Maximalism Vs Minimalism

The debate to go big or go small has sparked numerous conversations in the fashion world. Coco Chanel advised to take one thing off before leaving the house. Iris Apfel believes you should put something else on to make a grand entrance. 

Less is more?

Delicious maximalists believe more is always more because less is always a bore. Classic pared down looks, such as straight-leg jeans and black button-downs, will always have a place in fashion. Just go big with accessories or stay simple with the highest quality pieces imaginable. 

What is maximalism?

Maximalism lets your bolder side shine through. Bright patterns, notice-me textures and billowy silhouettes help you make an exit from your style comfort zone. The trick is to be bold, not kooky. 

Explore mismatches

We learned how to match in kindergarten. However, they didn’t teach us about power clashing or mixing textures. Pair faux fur and lace, plaids and florals, orange and green to reinvigorate your look. 

Strike a fashion balance

Creativity does not always equal chaos. A balance needs to be struck to prevent a style malfunction. Pair a ruffled top with structured pants. Some maximalists swear by only using two prints and one texture. Stack rings, bracelets, and earrings and balance with a simple necklace.

Allow your outfit to tell a story

Begin with smaller details and trust your instincts. If you think it is too much, start removing accessories. However, you can be dedicated to the story your outfit has to tell. 

Pump up the volume 

Hit the pavement carpet wearing tiered skirts, shoulder pads and ruffled hems. This can be intimidating if you haven’t played with maximalism before. Just pick one statement item. You can even throw on a shirt with puffed sleeves if you are unsure. 

Layer yourself in high fashion 

Add character to your looks with bold layers. Don a printed jacket. Layer an animal print duster, a blazer and turtleneck for a strikingly sophisticated look. 

Elevate accessorizing into an art form 

A maximalist always knows how to artfully accessorize. Layer five necklaces of a multitude of lengths with a wrist full of cuffs. A minimalist can be happy with studs and a swipe of lipstick.

Mix every pattern 

Prints and patterns go together in a whole new way. Start by pairing a small print with a bolder print to strike a balance. Don’t pick similar prints. 

Stay in the same color family 

If you’ve only been wearing black for the last few decades, it is time to have fun with color. Begin with varying shades. Go to your closet and see which colors you like, then buy different shades. 

Study the color wheel 

In order to break rules, you have to understand them in the first place. Learn which colors go together and how they play against each other. You won’t feel unsure about matching ever again.  

Find your color harmony 

Color harmony is when hues go together. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. Think fuchsia and chartreuse, burgundy and forest green, yellow and purple, orange and blue, green and magenta. 

Gauge the temperature of your hues

There are warm and cool hues. Warm colors are ivory, brown, yellow, yellow-green, peachy pink and orange - mostly earth tones. Cool colors are blue, green, and light purple. 

Define color context 

Context is everything when it comes to color. A rust shirt may seem dull when paired with a yellow skirt. If matched with a dark purple, it can seem vivid. 

Pick pieces you love 

Throw on your favorite band t-shirt from high school. Choose unexpected patterns to layer and style. If you love it, wear it. 

Invest in statement pieces

You don’t have to pick timeless and classic neutral pieces to get your money’s worth. Consider bold, fun colors to last a lifetime. A lavender blazer or a red faux fur coat can define your look. 

Study fashion icons

Build your look with one-of-a-kind pieces. You can study minimalist and maximalist icons on social media for inspiration. Just make sure you are ready to play around in your closet. 

Focus on texture

Embrace excess with layers. Play around with zigzag hemlines and ripped jeans. Think of differing structures, lengths, and sizes to create more visual interest in your outfit.

Love on leather, vinyl and tweed pieces. 

Summary of maximalism 

Wear your statement pieces. Indulge your wild side. Be bolder. 

What is minimalism?  

Sometimes the basics are stunning and effortless. Focusing on simplicity and functionality, minimalism is timeless. Minimalism makes a statement with the fewest pieces possible. 

Think in layers

Less is more, except when it is the dead of winter and you need to stay warm. Slim-cut jeans with a fisherman’s sweater, a chic scarf and a trench coat are great style options. Just make sure you are not trying to be too sparse when it comes to the elements. 

Get creative in monochrome

Using a singular color base is a great foundation for any outfit with different shades and tints. A solid color palette lets you play with your accessories. Gray wool pants, a dove gray blouse and dark gray slingbacks would be a stellar monochrome outfit. 

Play around with textures

Mix textures to add visual interest, depth and dimension to avoid an overlooked outfit. Consider pairing denim, chiffon, leather, cotton, suede, silk, wool or sequins. Just make sure you are comfortable day and night. 

Jazz up a monochrome outfit

Go beyond solid pieces for monochromatic outfits. Explore patterns and prints. Petite women swear by how monochrome outfits help them appear taller and slimmer. 

Choose accessories carefully 

By being a minimalist, you can invest in timeless accessories. Think watches, scarves and a purse. Explore texture or color for maximum impact. 

Incorporate contrast 

Stark black and white is the epitome of minimalist contrast. Put on a white tee with a black blazer and pants. You can stick to this basic palette for most of your outfits. 

Build up your outfits

Any good outfit can be easily built up with fashion staples. Create a wardrobe with good tees, a few blazers, jeans in all styles and an LBD. Jazz up minimalist outfits with jackets, shoes and a belt.

Try a couple sizes up 

Oversized clothes are a minimalist dream. It looks like you are wearing more, but truly wearing less in grand comfort. Ripped jeans and an oversized white tee work for most occasions. 

Add flair with sleeves

You can go the sustainable route by wearing outfits multiple times when you switch up the sleeves. Experiment by rolling them up, wearing them down, tying them back and anything else you can think of. 

Organize by patterns 

Make getting dressed quick and easy through visualization. Organize by color, texture, type and design. Minimize your stress and maximize style. 

Experiment with new pieces

Trial and error can be fun. Try faux fur, bold hues or play around with rolling up sleeves or tying knots in the front. Roll up pant legs for a 50s look. 

Rotate your outfits

If you still wear your clothes from high school or college, it is time to put them in the back of your closet. When the seasons change, so should your wardrobe. Buy some new pieces to make sure your looks are fresh, not stale. 

Check your quality 

Fewer pieces of clothing mean you can actually invest in great pieces. High-quality materials withstand frequent washings. Buy designer pieces for endurance. 

Figure out the rules of minimalism 

Minimalist fashion has no rules. Start with the basics and build up. Buy tops and bottoms in solid colors. Get practical shoes that can work with any outfit. Plain jackets and coats should be easy to remove. 

Add trendy pieces

Slowly add trendy pieces. Women can add boots or heels. Men can mix in colorful belts and sneakers. 

The difference between minimalism and maximalism 

Minimalism and maximalism are polar opposites. One loves practicality and the other borders on creative chaos. The best part is you never have to choose. One day you can wear neon and African-inspired bracelets and the next a monochromatic beige outfit with simple studs. 

Balance, reflect and harmonize

Reflecting harmony and balance through quality and tailoring, minimalism came of age in the 90s. Maximalism, however, is all about decadence via vibrant colors, luxe layering and eye-catching textures. 

Minimalism requires exact tailoring and whispers of style. Maximalism thrives with riots of prints and textures. Express your creative energies. 

The case for minimalism 

Minimalism is the chance to slow down and appreciate the little things. Clean lines give style clarity and direction in amounts that are perfect for the wearer. Busy fashionistas love how easy it is to go from day to night in a simple outfit. 

The style is anything but boring in the right hands. It is easy to play around with varying textures and structures without overthinking. Enthusiasts edit their outfits and then edit again. 

The case for maximalism 

A bad day can be turned around with the right outfit. Boldness is a mood booster and a visual reminder of identity. It changes how others feel in your presence and inspires others to go bigger. 

Maximalists tell a story with each outfit. There is an underlying emotional quality and a pushing of boundaries through unabashed glamor. Each unique piece is thoughtfully curated through complicated elements. 

More than anything, maximalism is fun. There are no limits to the fun you can have as you go about your day turning heads. Maximalists should look toward the runway, while minimalists should take inspiration from street style blogs for thoughtful details, fine fabrics, and interesting textures.

Staples for any minimalist closet

Choose a quintessential coat

A trenchcoat is the perfect coat for minimalists. It is a great investment because it will never go out of style. Pick a beige one to go with everything in your closet. 

Select a chunky knit

Winter means getting cozy. An oversized pullover is a winner on social media and beyond. They are simple and powerful in terms of sophistication. 

Go a bit daintier

Spring and fall call for a finer knit. Try a ribbed collared sweater, a pale turtleneck or a bell-sleeved pullover. Buy multiple knits to wear for both seasons. 

Buy an everyday shirtdress

Feminine details can elevate a standard shirtdress. Details such as a bow-tied belt, tiered hemlines or a wrap element can be fun. Just add leggings for colder seasons. 

Decide on a knit dress

Minimalists love knits. A knit dress can provide a form-fitting silhouette for a contemporary twist. Or try a flared option or one with unexpected cutouts. 

Find your wear-forever basics

Basics need to last when dressing as a minimalist. Invest in luxe layerables and structured pieces. Choose pieces that fit your lifestyle. 

Choose a mighty midi skirt

Midis are great for work and going out. The below-the-knee length is the perfect solution for everywhere style. Pair a midi with a structured tank, opt for sculptural jewelry or mix in sky-high heels. 

Polish off in style 

Minimalism is all about the details. Pick out hammered metal rings, pendants and liquid earrings. Balance a neutral palette with chic gold pieces. 

Make an entrance in a loafer

Choose a loafer for each season or a lifetime. There are a multitude of tempting versions. Explore soft suedes and supple leather. 

Fashion is meant to show off your personality and make dressing for the day fun. Minimalism is perfect for those who crave simplicity and quality. Nothing is more elegant than exquisite detailing and neutrals. 

Maximalism is the antidote to simplicity. As the world returns to normal and there are more occasions to dress up to be complimented in person, now is the time to be bold. Wear pieces that make you feel alive. 

Style is personal and wonderful. You never have to choose just one style with the selections from the online boutique that fashionistas go to to experiment with their style and build up their looks. 

Bhfo.com is where to find name brand clothes for your minimalist or maximalist budget. Our affordable brand clothes make you the star for all the occasions of your life. Grab one of our bhfo coupons to get brand names for less.

Go bold with patterns, textures and colors. Dress in what you love and tell the story of your life’s journey.