So You Want To Be a Maximalist
Tips from a former maximalist, creators to follow, and secondhand OTT style
It’s Hereeee
Maximalism has been coming for us over the last couple of years. Not only as a backlash to minimalism - never forget that the pendulum always swings back in fashion - but also because trend forecasting agencies like my forever favorite WGSN have been using cultural signals to predict a return to maximalism and wild self-expression to hit right about…now.
As a maximalist-turned-minimalist it’s been interesting to watch this style evolution since my wardrobe is going in the opposite direction. In my experience, maximalist wardrobes are great ice-breakers: outfit compliments on tap, strangers stopping you on the street to ask where you got your multicolor faux fur jacket (2018 Zara, hangs head in shame), and you’ll become known as the fashion person everywhere you go.
As I’ve written before, my statement wardrobe grew stale since everything felt so instantly recognizable that I got bored after a few wears. A bored closet is not a productive closet since it contributes to the overconsumption crisis: consumer apparel purchasing spiked 60% between 2000 and 2014 with people only keeping their items for half as long. This number has most certainly gotten worse in 2025 with the advent of ultra-fast fashion, high-low dressing, and wardrobe haul content.
Not-so-fun fact: the U.S. creates enough clothing waste to fill our largest shopping center, the Mall of America, every six days.
I didn’t want to contribute to any of the above data points through my shopping habits and have sloooowly shifted my consumption. Since making the switch to minimalism in the last year, I’m more excited to style and wear the same pieces on repeat, which in turn drives my wardrobe longevity.
Maximalist Inspo Recs
Since one person’s timeless closet is another person’s statement wardrobe in terms of boredom, creativity, and longevity, I’m sharing some of my favorite maximalist follows for prints, patterns, color, layering, and unique shapes. If you already love OTT outfitting and need more inspo or just want to branch out from minimalism, these creators thrift, repeat items, and curate their closets.
The Creators + One Brand
Cat Patterson for everything pink, printed, and thrifted
Natasha Ahmed for the best jewelry (and nail) inspiration with a strong commitment to accessory repeating
Grece Ghanem for a curated wardrobe of standout colors, shapes, and prints balanced with some minimalist style
Zeena Shah for dopamine maximalist vibes. To be transparent I haven’t seen much in the way of sustainable fashion, but I might never recover from her tiered polka dot wedding dress.
Ganni for maximalist Scandi vibes plus the satisfaction of shopping a responsible fashion-forward brand investing in next-gen fabrics and carbon insetting. They’re also the place to get leopard print everything and statement sweaters. Going beyond firsthand, I can attest that there are so many amazing Ganni finds at resale that all but one of my Ganni pieces are secondhand.
Maximalist Brands at Resale
*A friendly reminder that these are standard website links, not affiliate links
Ganni for statement prints and patterns: this green check dress, this leopard print jacket, this pink zebra dress, this bright striped sweater, this floral mesh turtleneck and matching scrunchie, and these colorblocked cowboy boots.
Rixo for feminine prints in 100% silk: this confetti print maxi dress, this floral print bow neck blouse, this colorblocked abstract polka dot print dress, and this pink tiger print skirt.
Sea for boho with an emphasis on jackets: this crochet vest and halter top, this linen/cotton maxi dress, this printed puff sleeve jacket, this crochet fleece jacket, this patchwork fleece jacket, this floral puffer jacket, and this floral day jacket.
Proenza Schouler for chic tie-dye: this velvet maxi dress, this two-toned turtleneck, this soft pink t-shirt, this beachy leather tote (bonus: this zebra print skirt and turtleneck, and this purple suede PS1 bag).
Maximalist Outfits & Styling Tips
This post wouldn’t be complete without two of my favorite statement outfits, both of which include secondhand. All of my preloved items had a longer wait time to pop up at resale since they’re special pieces, which made me appreciate them that much more when they made their way to me.
My tips for maximalist dressing:
Print and pattern mixing work well with items in the same color family to balance and create cohesion across contrasting patterns.
Classic leopard print is a neutral.
Bright colors are an easy entryway into OTT style. There are so many colorful secondhand accessories (jewelry, bags, scarves, hats, gloves, and even tights and socks) that need a good home.
Sneakers and sporty ankle socks are a great juxtaposition to a dress or skirt.
Statement jackets can be the hero of your outfit, or complement another OTT item.
Layers and accessories add visual and textural interest, turning a basic outfit into something more special.
That’s it for this week, thanks for reading! I’d love to know if you’re embracing statement dressing for 2025, especially if that means taking a step back from minimalism.
I definitely skew maximalist, have for YEARS, possibly since high school (c. 1984-5). Ganni is lovely! Maximalist shoes goes to John Fluevog (check it out - I wear them 3-5 days a week), and they are sustainably made in small factories, and it's a Canadian-owned brand. There's a big resell market for them too (the Fluemarket).
I shop secondhand for 95% of my clothes, from thrift to designer consignment (the 5% is Fluevog, which I buy with gift cards, which I ask for for birthdays, Christmas, etc.). My personal life goal is to help others express themselves through their clothes, and to shop locally in secondhand stores. Keep on rocking, Tina!
Love this Tina! And your dreamy outfits at the end 😍 I’ve a tiger print rixo dress which I’ve paired with a check blazer before but I never thought to pair it with more animal print - genius! Do you follow Bárbara Santiago? Her style is so fun x