Charli XCX’s Black Mani Nailed Fall’s Soft Goth Trend

If anything has come to define Charli XCX’s party-girl, wear-anything-once style, it has to be her penchant for black. At the Met Gala, she styled full goth glam with a black lip and spiky bun, her Brat era was defined by a white tank and black mini-skirt, and she’s always wearing a pair of black sunglasses. So far, she’s tiptoed around the goth aesthetic, but for fall, the pop star is diving all the way into the soft goth vibes.

The WSJ Innovator Awards took place last night, October 29, in New York, continuing the month-long marathon of great fashion and beauty events (The VS Fashion Show, The CFDA Awards, the list could go on.) Of course, party pop innovator Charli XCX was in attendance—and received an award—donning an all-black ensemble (from head-to-manicure) with moody waves and a blurred lip that nailed the goth-lite trend.

If you aren’t familiar with the soft goth trend, it’s just what it sounds like: It’s not, say, an all-black eyeshadow look with emo hair. Instead, it’s truly a soft, dip-your-toe-in take on the aesthetic, ushered in by the glam on Wednesday and Charli’s bestie Gabbriette.

For your fall soft goth North Star look no further than the “Apple” singer’s glam last night: First, she styled her hair in her go-to long black waves, parted down the middle with voluminous pieces framing her face, so much so that the pieces almost covered her eyes. She lined her water and lash lines with black eyeliner to add depth, topping the look with very little mascara. The cherry-on-top was a wash of muted red lipstick and her black manicure.

And, there you have it: The soft goth aesthetic, the Charli XCX way. If anything, the makeup combination feels like the natural evolution of Brat summer’s shimmery eyelids and glossy lips. It’s brat for fall, but it’s completely different but also still brat.