With the 80’s making their way back firmly to the front of fashion, we’ve seen the return of maximalism as a style theme. Too much of everything is suddenly a good thing :). The concept can be a bit daunting. Color, pattern, sparkle, metallic – how’s a gal to blend it all? -because the success of maximalism really is all about the blend. I find it easiest to restrict my palette to a single color. It helps reduce the potential for getting overwhelmed and it helps to unite the look. That core of cohesiveness makes maximalism much more accessible – you don’t have to fear looking like you got mauled by Las Vegas :). Blue is a great shade to start because…blue jeans! But you can build your look around any solid color bottom that strikes your fancy. Next up: patterned shirt in a coordinating color. With the current chill in the air, I love flannel plaids, but stripes, dots, florals and checks all work. Top your look with a piece in the same color family. A bright blazer is usually my go-to, but a longline cardigan or duster will do nicely. Don’t worry if you’ve chosen a neutral like gray or beige as your single color – we’ll make it max in a minute ;). Accessories are the last crucial piece when giving maximalism a go and the rule generally is the more, the bigger, the brighter, the better! I like to use texture and material to help communicate the max vibe because it allows you to throw a neutral tone into the mix without diluting the maximalist vibes. Top your look with a metallic or jeweled belt, a coordinating statement necklace (yes, you can go for the earrings too! :) And/or a ring in the same color family. Complete the styling with fun footwear. Basic black leather is right out. Colored satin, coordinating patterns (hello leopard if you used beige :) and don’t forget about all-the-rage snake), embroidery or bedazzlement, glitter: it’s aaaaaallll on the table, so get crazy :). The fun side of maximalism is seeing how far you can get to the edge without sliding over into hot mess territory. This is the time to push the boundaries! - anchored by that over-arching color theme :). Happy maxing out, loves! (Isn’t it nice to max out something other than your credit card? :) Reason #268595 to love maximalsm!)
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I really wanted to do a Trend Blast post last fall, but since I am about twenty years behind in life, it didn’t happen. Since at this point, Fashion Month is only a couple weeks away, I decided to use the ideas in a different way. During the time leading up to Fashion Month, I’ll be doing a series of Favorite Things – Inspiration Boards based on the trends so we can all spend the last weeks of F/W 18-19 as trendingly (is that even a word? I think I just made a new word…again *eyerolls at self*) as possible :). Often times, this can be a really blah, bland time in fashion, with the holidays over and spring having not yet arrived, so I’m hoping this will help combat that!
First up is one of my favorites: the multi-hued or rainbow trend. I know it sounds like a grade school, fluffy, Kermit-the-Frog kind of thing, but don’t relegate it to the play room just yet. It can look amazing if it’s handled just right. The key is to temper the myriad of bright colors with a heavy dose of a single neutral. My current fave is classic black. It works especially well for winter as it keeps the look from feeling too spring-hued. Alternatives include dark gray and navy, which will work similarly. If your closet looks anything like mine, I’m betting the neutral is the easy part :). There are gobs of multi-hued pieces out and about right now, in everything from stripes to dots to sequins, so def feel free to pick one up (or a bunch …who said that? :)…#ThatFriend). The fun part of this trend is that unless they’re really complex and edgy (looking at you, Gucci) or done in very nostalgic colors (think muted 70s tones or neon 80s shades) most of the pieces will have staying power because they go with everything and they’re obvious outfit-defining statement pieces, which lets them transcend era. Scoop up a rainbow-striped skirt, add a black turtleneck and pointy ankle boots and abracadabra, you’re done! But what if you don’t want to wait to pick up something new and you need to wear rainbows right now? The beauty of the multi-colored trend is that it isn’t restricted to full rainbows…any piece with three different hues in it will create the idea. And it isn’t just restricted to prints and patterns. Got sequined pumps that reflect in a triad of colors? Break those out and pair them with a chunky, oversized sweater and skinny jeans. Got a sweater with multicolored embellishments, a multi-striped tee, an embroidered blouse? Employ them! Pair with black, cropped denim or ponte pants and finish with a black ankle bootie. How about scarves or baubles with more than one tone? They’ll do nicely as well. Pair them with any black monochrome look for a trendy twist. PS Baubles are especially versatile and useful to explore this trend: if you have several pieces with only two shades each, don’t forget about using both – stacking bracelets, layering rings (even a selection of single-stone pieces will work in both cases). I hope this inspires you to try the rainbow trend sometime soon! Happy styling, loves! |
AuthorBrie (Hi!) More re: me under About. I'm the moving spirit behind this little life-meets-fashion fairy tale world, the home of my non-wrestling-related style musings and loves. Archives
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