Navigating Maximalism In The Nonchalant Apocalypse

The bigger the better still rings true.

POSTED 14.07.26 13:40 BY JOSEPHINE ALLEN

I’ve always found the idea of the “cool girl” slightly confusing. Not because I don’t understand the appeal—slick buns, effortless outfits, the whole nonchalant thing—but because I’ve never really been able to dress that way without feeling like I’m in disguise.

For a while, it felt like fashion only existed in two extremes: the clean girls with their minimal wardrobes, or the loud, chaotic “Brat Summer” energy that took over my feed. And I’ve always sat somewhere slightly outside both. I want colour, texture, and drama—but I also still want to feel like I didn’t try too hard.

So recently, I’ve been trying to figure out what maximalism looks like when you don’t naturally lean into nonchalance.

And I think the answer is: you stop trying to dilute it.

One of the first things that pulled me back into maximalism properly was patterned tights. It sounds small, almost insignificant, but somehow they change everything. A simple outfit suddenly feels intentional. I used to stick to plain black, thinking anything else was “too much,” but now I find myself reaching for florals, stripes, even spots.

There’s something about tights that makes maximalism feel less intimidating—like a quiet entry point into being a more expressive version of yourself.

Then there are accessories—the part I used to underestimate completely.

I used to think “cool” meant restraint. Now I think it might actually mean the opposite. The people who really stand out are usually the ones committing fully: layered jewellery, slightly chaotic bag charms, leather jackets thrown over something unexpectedly soft.

It’s not about matching anymore. It’s about attitude.

I still love a leather jacket moment, though. There’s something grounding about it, like even if everything else is playful or loud, there’s still a bit of edge holding it together.

Animal print has also quietly become my personality again.

Zebra, leopard, snake—it doesn’t really matter which one, as long as it feels slightly too bold for everyday life. I like that animal print doesn’t need to be the main event anymore. Sometimes it’s just a scarf, or a headband, or something small that makes the outfit feel less predictable.

It’s maximalism in its easiest form.

And then there are the boots—the final layer that somehow makes everything make sense.

I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of go-go boots. They feel like the easiest way to turn a chaotic outfit into something that looks intentional. Even when everything else feels loud, they anchor it in a way that feels almost effortless.

Or at least, effortless-looking, which I’ve started to think is the real point.

Because if I’m honest, I don’t think effortless actually exists.

The girl on your feed with layered belts, clunky jewellery, and slightly overwhelming outfit combinations didn’t “just throw it on.” She made choices. Probably lots of them.

And I think that’s what I’ve started to love about maximalism—it doesn’t pretend to be accidental. It’s expressive in a way that clean aesthetics often aren’t.

Maybe the real “cool girl” now isn’t the one who looks like she didn’t try.

Maybe it’s the one who tried, and wore it anyway.

Scroll through my Fizzypicks for the patterned tights, bold accessories, and maximalist staples I’ve been reaching for lately.

Rose Lace Tights

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Rose Lace Tights
$20

Navigating Maximalism In The Nonchalant Apocalypse

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