Big, Bold & Eccentric: The Rise of Maximalism

Mar 11 2025.

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The Minimalist king is dead, long live Maximalism! You saw it creeping in with the overloaded bag charms and the stacked Taylor Swift concert bracelets, Maximalist fashion is having its moment in the spotlight, and honestly, it’s about time. After years of being told that “less is more,” the pendulum has swung the other way, and now it’s all about “more is more.” 

Maximalism isn’t just about wearing bold colours or piling on accessories; it’s a mindset. It’s about embracing individuality, celebrating creativity, and rejecting the monotony of minimalism. From the runways of Paris & even Colombo Fashion Week, maximalism is making waves, and it’s not just a trend - it’s a cultural movement. Designers like Marc Jacobs and Schiaparelli led the charge with collections that were unapologetically extravagant with voluminous silhouettes, intricate beading, and layers upon layers of texture much like Lovi & Charini debuted this year.

But why now? After years of minimalist dominance, where clean lines and neutral tones reigned supreme, people were ready for something different. Minimalism, while aesthetically pleasing, often felt restrictive to people craving the opportunity for self-expression and adding a little something extra, something that was uniquely them. It was like being told to whisper when you wanted to shout, and boy! Is the world of fashion getting loud!

Pop culture has always been a reflection of the times, and in 2024 and 2025, it’s been a maximalist dream. Take the music industry, for example. Artists like Dhee, our very own Umaria, Doja Cat and Harry Styles have been pushing the boundaries of fashion with their bold, eclectic looks. Doja’s 2024 Met Gala outfit, a dazzling mix of feathers, sequins, and metallics, was a masterclass in maximalism. Harry Styles, known for his gender-fluid fashion, continued to blur the lines with his 2025 tour wardrobe, featuring everything from glittering jumpsuits to oversized ruffled shirts.

Then there’s the film and TV industry. The 2024 release of projects like The Substance, The Leopard & Wicked, all played into maximalist trends – let’s not forget the many press appearances of the dynamic duo from the latter movie. TikTok is the biggest barometer for the trend; The platform has been a breeding ground for maximalist trends, with creators showcasing their “clashing but cohesive” outfits and DIY statement pieces. The hashtag #MaximalistFashion has racked up millions of views, proving that people are hungry for bold, unapologetic style. Social media influencers on all platforms were mixing patterns like pros, and even the sleekest Instagram feeds were embracing a little chaos.

So how does one dress maximalist?

Mix Patterns & Textures: Stripes with florals? Polka dots with animal prints? Yes, yes, and yes. The trick is to play with colour families—find a shared hue to tie it all together. Mix velvet with denim, sequins with leather, or satin with knits. Different fabrics together give your look that “wow” factor.

Make Every Accessory a Statement: Statement earrings, chunky necklaces, stacked bracelets, funky rings—go wild. In maximalism, there’s no such thing as “too much.” Statement Shoes Always Win: Add some quirky kicks—platform boots, holographic sneakers, or jewel-encrusted heels. Let your shoes scream personality.

Don’t Be Shy with Colours: Bold is beautiful. Embrace neon greens, electric blues, hot pinks, and vibrant oranges. Or, go all in with a monochrome outfit in a striking shade.

Maximalist Fashion is bold, unapologetic and so appropriate for the current time and space we live in right now. It celebrates the individual, encouraging the spotlight to find you at your most authentic, even if it’s just an extra chain over a minimal outfit. You do you. And then go a little further, just to be you.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jude Gayantha Perera

A fashion stylist with a decade of experience as an image expert and consultant to local retail brands, Gayantha offers candid advice to men on Fashion and Grooming only on Daily Mirror's Life Plus.


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