How to build a capsule wardrobe if you’re a maximalist

“But because we maximalists place the ‘more is more’ maxim at the centre of our fashion philosophy, we tend to have a hard time curating a capsule wardrobe.”

My maximalism journey began in 2012. It was a casual clothes day, one of the most important days in the primary school calendar, and I had a pair of galaxy-printed leggings I wanted to show off. This was back when Tumblr-esque fashion was seen as the height of cool.

It was, therefore, conscionable to wear a pair of galaxy tights with some ripped denim shorts over top, a teal knitted pullover with the word ‘$WAG’ written on it in silver sequins and a pair of chunky black suede creepers.

For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.

That was my outfit. I look back on it with a mixture of cringe and admiration. I say admiration because being a maximalist takes chutzpah. It’s usually more expensive to have maximalist tendencies, too, as you tend to accumulate a lot of clothing. The antithesis of this approach to dressing is the minimalist capsule wardrobe, a stylistic path some opt for after realising they simply have too much stuff.

But capsule wardrobes don’t have to be minimalist – what capsule wardrobes are really about is purposeful and economic dressing. It’s having a core set of reliable pieces that can be worn across a variety of outfits and occasions.

But because we maximalists place the ‘more is more’ maxim at the centre of our fashion philosophy, we tend to have a hard time curating a capsule wardrobe. But it’s certainly not unachievable. To find out how, I spoke with devoted fashion maximalist and content creator, Amy Kaleski, who let me in on some strategies key to cultivating a maximalist capsule wardrobe. 

I want to build a maximalist capsule wardrobe, where do I start?

For Amy, the best place to start is with the tried and tested basics. “Everyone needs a good pair of jeans and a nice low-cut white tank,” she tells me. Alongside these, she also suggests some quality outerwear staples, such as a denim jacket, a blazer and a leather jacket, and a colourful everyday bag as some of the essentials that help maximalists build a versatile capsule wardrobe. 

Amy opts for high-quality pieces that play with size, colour and detail in interesting ways, which helps create the points of interest that are key to a great maximalist outfit. Once you’ve established the foundational components of your wardrobe, incorporate a few patterned or textured pieces as well.

Amy’s mantra is, “Something loose, something tight, something dark and something light,” speaking to the role variation plays in maximalist styling. Look at how pieces work with one another and how they can emphasise or suppress particular features of an outfit.  

What are the features of a maximalist wardrobe?

Unlike a minimalist capsule wardrobe, which can look quite similar from person to person, a maximalist wardrobe will vary greatly depending on your aesthetic. A strong sense of personal style lies at the heart of a maximalist wardrobe which Amy says is exhibited through “bold colours, patterns and intricate details” as well as “one key element that stands out from the rest [of the outfit]”.

If I had to invest in a handful of maximalist pieces, what should they be?

When you’re curating a capsule wardrobe, you want pieces that are made to last, so investment pieces are inevitably going to be part of the picture. But for maximalists, choosing what to invest in can be challenging, especially when micro-trends tend to prey on a maximalist’s penchant for eclecticism.

“You only earn every dollar once so you don’t want to blow it all on a top that’s going to last one season,” Amy tells me. Instead, she says to focus on investing in accessories, like an eye-catching handbag or a pair of statement shoes or sunglasses that you’ll likely reach for every day. 

If you’re stuck on what pieces to invest in, a wise place to start is by shopping at affordable secondhand stores. Opt for pieces that reflect your core style inspirations (making a Pinterest board can be a handy way to figure this out) and “over time you start to see what clothes you reach for. From there, you could go into your favourite designer store to get a similar [but] better quality piece,” Amy advises. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring maximalists?

As a well-seasoned maximalist, Amy lives by the ‘more is more’ mantra when putting an outfit together. More specifically, she believes it’s essential to experiment with tonal colour palettes. “Start [by] focusing on one colourful element and then have everything else neutral,” she tells me. As you become more certain of your go-to outfits, you can start being experimental with colour and not “worry about clashing too much,” says Amy.

She recommends playing around with pieces you usually wouldn’t pair with each other and just seeing what happens. Importantly, she emphasises that aspiring maximalists need to embrace a sense of fearlessness and fun when it comes to their clothing choices. “I think I enjoy the expressiveness of it all… It’s a creative process that makes getting ready in the morning fun,” she says. 

While my sequinned ‘$WAG’ jumper was thrown away a long time ago, I still stand by the values it represents: creativity, chutzpah and, above all, a ‘more is more’ approach to fashion. 

Looking for a maximalist muse? Head here.