10 maximalist wardrobe staples that make any outfit an iconic one
A maximalist's take on "wardrobe essentials," if you will.
As a maximalist fashion girlie, I want to clear up a couple of misconceptions about maximalism I often see online.
Repeat after me: maximalism does not consist of or equate to buying and hoarding tons of clothes. Maximalism and overconsumption are mutually exclusive, but people often conflate the two together.
Think of it this way instead. You can dress with maximalist sensibilities in mind—think colors, textures, oddball accessories, etc.—but that does not also mean that you’re endlessly consuming and constantly adding items to your closet.
That said, just like the minimalist and capsule wardrobe girlies, maximalists have wardrobe staples, too. While it’s true that we might not adhere to the capsule wardrobe philosophy fully or at all, we DO have workhorse pieces in our closet that we rely on regularly.
I thought it would be fun to shed light on this topic, especially since I always see articles about “wardrobe basics and essentials.” Like, OKAY, we get it, a classic white t-shirt is a great thing to own, but what does a maximalist recommend adding to your closet? I’ve got answers!!!
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FRAME Le Slim Palazzo jeans, paid link
Nearly everyone has a reliable pair of jeans in their closet, and maximalists are no exception. Mine happens to be the Le Slim Palazzos from Frame.
I have naturally thin legs (my fencing coach in high school used to call me “chicken legs” ☹️ body shaming is NOT OK, Mr. Winston), so true wide-leg jeans swallow me whole. The Le Slim Palazzos are ideal because they give me the wide-leg effect without being too ginormous and unwieldy.
Black ribbed turtleneck, (paid link)
Black turtlenecks are a layering essential. I rely on these for a solid base if I’m doing any look centered around my jewelry, colorful tights, or if I decide to wear a big poofy exaggerated skirt. I also love wearing mine under cozy cardigans and crazy blazers throughout fall, winter, and spring.
Even though I’m only 5’2,” I’m a maxi skirt devotee (here’s proof). I have a black one from Kitteny and a white lace one from Lulu’s, and BOTH see a ton of wear. I love mixing the inherent femininity of a long skirt with my sportier pieces for an undoubtedly cool vibe.
I couldn't find links to the exact skirts I own, but I linked similar ones in case you’re interested in making long skirts look cool.
Red Sheertex tights, (paid link)
Tights are also a huge part of my outfits 9 months out of the year. I’ve collected pairs in almost every color at this point, but besides black, my most-worn color is red. Swap red tights out for black ones and the results are incredible. I highly recommend adding some to your arsenal if you want an easy and relatively inexpensive way to wear more color.
Colorful socks, (paid link)
In a similar vein, colorful socks are such an underrated outfit detail. We often try to hide our socks from sight, but showing off a sock that matches the color of your shirt, sweater, or blazer can add such a whimsical touch to your look. I ordered a multi-pack from Amazon a few years ago, and I’ve been rotating through them ever since.
Bubble initial necklace, (paid link)
I wrote about this exact necklace in my birthday gift recommendation post, and I’m including it again here because it’s really just that good. It’s the perfect size and length and will look good against pretty much every shirt you own.
Beaded bracelets, (paid link)
My most-worn bracelets are a trio of beaded bracelets I picked up from a Susan Alexandra sample sale. They’re simple, yet they add an unmistakably playful vibe to a fit. I couldn’t find the exact bracelets online (they were probably true samples tbh!!!), but I found a similar stack on Etsy for you.
Black Steve Madden Graya patent flats, (paid link)
If you’ve been following me for a while or know me in real life, you already know that I’ve basically made these shoes synonymous with my personal brand. These are at the base of nearly all of my most iconic outfits.
I own these flats in 7 colorways (lol), but my most-worn color, by far, is black.
Black Solimar Hokas, (paid link)
Hokas are known for being some of the most comfortable sneakers on the market. And I’ve taken it upon myself to make them fashun.
Because now that I’m a PT girlie, my black Hokas have suddenly risen the ranks and become my most worn shoes. But that’s not to say that they weren’t essential before then (I mean…what did you think I was wearing on my hot girl walks last year?).
Inflatable sunglasses, (paid link)
Now, I know dupe culture is controversial, alright?? But as someone who owns a pair of the genuine Loewe inflatable sunglasses and the dupes, I am more than qualified to give you the tea here, and…the dupes are better! They’re wayyyy more comfortable to wear—the original ones are very thick and heavy and sit awkwardly on my nose :/
But anyway, as a sunglasses girlie through and through, these are my favorites. I reach for them over and over again for an added pop to my most fashion-forward lewks.
And that’s it for my maximalist wardrobe essentials! Would you wear any of these regularly?
What are your closet staples? I’m curious! Let me know in the comments.
