Tiny Clothing, Big Accessories: The Rise of Maximalism
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Fashion has forever remained cyclical, and now we’re moving away from sleek, beige minimalism to the complete opposite end of the spectrum: bold and free maximalism. Recently, it’s been all about tiny clothes paired with huge accessories–a playful combination of daring and sexy styles. Maximalism is back and louder than ever, popularized by Millennials and Gen Zs exploring the limits of self-expression in fun and unique ways.
The thing that’s so eye-catching about this look is how ‘extreme’ it is. Picture it: a tiny tube top with a tinier miniskirt layered under cropped jackets, wrists lined with bangles of varying metals, chunky belts, dangly earrings, and long necklaces, all topped off with huge handbags. It’s a look that’s both modern and not – a nod to Y2K fashion while also bringing in that unique 2024 flavor that makes this new wave of fashion so popular.
One of the most popular pieces from the entire maximalism movement is the miniskirt, a piece that has made its cyclical rise to the charts of fashion over and over. Whether pleated, plain, or plaid, the miniskirt provides the perfect canvas to build on. Miniskirts go perfectly with big boots, big belts, and oversized everything. They’re the complete juxtaposition of grungy Y2K yet chic alternative to shorts.
Recently, online influencers have popularized this nifty and easily styled choice. There are, of course, influencers like Emma Chamberlain, who are relatively new fashion mavens but have taken the world by storm, nonetheless, being styled and styling herself in the miniskirt as well as other maximalist looks in various photo shoots.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Then there are the significant celebrities taking this fashion trend to the – and pardon my pun – max. Charli XCX’s ‘brat summer’ is a large contributor to maximalist fashion, taking an up-and-coming trend to its fullest potential in the form of encouraging styling yourself in the way that makes you stand out the most without caring what anyone else thinks. There are various promotional shots of her rocking the miniskirt paired with big boots, sunglasses, and bags. I would be remiss if I didn't mention her most recent iconic use of the piece in her music video for “Guess” featuring Billie Eilish.
Image Courtesy: Vogue
While T-shirts are a popular choice when styling the miniskirt, the more extreme maximalists will include teeny-tiny tops in their outfits. These smaller clothing options allow for more experimentation with accessories, bringing more attention to whatever mix of layered necklaces or belts that are bigger than the clothing one chooses. With this trend, accessories are key – clothing is just a necessity.
When thinking about accessories, a considerable part of maximalism is jewelry. The larger, chunkier, and louder it is when you walk around, the better. However, that isn’t all there is to it. Mixing gold and silver has become more popular than ever due to creators on Instagram and TikTok. Looking at these creators is essential when considering fashion movements like maximalism because you’re more likely to see what regular people are wearing, rather than what celebrities or runway models are, thus seeing just how popular the trend is. When looking at these creators, you’ll see them incorporate gold, silver, bronze, and rose gold within the same outfit. There’s no fear of clashing or stepping into whatever taboo there might be of mixing metals. Instead, there’s a sense of playful rebellion that maximalism thrives on.
Image Courtesy: TikTok
There’s a reason why this look is so popular with Gen Zs and Millennials, and it isn’t just because of the clothes. It’s a rebellion against simplicity, allowing them to incorporate their identities, personalities, and perspectives of the world into their style. It’s a way to say ‘no’ to the sleek, minimalist look that didn’t show who they are as people at all. Most importantly, it’s so uniquely young that they can’t help but relish in it – they love that this style makes them stand out and how it differentiates them from one person to the next.
Maximalism isn’t just a trend, it’s a statement. With tiny clothes and sizeable accessories, people can express themselves to their full extent. They’re showing the world who they are in the boldest way possible, using a creative approach that encourages individualism and self-expression in a way not many styles can. From miniskirts, tiny tops, big-buckled belts, and heavy handbags, maximalism is a much-needed breath of fresh air for the fashion industry, allowing people to embrace their styles without fear of stepping outside of the simplistic ‘norm.’
Strike Out,
Author: Samantha Getchell
Editor: Grace Groover
Graphic Designer: Carly Collins
Tallahassee