Maximalist Mindset

In other words, how can maximalism and business casual be combined?

The short answer is, well, yes. Why? Because “corporate” and “minimal” are not synonymous with each other (although some people may find that hard to believe).

If you remember my first blog post, What is Maximalism in relation to Fashion, you might remember me talking about the basics of what makes up a maximalist outfit. To jog the memory, the basics include but are not limited to accessories, color, pattern, textures, and layering.

So let’s talk about those basics, but in relation to business casual terms…(this is going to be just like playing those makeover games we used to play online!)

We will start with an outfit that includes a separate bottom such as pants or skirt.

In a minimalist world, a minimalist would stick to basic, solid colors- black, white, grey, beige. In a maximalist world, a maximalist tends to wear colorful or patterned pieces of clothing to spark attention or to promote an exaggeration- going back to the concept of “more is more.”

So a maximalist would choose a bottom option from something like these below..

shop these images:

red gingham pants: https://shopsovereigncollective.com/products/spodnie-vichy-czerwone?_pos=8&_sid=202a469e1&_ss=r

Pink ruffle skirt: https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/uo-rainee-tiered-ruffle-midi-skirt?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=066&searchparams=q%3Dpink%2520ruffle%2520skirt&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

Blue checkered pants: https://www.asos.com/us/minga/minga-london-wide-leg-pants-in-blue-gingham/prd/24008881#colourWayId-60531066

Black and white patterned pants: https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.1207187001.html

Lip print skirt: https://www.zara.com/us/en/printed-mini-skirt-zw-collection-p02496004.html?v1=329933760

Green patterned pants: https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/uo-daphne-printed-ruffle-flare-pant?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=038&searchparams=q%3Ddaphne&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

Next we move on to the top feature of the outfit. Keep in mind the idea of layering. Business casual calls for layers with items like button ups, vests, ties, and business coats. So what a maximalists should do is take that concept and apply it with color, texture, and patterns.

Therefore, the button up tops may look like this…

Paired with vests or jackets that look like this..

Shop these images:

Now it is time for accessories. These include shoes, ties, tights, jewelry, belts, headwear, and if your office allows it, hats. Seasons come and go, but maximalists may like certain color schemes or patterns (i.e. leopard print, polka dot, a specific color, etc) year round. Therefore, an item such as tights may be worn year round as it gives a pop of color to any look.

Here are some accessory ideas for maximalist business casual outfits…

Shop these accessories

Pink vintage neck scarf: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1311422920/neck-scarf-organza-scarf-neck-tie-women?click_key=faad837ad2d202909988e8eef111480a1fd790ba%3A1311422920&click_sum=4d69829c&ref=shop_home_active_32

Assortment of neck scarves: https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Square-Feeling-Favors-Random/dp/B08BG2DY53/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?crid=14Z3RYNTS113&keywords=neck+scarves&qid=1707423340&sprefix=neck+scarve%2Caps%2C289&sr=8-11-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

Vintage peekaboo ties: https://www.etsy.com/listing/829504152/1950s-peek-a-boo-tie

Cherry tie: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/281543711270723/

Heart studded belt: https://www.freepeople.com/shop/sweet-nothing-heart-belt/?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=010&searchparams=q%3Dheart%2520belt&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

Purple Belt:https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/mini-square-acrylic-buckle-belt-pink-purple/

Leopard print tights: https://www.asos.com/us/asos-design/asos-design-30-denier-fishnet-leopard-print-tight-in-black/prd/203458938?affid=28178&_CjwKCAiAlJKuBhAdEiwAnZb7ldMqWYkIghTV-_u2yvrW-idd3jVt3N04VShVpQAUZQkdJt4tAjF4SBoCyewQAvD_BwE&channelref=product+search&ppcadref=20393617118%7C%7C&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAlJKuBhAdEiwAnZb7ldMqWYkIghTV-_u2yvrW-idd3jVt3N04VShVpQAUZQkdJt4tAjF4SBoCyewQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Carel Paris bunny shoes: https://www.carel.fr/en/ballerines/8441-20667-Grey-and-white-patent-leather-ballet-flats.html#/size-38

Checkered tights: https://www.amazon.com/Music-Legs-Womens-Checkered-Pantyhose/dp/B00YFH1WYM

Now we must put the outfit all together…

When thinking about wearing a dress to the office instead of a top and bottom, be sure to still keep layering in mind. Layering adds shape, color, texture, and makes the outfit all the more interesting. An easy way to layer with a dress is by adding a button up underneath, adding tights, or adding accessories.

Here are some examples of how to wear a dress in a maximalist, but business casual way….

Take some inspiration and build yourself a colorful, maximalist business casual outfit for the next time you are in the office!