Minimalist or Maximalist Christmas
- orianetonnerre
- Dec 19, 2025
- 4 min read
I’m minimalist, unless it’s Christmas.
If you step into my home any other time of the year, you’ll find calm tones, clean lines, and a certain sense of quiet balance. But once December rolls around, it’s another story entirely. Lights appear in every corner, a forest of ornaments invades the shelves, and suddenly I’m the kind of person who owns more ribbons than wrapping paper.
Maybe that’s what Christmas does to us.
Between the gift lists, the decorations, the half-burnt candles, and the endless hunt for the perfect outfit, December becomes a beautiful kind of chaos. We want everything to be special: The dinner, the decorations, our presents wrapping and… even our look.
But in the middle of this festive whirlwind, one question always finds its way back: “Who am I this Christmas, minimalist or maximalist?”
Because somewhere between the sparkle of sequins and the softness of cashmere, your mood might just decide your style.
The minimalist Christmas
Minimalism at Christmas isn’t about refusing sparkle. It is definitely an intentional choice.
Think about the glow of a candle instead of a fireworks display, now we are talking of the timeless beauty of simplicity.
Picture this: a silk slip dress in ivory that moves like moonlight, a pair of gold earrings that catch the light just enough to whisper “festive,” not shout it. Soft cashmere brushing your skin, clean lines, neutral tones. Effortless, elegant, unbothered.
Minimalist Christmas style is all about balance. You swap sequins for texture. Because when you choose satin, velvet, or fine wool, you are letting the fabric do the talking. You don’t need a dress covered in glitter when a perfectly draped silhouette says more.
Even accessories play by the same rule: delicate jewelry, maybe a single red lip as your only statement. Every detail matters. We are not talking in quantity, but in quality. Because minimalism isn’t about having less; it’s about wearing what truly reflects you.
The minimalist Christmas woman walks into the room and somehow, everyone pauses.
It’s not because she’s the loudest, but because she radiates quiet confidence and elegance.
The maximalist Christmas
Then there’s the other side of the story. The one that sparkles a little louder.
The lights are brighter here, you can almost hear laughter echoing through the room, the rustle of satin against sequins, the sound of champagne fizzing like tiny stars.
Maximalism at Christmas isn’t exactly about excess but it’s definitely about emotion. It’s the feeling of warmth and togetherness turned into color, fabric, and movement. It’s the glitter of sequins catching the reflection of champagne glasses, the velvet bow tied around a gift, the unapologetic joy of dressing up just because it’s “that time of year.”
To the maximalist soul, December isn’t the time for restraint. It’s the season of celebration. Think jewel tones, tactile textures, the shimmer of metallics, and the bold mix of patterns that somehow come together like laughter in a crowded room.
A red satin dress that dances with every step, emerald earrings that catch the light of the tree, a plaid scarf thrown carelessly over a sequin top, perfectly imperfect.
There’s something deeply human in this joyful chaos. Because when you go maximalist, you don’t just get dressed, you “express” yourself. You wear memories, excitement, and emotion all at once. It’s like we are wearing the season itself.

When to choose what
Minimalist or Maximalist ? It’s not a competition, it’s a conversation. It’s just moods, moments, and meanings.
Minimalist Christmas: soft colors, subtle lines, delicate jewelry, attention to shape and texture. It’s elegance through simplicity. The kind of style that feels calm, refined, almost meditative. Perfect for formal dinners, quiet evenings, or when you want to feel composed amid the chaos.
Maximalist Christmas: vibrant colors, joyful patterns, playful textures, sequins, and sparkle. It’s warmth, connection, shared joy. The perfect choice for festive parties, family gatherings, or when you simply want to feel the magic.
Some years, we crave peace and simplicity, so we choose minimalism. A style choice that lets us breathe. Other times, we need color and sparkle to remind ourselves that celebration still exists within us, no matter how nostalgic or chaotic the season feels.
Maybe this year, you’ll find your sweet spot somewhere in between. Think of a velvet dress with minimalist gold hoops, a monochrome outfit with statement heels. Because sometimes what you want is the in-between. Style should never be a restriction. It should be a “celebration”.
A final note: It’s your Christmas
Here’s the truth: Christmas dressing shouldn’t be a stress test for your fashion sense.
It’s not about impressing anyone but it’s about enjoying yourself. Whether your wardrobe leans minimalist or maximalist, the real sparkle comes from how you “feel” wearing it.
So this year, don’t chase perfection.
Let your outfit, whether simple or spectacular, be a love letter to yourself. Wrap yourself in confidence, warmth, and joy.
Because the most beautiful thing you can wear this Christmas isn’t satin or sequins, it’s happiness!
And yes, I’m excited for the season ahead, for the vibrant hues, the cozy knits, the dreamy fabrics, and that soft, sparkling chaos that only December brings. Whether you’re wrapped in a giant plaid scarf or glowing in burgundy satin, or whatever you choose, wear it with joy. That’s the real sparkle of the season.




Comments