The other day, I came across a new episode of the Let’s Get Dressed podcast called “Mastering Polished Maximalism.” Normally, I probably would have scrolled right past an episode with “maximalism” in the title. I have always been drawn to a classic wardrobe. Give me a beautiful blazer, a great dress, a pair of elegant shoes, and a handbag that will still look good ten years from now, and I’m happy. But the word polished caught my attention.
If you know me personally, you know that I am a pretty disciplined person. I like a routine. I like a plan.
Lately, I’ve found myself wanting to loosen the rules just a little, not only with my style but in other areas of my life, too.
Not completely, mind you. A good routine works for me, and I’m certainly not suddenly interested in wearing every trend at once or filling my home with every beautiful thing I see. But I do think there is something to be said for allowing a little more personality, a little more creativity, and maybe even a little more “why not?”
Enter polished maximalism.
The idea isn’t simply to wear or decorate with more. It is about being a little more expressive with what you already love. More color. More patterns. More interesting combinations. More of those little details that make an outfit or a room feel distinctly yours.
And if, like me, the idea of maximalism sounds a little intimidating, I think the secret is to start small.
1. Start with one unexpected color
If your wardrobe is primarily black, navy, cream, white, and other neutrals (like mine), you don’t have to suddenly become a rainbow dresser.
Instead, introduce one color you love.
Try a red handbag with a navy dress. A beautiful emerald shoe with an otherwise neutral outfit. A colorful sweater underneath your favorite blazer.
The trick is to let the color be the moment rather than competing with everything else you’re wearing.
2. Let your accessories do more of the talking
Accessories are probably the easiest way to experiment with maximalism without feeling like you’ve completely changed your style.
Try a larger pair of earrings. Layer a few delicate necklaces. Add a statement brooch to a blazer. Wear a colorful scarf with a simple dress.
I especially love the idea of taking something classic and adding one unexpected accessory.
A simple black dress suddenly feels completely different with a vintage brooch, a beautiful handbag, or an oversized pair of earrings.
3. Mix patterns, but give them some breathing room
The other day I wore a pair of brown pinstriped pants with a brown and soft pink paisley silk top. I got so many compliments on the outfit and honestly I felt completely myself. I hadn’t even realized I was mixing patterns because the color pallet was so cohesive.
Pattern mixing can sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to mean wearing stripes, florals, leopard, and plaid all at once.
Start with two patterns that share a color like I did the other day.
A striped top with a floral skirt. A checked blazer with a subtle printed blouse. A patterned shoe with an otherwise simple outfit.
And if you’re nervous, keep the rest of the look quiet.
That’s the part of polished maximalism that I think is important. There should still be some restraint.
4. Try a little more jewelry
There was a time when I thought wearing more than one or two pieces of jewelry might feel like too much.
Now I’m learning that the right combination can actually make an outfit feel more finished.
Try stacking bracelets with your watch. Add a second necklace. Wear earrings with a brooch. Mix your favorite everyday jewelry with one slightly more dramatic piece.
The goal isn’t to pile it on. It’s to create a collection of details that feel intentional.
5. Bring maximalism into your shoes and handbags
You don’t have to wear a statement outfit to make a statement.
A beautiful printed shoe, colorful handbag, textured clutch, or embellished flat can completely change a simple look.
In fact, I think this is one of the easiest ways for a classic dresser to experiment.
Keep the dress or trousers simple and let the shoes or handbag have a little fun.
6. Don’t be afraid of a little pattern at home
The same idea works beautifully in your home.
You don’t have to redecorate your entire house to embrace a more collected look.
Start with a patterned pillow. Add a colorful book to your coffee table. Bring in a beautiful vase. Display something you’ve collected instead of putting everything away.
Maximalism at home should feel collected, not cluttered.
I love rooms that look as though someone has actually lived in them and collected beautiful things along the way.
Side note: the podcast guest (Julie Berolzheimer) said that she looks at interiors for wardrobe inspiration and that couldn’t have resonated with me more. Even if you aren’t redecorating, look at what you are drawn to when it comes to interiors and try infusing some of that into your look as well.
7. Mix old and new
This might be my favorite version of maximalism.
Pair something modern with something that has a little history.
Wear your grandmother’s jewelry with a contemporary dress. Put a vintage piece of furniture next to something sleek and modern. Display an heirloom alongside your newer finds.
Those contrasts are what give a home or an outfit personality.
And honestly, I think they make things feel more interesting.
8. Try one “more” outfit
If your usual instinct is to take something away, try adding something instead.
Add the belt.
Wear the statement earrings.
Pull out the printed shoes.
Carry the more interesting handbag.
Add the scarf.
Then look in the mirror before you take anything away.
You may discover that the extra detail is exactly what the outfit needed.
9. Remember that polished comes first
For me, this is the most important part.
I don’t think polished maximalism means abandoning everything I love about classic style. It simply means allowing a little more personality into it.
The clothes should still fit well. The colors should still work together. The accessories should feel intentional. And there should still be some editing.
Think more personality, not more stuff.
10. Find your own version of maximalism
Perhaps your version is color.
Maybe it’s jewelry.
Maybe it’s beautiful prints, vintage accessories, statement shoes, interesting art, or a home filled with things you’ve collected over time.
You don’t have to embrace someone else’s version of maximalism.
You just have to figure out where you would like to turn the volume up a little.
Start with one thing
I think this is especially true as our style evolves.
We don’t have to completely reinvent ourselves every time our tastes change. Sometimes the most interesting evolution happens when we take the style we already have and simply give ourselves permission to have a little more fun with it.
So, I’m starting with baby steps.
A little more color. A little more jewelry. A little more pattern. A few more unexpected combinations.
Nothing that feels forced. Nothing that feels like I’m trying to dress like someone else.
Just a little more me.
I think that may be the best kind of maximalism there is.
Xo Tonya
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