I don’t know about you, but somewhere along the line, I suddenly found myself craving a wardrobe that would make Liberace look like a minimalist. Maybe it was the unrelenting barrage of bad news that had me longing to escape into a maximalist dreamworld. Or perhaps it was my inner eighty-five-year-old woman, the one who’s long past caring what others think and spends her afternoons swanning around the gift shop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, buying splashy scarves and feeling utterly fabulous.

Whatever the reason, I’ve fully embraced my newfound love for purposeful eccentricity. And you know what? It’s been an absolute game-changer. Gone are the days of wading through a sea of beige and gray – these days, I’m all about surrounding myself with the sartorial equivalent of a plasma globe: vibrant, chaotic, and constantly drawing attention.

Take, for instance, the giant yellow coat that has become a permanent fixture in my wardrobe. It’s the gremlin of outerwear – all soft, cuddly, and twee, until it gets wet and turns into a deformed monster. But you know what? I love it. It’s the perfect way to “harness my inner maximalist” and start “wearing the wardrobe of an elegant oddball octogenarian.”

And that’s just the beginning. As I’ve discovered, there are so many ways to indulge in a little willful kooky glamour, and it can be a surprisingly potent form of armor against the challenges of daily life. After all, as the saying goes, “Life is too short not to live like life has been very long already.”

So, without further ado, let’s dive into some of my favorite maximalist must-haves that can help you channel your inner sartorial eccentricity. Get ready to embrace the philosophy of “more is more” and let your freak flag fly high!

Embrace the Power of a Statement Bauble

One of the easiest ways to dip your toes into the world of maximalist fashion is with a truly over-the-top piece of jewelry. As actress Miriam Shor, who plays the impeccably stylish Diana Trout on TV Land’s Younger, told me, sometimes her door-knocker pendants are so heavy that she has to take them off between scenes to give her spine a break.

Now, I’m not suggesting you go quite that far – after all, we want to look fabulous, not require traction. But a chunky, statement-making necklace can be the perfect way to add a touch of maximalist flair to even the most basic outfit.

One of my favorite places to shop for these bold, beautiful baubles is the Etsy shop of Cincinnati jeweler Tara Lea Smith. Her creations are like a kitchen sink’s worth of ribbons, beads, and found ephemera, all combined into one stunning piece. And if you’re looking for something a little more streamlined (but still delightfully over-the-top), the MoMA store has a selection of loud, sculptural lavalieres that are sure to turn heads.

Swoon Over Fluttery, Depressed Disco Dresses

Another maximalist trend that’s been capturing my attention lately is the Dusty Springfield-esque dress silhouette. You know the ones I’m talking about – those shiny, capricious flutter dresses that look like they were crafted by your kookiest aunt, who stayed up all night sewing you the perfect prom gown.

The undisputed queen of this particular aesthetic is Susie Cave, the designer behind the cult-favorite label The Vampires Wife. Her dresses have become a go-to for celebrities like Ruth Negga, Kate Moss, Margot Robbie, Laura Dern, Rachel Weisz, and even Kacey Musgraves, who wore a glittery silver number from the brand during her Christmas special.

There’s something slightly unhinged about these dresses – they look fancy, but also a little bit homemade, like they were crafted with love (and perhaps a touch of madness). And that’s precisely why I covet them. They’re the perfect way to inject a healthy dose of maximalist eccentricity into your wardrobe, all while channeling your inner disco diva.

Wrap Yourself in an Enormous Faux-Fur Coat

Of course, no maximalist wardrobe would be complete without a gigantic, over-the-top coat. And I’m not talking about your run-of-the-mill puffer or trench – I’m talking about the kind of outerwear that makes you look like you’ve just stepped out of a Wes Anderson film.

Just think about the character Harlan Thrombey from the delightful whodunnit Knives Out. As the great-grandmother of the family, she wore five coats on top of one another at any given time, and she looked chic as hell. Now, I’m not suggesting you try that particular approach at home (it does sound a tad cumbersome), but the general idea of swaddling yourself in a giant jacket is one that I can definitely get behind.

Luckily, these days, you don’t have to resort to wearing dead, endangered animals to achieve this look. There’s been a recent surge in fun, faux-fur innovations, and the options are practically endless. From the neon leopard bomber jacket by Parisian brand Apparis to the chocolate-colored faux-mink car coat from House of Fluff, the possibilities for cozy, maximalist outerwear are truly endless.

And if you really want to go all out, you can even treat yourself to a swirly Gucci stole that looks like it was snatched straight from the wardrobe of a Romanov sister. Or, for a more budget-friendly option, check out the cropped, funfetti-colored coat from Eloquii – it’s the sartorial equivalent of a party in your closet.

Top It Off with a Jaunty Beret

Now that you’ve got the statement jewelry, the fluttery dress, and the oversized coat, it’s time to top it all off with the perfect accessory: a jaunty beret.

Berets have been making a major comeback, popping up on runways from Acne to House of Holland to Saint Laurent. And if you wear it at just the right angle, the beret can add a timeless, eccentricgrandma chic touch to any outfit.

Take J.Lo, for example, who pulled off the secret agent meets Italian widow look with a sleek, black leather beret during the Hustlers press tour. If you’re feeling a bit more traditional, you can snag a classic Scottish-wool version from brands like Toast or The Kooples. But for a truly maximalist spin, I’d recommend checking out the signature shaggy berets from British milliner Emma Brewin – they’re just over-the-top enough to make a serious statement.

Discover Your Signature Scent

Of course, no maximalist look would be complete without a distinctive, memorable scent to go along with it. And as my ninety-five-year-old friend Annette Greene (a former Fragrance Foundation executive) can attest, there’s something incredibly powerful about “walking into any room and leaving a gumdrop trail of your aura behind.”

This year, we’ve seen the launch of several intriguing, individualistic perfumes that could be the perfect addition to your maximalist arsenal. There’s Zoologist’s Squid, a funky cocktail of black ink, musk, and sea brine that smells like high tide. Or Gucci’s Mémoire d’une Odeur, a genderless scent that relies on delicate Roman chamomile flowers. And if you’re in the mood for something a little more vintage-inspired, you might want to try YSL’s Libre, a powdery lavender-and-neroli concoction that evokes the scent of a 1940s vanity.

Of course, the real holy grail would be to have a custom fragrance created just for you, like the one that the perfumer Frank Voelkl made for Annette, called Annette’s Greenhouse. But if that’s not in the cards, any of these distinctive, memorable scents can help you leave a trail of maximalist magic wherever you go.

Indulge in Dressing Gown Decadence

Now that you’ve got the outerwear, the accessories, and the signature scent, it’s time to turn your attention to what you’ll be wearing underneath it all. And for that, I’ve got just the thing: a dramatic, boudoir-inspired dressing gown.

The gold standard of this particular maximalist genre comes from indie designer Catherine D’Lish, who crafts her marabou confections on a small island off the coast of Washington State. These are the kind of melodramatic dressing gowns that would have made the 1940s film stars swoon – the perfect thing for flopping around the house or making a quick run to the bodega.

But why stop there? You can also explore the world of maximalist makeup by embracing bold, pigmented eyeshadows in shades like lagoon blue, flamingo coral, and foiled sea foam. The new Natasha Denona Metropolis palette and the Melt Cosmetics Amor Eterno palette are both excellent options for channeling your inner maximalist diva.

Let Your Wild Side Roam Free

Once you’ve got your maximalist wardrobe and beauty routine dialed in, it’s time to let your inner animal run wild. And I’m not just talking about the leopard print that’s been making a major comeback (though that’s certainly a good place to start).

No, I’m talking about embracing the entire zoo – from zebra kitten heels to alligator-esque Jacquemus mini bags to tiger camisoles and cheetah-inspired asymmetrical skirts. The more animal prints you can work into a single outfit, the better. It’s power-clashing meets Dr. Dolittle, and it’s a surefire way to make a maximalist statement.

And of course, no maximalist wardrobe would be complete without a touch of vintage. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind piece you scored on Depop or TheRealReal, or a treasured family heirloom, that whiff of history can add an extra layer of personality to your look.

Immerse Yourself in Maximalist Inspiration

Finally, as you embark on your maximalist journey, I’d highly recommend picking up a copy of Bill Cunningham On the Street, a stunning compendium of five decades of the late, great street-style photographer’s work. Flipping through the pages of this French blue-covered tome is like taking a masterclass in cultivating your own eclectic, maximalist aesthetic.

After all, if there’s one thing Cunningham knew, it was how to spot the true style trailblazers – the ones who weren’t afraid to embrace their inner oddballs and let their freak flags fly. And now, it’s your turn to do the same.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to channel your inner maximalist and let the world know that more is most definitely more. Whether you’re rocking a giant yellow coat, a fluttery disco dress, or a jaunty beret, the key is to have fun, be bold, and never apologize for your eccentricities.

After all, as my ninety-five-year-old friend Annette would say, “Life is too short not to live like life has been very long already.” So why not start today? Head over to Sofa Spectacular and treat yourself to a maximalist masterpiece that will be the envy of all your friends. Because when it comes to fashion, the more, the merrier!