Forget the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic – celebrity style expert says maximalism is having its moment

Neutral tones, crisp white tees, neatly combed back hair and minimal accessories; the ‘clean girl’ look has taken the internet by storm this year.

But its ‘ugly’ sister has also reared its head –  and is a huge hit with Gen Z.

Maximalism is back and bolder than ever, with celebrity stylist Miranda Holder telling FEMAIL that many A-listers are embracing the ‘more is more’ ethos on and off the red carpet.

Symptomatic of the move away from lockdown leisurewear, Miranda explained that bright, bold and cluttered looks aim to ‘celebrate the moment’ remembering that life – particularly post-pandemic – is ‘most definitely too short and that literally anything goes’. 

She said: ‘It’s basically doing the exact opposite of the style advice Coco Chanel once gave us, which was to take one thing off before leaving the house – the maximalist approach would be to add more…. A whole load more!’ 

This freer fashion, which refuses to follow any rules, allows wearers to embrace a huge range of influences, from ‘teenage dirtbag’ 2000s chic to girly, hyperfeminine and glam looks.

According to Youtuber Mina Le, it is heavily influenced by Japanese street style, which largely came out of Harajuku, an area of Tokyo.

Eclectic Harajuku looks, often based around second-hand buying, were heavily influential in the 90s and noughties.

US singer Erykah Badu wore an entirely vibrant pink look to the Valentino Paris Fashion Week show in October

Model Emily Ratajkowski does not shy away from bright colours and bold prints in her looks. She stepped out in New York last month wearing a bright orange coat with knee-high zebra print boots

Gigi Hadid wore a daring punk ensemble by menswear designer Thom Browne, which incorporated clashing plaids and textures as she attended the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York last month (right). Meanwhile Harry Styles also has a high fashion glam-rock style 

This style has resurfaced today, manifesting in a huge range of looks which are usually heavily-accessorised and involve ‘de-constructed and re-constructed’ garments. 

But the joy of maximalism, Holder explained, is that it is exactly what you make it.

She said: ‘Japanese street style is certainly one version of maximalism – most notably with the outlandish and very famous ‘Harajuku style’.

‘But you can find examples of it in many other cultures too… it’s more often a style personality choice.’

‘The wearer is outgoing, creative and kooky… as if an art teacher eats a Care Bear and dates a punk. 

‘Inspiration can come from literally anywhere – cartoons to the doughnut store!’ 

While there is no coherent thread to maximalism as a style movement, it characteristically combines different brands, clashing styles, colours and patterns.

A uniting theme in it is that it appears to be the antithesis of 2020s minimalism, which has been heavily influenced by the sharp makeup, trim silhouettes and neutral tones adopted by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Molly Mae.

‘For every fashion subculture there is always a counter-movement – think mods and rockers or emo and cottage core,’ Miranda said.

‘The popularity of the clean girl aesthetic is still going strong, but maximalism is its gregarious and outspoken fun-loving sister.’

As well as being embraced by various street fashion styles for decades, the cluttered trend is also present in high fashion – which is becoming increasingly confident in disregarding the rules, according to Miranda.

Iris Apfel, who is 101 years old, is labelled the ‘ultimate queen of maximalism’ by the fashion stylist

‘There is a new sense of freedom in the fashion world that we haven’t had before, with trends generally being freer, with designer shows on the runways embracing each and every influence rather than sharing common themes.’

Some maximalist style icons you could take inspiration from include musicians Lady Gaga – ‘when she goes all out’ – and Elton John known for his 70s glam rock influences.

But the ‘ultimate queen of maximalism’, according to Miranda, is 101-year-old fashionista Iris Apfel.

Known for her thick-rimmed glasses, oversized colourful necklaces and love of the eclectic, interior designer Apfel has gained a following of millions with her unique look and mantra ‘more is more and less is a bore’.

In the influencer world, aptly named Instagrammer Maxine Wylde curates loud, brightly-coloured outfits for her large Instagram following

Known for donning vibrant suits, the odd feather boa, and blending masculine and feminine styles, Harry Styles has gained a legion of new fans after transforming his boyband look

Another public figure who has massively popularised the ‘extra’ aesthetic is Harry Styles.

Known for donning vibrant suits, the odd feather boa, and blending masculine and feminine styles, the former One Direction singer has gained a legion of new fans after transforming his boyband look.

His now much more vivacious and unique style, heavily influenced by vintage couture and 70s glam, even won him a collaboration with Gucci this year.

Meanwhile, in the influencer world, aptly named Aussie Instagrammer Maxine Wylde curates loud, brightly-coloured outfits for her large Instagram following.

Ratajkowski is regularly pictured walking around New York in her own distinctive street style which fuses the retro with modern trends

Wylde’s signature look involves pairing clashing shades of the same colour and pushing the boundaries with contrasting materials and prints.

She also accessorises with the boldest designer bags, chunky shoes and funky sunglasses.

Model Emily Ratjkowski also enjoys wearing bright colours and bold prints, and is regularly pictured walking around New York in her own distinctive street style which fuses the retro with modern trends. 

And on the red carpet A-listers did not shy away from eye-catching colours and unusual textures with the garments they chose.

 Miranda explained that  next year, fashion fabs can expect to see everything to be fabulous cluttered (pictured, the stylist) 

Erykah Badu, a US singer-songwriter, arrived at the Valentino Paris Fashion Week show in October in an all-pink ensemble, donning an oversized feather coat and a huge hat reminiscent of the iconic accessory worn by Boy George.

Also opting for vibrant neon at the Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall this month was actress Jodie Turner-Smith, who looked confident and radiant in a striking lime dress.

Miranda explained: ‘As far as next year is concerned, we can expect to see everything trending from the pared back cleaner look to its fabulous cluttered (and some would say claustrophobic) counterpart. 

‘This really is the era of dressing yourself happy, so start a new style leaf in January and please yourself.’

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