bikini bottom as a bottom — styled with fashion pieces, not beach accessories — is one of 2026's biggest style statements. Charli's been doing it for years. The rest of the world is just catching up.
Get the Charli XCX Bikini Look for Under $50
Here's the thing about Charli's swimwear style: it's accessible. She gravitates toward simple, bold black pieces that let her confidence do the talking. No $300 designer labels required. And that is very much the Audi Swim energy.
If you want to channel Charli's black bikini look — whether you're actually going to the beach or treating your swimsuit like an outfit (highly recommend) — the Bow Babe Contrast Top in Black ($24.99) and Bow Babe Contrast Bottoms in Black ($24.99) are exactly what you need. The contrast trim detail gives it that editorial edge that makes a simple black bikini feel intentional — not basic.
Feeling more "BRAT green" than "BRAT black"? The Bow Babe Sky Blue Bottoms ($24.99) give that same bold, unapologetic energy in a color that's having a massive spring moment.
Style It Like Charli: Beyond the Beach
One of the biggest takeaways from Charli XCX's 2026 bikini moments? A bikini is just a top and a bottom. Wear it accordingly. For more inspiration on making your swimwear work beyond the water, check out our guide: How to Wear a Bikini Top as an Outfit: The 2026 Style Guide. And if you're ready to commit to the black bikini as a lifestyle, our Black Bikini 2026 Complete Style Guide has everything you need.
BRAT summer is every season when you've got the right bikini. And Charli XCX knows it.
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