What is maximalism

Maximalism is a style that is lavish all round. More is more - less is boring! Maximalists are bold with colours, patterns and textures, mix them wildly and deliberately lay it on thick - often in an exaggerated sense. They like to mix things from different styles and centuries together. Vintage is also very popular among maximalists! Especially the floral patterns and psychedelic Circles from the 60s and 70s make the hearts of maximalists beat faster. But grandma's crocheted pieces are also back in fashion, for example combined with Scottish patterns or silver and gold fabrics. There are no limits to maximalism. Creativity and fun are the top priority!

The maximalism trend is not new. Already in the 1960s, eye-catching prints, unusual cuts and unusual materials were in. In the design world, maximalism is even older: in the 19th century, every free surface in the house was decorated - with eye-catching wallpaper, heavy carpets or extravagant accessories.

In Germany, we have been living rather minimalist since the 1980s: the less, the better. Many German living rooms are decorated in such a Nordic-cool way that one would prefer to put on a jacket. But here, too, maximalism is slowly taking hold. Bright green sofa covers, patterned wallpaper combined with ornate Victorian furniture and antiques are replacing cool Nordic design."

Why is maximalism in fashion so hot right now?

Even on the catwalks, things have been rather minimalist in recent years. But this year, the hunger for colour, patterns and unusual designs is greater than ever. The trigger for this is probably the pandemic.

Until the beginning of 2020, it was still considered cool to dress as minimally as possible and to consciously limit one's lifestyle. But the pandemic has made many people realise how difficult life with restrictions really is. Due to the forced isolation, the world around us is suddenly no longer loud and colourful - but monotonous.

This feeling has given rise to the desire for cheerful designs and colourful tops. If everything is already grey and dreary, why not at least put on an outfit that makes you maximally happy? Why not just dive into a world full of creativity and imagination?

Add to that: After more than two years in the home office, you just can't see the grey sweatpants and beige socks any more. Fashion has always been a reflection of the times - and now is the time for bright colours. After the many lockdowns, they serve to cheer us up and inspire us. But also as a sign of hope and new beginnings after the pandemic.

Three maximalist styling tips for beginners:

Just forget everything you've learned about "what goes together and what doesn't" until now. As a child of the 80s, this was quite difficult for me at first.

I still remember the shopping trips with my mother very well. We often went to trendy women's and children's boutiques. And the shop assistants often gave us advice on how to combine things and what didn't work at all. Some phrases have stayed with me until today - for example: "These colours clash" when I reached for pink and red at the same time as a child.

Today I would celebrate my children for wearing pink and red at the same time. That's exactly what maximalism is! You don't have to go straight from grey sweatpants to an over-the-top maximalist outfit. But I think it's worth trying out the trend on a small scale. And it's really fun to wear something a little more "daring", isn't it?

Here are my 3 tips to help you get started:

1. combine different patterns

For a long time it was considered an absolute "no-go" to combine different patterns. That is now passé - so dare to do something! What goes well together are, for example

small patterns with large patterns

chequered patterns with floral patterns

dotted patterns with floral patterns or stripes

To mix different patterns optimally, it's best to choose two patterns that are absolutely not similar in terms of colour and style. If this is too wild for you, you can also take two patterns that differ in design (e.g. a floral pattern and a check pattern) but match in colour.

--> My extra tip: Make sure that not the entire outfit consists of patterns. For example, monochrome blazers or denim jackets and trousers go well together.

2. Wear complementary colours together

The word "complementary" is derived from the Latin "complementum" and means "complement". Complementary colours are therefore so-called complementary colours. To determine these, the colour wheel helps. There are different colour circles. Designers usually use Itten's colour wheel from 1961, which is easy to understand and the relationships between the colours can be easily recognised. Complementary colours are always opposite each other in the colour wheel. They are opposite colours that form clear contrasts. Directly next to each other, complementary colours create a strong colour effect. This website explains in more detail what complementary colours are and how you can best use them.

https://www.designerinaction.de/design-wissen/komplementaerfarben

3. Volume

The maxim for maximalist style is of course: "Bigger is better". Tops and dresses with puffed sleeves and ruffles or voluminous skirts with tulle or flounce are suitable for this.