Charli XCX set the internet on fire with her surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live on October 11, 2025, strutting onto the stage as ‘Sally’ during Role Model’s performance of Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.

Her “Max’s Kansas City” T-shirt had fans buzzing, with many speculating it was a shady jab at Taylor Swift, whose fiancé Travis Kelce plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. The cameo, part of SNL’s star-studded Season 51 episode hosted by Amy Poehler, fueled chatter about a rumored feud tied to Swift’s new diss track, Actually Romantic.

Charli’s bold, edgy style also stole the show, offering major fall 2025 fashion inspo. Here’s the tea on the drama and how to recreate Charli’s iconic look with shoppable picks.

Charli XCX’s SNL Moment and the Taylor Swift Drama

On October 11, 2025, Role Model (real name Tucker Pillsbury), 28, made his SNL musical guest debut, per People. During his performance of the viral hit “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” he shouted, “Where’s my Sally tonight?”—prompting Charli XCX, 33, to make a dramatic entrance, waving and dancing across the stage in a black mini skirt, black sunglasses, and a “Max’s Kansas City” T-shirt, as reported by Hindustan Times.

She playfully placed her sunglasses on Role Model before exiting to thunderous applause.

The T-shirt choice sent social media into a frenzy, with fans on X speculating it was a dig at Taylor Swift, 35, amid rumors of a feud. Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, includes “Actually Romantic,” which fans believe targets Charli’s Brat track “Everything Is Romantic,” per Daily Mail.

Lyrics like “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave” fueled speculation, with Swift hinting in an Amazon Music chat that the song is about someone “living in their head rent-free.” Charli’s Brat song “Sympathy Is a Knife” is also rumored to reference Swift, adding to the drama.

However, some fans argue the T-shirt was a nod to Role Model’s album Kansas Anymore or the iconic New York nightclub Max’s Kansas City, a haunt for legends like Andy Warhol, per US Weekly.

Role Model wore the same shirt in SNL promos, suggesting Charli’s outfit was a playful tribute to him. X users chimed in, with one saying, “CHARLI XCX AS SNL SALLY WAS NOT ON MY BINGO CARD,” while another quipped, “Taylor is screaming into her pillows rn.” Others dismissed the feud, noting, “No one cares that it’s his merch. She knew exactly wtf she was doing.

Charli’s cameo continues a tradition of celebrities like Hilary Duff, Troye Sivan, Natalie Portman, and Reneé Rapp appearing as ‘Sally’ in Role Model’s performances, per People. Her history of surprise guests, like Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan, and her 2024 SNL hosting gig, cement her as a pop culture powerhouse.

Fall 2025 Fashion Inspo: Charli’s Edgy, Playful Style

Charli’s SNL look—combining a bold graphic tee, mini skirt, and statement sunglasses—taps into fall 2025 trends like retro-inspired streetwear and fearless layering, seen on stars like Dua Lipa at Paris Fashion Week and Kendall Jenner’s recent resort looks. Here’s how to channel Charli’s vibe with designer and budget-friendly picks.

1. Graphic Tees: Retro Meets Bold

Charli’s “Max’s Kansas City” T-shirt screams retro-cool, aligning with the graphic tee resurgence spotted in Gigi Hadid’s NYC street style in October 2025.

How to Wear It: Pair a bold graphic tee with a leather skirt or jeans for a day-to-night look. Add chunky boots for edge.

Shop It:

• Urban Outfitters Vintage Graphic Tee ($45, Urban Outfitters)

• Budget: ASOS Band Tee ($20, ASOS)

• Add: Topshop Leather Mini Skirt ($60, Topshop) or Dr. Martens Boots ($120, Dr. Martens)

Style Tip: Tuck the tee into high-waisted bottoms for Charli’s fitted, confident vibe.

2. Mini Skirts: Edgy and Playful

Charli’s black mini skirt adds a flirty edge, echoing fall 2025’s micro-mini trend seen in Lady Gaga’s Milan looks for The Devil Wears Prada 2.

How to Wear It: Style with an oversized sweater or cropped jacket for balance. Add tights for cooler weather.

Shop It:

• Zara Faux Leather Mini Skirt ($50, Zara)

• Budget: H&M Pleated Mini Skirt ($15, H&M)

• Add: Mango Cropped Jacket ($40, Mango) or Uniqlo Sheer Tights ($10, Uniqlo)

Style Tip: Accessorize with a belt (Guess, $30, Guess) to define the waist.

3. Statement Sunglasses: Bold Accessories

Charli’s blacked-out sunglasses, which she playfully placed on Role Model, are a fall 2025 must-have, mirroring bold accessory trends seen on Kylie Jenner at recent events.

How to Wear It: Pair oversized or angular sunglasses with minimalist outfits to let them pop.

Shop It:

• Ray-Ban Oversized Sunglasses ($150, Ray-Ban)

• Budget: Forever 21 Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($10, Forever 21)

• Add: Nordstrom Hoop Earrings ($25, Nordstrom)

Style Tip: Choose reflective lenses for Charli’s futuristic, Brat-era aesthetic.