Minimalists and Maximalists Agree: This Is the Chicest Way to Wear Colour
Our take
The fashion landscape is perpetually shifting, and lately, a fascinating convergence has emerged between seemingly opposing aesthetics: minimalism and maximalism. The recent article, “Minimalists and Maximalists Agree: This Is the Chicest Way to Wear Colour,” highlights a pivotal shift—the understanding that impactful style isn’t about adhering rigidly to one extreme, but rather, about thoughtful application. It’s a welcome departure from the often-polarizing debates that dominate trend forecasting. We’ve seen cyclical returns to both minimalist principles – a focus on quality over quantity, timeless silhouettes – and maximalist expressions – bold prints, layered textures, and a celebration of individuality. The current moment, however, suggests a synthesis, a way to harness the power of colour without sacrificing the quiet confidence of a curated wardrobe. Consider the recent exploration of footwear trends, where the emphasis is on understated elegance; investing in a pair before autumn begins Don't Let Your Sandals Hear This—They're Being Replaced by This Elegant Closed-Toe Shoe Trend demonstrates this shift toward subtle, impactful choices.
The core of this "chicest" approach lies in intentionality. It’s not about simply throwing on a rainbow of hues; it's about carefully selecting colours that complement each other and, crucially, the wearer’s personal style. This resonates deeply with a broader cultural movement towards mindful consumption and self-expression. We’re moving away from fleeting, trend-driven purchases and towards building wardrobes that reflect our identities. This echoes the recent discovery of truly chic summer dresses, where a discerning eye can identify pieces that transcend seasonal trends 20+ Dresses Later in the Zara Fitting Room, and I Deem These 3 the Chicest for Summer. The article’s emphasis on "minimal effort" is also key – suggesting that achieving this elevated look doesn't require a complete overhaul of one’s existing wardrobe, but rather, a strategic approach to colour combinations and styling. It’s about maximizing impact with what you already own, a principle that aligns perfectly with the sustainable fashion ethos gaining momentum.
This development signals a significant evolution in how we perceive and engage with fashion. For years, the industry has often presented style choices as binary – either you’re a minimalist, or you’re a maximalist. This new perspective dismantles that false dichotomy, offering a more nuanced and inclusive approach. The rise of colour-blocking, tonal dressing, and strategic pops of colour are all manifestations of this shift. It’s about understanding that colour, like any other design element, can be used to create depth, visual interest, and a sense of personal style, regardless of one’s preferred aesthetic. Even something as simple as choosing the right shoe can dramatically elevate an outfit Not Sandals—If You Want Your Summer Outfits to Look Rich, Wear This Shoe Trend Instead, demonstrating that understated elements can have a profound impact.
Ultimately, the convergence of minimalism and maximalism in the realm of colour represents a move towards a more sophisticated and self-aware approach to style. It’s a rejection of rigid rules and a celebration of individual expression. The future of fashion likely lies in this ability to synthesize seemingly disparate elements, creating looks that are both visually striking and deeply personal. The question now is: how will this nuanced approach to colour influence the upcoming seasons, and will we see a further blurring of the lines between traditionally defined style categories?
As a fashion editor, it's not just trends that I see come and go, but styling hacks too. There was a moment when we all thought the French tuck was the answer to every outfit conundrum, while waist belts were once used to cinch everything from dresses to blazers.
In 2023, a 'pop of red' was the hack of the moment, with The Row, Ferragamo, Prada and Stella McCartney all using bold flashes to punctuate their collections. Not only was it effective, but it bridged the gap between minimalist and maximalist dressing, making it a universal styling trick with staying power. It quickly evolved into a staple of wardrobes everywhere, with red being redefined as a neutral to the point of returning each season with the same consistency as black and white.
This season, the 'pop of red' hack is going nowhere. If anything it is the catalyst that proves the effectiveness of the formula with the hack expanding to incorporate other season defining shades, from turquoise and cobalt blue to butter yellow and tangerine orange.
The hack can be used to add interest to an otherwise neutral look, make a statement with a trending shade, create a bold contrast or make an accessory like a bag or pair of sunglasses the focal point of your look. The possibilities are endless and open to a vast array of interpretations which is what makes it a hack that's here to stay.
So whether you're a lover of colour and want a fresh way to style your favourite hues or are looking to elevate your capsule wardrobe, I've done the hard work for you with an edit of five easy ways to style a pop of colour. Read on to find out more.
How to Style Pops of Colour for Summer 2026
1. Bold Lace Camisole + White Sarouel Trousers + Heeled Thong Sandals
Style Notes: This season's turquoise revival has strong Y2K associations, especially when in the form of slinky camisoles and halternecks that defined the era. As with most vintage-based trends, the chicest way to style is to pair with more contemporary, pared-back pieces. Sarouel trousers are the relaxed contrast a statement turquoise lace cami needs, balancing both silhouette, texture and mood. Accessorise with a sleek pair of kitten heeled thong sandals and cord necklace.
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Underwear as outerwear is huge this season.
100% cotton.
The rubber detailing gives these sandals an edgy twist.
My favourite jewellery collection of the summer.
A summer take on an icon.
2. Long Sleeve T-Shirt + Barrel Leg Trousers + Neon Trainers
Style Notes: Using colourful trainers as a way to inject a pop of colour into an otherwise pared-back outfit is hardly new, but this summer it's less about the predictable reds and blues and more about choosing a shade that makes more of a statement. When retro colourways have dominated for so long, head-turning neon shades feel fresh and more 'fashion girl', making simple pieces like barrel-leg trousers and long sleeve t-shirts feel cool and curated.
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A brand to know if you love of statement trainers.
A trending basic.
Denim look, linen feel.
The ultimate summer accessory.
A 90s silhouette.
3. Boho Top + Sport Shorts + Vibrant Tote Bag
Style Notes: When summer comes around, swap neutral leather and suede tote bags for something more relaxed and bright. A colourful nylon tote strikes the perfect balance between casual shopper and roomy beach bag, and can either compliment other pops of colour in your look or be the focal point.
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Made from recycled nylon.
The boho blouse has become a timeless wardrobe staple.
Just add a crew neck tee and flip flops for a stylish throw-on-and-go look.
Smart white trainers are out, and sleek black trainers are in.
A subtle way to make a statement.
4. V-Neck Top + Mini Skirt + Statement Sunglasses
Style Notes: I've always seen sunglasses as the accessory you can really have fun with. In recent years its usually been about statement frames or lenses, but this season it's all about colour. Expand your sunglasses collection with some colourful frames and use the to compliment a detail somewhere else in the outfit, like @mv.tiangue's red sunglasses and the stripe on her Gucci bag.
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A classic with a twist.
Size down for a tighter fit.
It has pockets!!
A worthy investment.
A polished addition to any capsule wardrobe.
5. Sequin Top + Bright Crochet Skirt + Cord Necklace
Style Notes: Pops of colour don't always need to be in the context of a neutral outfit. They can also be achieved amongst a plethora of colour. They key to pulling this off rests in colour theory. By choosing colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel, like orange and turquoise, you find a base and a contrasting accent that compliment rather than compete.
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A holiday top if I ever did see one.
Add a crafty finish to holiday basics.
This is how you do suede in summer.
Ground statement pieces with a naturally textured accessory.
Obsessed with this bag.
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