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 \u201cloud style,\u201d \u201ceccentric dressing,\u201d or simply \u201cdoing the most,\u201d 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\u2019t just a trend \u2014 it has a history, and every time it resurfaces, it tells us something about what people are craving.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t just about short dresses and fringe \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cgroutfit\u201d \u2014 a full grey outfit \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t 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\u2019s how we arrived at the moment we\u2019re in now \u2014 a moment where fashion is more expressive than it has been in years.<\/p>\n
Today, personal style is taking the lead. Yes, trends still exist, but they\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
So what exactly is maximalism? It\u2019s not one specific look. It\u2019s a mindset. It\u2019s 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 \u201cmore is more,\u201d not because more is inherently better, but because more allows you to express more of yourself.<\/p>\n
And if there is any city where maximalism makes perfect sense, it\u2019s Montreal. This city has always had a personality \u2014 a fashion identity that refuses to be boring. Montrealers dress with intention, with creativity, and with a sense of individuality that you don\u2019t see everywhere. Festival season alone is a masterclass in maximalist expression. Walk through the Quartier des Spectacles in July and you\u2019ll see mismatched prints, thrifted treasures, bold silhouettes, and outfits that look like they were curated by someone who genuinely enjoys getting dressed.<\/p>\n
Montreal fashion has never been about blending in. It has always been about communicating something \u2014 about identity, culture, mood, and personality. Maximalism fits perfectly into that DNA. It feels like a natural extension of the city\u2019s creative spirit.<\/p>\n
One of the most interesting parts of this resurgence is how strongly maximalism is showing up in men\u2019s fashion. Historically, men\u2019s clothing has leaned heavily into neutrality, simplicity, and classic silhouettes. But over the last few years, that box has cracked open \u2014 and now it\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 it\u2019s empowering.<\/p>\n
In the coming months, try leaning into it. Play with layering. Experiment with colour combinations you\u2019ve never tried before. Mix textures. Stack jewellery. Wear something that feels like a version of you that you haven\u2019t met yet. Maximalism isn\u2019t about being loud \u2014 it\u2019s about being honest. It\u2019s about letting your style reflect who you are, not who you think you\u2019re supposed to be.<\/p>\n
And if there\u2019s anywhere to embrace that fully, it\u2019s here.<\/p>\n
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\u2019 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<\/a> on Instagram, @truetone_noah<\/a> on TikTok, or reach out to him at noah.truetone@gmail.com<\/a>. n<\/p>\n