I’m Not a Mess… I’m a Maximalist!
Written By : Grace Weidenhamer
If you were to ask, my friends and family would definitely describe me as a maximalist. As a former shopaholic and borderline hoarder of all things sentimental, I would have to agree with this statement. So when I heard that maximalism was trending this year, I was thrilled! Finally, my random assortment of knickknacks and overstuffed clothing rack wouldn’t be considered a “problem”. Although I believe maximalism is a form of self-expression, I also wonder how much you can “max out” before it becomes too much.
As with everything, humans find a way to take everything to the extreme. People even took minimalism to an unhealthy level when that interior design style was trending. There are definitely downfalls to committing to the maximalist lifestyle, like a lack of organization, creating a habit of buying… everything, and how it can be unsustainable.
As with minimalism, maximalism should be intentional. When you get dressed in the morning, you don’t go out and buy a new pair of jeans because they would look good with the outfit you are building. You use what you already have in your closet and build a look around those items. I think a very crucial part of maximalism that some of us miss, is that it prioritizes and encourages using upcycled materials, second-hand decor, and using whatever you have to make something unique. While minimalism focuses on getting rid of what you don’t use and reducing waste, maximalism should focus on reusing something old to make something new.
Maximalism is a way to embrace our creativity and individuality in a world of revolving trends. As Salette Cambra says in Fizzy Mag, “The answer lies in our culture. Fast fashion’s relentless cycle of microtrends has turned personal style into a hollow performance, driven by approval over authenticity. Maximalism is the rebellion—reclaiming style as a cultural narrative, rejecting throwaway culture, and celebrating individuality.”
I think sometimes we get so engulfed in trends that we lose sight of our own personal style. I know I’m guilty of saying, “I have nothing to wear,” just because I ran through all of my “trendy” outfits of the season. Instead of scouring the internet for the latest trends, I want to get back to wearing what makes ME happy and not being afraid to step out of the box to do it.