Maximalist fashion is waiting to be embraced.
Many people are acquainted with the idea of minimalism, whether it is the label to someone’s entire lifestyle or just their fashion. When integrated into style, the idea is simple: plain colors, patterns, textures, and shapes. The minimalist strives for effortlessness and ease, but what about those who do not want their style labeled as effortless? The answer is maximalism.
“The most common way to define it is by considering what is widely held as its antithesis: minimalism,” Leandra Medine, maximalist and founder of the fashion blog Man Repeller, said. “But to accept this interpretation literally — that is, to assume that to be maximalist you must also subscribe to a lifestyle that facilitates gluttony or waste — might miss the point of what is, I am certain, a compelling way to be.”
Maximalism is matching and layering articles of clothing in unorthodox ways. It is a child of frumpy eighties style and the way toddlers dress themselves for school. It is colorful, silly, and carefree. Have you ever seen a stranger wearing four different prints matched with yellow Keds sneakers and thought they were NOT filled with joy? The maximalist explores every realm of fashion that is deemed wrong. Rules are broken, or forgotten all together, more so. Strict codes get thrown away. Finally, there is room to breathe, and now, you’re breathing dressed in a tea-length cheetah print skirt and turquoise cowboy boots.
Maximalism still maintains some sense of order, though. It is nonsensical, but never fails to hit the mark. It is the style equivalent of that friend who rides through live without a planner and stays out all weekend, but still manages to show up to class Monday morning and ace the exam.
You should loosen up and believe in that friend a little more.