beauty

Must-follow style lessons from the 93 year old fashionistas adore.

There is a lot to love about New York City style icon Iris Apfel.

As detailed in the documentary Iris, the 93-year -old ‘geriatric starlet’  has lived a fabulous and full life. Behind those oversized glasses is a successful businesswoman and highly regarded interior designer (her company worked with nine US Presidents on several White House projects), with a razor sharp wit and huge enthusiasm for life.

Like Debrief Daily on Facebook

But it is her approach to fashion and dressing that sets Iris apart.  

To me, as a personal stylist, she is an inspiration. Iris understands the power of a great outfit, pushes sartorial boundaries (and expectations of what a woman of her age should do or wear), and never apologies for her fabulousness.  

Iris

The power of accessories

More is more for Iris. One necklace is never enough.  And while this isn’t a look everyone wants, it is a reminder to experiment with accessories and not be limited to obvious combinations.

Iris never does big earrings and big necklaces, always necklaces and bangles - a styling tip I've long adopted. Oh, and mixing high and low end pieces is key.  

While Iris might own an incredible collection of designer costume jewellery – which has been featured in exhibitions around the world – she loves flea market shopping (and haggling) and happily layers it all together.   

Have fun with colour

Iris is no shrinking violet, and does not understand the desire to fit in or dress like everyone else. While she tends to favour large coats/tunics/dresses over pants, this ‘uniform’ is put together using many colours and textures. As she quips in the film: “Colour can raise the dead.”

ADVERTISEMENT

And boy does she commit. Some combinations might seem too much but they work because there is often a central colour or colour family in her outfits.

Attitude is everything

“I'm not pretty and I'll never be pretty but it doesn't matter. I have something much better. I have style.”

Perhaps the greatest lesson Iris can teach us is confidence. Embracing all that you are and flaunting it. Iris does not let her physical appearance get in the way of her enjoying fashion and life. She knows what she likes and what makes her feel good. 

Iris Apfel is a shining example that confidence is always in fashion and great style never ages.  

Iris is now showing in select cinemas.

Gemma Williams is a personal stylist based in Melbourne. Find out more about her here.

Like this? Why not try....

Fashion designer Alexander Smart on her go-to-outfits for every occasion.

'The joy of clothes' by an 88yo fashion blogger.

What's your fashion age?