Have you been noticing that clothing is getting more colourful? Silhouettes are getting more experimental? Textures are getting louder and more unapologetic? These are all signs of one thing: maximalism. People call it “loud style,” “eccentric dressing,” or simply “doing the most,” but at its core, maximalism is about embracing visual abundance. Most people recognize it through playful layering, bold jewellery stacking, or outfits that look like they were curated with intention rather than restraint. But maximalism isn’t just a trend — it has a history, and every time it resurfaces, it tells us something about what people are craving.
Fashion has always reacted to the state of the world. When society shifts, fashion shifts with it. Take the 1920s, for example. After World War I, the Western world was desperate for celebration, and people expressed that desire through their clothing. The flapper era wasn’t just about short dresses and fringe — it was about reclaiming joy. Dresses were elaborate, dripping in beadwork and movement. Men embraced tailoring with flair, accessorizing more intentionally and leaning into sets that felt celebratory compared to the rigid three piece suits of the past. Clothing became a way to feel alive again.
Then the stock market crashed, and the desire to dress up crashed with it. Hollywood glamour still influenced people, but financial hardship meant fewer could participate. The 1940s pushed this even further. World War II restricted materials, production, and creativity. Fashion became practical, pared back, and survival oriented. Expression took a back seat.
This pendulum has never stopped swinging. During the Covid 19 lockdown, people lost the motivation to dress up entirely. Sweatpants sales skyrocketed. Colour disappeared. The “groutfit” — a full grey outfit — became the unofficial uniform. And when lockdown lifted, many people genuinely forgot how to dress. Minimalism lingered longer than expected, not because people loved it, but because they were exhausted.
It wasn’t until around 2024 that people finally snapped out of it. The monotony became unbearable. People wanted to feel something again. They wanted to express themselves again. And that’s how we arrived at the moment we’re in now — a moment where fashion is more expressive than it has been in years.
Today, personal style is taking the lead. Yes, trends still exist, but they’re no longer dictating the entire landscape. People are dressing with intention, with curiosity, and with a desire to reconnect with themselves. Identity is back at the centre of fashion, and maximalism is the perfect vehicle for that.
So what exactly is maximalism? It’s not one specific look. It’s a mindset. It’s the rejection of quiet, neutral, rule bound dressing in favour of something that feels alive. Maximalism embraces colour without apology. It treats pattern mixing as an art form rather than a mistake. It plays with silhouettes, textures, and proportions. It follows the mantra of “more is more,” not because more is inherently better, but because more allows you to express more of yourself.
And if there is any city where maximalism makes perfect sense, it’s Montreal. This city has always had a personality — a fashion identity that refuses to be boring. Montrealers dress with intention, with creativity, and with a sense of individuality that you don’t see everywhere. Festival season alone is a masterclass in maximalist expression. Walk through the Quartier des Spectacles in July and you’ll see mismatched prints, thrifted treasures, bold silhouettes, and outfits that look like they were curated by someone who genuinely enjoys getting dressed.
Montreal fashion has never been about blending in. It has always been about communicating something — about identity, culture, mood, and personality. Maximalism fits perfectly into that DNA. It feels like a natural extension of the city’s creative spirit.
One of the most interesting parts of this resurgence is how strongly maximalism is showing up in men’s fashion. Historically, men’s clothing has leaned heavily into neutrality, simplicity, and classic silhouettes. But over the last few years, that box has cracked open — and now it’s fully breaking apart. Colours are bolder. Silhouettes are more dramatic. Patterns are expressive. Men are finally embracing the full spectrum of what fashion can be, and honestly, it’s about time. This shift has been building for years, and seeing it fully emerge is one of the most exciting parts of the maximalist moment.
Maximalism is a beautiful way to explore fashion and reconnect with the creativity the industry has to offer. Every outfit becomes a work of art. Every choice becomes a reflection of identity. And in a world that often feels heavy, dressing in a way that brings you joy is not only refreshing — it’s empowering.
In the coming months, try leaning into it. Play with layering. Experiment with colour combinations you’ve never tried before. Mix textures. Stack jewellery. Wear something that feels like a version of you that you haven’t met yet. Maximalism isn’t about being loud — it’s about being honest. It’s about letting your style reflect who you are, not who you think you’re supposed to be.
And if there’s anywhere to embrace that fully, it’s here.
Noah Solomon is the founder of True Tone, a head-to-toe fashion and beauty personal styling and consulting service. Noah works closely with clients to understand their needs, helping them discover and define their personal style. By combining the clients’ individuality with expertise in fashion and beauty, Noah offers thoughtful guidance that helps people feel confident, proud, and empowered in their style. For more information, check Noah out on his social media @truetone.noah on Instagram, @truetone_noah on TikTok, or reach out to him at noah.truetone@gmail.com. n