To have existed on FashionTok for the past few years is to have witnessed the all-consuming phenomenon that was quiet luxury. From commentary on the costuming of Succession to the rise of the Old Money aesthetic, to a wash of neutrals on runways and advice on “classy” style online, the message was clear: beige was in and literally anything else was not only gaudy, but a sign its wearer was totally tasteless.
But as we all well know by now, in the world of fashion, the pendulum swings are extreme. In 2025, the style set has grown tired of ’90s minimalism and quiet luxury and now, the runways are marking a definitive return to the bold, expressive styles of the 1980s.
This sartorial movement, often dubbed “loud luxury,” is exactly what the name suggests: loud. Think bold prints, oversized silhouettes, and power-dressing in its most unapologetic form. It’s a visual celebration of excess, confidence, and glamour a far cry from the pared-back styles we’ve seen dominating fashion in recent years.
What is Loud Luxury?
Loud luxury is all about embracing excess, but in a way that feels personal and deliberate (not tacky). With maximalist dressing, it’s about confidence, power and creativity.
The aesthetic is essentially a bold take on high-end fashion, where the finer details are designed to stand out, rather than blend in. It’s in the name really: it’s dressing loudly and all about wearing your wealth on your sleeve—literally.
Lous luxury antithetical to the much-talked-about quiet luxury look that populated runways and social media feeds for much of last year. Where quiet luxury is all about IYKYK brands, high-quality yet understated styles, and muted palettes (think the phrase “wealth whispers”); loud luxury leans on flaunting tastes, success, and possessions for all to see.
As we watch the 2025 runways fill with colours, textures, and bold silhouettes, it’s clear that this iteration of loud luxury isn’t just another passing trend, either.
What Does New Money, or Nouveau Riche Mean?
The term nouveau riche (French for “new rich”) refers to individuals or families who have recently acquired wealth, typically in a manner that’s considered less “traditional” or not inherited. Think self-made millionaires and billionaires: Those who have amassed their fortunes through entrepreneurial ventures, tech innovations, or entertainment, rather than by inheriting generational wealth.
This sudden influx of money can lead to a distinct approach to wealth display—one that’s visible, sometimes flashy, and eager to make a statement. Stereotypically, the “new money” mindset is more about showing off your success, rather than keeping your wealth under-wraps, and this subset of wealthy individuals are stereotypically more likely to lean into loud luxury.
While this was a term thrown around a lot in the late 2010s during peak logomania, this new era of maximalism focuses more on cut, print and colour than it does on flashy logos.
What Is '80s Fashion?
The 80s were iconic for giving us loud luxury, and we here at Cosmo like to give credit where credit is due.
From Dynasty power suits to statement-making accessories, it was a time when less was certainly not more—the “more” the better. Big shoulders, chunky jewellery, neon colours, and all-over prints defined an era that wasn’t afraid to make a statement–think Olivia Newton-John in her ‘Lets get physical’ music video ahem neon leg warmers. And now, as fashion cycles back on itself, designers are embracing this over-the-top energy once again.
From what we’ve seen on the 2025 runways so far, it’s clear that the boldness of the 80s is being reimagined in today’s collections. We’re seeing exaggerated proportions, loud patterns, and a rich play with colour.
Loud Prints and Bold Statements: The Maximalist Comeback
One of the easiest ways to spot the maximalist trend is in the prints. The runways are bursting with vibrant patterns that instantly grab your attention this season. From psychedelic florals to daring animal prints, louder is better. This echoes the kind of prints we saw in the 80s—think wild geometric patterns, abstract designs, and graphic motifs that created visual excitement (or really anything Camilla).
The Return of Power Dressing
If there’s one thing that loud luxury breeds, its power dressing; and if there’s one thing the ’80s taught us, it’s that fashion was about serving power. Whether it was the famous power suit or bold, sharp-shouldered blazers, the idea of using clothing to make a statement was core to the era.
We have good news, with loud luxury’s revival comes power dressing. Boss era loading…
Designers like Stella McCartney are channeling the ’80s with high-hemmed skirts, shouldered blazers, and thigh-high boots perfect for the modern women.
While back in the day power dressing was only appropriate in the office, today these power pieces are being mixed with more casual elements, bringing them into the realm of wearable luxury. Maybe that much-mocked trend of Gen Z wearing blazers to club really was good for something in the end…
Why is Loud Luxury Coming Back Now?
Why now? Why is maximalism—a fashion trend so rooted in excess—making a comeback during a time of economic instability?
Well, it seems that fashion, as it often does, is responding to the broader cultural and political moment. In a world where uncertainty and chaos often dominate mainstream media, there’s something empowering about embracing boldness and luxury—or to just be you!
Just as the ’80s were a response to the social and political shifts of the time, today’s maximalism offers an antidote to the somber tone that has dominated the past few years. It’s a chance to embrace joy, to say “I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.” And as we all know, no statement is as strong as a fashion statement.
