How to tackle this season's subtle maximalist trend

It's more wearable than you think

Maximalist trend
(Image credit: Getty Images)

This season I'm breaking down all the major Spring/Summer 2024 fashion trends for you to make your shopping list easier. So far I've decoded the following movements: orange, purple, monochrome, cut-out details, embellished fashion and geometric trends.

Now my attention turns to the maximalist trend, but not as you know it. Think of it as a subtle nod to the OTT looks of seasons past. It's maximalism with a hint of Autumn/Winter 2023's wearable trend.

In practice, at Bottega Veneta and Molly Goddard, it looked like parts that aren't normally highlighted taking centre stage. Molly turned garments inside out, putting the spotlight on grosgrain strapping, internal zips and boning for a collection that was nothing if not feminine. At Bottega, Creative Director Matthieu Blazy delivered power shoulders and embellishments such as tassels.

Rokh's signature deconstructing styles included blazers, trench coats and dresses which highlighted hardware and accessories such as belts. And at JW Anderson, all anyone could talk about were the bomber jackets and trench coats which featured feathers literally bursting at the seams.

To make it work for you this season, keep the focus on a single piece to elevate your basics. Think a blazer with exaggerated shoulders, an embellished trench or top or even just a sweatshirt with XXL hardware. Here are a few fashion buys that might help you along the way.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.