In recent seasons, when you thought of Zara, images of clean, minimal looks probably came to mind. There was nary a ruffle, embellishment, or fringe detail in sight, and the colour palette was muted. But thanks to the impact Gucci across the entire industry, that's all changed. Since Creative Director Alessandro Michele took the helm in 2015, Gucci has emerged as the most influential brand, and as a result, a large portion of the fashion design world has adopted his maximalist aesthetic. Maximalism is defined by bold, layered looks, embellishment, colour, pattern and a mix of shapes and textures—of course, that's the complete opposite to the minimal subtlety that was the sartorial norm three years ago.
Given Zara's acute understanding of shifts in trends, no further explanation is needed to understand why the retailer has ditched the pared-back looks in favour of all-but-the-kitchen-sink fashion, in the case of both its massive inventory and how it's styled. Frills, prints, colour and layering abound, and given the loyal fan base, we're quite sure that Zara lovers around the world have begun to ditch their minimal looks, at least for now. (That said, if minimalist fashion best reflect your style, then by all means, stick to what makes you feel comfortable and confident.)
Keep scrolling to shop Zara pieces that display their shift to maximalism, and see how this way of dressing plays out in real life at the end.
Take our advice and add some red to your wardrobe—it's everywhere right now, and it's the colour that scientifically suits most skin tones.
Sequins and stars? Why not?
Patiently waiting for these to come back in stock…
These days, the bigger the sleeve, the better.
Ruffled everything feels so forward right now.
Do as Zara does and pair this with something equally vibrant.
You could wear black leather slides, but why would you when these are an option?
Related: 8 Mid-Priced Brands That Are Huge on the Scene Right Now
This skirt proves maximalism can be office appropriate, too.
Embroidered denim > plain denim.
The best thing to wear with pink this season is more pink.
See Maximalism in the Street Style World
Related: The 2017 Version of Floral Prints Has Just Arrived
Next up, the seven best-selling items in the UK since 2017 began.
Opening Images: Zara
-
30 Things I'm Buying From Zara to Dress Like Ayo Edebiri This FallShe's my style inspiration.
-
Live From Madrid: 31 Zara and Mango Finds That I Guarantee Will Soon Sell Out StatesideStraight from the motherland.
-
Nothing Humbles Your Closet More Than the Zara New Arrivals Section—25 Pieces to Instantly Elevate Your Fall OutfitsDid I mention they're modeled by Alexa Chung?
-
Hello, 5-Star Wardrobe: Meet 30 Stylish New Zara ItemsFrom stunning jackets to cool knits.
-
I Love the Sweaters at J.Crew, COS, and Zara RN—40 Worth Adding to Your CartThese will elevate your fall outfits.
-
I Officially Have a Zordy Closet—31 Zara and Nordstrom Standouts That I'm Living In Straight Through FallPlus, chic fall 2025 outfit ideas that I plan on re-creating ASAP.
-
Cool-Girl Fall Era Loading—31 Picks From Zara, J.Crew, and Gap That Fit the BillI'm a senior shopping editor, and these have my stamp of approval.
-
At This Precise Point, I'm Shopping for Sweaters and Jackets—35 Zara Finds That Are Hitting Just RightCozy season is upon us.
