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Understated elegance. Masterful minimalism. Quiet luxury. For seasons now, this trio of non-trend trends has dominated the sartorial zeitgeist. With designers like The Row, Khaite, and Toteme at the helm, the allure of refined wardrobe essentials–those pieces that whisper rather than shout—has seemingly trumped the desire for anything flashy or new.
But according to the FW25 runways, you can now have both. This season’s fashion mood invites a spirited mix: Statement-making ready-to-wear offset by sleek accessories; playful touches–brooches, gloves, pillbox hats–styled alongside simple denim and classic outerwear; and pops of bold color punctuating even the most monochromatic looks.
Vogue’s Favorite Maximalist Must-Haves
Even I, a once-devout minimalist, have found myself rethinking my uniform–drawn to pieces that spark emotion, express individuality, and, simply put, are just plain fun. Street style favorite Ramya Giangola is no stranger to this fabulous mix-and-match approach. During Paris Fashion Week, she offset a simple gray blazer and muted midiskirt by tying a festive cherry-red sweater around her waist–a simple yet striking move that instantly caught my eye (and sent me running to my own knitwear drawer to recreate ASAP).
That effortless styling trick sparked a larger thought: how else can I take my looks to the next level? Whether it’s a shimmer of sequin, a hint of fringe, or an elaborate floral pin, the goal is the same: To inject a dose of individuality into the everyday. And when Giangola isn’t there for that quick hit of inspiration, I look to the FW25 runways: a fabulous faux-fur coat with tailored trousers à la Gucci; fluttery feathers like those at Marni and Bally; pajama-inspired tops paired with sleek silk midiskirts for 9-to-5 dressing, courtesy of Miuccia Prada; and when in doubt, a splash of animal print per Rabanne and Khaite.
Below, eight joyfully maximalist outfits curated by me—from subtly expressive layers to looks that embrace a full devil-may-care approach—for the betterment of your wardrobe, and the sheer fun of getting dressed again.
The Pop of Red
Take Ramya Giangola’s word for it: nothing turns heads quite like a pop of red. Styling-wise, follow the brand strategist’s lead and offset your look with a burst of crimson. Other It items in the mix include Jil Sander’s lace-trimmed midiskirt, an oversized grey blazer from Other Stories, and a perfectly preppy heeled loafer. Giangola is also particularly fond of layering long pendant necklaces–look to this one by Le Sundial for a similar finish.
Flower Power
It’s the most wonderful time of year: holiday dressing. Secure your spot on any best dressed guest list by sporting Christopher Esber’s sequin tank dress atop a simple pair of black trousers from Zara, polished off with Neous’s subtly sexy strappy sandals. For that final personality piece, pin Prada’s powder pink floral brooch onto Banana Republic’s cropped tuxedo jacket–it’s a feminine touch that not only adds the perfect amount of color, but is an instant conversation starter.
Fringe Fever
You’re not imagining things: Every fashion girl has come down with a serious case of fringe fever this winter, and we have the New York-based brand Fforme to thank for that. At their FW25 show, some of the simplest of looks were accented with flurries of fringe, from oversized outerwear to LBDs. Try out the trend for yourself with this matching two-piece set from Liberowe. Then, add even more personality via a pair of red-hot tights from Swedish Stockings, Proenza Schouler’s bright white kitten-heel pumps, Khaite’s leopard-print pillbox hat, and a sequin handbag from Zara.
Smart Layering
Winter dressing is all about smart layers, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room to still be playful. Take this maximalist outfit, for example. Start with Zara’s fringe-trim turtleneck and a pair of suede Bermuda shorts from Arma, then add on The Frankie Shop’s classic black trench coat for added coverage and a timeless nod. Accessory-wise, slip into Jimmy Choo’s croc-embellished pumps with a cozy cashmere sock from Lisa Yang and carry Bottega Veneta’s luxurious leather tote in rich burgundy. The result? Proof you don’t have to sacrifice style in order to stay warm.
Seeing Stripes
After seasons with leopard-print leading the charge, the pendulum is finally swinging toward another kind animal mania: zebra. Make Rabanne’s velvet trousers the centerpiece of your winter wardrobe and wear them with Cos’s Peter Pan collar jacket and Loewe’s gold-metallic penny loafers. For yet another touch of drama, add on Dinosaur Design’s chunky beaded necklace in fire-engine red and complete with Gigi Burris’s velvet pillbox hat.
Head-to-Toe Sequin
Inject a bit of glamour into your everyday wardrobe by slipping into a glimmering sequin skirt. This one from Gucci is classic with a twist. Style it for nights out or perhaps even a festive holiday party with one of Loulou de Saison’s go-to cashmere polos, Staud’s cropped faux fur jacket, and Proenza Schouler’s pointed-toe metallic ballet flats. Rabanne’s crystal-embellished chainmail hat makes a declarative final statement.
A Casual Statement
Some outfits just need to strike a subtle statement. Like this one, for example. On your next weekend errand run opt for La Ligne’s sumptuous silk pants in marigold over your go-to pair of blue jeans. Team them with Khaite’s roomy knit turtleneck and Zara’s sleek suede coat, then finish off with Bottega Veneta’s trendy lace-up sneakers, Hunting Season’s leopard-print tote, and for that must-have splash of red, wrap up in Lisa Yang’s cashmere scarf.
Denim Upgrade
Speaking of denim, upgrade your everyday pair with a few sleek styling tricks: Tove’s elegant shearling wrap coat, Frame’s snakeskin-effect cardigan, and a pair of patent leather boots in chic chocolate from Bottega Veneta. And as with any personality-driven ensemble, this look ultimately comes down to its accessories: an ornate gold-and-red brooch from Sonia Petroff and a pair of elbow-length leather gloves from Agnelle add the final flourishes.
