Ways to do maximal looks with a minimal mindset - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Ways to do maximal looks with a minimal mindset

catgirl

Veteran

Murph11's recent thread on that stunning TT coat got me pondering. I love maximal looks when it comes to color, pattern and texture. But here's my issue - I'm not good at or into complex layering or piling on of jewelry. More than one full layer on my upper body almost sends me into panic mode due to feeling constricted and lumpy. It's not that I prefer minimalist looks, but they are just so much easier for me.

With that in mind, I'm thinking that I need to be on the lookout for pieces that incorporate maximal looks and give me the most bang for my buck in themselves. This has always been my way of doing statement looks anyhow, but do you think it makes sense? And what kinds of pieces do you see out there in retail world that would work?

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Hi Una - I'm not sure if either of these are exactly what you have in mind (or if they are even to your liking), but this dress has a lot going on while being only one piece and the tunic has the look of being multi-layered but is just one piece. I have them both and am looking forward to cooler weather so that I can wear them.

Eliza J Jacquard Sweater Fit & Flare Dress (Regular & Petite)

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

4

Karen Kane Lace Inset Sweater

View Info

Top Pick

16

catgirl

Veteran

Linda, yes - that's the kind of thing I mean! I love the KK top - it's sold out in my size. And I wish I could find a sweater dress like that but not quite as fitted (I saw it at Nordies). Great finds! I need to figure out how to narrow down searching for the kinds of prints and patterns I like - I tend either to be overwhelmed by choices or find nothing because my searches are too specific.

Aida

Veteran

(Will reply more later, but Minimally Maximal is one of my style statements! I also don't like layering, though of course do it sometimes esp. since we need jackets often in our climate. Maximal can easily be added with variable amounts mixing color, print, metals, textures, and the play between garment lines.)

catgirl

Veteran

Aida, you do this look really well. I am specifically looking for more stand-alone prints and patterns, the more outrageous the better. Everything I like turns out to be McQueen or Missoni or Milly or Etro or Pucci. I do love those bright graphic prints, not geometric but organic like florals or digitized nature photos. They rarely translate down to ordinary retail in a way I love!

Plaid and chevron is a bit easier to find, but that just-right print? And in an item I can afford and wear? Do advise!

This post has 8 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

LaPed

Veteran

Oy, that's a really good question. I've been seeing a lot of mixed-media garments this season, like the KK top above. Mobile so not even going to try to add Finds right now. I have a feeling that will be easy to find, if you decide it's your cuppa.

Also, I feel similarly about torso-constriction, so I've always done a lot of my layering on the bottom, using skirts, tights, leggings, legwarmers, boots, etc. I know you rock puffy skirts in the winter, but what about, say, a wool jacquard Skhoop skirt paired with textured tights and boots? With longer skirts, you could always do a bit of lace peeking out from under the hem.

Long ago, I used to wear these black rayon gauchos underneath a sparkly striped fairy-tea dress (I can't think of any other way to describe it). The lengths were just right together, and it gave the dress a little bit of body and volume, and made it wearable into colder fall days. Wish I had a picture! I'll probably be sitting out maximalism this time around, I'm just too much a pragmatist these days, but I'm looking forward to seeing some WIWs from others...

Kaelyn

Veteran

I've been thinking about this, too! I'm a minimal-ish-ist at heart. I like simple, I don't like anything fussy, I don't like feeling weighed down by my clothes, but with maximalist looks trending, I'm playing with the idea of trying some. My solution is to try pairing pieces together that I normally wouldn't that have more design details. That way I won't have to put on more layers than are comfortable, but the visual impact will still be maximal. I'm planning on trying my snakeskin jacket with a very detailed skirt I have (with a black top to keep it grounded), for example. They're two pieces I'd consider 'statement' pieces that normally I'd wear with simple things so they're the focus.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Another one who totally "gets" wearing one piece of clothing at a time. I always feel a bit inauthentic (is that a word?) when I try to layer... it just doesn't feel right on me. I can handle a cardigan in the fall/winter, but am no good with anything more than that. I think this is why I like summer dressing so much, the pressure is off!

crazyone

Veteran

I feel you, Una. I do *some* layering, for warmth--generally a topper, blouse, and bottom or a topper+dress in fall/winter/spring, but I don't love lots of layering and don't pile on the jewelry. I do however love pieces that are maximalist by themselves, even though I'm quite minimalist when it comes to jewelry. I'm looking forward to doing some fun pattern mixing now that it's officially fashion forward

unfrumped

Veteran

I understand.
I think you've had some good building blocks in prints and colors.
Skull prints, Galaxy designs, large buffalo checks would fit in, especially if you took it a step further and did not try to keep the rest of the outfit so" quiet" as is often done with bold prints.
The other thing j try to keep in mind is that on the runway or photo shot, things often have to be exaggerated for impact, while IRL we're up close, a smaller touches such as a cuff, or boot hardware, or less aggressive pattern- mixing, stand out more-- particularly if your " context" ( work or social) is not inherently maximal.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

In the cooler season in particular, I think vibrant patterns and colors on coats and boots will let you wear simpler basics underneath.

I love all those kinds of high end prints, too. I wish I'd gotten some Mary Katrantzou x Adidas when that collaboration was out.

Aida

Veteran

For you to go more maximal, I'd say go for bolder overall. Don't mix your printed tops with plain pants, pick a color from the print and go with that (a crazy printed tunic with plain black pants is not particularly maximal). OR when you do tonal looks, go crazy with the textures involved -- don't wear all fine gauge or all chunky and be sure to get some shine in there.

Also go for more exaggeration: Instead of bootcuts, opt for flares. If there's a cuff detail go for a larger more exaggerated one. Go for elephant wide legs if you're going wide. Skip the light embroidery and go for something more intricate and extensive. Things like that. Can be a bit tricky as petite but definitely doable!

Mix hard and soft fabrics. Mix lines -- ruching, drape, crispness. And put them at interesting angles from each other. Asymmetrical always adds interest, you're good there.

When you wear jewelry go big or go home! It can be simple, just bold (for example my "gold hoops" are a 3inch pair, and my "sparkly studs" are 2/3inch diameter. BIG.). Hardware always adds some extra maximal which you're already attracted to.

Re prints, I think it takes a little extra time and work to seek out those types of printed pieces that appeal, unfortunately. Maybe ASOS or Shopbop or Yoox?

EDIT: And of course items that are maximal on their own help too!

AJ

Veteran

Interesting...are you shifting away from UWP into a new style direction?

catgirl

Veteran

AJ I don't think so - I've always loved maximal looks but finding the right cuts and prints remains a difficult task! I would like to find just one or two pieces to add in so I can be on board the trend...

Aida, great suggestions, of course! Will see what I have in my closet for starters....

Brooklyn

Veteran

AG, I also love Missoni, Etro and Pucci, and am constantly on the lookout for less spendy versions

I recently got this jacket from H&M. I thought you might like it. Still available on the US website but for some reason I cannot create a find. I have worn it and taken pics but have not had a chance to post them yet. I might try to later tonight. Possibly more geometric (and boho!) than you are looking for.

Aida gives fantastic advice as usual.

catgirl

Veteran

Ooh, Brooklyn I love it. The thing I am
really after is some color... I always adore black and white patterns and default to them. Can't wait to see how you styled this!

tulle

Veteran

I sigh over Pucci and Etro, too, though their large-scale patterns wouldn't really suit me, even if I could afford them. But Una, how about Diane Von Furstenberg? There are a bunch of her dresses, some in shapes and prints that would look great on you, on the Outnet site now, priced at around $200. Her "Alix" merino wool dress in black and red seemed especially comfortable, practical and dramatically patterned.

rachylou

Veteran

I think Angie's word 'hectic' was good for a lot of this Fall's looks. There is maximal and there is 'hectic', that piling on of stuff. Clashing busy pattern that becomes harmonious works for me, but probably not double sweaters topped by a coat, belt, and lots of necklaces. I'm pretty sure I'd get tangled up. So I've been thinking 'ornamented pieces'...military braid, embroidery, texture (like Angie's blue AND black lace birthday dress), brocade, fancy buttons and to be sure, pattern.

...is that what you just said? Lol

Anonymous

I don't think I am going to be able to do maximal looks. Too much going on. It would distress me.

Staysfit

Veteran

I'm another one who doesn't enjoy too many layers. I will pull on a topper for a/c, but most of the time it comes off if it's warm enough. I have tried various versions of pattern mixing. More recently I went bold, but I didn't like it. Even a subtle pattern mix is tough for me to stomach. The easiest way for me to manage a pattern mix is when my denim has a pattern. I have a pair of jeans with faded oval shaped polka dots. They pair well with patterned items. I think that's an example of my version of as maximal as I would get. I typically wear solids, so maybe adding some geometric patterns would be maximal. Another way to go maximal might be to add jewelry instead of layers or patterns. Bolder necklaces. Maybe larger earrings, although I don't like heavy earrings because they make my earlobes sag. Finally, bolder clothing details like exaggerated epaulettes on a simple garment could be another way.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I've been doing maximum for so long long it is like a second nature.

I think there are many great examples here.

With an added attached piece or bold and vibrant designs in one dress.

Murph11

Veteran

I even surprised myself how drawn I am to the TT maximal outfit (added below for reference). It's not really "me," but I'm interested in WHY I'm so taken w/ the jacket+pants combo. I also don't layer much, but will do a jacket, more for warmth and not as often as a completer-piece. Aida makes some great suggestions here! Maybe maximal stand-alone blouses are your solution. These appeal to me for their bold print, all-in-one pattern mixing, and texturing. Go BIG or go home!

View Info

Banana Republic

Floral Print Blouse

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

17

original fit mixed print portofino shirt

View Info

Top Pick

0

Petite Illusion-Mesh Top, Only at Macy's

View Info

Top Pick

2

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'm not much into maximal or a lot of layering, but I will probably end up doing what Murph11 mentions above -- include a statement top or jacket with a lot of texture or pattern. Maybe pairing that with bolder footwear. Una, you have the advantage of being able to wear interesting leggings and pants, which gives you some more options. These days I run a bit warmer than I used to, so the idea of hectic layers makes me sweat.

RobinF

Veteran

Aida has some great suggestions. I'm not really into maximal either but I could see trying some of those. I will be really interested in seeing how some of you do the maximal thing.

Sara L.

Veteran

This is a great thread with some great advice. I'm not into layering either - I don't even usually add that "third" piece that's essential to so many fabbers. I do wear jewelry and scarves though to add some interest and pattern to my outfits. I'm not good at layers and generally don't like more than one color in an outfit so I'm not sure I'm going to be able to incorporate much maximalism into my style.

tulle

Veteran

You know, this topic was discussed in the Passage des Perles blog sometime ago, in reference to Jenna Lyons and her often un-matchy-to-the-extreme outfits. Some readers over 50 pointed out that, after a certain age, one wearing this sort of feverish color and pattern combo risks being taken for an eccentric old lady, or one whose eyesight is failing, anyway. Now that it's clear JL has anticipated a major trend, I plan to add a few (for me) slightly more maximal touches this season (mixed small prints, more fun jewelry, some colors just outside my comfort zone, bright accessories) but will stay clear of anything that could be called "hectic".

Aida

Veteran

Mmmm I've always wondered what's so bad about being an eccentric old lady? Sounds fun. Pretty sure I'm headed that way

Sal

Veteran

I love pattern and have a lot of it in my closet, I don't do a lot of pattern mixing though, only rarely. This is more how I get my maximal rather than layering...or a mix of textures.

Alicewonderland

Veteran

I'm the same way, I have a hard time with layering and combinations, etc. Plus it doesn't work with my lifestyle and job. So pulling out the colorful scarves and jewelry will be as far as I go with the maximalism.

Style Fan

Veteran

Not sure how the maximal trend will work for me. I am enjoying reading the suggestions on this thread. I like the look on others but I never seem to go that route. I may start wearing more jewellery. I pared down a few years ago.

12