We've recognised a refreshing discourse emerging amid the trends and fads of fashion. And it's a bigger conversation than simply declaring that artful embellishment is back. Whether it be rhinestoning your lighter or iPhone, or adding a tactile pony hair accessory to your look, maximalism is taking over the reigns from minimalism – and making a case for why it deserves a place in your capsule wardrobe, too.

We're talking more tactility, ornamentation, exaggerated proportions and a little more eccentricity than usual. Yin and yang, minimalism and maximalism ebb and flow. Trends come and go, but these opposite ends of the sartorial spectrum will always be present – staples in their own right. So, while we've discussed minimalist capsule wardrobes at length, it's time we discussed a maximalist one, too.

RUSSH's Executive Fashion Director, Hannah Cooper, explains rather frankly why we're seeing this shift in fashion: "The world is a dark place right now, economically, politically and humanly. I think people are feeling a desire to be joyous in other avenues, and fashion is such an incredible joy maker," she says. "It's a space in which you don’t necessarily have to take it or yourself seriously, maximalism especially. There is an art in appreciating maximalist fashion, and the world is craving art and beauty."

That brings us to arguably the trickiest question of all – what exactly is a maximalist capsule wardrobe? According to Cooper, "The incredible thing about enjoying a maximalist wardrobe is that each one is completely unique and truly represents a personal style. A more subtle, minimalist wardrobe, although chic, doesn’t have the immediate emotional response that a maximalist wardrobe does. And perhaps that emotional response is the point." Sequins. Leopard print with stripes. Heirloom jewellery worn with a sports jersey. Rather than asking whether everything in your wardrobe works together, the question becomes whether everything in it means something to you.

“Silhouette is usually the first thing that strikes me about a garment – the way it forms around the body," Cooper says. "I love a bold or voluminous silhouette, but I’m equally drawn to detail. I love a piece that, at first glance, you think you’ve deciphered, but on closer inspection takes on a whole new meaning. With my maximalist wardrobe, I like to balance an outfit around one hero piece. If the hero is a wild Comme des Garçons pink glove skirt, for example, I’d pair it with a simple white tee to give the skirt its moment."

And if you’re in need of a few reference points for maximalist fashion inspiration, Cooper looks to the greats: “André Leon Talley, Elsa Schiaparelli, Isabella Blow and Lynn Yaeger, but also more contemporary, emerging creatives. I love the designs of Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, Hodakova and August Barron, and would consider them maximalist when sitting in the right wardrobe.”

Consider this your guide from one of our very own experts. Cooper’s rule of thumb? "If you see something and think, 'Oh my God, where would I even wear this?’ then chances are, it’s the perfect piece for your maximalist wardrobe.” Below, we’ve curated the perfect pieces for building a maximalist capsule wardrobe designed to last.

Shop our maximalist capsule wardrobe edit

HodaKova Bra Top

Marie Adam Leenardt Rectangle Skirt

August Barron Unzipped Flats

Dries Van Noten Satin Bag

Colleen Allen Bralette Dress

BODE Long sleeve T-Shirt

Friends With Frank Lou Coat

Saint Laurent Drop Earrings

Carla Zampatti Feather Brooch

Marc Jacobs Satin Slip Skirt