Style guide
Maximalist style, explained: what to wear and how to style it
Short answer
Maximalism is dressing with bold prints, textures, embellishment and accessories. Its defining pieces are an animal-print sweater, a sequin piece, a fringed jacket and a statement scarf or brooch. Marie Claire's main tip is to make accessories your maximalist moment and put patterns and textures on a minimalist base.
Steps
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Start with a simple base
Denim or a plain blazer and midi skirt. Vogue offsets simple denim and classic outerwear with playful pieces.
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Add one pattern or texture
A neutral animal print, suede, sequins or fringe. Marie Claire puts these on a minimalist base.
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Bring a pop of color
Vogue ties a bright sweater around the waist of a blazer and midi skirt. Cherry red and jewel tones are the colors to reach for.
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Use accessories as the main event
Scarves, jewelry, bags, shoes or a brooch. Marie Claire calls accessories the maximalist moment.
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Do a last check
Look at the outfit from across the room, then up close. Marie Claire likes texture that looks black from afar and shows detail close up.
What maximalism is and where it comes from
Maximalism is the opposite of pared-back dressing. It uses bold prints, textures, embellishment and accessories. Who What Wear says fatigue with quiet luxury helped drive it.
Vogue and Marie Claire both describe mixing it with minimal basics, so you can wear it without rebuilding your closet.
Key pieces
The pieces named across Vogue, Marie Claire and Who What Wear lean on texture and accessories.
- Animal-print sweater
- Fringed jacket
- Sequin piece
- Brooch
- Cherry-red scarf
- Metallic flats and bold tights
- Zebra or leopard bag
- Pony-hair coat and statement hat
Colors and fabrics
Colors are cherry red, jewel tones and bold pops of color. Black also works when it carries a texture accent.
The fabrics are sequins, fringe, pony hair, suede, exotic leather, faux fur and embroidery. Pick two at most per outfit so each one can be seen.
How editors are styling it now
Vogue offsets simple denim and classic outerwear with brooches, gloves or a pillbox hat. It also suggests tying a bright sweater around the waist of a blazer and midi skirt.
Marie Claire says to use accessories as the maximalist moment: scarves, jewelry, bags, shoes and a faux fur shawl. It also tries neutral animal prints, suede and pony hair on a minimalist base.
Wearing it in late fall and winter 2026
Vogue's maximalism list comes from fall and winter 2025 runways. It includes cashmere, fringe, fur-like textures and scarves, so layering and texture are the cold-weather version.
A scarf and a textured coat do most of the work. For party versions, see holiday party dresses under $50.
Shop the maximalist look at PeachSunday
Browse sequins, leopard print and velvet for texture and pattern, then accessories for the finishing pieces. New styles are added daily.
Search PeachSunday for sequin, leopard, velvet, fringe and rhinestone. Free US shipping applies on orders of $65 or more.
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FAQ
What is maximalist fashion?
Dressing with bold prints, textures, embellishment and accessories, the opposite of pared-back style.
Why is maximalism popular now?
Who What Wear says fatigue with quiet luxury helped drive it.
How do I start with maximalism?
Put one pattern or texture on a minimalist base, as Marie Claire suggests, and let accessories do the rest.
What colors are maximalist?
Cherry red, jewel tones and bold color pops. Black works with a texture accent.
Can I mix maximalism with basics?
Yes. Vogue and Marie Claire both describe mixing it with minimal basics such as denim and a plain blazer.
What fabrics are maximalist?
Sequins, fringe, pony hair, suede, exotic leather, faux fur and embroidery.
Sources
- Who What Wear: maximalist trends (checked )
- Vogue: maximalist outfits (checked )
- Marie Claire: minimalism meets maximalism (checked )