What do you consider "maximal"

Isabel

I LOVE that "maximalism" is coming around. I have always been more of an accessories person than a clothes person. I have tons of scarves and jewelry. TONS.

Which got me to thinking after Angie's post and seeing the max threads : what do you consider additions to "maximize" a look ?

I see a lot of necklaces, some sparkle ( Tanya and Janet ). And I just LOVED the pattern mixing that Janet did with bag and scarf.

7 years ago

Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Runcarla

Veteran

Bling, textures, colours, pattern mixing. I think there can be different approaches. I really do not have a lot of accessories/jewellery, but I love colour, and also pattern mixing. I plan to experiment with maximalism by layering colour - French blue shirt, mustard pants, olive duster, maroon bag, leapord shoes, pattern mixing - paisley, Ikat, and stripes, and texture - velvet, lace, denim, heavy carpet bag brocade. I am also going to wear my short hair curly and wild (like the Armani models) . I will leave bling/jewelery, to others who do that look better.

7 years ago

LACeleste

Veteran

Hi Isabel!!

I am an accessories (scarves, jewelry, bags, shoes) and tonal pattern mixer maximalist more than a color layering maximalist, but I love seeing it all!

7 years ago

deb

Veteran

for me it is prints and textures. I do not wear much jewelry but I do love my cocktail rings.

7 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Colors,not neutrals. Noticeable jewelry and accessories. Patterns. Textures. Combined.

7 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I think I rely heavily on pattern mixing... but will also throw in a ruffle or bit of embroidery to get there...

7 years ago

Andrea H

Active Member

Since I don't wear much color and too many layers make me feel suffocated, I'm piling on the accessories and stepping up the pattern wearing. Once the weather's a bit cooler, I'm going to get more texture in there too. I have a lined denim jacket with a beautiful fake fur collar that I'm hoping it's cold enough to wear tomorrow,

7 years ago

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I do maximal in a few different ways - all colors and no neutrals, wild prints, fairly subdued clothing but a lot of big bold jewelry, dramatic pieces like capes, lots of texture like brocade, lace, faux fur, velvet, and tweed. And sometimes a combination of some or all of these things.

7 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Pattern mixing, anything faux fur or other extreme textures, bold jewelry, something worn more for fun than function.

7 years ago

VioletMyra

Active Member

Wonderful input! It's given me food for thought as I too was struggling with this.
Best wishes to all.

7 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

For my outfit tonight anyway, it's a mixing of textures and embellishments (leather, burnout velvet, studs), and excessive jewelery- multiples of everything. I really like this combo and even though It more of a minimalist this feels very much like me (and very luxe). I could get used to maximal looks for going out.

7 years ago

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I tend not to load up with bling or accessories. For me it's all about pattern mixing, texture and embellishment. Fur, plush, metallics, embroidery, and don't forget fancy buttons, buckles and studs. Finished off with elaborate shoes.

7 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I love jewelry, and never stopped wearing it so maybe I will just add a bit more. I like to layer necklaces and bangles. That effect involves a wonderful jingle too. I love the sparkle of crystal mixed with pearls.

Scarves. I embrace color and texture. Pattern, but maybe not much pattern mixing.

I also think maximal means matching. So I would wear an entire suit together instead of as separates, or the sweater set as a set, etc. if I choose pearls as my theme, I will go all out with pearls and wear multiple pearl necklaces, plus pearl earrings, a bracelet and maybe even a ring, etc.

7 years ago

Summer

Veteran

I love accessories, but tend to keep it simple - maybe a scarf or a statement necklace. So, for me, I'd have to add a cuff, bigger earrings, or colourful bag to take me further into maximal territory. Oh, yes - and more prints, too.

7 years ago

Anonymous

I am intimidated by this shift. I can see how I could overdo it and end up looking ridiculous (or desperate). I'll have to watch and learn from other Forum Members, but I'll still dip my toe in gradually.

7 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

Accessories, mostly jewelry and scarves.

7 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I think there is a spectrum of maximalism, and what feels maximal to one person is moderate for another. i agree with all the descriptions that have been mentioned here, and some have even given me ideas.

For me, I will stick with subtle pattern mixing, additional textures and details, and more accessories and jewelry. Layering sounds good as the weather cools too. I am not comfortable wearing head-to-toe color, etc., so I'll leave that to others!

7 years ago

kkards

Veteran

more than 1 color....hmmmm, actually more than 1 anything....can you tell maximalism is really outside of my comfort zone?

7 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What Janet said.

7 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Like kkards, I suspect my maximal will be most people's minimal. Using the term "maximal" to describe a subtlety patterned scarf on a column of neutrals seems rather strange...

7 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Design elements that are beyond functional and often just "fun" to the wearer - like a fringed tee shirt. Those who wear fringe on a more daily basis might be adding bling with the fringe and maybe bold color mixing. Then there are many patterns and pattern mixing. I agree that maximal has varying levels as Janet and Angie said.

7 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Janet; there's a range and what will look maximal on one of us might be minimal on another. Some has to do with height, bone structure, features and hair as well as the clothing -- it's a total package.

I'm not much of one for jewellery but I do wear some, and I will see if I can find a few more opportunities to do so. I like scarves in cool weather (for their function). I love colour and I can pattern mix. Visible layers. I am not much for embellishment but I do like combining textures.

7 years ago

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I've always been more maximal in my style , but am stepping up the game more with jewelry these days. I am loving layering a choker with other necklaces. I've been waiting for Fall temps as I've added some velvet pants, Sequined Bomber and fun textured sweaters into my wardrobe for the season.

7 years ago

Helena

Veteran

I think it's multiple statements at once. For example, a maximal piece (say a coat) might have a bold pattern and an over sized silhouette. A maximal outfit might include blingy jewellery with a brightly colored blouse and detailed jeans. Now for me personally, a statement might be another person's whisper!! But that's my understanding of the term as fashion uses it

7 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Great feedback ! thank u. It really is a spectrum, isn't it. I hadn't really thought much about texture as many noted. Your replies made me realize that I am a more "plain" dresser with clothes but not with accessories : from hats to jewelry to scarves. That is the minimum maximum for me. : )

7 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I never fully embraced the minimal look and I doubt I will fully embrace maximalism - the extremes don't feel genuine on me.

I have always loved pattern, and I do like some textured fabrics too. I think it is more suited to fall/winter rather than spring/summer.

7 years ago

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