How to Be a Maximalist

Chiara Ferragni, Anna Dello Russo, and Candela Novembre via Vogue España

So, after years of worshiping at the altar of Céline and Adidas, you've decided that minimalism and normcore are things of the past. Good for you! You've successfully made it to 2016, where eccentricity and excess is en vogue once again! But now that you've decided that minimalism is over, you're going to need to update your look.

With this easy step-by-step guide, you too can become a Gucci-wearing, print-clashing maximalist.

1. Know Your Key Influences

In order to adopt a new fashion style, one must first gather inspiration. Create a cut-and-paste mood board or a Pinterest board with the runway and street style looks that will serve as your starting points for your maximalist look. Natalie Joos, Natasha Goldenberg, and Susie Bubble are three street style mavens that know how to style an over-the-top outfit. Look to them for fashion guidance. 

Natalie Joos via Style du Monde

Natasha Goldenberg via Stockholm Street Style

Susie Bubble via Style du Monde

2. Shop for Necessities

I use the term "necessities" loosely because maximalism is all about excess and being anything but basic. Things to look for: embellishments, bold prints, asymmetrical cuts, cool textures, and so on. Here are some pieces to get you started:

3. Look at Pieces in a New Light

A shirt is not just a shirt. You can tie the sleeves to create a chic belt, or leave the top buttons unbuttoned for an off-the-shoulder look. A scarf can transform into a number of things. You are not longer limited by the restrictive categories of fashion. Try to wear your clothing items as everything but the thing they are defined as.

4. Create Layers

A top and a bottom is not enough. You need layers!! Leandra Medine is an expert at adding layers upon layers to an outfit. The more patterns you mix, the better!

Both images, Leandra Medine via Man Repeller

5. Have Confidence

This is the most important part of dressing like a maximalist, because trust me, you are going to get some weird looks. People are going to question your outfits because they are simple-minded and don't understand ~*fashuun*~ so it is important that you exude confidence and ignore the haters. You look great in your plaid-floral-metallic getup, you beautiful flower you! Remember, you are dressing for you, not for anyone else, so your opinion is the only one that matters. 

Backstage at Gucci via The Cut

So what do you think? Are you going to start dressing in the maximalist manner?