If there’s one woman who can stop you in your tracks just by walking into a room, it’s Iris Apfel. At over a century old, she’s still rocking oversized round glasses, stacks of bangles, and layers of bold necklaces like she invented them (and honestly, she kind of did).
The thing about Iris is this: she doesn’t just wear clothes—she wears confidence, freedom, and joy. She’s living proof that style isn’t about rules or trends; it’s about embracing who you are and letting the world see it.
When I first discovered her, I couldn’t stop scrolling through photos. My immediate thought wasn’t “Wow, what an outfit.” It was, “Wow, this woman looks alive.” That’s what makes her timeless, and that’s why her approach to fashion matters.
Here are the biggest lessons I think we can all steal from Iris Apfel’s extraordinary style.
1. Color Is Your Superpower 🎨
Iris doesn’t shy away from color—she dives headfirst into it. Electric blue coats, neon green bangles, fiery red lips. She mixes shades most of us would never dare to put together, and yet it always works.
The lesson? Color changes how you feel.
I used to hide in neutral tones because they felt “safe.” But every time I slipped into a bold shade—like a cobalt dress or a red jacket—I noticed my mood shift. People noticed too. Color has energy. It speaks before you do.
If you’re scared to go full rainbow, start small: a bold scarf, a bright handbag, or even a statement pair of shoes. Think of it as dipping your toe into Iris’s world of fearless fun.
2. Accessories Aren’t Extras—they’re Essentials 💍
Those round glasses Iris wears? They’re not just functional—they’re iconic. Same with her stacked bangles and chunky necklaces.
What I love most is how she treats accessories: like they’re the main event, not an afterthought. She doesn’t ask, “Does this match?” She asks, “Does this excite me?”
Here’s the truth: you can throw on a plain outfit and completely transform it with the right accessories. A bold necklace, oversized earrings, or even a quirky pair of glasses can take you from “nice” to unforgettable.
Iris reminds us that accessories tell your story—and your story is never boring.
3. Age Is Just a Number ⏳
Fashion magazines often glorify youth, but Iris proves style doesn’t expire. At 102, she’s still making best-dressed lists.
Her message? Personal style is ageless.
How often do we hear things like “That’s too young for you” or “Tone it down as you get older”? Iris completely rejects that idea. If anything, she leans in harder—wearing what she loves, unapologetically.
That’s powerful, because it gives all of us permission to stop letting age—or anyone else’s opinion—define what we should wear.
4. Fashion Should Be Fun, Not Stressful ✨
Somewhere along the way, a lot of us turned getting dressed into a stressful task. We second-guess ourselves in the mirror. We worry about “looking right.”
Iris? She plays. She laughs at the idea of “rules.” She piles on ten bangles just because it makes her smile.
That’s the real secret: fashion is supposed to make you happy.
If you’re smiling in the mirror, you’ve already won. If you’re second-guessing every detail, you’re missing the point. Dressing should feel like playtime, not punishment.
5. Be Authentically You 🌟
The most striking thing about Iris isn’t the colors, the jewelry, or the glasses. It’s the authenticity. She’s not dressing to impress anyone. She’s not following trends. She’s expressing herself—fully, boldly, and without apology.
And that’s what makes her unforgettable.
So many of us get caught up in buying what’s popular instead of what we actually like. But here’s the truth: people remember originality, not conformity.
The best outfit you’ll ever wear is the one that feels like you.
6. Invest in Memorable Pieces 👗
Iris doesn’t just collect accessories—she treasures them. Her closet is full of pieces with history, character, and personality.
That’s a good reminder that style isn’t about having more. It’s about having things that matter.
Instead of five tops you don’t love, invest in one statement coat you’ll wear for years. Instead of a drawer full of cheap jewelry, find a necklace that feels special every time you put it on.
Memorable pieces don’t have to be expensive either. Thrift shops, flea markets, and vintage stores are treasure troves waiting to be explored. Iris built her collection over decades, one unique find at a time.
7. Confidence Is the Best Thing You Can Wear 💃
Here’s the truth: none of Iris’s outfits would work if she wore them timidly. What makes them iconic is the way she owns them.
She doesn’t apologize for being “too much.” She doesn’t dim herself to fit in. She wears every necklace, every color, every oversized bangle with complete confidence.
And that’s the real lesson: it’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.
Clothes don’t give you confidence. You give clothes confidence.
Final Thoughts
Iris Apfel is more than a fashion icon—she’s a life lesson wrapped in bold prints and bangles. She reminds us that style is freedom. It’s joy. It’s play. It’s self-expression at its purest.
So the next time you’re tempted to play it safe, remember Iris. Put on the bright color. Stack the bracelets. Try the oversized glasses. Don’t ask, “Will people think this is too much?” Ask, “Does this make me feel alive?”
Because if there’s one thing Iris has taught us, it’s this: life’s too short to dress boring.
