In celebration of the 30-year partnership with PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, we bring to life the top Autumn/Winter trends and where to shop, straight from the runway.

It’s only the start of 2026, but the year of the fire horse has already fanned the flames of big, bold and joyful fashion, in a trend that celebrates vibrant colour, clashing patterns, daring accessories and playful silhouettes.

It’s feel-good fashion that aims to please… you.

You may have seen the trend referred to as maximalism, dopamine dressing or joywear, but it’s the same idea: ditching minimalism for loud clothes that give you a thrill. To get started, pick and mix statement pieces you love that bring out your playfulness and passion.

It’s rare for a fashion movement to celebrate ‘anything goes’, but we’re seeing a few key trends within, that are a good guide for inspiring maximalists.

COLOUR

Think bright, vivid colours, pastel rainbows, neon splashes and iridescent statement pieces, choosing hyper-colour palettes that make you feel emboldened and uplifted. It can be as simple as coloured pants with a bright t-shirt, or a multicoloured dress, with loud shoes.

Add a pop of colour to your wardobe from elm.

PRINTS

Clashing designs, bold prints and bright imagery are now friends, after years of being kept apart. Imagine leopard print sneakers with patterned pants and a large-print t-shirt. If you’ve got your eye on pieces, you love but weren’t sure if they’d get on with the rest of your wardrobe, now is the time to snap them.

Mix it up with bold prints and statement pieces from Decjuba.

SHAPES

Once relegated to office Christmas parties, throwing shapes has now entered the fashion chat. Mix and match a puff sleeve, balloon skirt or sharp shoulder pads for a maximalist silhouette. Oversized lapels, scarves as belts or vests can add extra eye candy.

Play with proportions and standout silhouettes from Sportsgirl.

EMBELLESHMENTS

Channel your inner Dolly Parton and step out in sequins, appliqué or theatrical textures. For an instant buzz, you could pair a beaded skirt with a fluffy cashmere top and big jewellery. With broaches making a comeback, it’s easy for anyone working 9-5 to add embellishments to office outfits.

Shine bright with embellished pieces and eye-catching details from Lovisa.

MIX + MATCH

Pair old floral jeans with a new maximalist jumper. Grab your loudest handbag. Get those bright yellow gumboots you’ve lusted after but weren’t sure you’d wear often enough. The joywear era brings new opportunities to traditional pieces, with fortune favouring the bold.

Create your own maximalist moment with mix-and-match must-haves from Unik.

PRIVATE PASSION

The trick to dopamine dressing (getting a rush from the feel-good hormone, dopamine), is focussing on what makes you happy. If you’re a texture lover, perhaps wrapping yourself in a feathery jacket and silk pants will make your day. If colour tickles your fancy, then lean into that rainbow and start colour-maxxing with bright boots and statement hosiery.

If you’re a die-hard neutrals fan, then you may have read this far without feeling that surge of inspiration, but fear not, it is a trend for everyone. Depending on what brings you the most happiness, it may mean adding a spritz of your favourite colour to neutral outfits, or layering up more jewellery if that’s your thing.

You do you.

The benefits aren’t just personal, your wardrobe will also thank you. Unlike a traditional capsule wardrobe, that’s very matchy matchy, a joywear collection allows for more clashy clashy — giving you the freedom to add pieces whenever something catches your eye.

Express your personal style with pieces you love from Cotton On Mega.

WHY NOW?

After years of neutral aesthetics and quiet luxury — personality is back, baby! It also reflects the rise of mental health self-care, with dopamine dressing delivering feel-good moments. Plus, by encouraging a sustainable mix of new and old clothes, it’s a win–win for all.

The meek may eventually inherit the earth, but the bold, adventurous and playful are likely to get the most joy out of 2026.