9 maximalists share their hardest-working wardrobe items
IMAGE VIA @lauren_fillysstable/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY RUBY STALEY
“I just keep adding different pieces until I feel like it might be too much – then I’ll add one more for good measure.”
Although the minimal ‘clean girl’ aesthetic has reigned supreme over the past five years, there’s always been a collective of fashion folk who’ve never changed their loud and proud ways. Now, with maximalism well and truly back in its moment (thanks to the return of colourful Y2K and ’80s aesthetics), maximalists are living it up.
As a styling approach, maximalism is a tough aesthetic to define – it’s something different to almost everyone. It’s usually plenty of colour, pattern, texture and variation in layering and silhouettes. As long as it’s slightly chaotic, it’s fair game to be considered maximal.
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Even with a ‘more is more’ mentality, most maximalist dressers have some method to their madness. Or at the very least, they’ll have one piece they rely on time and time again, helping pull a look together when they aren’t feeling the most creative. Below, I asked some of my favourite maximalist fashion people about the items they fall back on when all else fails.
Sean Galway, he/they, content creator
Is it cheating to say my hardest-working item is my jewellery box? I’m all about layering and stacking accessories, because you can add so many dimensions to your personality. I describe my style as ‘curated maximalism’. You don’t want to look like you’re playing dress-ups in your mum’s wardrobe, so having something that carries through the outfit helps it look cohesive.
To me, everything has a place or purpose. I always start with the same base: a smiley face ring from Grace Kelly’s Store, a Millie Savage ring I got for my birthday and a heart necklace from Hutch Melbourne that says ‘loverboy’. From there, I just keep adding different pieces until I feel like it might be too much – then I’ll add one more for good measure.
Tariq Ismat, he/they, model and content creator
Remember the return of the corded headphones? A few years after the rise of AirPods, we all seemed to revert back to our dangly roped messes that often tangled their wires around themselves, catching on door handles, shirt buttons, and anything that could possibly render us stuck for a few moments.
I love the drama of something tied to me, blowing around in the wind as I waltz my way through the streets. It should be no surprise to anyone [that I’m partial to] sporting a patterned silk scarf. Scarf around my neck, my head, my waist – I’ll do it all! There’s just something about looking so put together but also being engulfed in fabric at the same time that is so appealing to me. I can’t really describe why. It just is!
Connor McWhinnie, he/him, graphic designer and content creator
Music has always been the root of all inspiration around my identity and in particular, my fashion sense. My fashion sense always reflects the music I’m listening to at the time. The foundation of my style is built from bright colours, baggy silhouettes, playful accessories and an absolute shit tonne of jewellery. I think my style derives from artists like Lil’ Kim, Britney Spears and Princess Nokia.
My favourite item in my wardrobe is a custom pair of one-of-one sneakers that my best friend Dom gave me on my 21st birthday. These sneakers aren’t just any normal sneakers. [They’re] hand painted by Brian Funes, representing the cover art of my favourite album, 1992 Deluxe by Princess Nokia. This album and shoe both perfectly encapsulate my style and personality, representing how music is integrated into my fashion style. [These shoes are] a very special piece to me.
Allie Daisy King, she/her, content creator
As a maximalist, the most worn pieces in my wardrobe are often brightly coloured and whimsically patterned. The piece of clothing that’s hardest working [in my wardrobe] is the Emma Mulholland on Holiday Check Kokomo Pants in olive.
I bought these during the first lockdown of 2020 and they’ve become the most worn piece I own. To me, these pants are a neutral. They’re the perfect shade of green and go with everything I own. I wear these pants weekly and my love for them has never diminished.
Lauren Nicholls, she/her, fashion director of Stable
The On Parks Square Jacket is definitely the hardest-working item in my wardrobe. It’s Italian wool, never creases and is always ready to go. It dresses up any outfit with a bit of drama and its length is perfect for the Australian weather climate – not too heavy, goes over everything and matches all my shoes. It’s two seasons old already and I still get a buzz putting it on.
I left it in an Uber the other day and gratefully got it back a week later. It was the longest week of my life… can’t wait to get it in another colour and will definitely be taking it to Paris Fashion Week. A trans-seasonal hero!
Tory Price, she/they, stylist
My all-time fave and the hardest-working item in my wardrobe is easily my Ed Hardy cap. I got it at the op shop for $2; I nearly didn’t get it because I hate the colour red. It hides a bad hair day, is sun smart, looks hot and cool and goes with every outfit!
Plus, now I like red! I love colour and prints so much! Prints forever! I’m a very ‘more is more’ dresser and love to layer my clothes. I especially love adding a load of jewellery to bring it all together. I feel so lucky to wear what I want, and I want everyone to do that too.
Cat Forsyth, she/they, stylist, writer and designer
Photography by Kyle Archie Knight
My favourite piece to style as a maximalist is the most ‘extra’ piece I own: a cross-body bag that looks like a kilt. This beloved bag was a Facebook Marketplace find (scored it for only $20!) and is worn frequently and lovingly.
I wear this bag at least once a week, whether that’s topping off a maximalist outfit or adding some interest to a more low-key look. By the way – besides the bedazzled belt and tartan pleats, the bag features a fabulous print of a naked bum hidden underneath the top layer. I mean, what a slay!
Ariane Leondaridis, she/her, founder of Ilio Nema
My ultimate favourite item is my Pollux Maxi Dress from Ilio Nema. Made from super-soft cotton, it’s handwoven on traditional looms in India. The pattern and colours are beautiful, and the oversize fit gives it a unique drape… effortlessly chic.
It’s really cool and dramatic over a swimsuit and striking over a black jean look. It’s a versatile dress during the day and a breezy robe jacket at night. I’m really tall, so this item falls perfectly on me. I love wearing it, it makes me feel so special.
Emaan Alamgir, she/her, content creator
For me, my hardest-working wardrobe item is definitely my Coach bag. I bought it new when I was in Texas because it was love at first sight. The reason this bag works so well for me is because of its versatility. The classic denim material with the iconic coach print and gold hardware makes it easily transitional, no matter what I’m wearing. I also adore the fact it isn’t just a typical neutral everyday bag, it’s something a little different and out there.
It works perfectly with my style because no matter how wild or laid back the outfit is, the bag seamlessly fits in as if it was made to be there. This was one of my pricier purchases, but I’ve honestly made back the money I spent on it. I’ve worn it out every day since I bought it. It’s come with me from Texas to New York, New Jersey, Sydney and Melbourne. I’m certain it’s still got a long way to go.
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