TikTok has become the go-to destination to discover rising trends, showcasing what stylish women are wearing in real time. Right now, maximalist fashion is having a moment — with videos featuring the hashtag amassing 416.4M views. When showing off their daily ‘fits, the following fashionistas really said ‘more is more.’ When many would be worried about being too much, these women are marching to the beat of their own drum.
Fashion echoes the world we live in, and I can’t help but think this sudden outpouring of joyful, OTT sartorial minimalism has burst onto the scene after the sparse connection and social distancing of a global pandemic. Accounts like @ssaintbella show us it’s ok to wear our most striking wardrobe wonders to the supermarket, while @mahaylarheanna is unafraid to pair pink with blue, orange and…yet more pink. Gone is sparse minimalism, replaced by everyday opulence and an abundance of attitude. It’s a joy to watch women like @evelilycop get dressed, her zany ‘fits a triumph of self-expression. It’s clear that creating a stand-out outfit has become a daily celebration for many.
TikToker Anna tells me, “Experimenting and putting together outfits feels like art to me; it's my creative outlet.” Her advice for maximalist newbies? “If you're looking to dive into the fun, eclectic, print-mixing fashion world, start small. Add in some funky accessories or bold colours and then work your way from there. But most importantly, dress for yourself!”
Spring 2022 is officially the time to sparkle in unapologetic glory, with statement pieces no longer reserved for special occasions. Throw moderation to the wind by experimenting with texture, bold silhouettes and embellishments like feathers, diamantés and ruffles. Vibrancy is in, so clash patterns, mix metallics and combine animal prints. Whilst fashion rules have their place, it feels inherently freeing to rebel. Coco Chanel may have historically advised you to remove one accessory before leaving the house, but I say put one on. Fashion aficionado Abby Silverman agrees, “I don’t follow any conventional fashion rules — that’s the fun part, personal style is all about experimentation! Try accessories with unique details, statement shoes or a bold piece of jewellery.”
To many, TikTok’s maximalist methods border on costume — but even without going the whole nine yards, you can still be inspired to make your OOTD bolder. Seeing these women live out their fashion fantasies is a breath of fresh air to a social media feed full of same-y, neutral looks. Witnessing Sara Campz layer a floaty dress with a floral waistcoat and matching-hued accessories is inspiring my next weekend look to be head-to-toe pink.
Maximalist looks were seen at on the catwalk at extravagance-favouring fashion houses Versace, Moschino, Gucci and Rodarte, and the trend is going nowhere fast. So rather than simply donning a dress to brunch, make like Thalia @polychrom3 and layer a ruffle top underneath.
Sustainability is at the forefront of Thalia’s style ethos, "Once you’ve defined your personal style, you're influenced less and can make more conscious buying decisions. Start by wearing the garments you already love, experimenting styling them different ways.”
Dressing to-the-max doesn’t mean over-consumption – these creators encourage cherishing garments and wearing them often. Berenice tells me, “I fully thrift my clothes, and love to express my bubbly personality through fashion. I get my outfit inspiration from the garments themselves — I pick one item and work my outfit around it.”
When it comes to renting the maximalist trend, consider adding a matching coloured shirt underneath a trending corset, utilise waistcoats to clash patterns or don slim leg trousers under midi dresses until it’s bare-leg weather. Personally, I’ll be renting House Of Sunny’s pattern cardigans, layering over brightly coloured slip dresses and adding a zebra-print bag to my all-leopard look.
This spring, it’s time to bring some drama to day-to-day dressing.
