Iris Apfel. Even if you’ve never heard her name, you’ve probably seen her somewhere—those oversized glasses, bold jewelry, crazy vibrant patterns. She walks into a room, and you notice. Honestly, it’s not just her clothes—it’s her confidence. And the more I watch her, the more I realize how many lessons her style can teach us.
1. Find Your Signature
One of the biggest things I’ve learned from Iris? Find your signature. For her, it’s those giant round glasses. For you, it might be a scarf, a statement ring, or even a certain shade of lipstick. The magic isn’t in being “perfect,” it’s in being consistent. People remember you. And more importantly, you feel confident because that one thing is yours.
I tried this recently with a single bold earring. Honestly? I felt… different. More put-together, more “me.” It’s wild how something small can change your whole vibe.
2. Don’t Shy Away from Color
Iris loves color. She mixes yellows with pinks, reds with greens, patterns you wouldn’t think could work—but somehow, they do. And it’s not loud or obnoxious. It’s joyful.
The lesson? Even if your wardrobe is mostly neutrals, adding just one pop of color—a scarf, shoes, or bag—can make you feel alive. I started experimenting with colored jackets, and suddenly my old jeans and tees feel… fresh.
3. Accessories Are Everything
If you’ve seen Iris in action, you know she doesn’t do subtle. Oversized necklaces, chunky rings, layered bracelets… she goes all out. And it works. Somehow.
Accessories aren’t just extras; they finish an outfit. I’ve started pairing simple outfits with one bold necklace or a stack of rings, and I swear, it instantly makes the outfit feel intentional. My tip? Don’t overthink it—layer, mix textures, and trust your gut.
4. Confidence is Non-Negotiable
Honestly, this might be the most important lesson. You can wear bold prints, clash patterns, or rock enormous jewelry—but if you don’t own it, it won’t work. Confidence is your best outfit.
Iris walks into a room and everyone notices. Not because of labels or trends, but because she carries herself in a way that says, “I know who I am, and I’m here.” You can practice this too—stand a little taller, smile, trust your choices. It changes everything.
5. Age is Just a Number
Another amazing thing about Iris? She proves that style doesn’t have an expiration date. She’s 100 (well, almost!) and still experimenting, still having fun, still fearless.
It’s inspiring, especially for anyone who thinks bold fashion is “too young” or “not appropriate.” Spoiler alert: it’s never too late to try something fun. I’ve started adding brighter colors and more daring accessories into my outfits lately, and it feels… liberating.
6. Fashion Should Be Fun
Above all, Iris shows us that fashion is playful. She doesn’t follow trends—she sets her own rules. And she enjoys it.
That’s what I love most. Don’t stress about what’s “in.” Try clashing prints, neon colors, stack your rings, wear sneakers with dresses. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s joy. If you’re not smiling in your outfit, you’re doing it wrong.
Final Thoughts
Iris Apfel isn’t just a fashion icon; she’s a teacher in confidence, joy, and self-expression. Her style reminds us to embrace signature pieces, experiment with color, accessorize boldly, and wear everything with confidence.
Next time you open your closet, try thinking like Iris for a second: what feels like you? What makes you smile? Maybe add a pop of color, a bold accessory, or just stand a little taller. Fashion is supposed to be fun—and Iris makes sure we never forget that.