Minimalism and Quiet Luxury Are on Their Way Out. Now, Gen-Z Is Inspired by Maximalism and Fun Fashion

Gen-Z shopping patterns

In a report from the Business of Fashion, Gen-Z’s personal style is different from that of any other generation. While previous ones were defined by magazines, politics, and celebrity style, Gen-Z is defined by its algorithm, notably TikTok and TikTok Shop. Brands like Crocs, QVC, and Hey Dude generated $99 in revenue from TikTok Shop in 2025 and 2026. After the success of several brands, clothing stores, and designers like Revolve and Ralph Lauren moved to TikTok Shop to appeal to younger shoppers. Reported by the Wall Street Journal, the app has generated $4.9 billion in sales alone in its first quarter.

Lately, Gen-Z shoppers have been prioritizing physical media, buying DVDs, CDs, and records. So, it’s no wonder they’re reaching for unique pieces that’ll last. According to USA Today, malls are seeing a resurgence driven by Gen Z shoppers. Online shopping and options like TikTok Shop are also incredibly popular among Gen-Z Shoppers (who else has a cart full of clothing on TikTok Shop?), with many inspired by what their favorite influencers and creators are wearing. 

In 2024 and 2025, quiet luxury took over our social media feeds, with photos of celebs like Sophia Richie Grainge and Kendall Jenner plastered across our feeds. Shades of beige, cream, white, and grey were at the forefront of this trend, with Gen-Z fashion lovers prioritizing minimalism; quite the change from the cow print jeans, yellow backpacks, mask accessories, and tie-dye that we saw in the beginning of the 2020s. 

Now, Gen-Z shoppers are pulling back from minimalism and reaching for what fashion experts call ‘printmaxxing,’ a concept that embraces maximalism and pairs different prints. 

What Is Printmaxxing?

Printmaxxing involves the mixing and matching of different patterns. So what exactly does this mean? You can literally go crazy with the prints! Florals (for spring, groundbreaking, I know), cheetah print, rainbow stripes, polka dots, geometric prints; you name it! 

Vogue Runway; GCDS Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear Collections.

Spring/Summer 2026 Maximalism Trends

Since we’re opting for maximalism looks this spring and summer, let's take a look at some trends we’ll be seeing on the runway and IRL. For starters, spring is all about the new. New flavors, new wardrobes, spring cleaning, and most importantly, new colors. Spring 2026 fashion trends embrace food, fruits, and veggies, with colors like lime green, tomato red, chocolate brown, cherry red, and butter yellow rising in popularity. Other bold shades to look out for include cobalt blue, matcha green, Marty Supreme orange, mustard yellow (Dwight Shrute would approve), olive green, and baby pink. 

Not only are we seeing these trends in real time, worn by celebrities and in street-style looks, but movies are also jumping in on the maximalism fun. Films like “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Michael,” “Marty Supreme,” “Wuthering Heights,” and “You, Me & Tuscany” embraced a range of colors, patterns, and textures, from glitter and neon hues to sequins and abstract prints.

Designers Embracing Maximalism and Spring Colors

Between chunky sunglasses, vibrant colors, peculiar accessories, and striking fabrics, several designers swapped out the quiet luxury trend for fun fashion in their Spring 2026 runway collections. Jean Paul Gaultier went for eye-catching designs, while Seán McGirr is making his mark at McQueen with skin-showing pieces, funky neck accessories, and draping fabrics. GCDS dropped a spring collection that looks straight out of an early-2000s fashion-journalism movie, showcasing lots of pink, green, yellow, and brown. Polka dots, python prints, and printmaxxing were also a major focus in the collection. Pumps, wine glasses, hangers, umbrellas, and cutlery were the center of attention in Junya Watanabe’s Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection, as models strode down the runway in bright blue, cream, brown, black, and silver.

Take the 2026 Met Gala — designers used lots of texture and color to showcase their selected celebs and influencers strutting down the carpet. Artwork and paintings were also a main focus, with celebs like Hunter Schafer and Rachel Zegler channeling the work of famous artists. 

Vogue Runway; Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear

Other Fun Trends to Look For + Where to Shop

Aside from printmaxxing, there are several other spring trends we’re super excited for. While the 2026 Met Gala has come and gone, we can expect our favorite celebs, designers, and stylists to fully embrace maximalism this year, especially given the event’s “Fashion Is Art” theme, which featured Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour as Co-Chairs. 

It’s important for retailers to understand the impact of trends. While it’s physically impossible to jump onto every single micro trend in fashion, try to recognize the ones that consumers will gravitate towards long-term. For example,  babydoll dresses (Olivia Rodrigo has already jumped on the trend), lots of lace, cream mini dresses, light blouses, overalls, and slightly exposed bralettes are all trends that consumers are currently reaching for. Think about the four P’s of visual merchandising — product, placement, pricing, and promotion. These elements are used to focus on presenting the perfect assortment of products to enhance the consumer experience. 

Akira : Fast paced car belt

For a nice shopping spree, check out Aritzia, H&M, Alice & Olivia, Urban Outfitters, Akira (I just ordered this super cute car belt), and Nordstrom. 

Lauryn Jiles. Taken at Akira. 

How Retailers Can Capitalize

In other words, Gen-Z loves maximalism, fun pieces, and colorful clothing! With spring here and summer approaching, now is the perfect time to experiment with different colors, patterns, prints, accessories, and textures.

Urban Outfitters

So, how can retailers capitalize on this trend? Visuals! Display a series of patterns, colors, and prints in-store that will make shoppers think, “Wow, I need that outfit.” Think of combinations like dalmatian print and red, or snakeskin and cheetah print. You also can’t go wrong with cool color combos, like yellow, green, and pink, which are perfect for spring. In today’s world, where trends come and go, it’s important to jump on the train while it’s still hot. Think about how you can adapt to the constant changes in retail while engaging with consumers, expanding your business model, and maintaining brand identity and visibility.

Dior and SCAD