How to Dress Maximalist: Where do you start?
Here's a guide for all maximalist babies out there. Momma's got you with these 8 tips!
This blog entry might be a bit too niche, but it would be a disservice to all my aspiring Maximalist girlies (or they/thems) out there not to talk about the elephant in the room—Maximalism.
Like an elephant with its majestic tusks, it would be impossible to ignore an all-decked-out Maximalist.
You’d see them from ten blocks away looking like a traffic cone—sometimes, even more effective than one.
Maximalists demand attention, though that doesn’t mean they appreciate being looked at like a circus performer! It comes with the job, though, unfortunately.
Whenever I feel too out of place, I always remember this line from Elektra Evangelista from Pose (god bless you, Dominique Jackson, you are indeed everything): “I look too good not to be seen!”
And you know what? She was so damn right.
Now, before we start talking about how to achieve a Maximalist aesthetic, we should first know what it is.
What is Maximalism in fashion?
Unlike certain fashion styles and aesthetics like the Office Siren, Amekaji, and Russian Mob Wife, there are no strict rules to adhere to when it comes to Maximalism.
Maximalism can take on so many forms.
If we’re talking about individuals, you can look at Benulus, who sports a more “wearable” Maximalism and never leaves an outfit without being stacked with arm candy.
Then, there’s also Sara Camposarcone, who dresses in fun, eclectic pieces as if she just raided a clown’s closet—though that’s never a shade when it comes to Maximalism.
Let’s not forget FKA Twigs, Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, and, of course, me—duh.
Now, if we’re talking about brands, there’s Gucci’s Maximalism, which plays a lot with textures and prints while making it digestible for the luxury fashion scene.
Of course, it would be silly of me not to include Vivienne Westwood—the creator of tartan prints. Okay, maybe not really, but ever since releasing their tartan collection in the ‘90s, people just can’t seem to forget about it!
There are also Comme des Garçons—an iconic brand for both Minimalists and Maximalists alike; Dries Van Noten with its colorful and inventive spirit; Balenciaga, known for its questionable, talk-of-the-town pieces, and many more.
What I’m saying is that Maximalism is many things. As long as it’s loud, fun, and eclectic, and probably raises a few eyebrows, you know you’re doing Maximalism right.
A Maximalist isn’t afraid to accessorize, mix completely contradictory patterns, or stray away from trends.
You don’t even have to wear colorful outfits!
You can wear all black, strictly play with shapes and textures, and still be a Maximalist.
How did I start being a maximalist?
People often ask me when I started dressing up like this. I usually say around 2018, but post-pandemic (2022) was when I really started experimenting more.
Being stuck in my room for a full year made me STARVE. I’m sure a lot of artists felt some sort of hunger to create.
I started getting more excited to dress up because I didn’t have a lot of chances to do so anymore. Fashion became more fun—too much fun that I became like this!
That said, I think I’ve always been a maximalist, or at least that’s the kind of style I’ve always wanted to achieve ever since I was 15.
How do YOU start dressing up as a Maximalist?
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Okay, enough about me. It’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of how to start dressing up as a Maximalist.
It’s important to know that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, so take what resonates (hopefully, something does, lol) and feel free to create your own ways to achieve it!
Before learning the hows, ask yourself this:
What have I always wanted to wear but never had the guts to?
Is it a sparkly top, a polka-dotted dress, or those huge dangling earrings you got yourself but never touched because you were too afraid to wear them?
Or maybe it’s the neon button-down you wore once for a themed party that you really like but are just waiting for the right moment to wear it again.
In Maximalism, you don’t have to wait for the occasion—you are the occasion!
I know a lot of people have wardrobe pieces they’re saving for something special, but you know what? It’s okay to wear them even though you’re just going to the grocery store or hanging out at a cafe to read.
There’s no need to find the right moment. Whether you wear it to brunch, a party, or to walk your dog (send a pic, pretty please!), clothes are meant to be worn.
1. Ignore Judging Eyes
Most of the time, people are afraid to wear certain pieces for fear of being judged. I get it, I care a lot about what other people think of me. I have anxiety!
This is easier said than done, but don’t let it stop you. Embracing Maximalism is all about living authentically.
The worst that could happen is people thinking you’re crazy—that’s it.
The fear of being seen as weird is an irrational one. Sometimes, fear can’t hurt you, but the way you internalize it can.
At the end of the day, you’re just having fun. You’re not hurting anyone, so wear your shit proudly!
2. Experiment!
I’ll be saying this a lot when giving fashion advice, but really, it’s impossible to talk about fashion without saying that you need to experiment.
After all, that’s how you’ll really know what works and what doesn’t.
Wear what you’ve always been afraid to, try layering, and don’t let anyone stop you!
3. See What Other Maximalists are Doing
Sometimes, experimenting on your own won’t cut it, so get inspired! See what Maximalists are wearing and if you think you can incorporate it into your personal style, why not see for yourself if it works for you?
Don’t know where to start? I post a lot of my outfits on TikTok! A self-promotion was long overdue, come on!
4. Get Inspired
Similar to drawing inspiration from other Maximalists, you can get inspired through different channels. You can check out drag queens, look at interior design, watch movies, explore the street styles of people in other cities, and many more!
I love watching YouTube videos of people in Tokyo being asked about their outfits!
5. Buy from Local Artists
What really helped develop my style was buying from local artists. They have so many great stuff you won’t see elsewhere.
I would be nothing without my neckties from Fickle Friends Studios and Salad Day!
You’re not only getting cute and unique items, but you’re also supporting a small, local business! I don’t know about you, but I just feel so good whenever I’m wearing pieces from artists I adore!
I have A LOT more stuff from local artists to share, but let’s save that for another article!
If you’re not from the Philippines, I’m sure you’ll find artists in your location who can craft equally stunning pieces. Don’t be shy—share them with me, too!
6. Thrift
This might be a tad controversial, but I’m not against buying from fast fashion if:
You’re not over-consuming
That’s all you can afford (some people don’t like secondhand!)
That’s all you have access to (especially in sizing)
However, if you really want unique pieces, consider thrifting.
You can express your individual style through fast fashion pieces too, of course, especially if you get creative with it, but thrift stores have more one-of-a-kind gems.
And it’s fun thrift shopping, especially if you do it with friends or your partner. Make a day out of it! Maybe you can invite me, too! Just send me a DM, lol.
7. Looking Like Art > Following Beauty Standards
When adopting a Maximalist style, you’re likely to break beauty standards.
Beauty standards for women, though they vary depending on the location, are usually all about looking feminine, simple, and modest—something Maximalism isn’t always about.
So, if you want to be considered attractive to a majority of people and follow beauty standards, then you might want to either reconsider Maximalism or adopt a Maximalist style that still adheres to it. Do what you need to feel confident and live your truth!
8. Let Yourself Evolve
Look, elevating your style doesn’t happen overnight, especially if you don’t have a lot of wardrobe pieces to work with. That’s totally fine. You can take your time. No one’s rushing you to have your style 100% finalized by the end of the day.
Even I don’t have it all figured out yet. I’m still developing my style, constantly evolving. The possibilities to explore are endless.
Optional: Play with Makeup!
You’re going to have so much more fun if you play with makeup the Maximalist way. This means not being afraid of a colored liner, a purple eyeshadow, or even a holographic highlighter.
Here are some looks I did:
Like in clothing, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to do fun makeup! Plus, you don’t need to be a pro. I’m not even good at polished makeup. I apply everything with my fingertips, and I still don’t know how to do my brows or contour.
What should be in a Maximalist’s wardrobe?
Honestly, what should be in a Maximalist’s wardrobe depends on your style, but I’m here to help you out, so I might as well give you my thoughts.
Here are things that worked for me, so you don’t need to follow these religiously.
Oh, and BTW, I’ve also talked about how to build your wardrobe when developing your personal style, in case you’ve missed it!
A Versatile Outerwear
I have this coat I thrifted in Japan in 2019, and I’ve used it in several outfits ever since. If you were to ask me what makes it versatile, I wouldn’t know what to tell you! No, it’s not because it’s reversible. It just so happens that this magical coat looks good with everything I own.
Printed Pants
I love the skirt-over-pants trend, and while I’m sure it’s not here to stay—after all, trends come and go—I’m pretty sure I’ll be rocking it until the day I die. (If my girlfriend is reading this, no, baby, I’ll never die uwu!)
People do it with oversized denim pants, black straight-cut trousers, but I personally like doing it with printed pants.
Aside from this style, there are also so many ways to wear them, too, like with an oversized top, for starters.
Weird and Funky Candies
These accessories are going to be your lifeline on days you want to wear a simpler style of clothing but still want to be a Maximalist.
I’m not a big fan of when Coco Chanel said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror, and remove one accessory.” I know it works for some, but for Maximalism, that’s shitty advice.
Here’s a new version by yours truly: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror, and put on five more accessories, retouch your gloss, and put three more.” There, I fixed it!
A Maxi Skirt You’d Trust with Your Life
Maxi skirts are so fun to style. Because you know what? You can also wear your them as a dress! That’s what I always do.
Consider wearing a top with loud prints and pairing it with a maxi skirt with equally loud prints because, you know, why the hell not?
I have this maxi skirt that’s my ride or die. It has never failed to make an outfit sickening.
Bonus: Tattoos and Hair Dye
Why work with a blank canvas when you can work with a fully tatted one?
Get a tattoo of a strawberry because it looks cute and dye your hair green because it’s your favorite color. You have my full support!
I really used my big brain to make this article for all of you, so I hope you learned a thing or two! Overall, Maximalism is what you make of it. You don’t have to feel constrained to do a certain thing. Maximalism gives you the freedom to express yourself loudly, colorfully, and creatively. Wear that color, strut those sequins, and *in my Transatlantic accent* be a disco ball, darling.
Thank you for this!!