Accessorizing Wisdom From Style Icon Iris Apfel

Who is Iris Apfel?

If you are an accessories lover and haven’t watched the Documentary Iris, about legendary style icon, Iris Apfel, then you have to stop what you are doing and put it in your calendar to watch this spectacular film about a businesswoman, interior designer, well into her 98’s, who is known as one of the most stylish women over 50 in the world. She has called herself a “geriatric starlet.”

While many would say it is her big, bold glasses that are the most memorable, it could be argued that her unique way of accessorizing is what has made her as celebrated as she is as one of the world’s biggest tastemakers.

Find out more about legendary Iris Apfel and why she thinks accessorizing is so important. 

Iris Apfel’s Accessorizing Style

Iris Apfel’s accessorizing style is about as bold as her personality, if not bolder. She is known for wearing stacks of huge bangles, fun shoes, multiple statement necklaces at once, large wraps, capes, and scarves. She mixes colors, patterns, textures, and more, all in one outfit.

While dressing exactly like Apfel may not be the goal, capturing the spirit of this woman is one that all women should aspire to.

In a day cookie-cutter style, and most women trying to figure out how to fit in, not stand out, it’s time to follow the lead of this woman and learn to let go and be who you are.

As Iris Apfel has said, “What’s my style is not your style, and I don’t see how you can define it. It’s something that expresses who you are in your own way.”

Why accessorizing is important according to Iris Apfel

Iris Apfel once said, “My mother knew if you bought a couple of really good architectural outfits and put your money into accessories, you could create a million different looks. She taught that to me, which I think was invaluable.”

This is what makes accessorizing so crucial. Not only can you infuse your personality into what you wear, but you can create a ton of different looks using some core pieces in your closet.

Listen to Iris Apfel; jewelry can change an outfit more than anything else

If you need any more reason to start investing in more accessories, heed this advice from Apfel:

“I think jewelry can change an outfit more than anything else. Transformation, punch, individuality: One or all of the above is why you should wear jewelry.”

This is why you don’t necessarily need more clothes; you need more accessories. 

Accessories are the spices of a great outfit

On my own blog, I have referred to accessories like the spice of a great outfit, so I was tickled to read this quote from Iris Apfel, “These are things I love, things I’ve worn. I get more compliments on accessories than anything else. I think they’re kind of like herbs and spices. They give zest and zing to an outfit.” 

Shop for Iris Apfel’s accessories

If you are disappointed that you never got to experience Iris Apfel’s extraordinary accessory collection through the multiple museum exhibitions that have been held, like the Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Apfel Collection in 2006 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and Rare Bird: The Irreverent Iris Apfel at the Peabody Essex Museum in 2009, you can shop for her jewelry designs on the Home Shopping Network.

Yes, Iris Apfel is still working hard and making the world a unique and special place.