There are many reasons to love Charli XCX. Not least because of her latest single Boom Clap, which, since it featured in teen sob-fest The Fault In Our Stars, became one of the most played songs of the summer (and rightly so).
But aside from her catchy songs and brilliant collaborations – that Clueless-inspired video with Iggy Azaleafor Fancy, for example – we love her for her candid take on a 90s-heavy style that's seen her become Moschino designer Jeremy Scott's go-to girl.
This is why we called up 22-year-old Charli XCX, real name Charlotte Emma Aitchison (because it’s always good to know someone’s real name, right?), to talk tacky feathers, why it’s totally fine to sleep in your make up (YES!) and where she gets her 90s clobber for this week's The Debrief Dissects. Here's her rules to take inspiration from:
Don't be afraid to dress up for special occasions
‘My fave red-carpet look this year was probably at the VMAs when I wore a Moschino tiger-print catsuit. That was so much fun to wear! I chose it because I really wanted to clash with the carpet. I wanted something cool and that made me feel rock ’n’ roll. Jeremy Scott was on the carpet at the same time as me, too, so we just both looked like visions of yellow. It was amazing.’
READ MORE: Why Charli XCX Isn't Into Bras Right Now. Much To Her Tour Manager's Dismay
Tacky stage wear and hair extensions still work
‘I wore a sheer kimono with white feathers on stage recently. It was really cool because it made me feel like Rose McGowan/I don’t know – a woman of the night! I loved the feather trim – so tacky, but so good. I also want to get some REALLY long hairpieces to put in, you know like Christina Aguilera in the Moulin Rouge video? And I like doing a Morticia Addams-style slick back.’
When in doubt, take inspiration from the 90's
‘My favourite movies Jailbreakers, Clueless and The Craft have inspired most of the outfits I wear, as well as the styling for my videos. Britney Spears’s music videos are kind of my style bible. I think, even though the 90s has been around for quite a while, people haven’t gone really extreme. It’s all been pretty grunge. And I feel like the 70s was kind of a better 90s anyway. That said, I don’t really follow fashion, I kind of just kind of like what I like.’
Most specifically, Clueless....
‘That’s one of my favourite movies of all time, so when Iggy said, ‘The video’s going to be Clueless’ I was, like, ‘No WAY’. The clothes were incredible and there were so many. It was literally my dream. We were like two kids in a sweet shop for Fancy. The stuff was genuinely 90s pieces, not just remakes. But I didn’t get to keep it all! I got the socks. Not glam, but I walked away with four pairs of knee-highs.’
READ MORE: Iggy Azalea Channels Clueless To Produce The Most Fun Music Video We've Seen All Year
Or Mariah Carey...
‘My style crushes? I’d say there are two. It’s definitely either 90s Mariah Carey, or Rose McGowan. I think Rose just kills it; she’s the definitely the only person I see who completely slays the red carpet every time. And also in real life. ’
Sleeping in your make-up isn't (always) a sin
'I always have a black pencil in my make-up bag, just black kohl. I never take it off; I sleep in it then wake up in the morning with it still on. That’s how it looks slept in. Because it is!’
Break The Rules is out on 12 October on Asylum Records. Available to pre-order here
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Pictures: @charli_xcx, Getty
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.