Editor's opinion on what to expect for this summer’s night life!

Los Angeles — Charli XCX swung the early 2000’s club trend pendulum back into 2024 for Gen-Z, reinstating the raw and sweaty culture that filled nightclubs 20 years ago. Other artists like Kesha and Lady Gaga reviving their pop careers adds to the recession-like era we once were in and seem to be re-entering. 

The craze that was ‘Brat Summer’ sparked something inside the younger generations to normalize letting go of the harshness of the world and dancing with your friends all night long. But will it roll over into this summer while still providing an uniquity to Summer 2025: the quarter summer of the century? 

We will take a look at last summer’s remarkable fashion, music and overall culture while exploring the upcoming trends for 2025.

The iconic instagram account @databutmakeitfashion, run by Madé Lapuerta, who was featured in a Vogue article in 2023, posted the rise of neon green in fashion from the data she collected after analyzing 75,000 posts and engagement metrics within the week of April 27. 

The discussion within the comments lead to a potential repeat of ‘Brat Summer’ with some saying they hate the color, but appreciate the diversion from beige and minimalist looks. 

The color ‘Brat green’ took over last summer’s fashion bringing back an almost 80’s like neon. A perfect time to do so as a summer tan and neon go together like vodka and soda. Lapuerta emphasized fashion revivals like the loud, more unapologetic aesthetics with messy hair and distressed leather bags or jackets, in her post.

Along those lines is also the ‘Indie Sleaze’ comeback that incorporates the more business casual side of early 2000’s club fashion, while still accomplishing the ragged and slouchy part of the aesthetic and time period it was culturally representing. 

Tumblr girls, tights and lots of layers embodied 2010’s fashion for many.

A potential reason for this fashion revival in 2024 may have came from original ‘Indie Sleaze’ artists like The 1975 and Julian Casablancas from The Strokes being featured on Charli XCX’s album, “Brat and it’s completely different but still also brat.” 

The Dare, known for his song “Girls” which was released in 2023, portrays the perfect business casual fashion of ‘Indie Sleaze’ with his iconic black suit and tie and was even categorized to that aesthetic by those on social media.

As a Libra in her early 20’s (who has no fashion credentials but sure as hell can put an outfit together), I believe the obnoxious, bright colors and business casual will roll over into this summer but with more of a bohemian flare. 

Combining the increased popularity of suede and the fringe thus far into the year while still maintaining ripped fishnets and wind-blown hair, will soften last year's hardcore summer and transition into a more ‘Coachella 2016’ vibe. 

Funky patterns and classic lace will also carry over into this summer, but I believe more statements will be made with sequence and embroidery. 

Statement jewelry like necklaces, rings and bangles will rise in popularity and statement belts will return. 

I believe the forever battle between wanting to be a soft princess and hardcore rockstar will mesh together for summer 2025 fashion.

New Pop icon, Addison, displays the perfect example of divine femininity and bad a$$ b#tch.

The New York Times posted an article on May 16 regarding a dance music renaissance that boomed within the past four years. 

Though, the Times’ take explains how this round of dance music culture is different since concert tickets skyrocketed beyond a typical budget, DJ’s are more accessible than ever before with their USB sticks and small, compact mixers. 

And with DJing rising in popularity as a hobby, the options are endless for a Friday night in the city.

As collectives are emerging left and right, the Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles hold a lot of space for the dance music community. A quick search on Instagram can lead you to multiple moves for the night, or even the weekend.

The Times article also references how some pop artists recently made ‘dance music’ adjacent albums.

One that comes to mind is Pink Pantheress’ new album “Fancy That”, where she samples an infamous house song in her song “Girl Like Me” which has “Romeo” by Basement Jaxx as the chorus.

The nostalgia of early 2000’s club hits is streamlining through artists' music today, as new releases are starting to make you wonder what year it was produced.

Artists like Charli XCX and Lady Gaga are already breaking sound at night clubs across the nation. A mix of Rhianna and then Sean Paul for the switch to Charli XCX and Pink Pantheress sync together beautifully despite their decade age gap.

But if the club isn’t your style and you prefer when you don’t recognize the track ID, the underground scene is still fighting to be alive

Even with their struggles, they continue to set up in warehouses and beneath freeway

underpasses while still providing exclusivity through texting a number for the secret address.

The European and punk styles collaborate when hardstyle meets deep techno in a cement building, graffitied in multiple layers with lollipop sticks scattering the ground.

A little tougher to find the location but makes the experience raw and authentic like the underground scene built itself on.

The underground scene in Los Angeles experienced a tragic incident in the beginning of the year. Some may say it comes with the territory but within a community that preaches PLUR, people should still look out for each other beyond the dance floor.

An increase of security and safety protocols were put in place after this situation and though no doubt it is important to have these measures, those of the underground scene think it is taking away from its meaning of being ‘underground.’

The underground scene fights for its freedom yet secrecy and with the rise in its popularity, it is becoming oversaturated. I think we all can confidently say the dance music scene has changed.

The underground scene doesn’t necessarily enjoy when people come just for the photo and take away from those who are there for the music. I’ve personally noticed people make their way to the front of a set to just stand there. And that's okay, I guess, but be respectful of someone who is really there to dance.

The friendliness between people in general changed in a negative way over the past couple of years and I believe the dance community strives to keep peace and love circulating outside of raves.

I believe the rave community is just trying to educate the newer ravers so they don't burn the spot. But that comes with disagreements and hostility.

Another huge plus and reason so many young people are attending underground raves in the current economy is because of its affordability. Many warehouse raves have deals where you can claim an RSVP to show up before a certain time for free entry. But even smaller collectives that are starting up also have much lower cover charges than most clubs

#Editor’sOpinion

And we shall see.. HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!!!

XOXO,

S☮️