Inspired by Iris Apfel – March Style Not Age

March 28, 2022
Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, LOTD red faux fur coat, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top

Happy Monday! For this month’s Style Not Age we are showcasing outfits inspired by Iris Apfel…just in time to celebrate the launch of her collection with H&M! As with other H&M collaborations, they’re not exactly cheap (£119 for a pair of mules). But every piece in the collection is right up my street. When they go on sale on Thursday, I’ll be doing my best to bag the items I’ve got my eye on before they sell out! (There’ll be a full preview of the collection and a look behind the scenes on the H&M website on Wednesday).

Who is Iris Apfel?

Even if you don’t know who Iris is (and I’m sure you do) you will have seen her on social media, in magazines and in ad campaigns. At the grand age of 100 she is as stylish as ever and continues to be an icon for fashionistas of all ages.

Iris had a very successful career as an interior designer alongside her late husband Karl. Together, they ran the textiles firm Old World Weavers until they retired in 1992. Over her career, Iris Apfel took part in a variety of design restoration projects, including work at the White House for nine presidents, from Truman to Clinton. Through their business, the couple travelled all over the world to source fabrics, where Apfel also bought pieces of non-Western, artisanal clothes. She wore these to clients’ high society parties and became known for her unusual style.

Becoming a model aged 97

In 2005, The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City premiered an exhibition about Iris Apfel’s style entitled Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel. It was the museum’s first time showcasing an exhibit about clothing and accessories focused on a living person who wasn’t a designer. She has starred in various campaigns and adverts since then. In 2019, at the age of 97, she signed a modelling contract with global agency IMG. It just goes to show that it’s never too late to become a model!

Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, LOTD red faux fur coat, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top

Inspired by Iris Apfel

As you’ve probably gathered by now, I’m a huge fan of Iris and her flamboyant style. This isn’t the first time I’ve deliberately dressed like her; three years ago I put together this outfit for a Match Made in Seven (now defunct) blogger group collaboration. I followed a similar formula: a column of one colour with lots of necklaces, bangles and my round sunglasses. The red with turquoise jewellery is one of my absolute favourite Iris outfits though, so I wanted to emulate that this time.

Embed from Getty Images

So, I started with the red trousers and top, plus red trainers (I’ve never seen Iris in heels). Then I picked out all of my turquoise, red and black jewellery. The faux fur coat isn’t appropriate for the weather, but I wanted to recreate the outfit as closely as possible. A vintage clutch and round sunglasses finished off the look. But, that’s not all…scroll down to see how I swapped the coat for a vest.

Inspired by Iris Apfel- March Style Not Age, LOTD red faux fur coat, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top
Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, LOTD red faux fur coat, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top, Marks & Spencer black round sunglasses
Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, LOTD red faux fur coat, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top, Marks & Spencer black round sunglasses
Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, LOTD red faux fur coat, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top, Marks & Spencer black round sunglasses

The long black vest is more appropriate for spring, and you can see my bangles! I would definitely wear this outfit, minus a few bangles. I don’t know how Iris manages with so many – it must take her ages to get undressed!

Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top, Marks & Spencer black round sunglasses, black rib knit vest
Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top, Marks & Spencer black round sunglasses, black rib knit vest

Celebrating 100 years of style!

Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, River Island red turtle neck top, Marks & Spencer black round sunglasses, black rib knit vest
Inspired by Iris Apfel, Marls & Spencer black round sunglasses, turquoise beaded necklace
Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top, Marks & Spencer black round sunglasses, black rib knit vest

SHOP THE LOOK

 

turquoise and red chunky beaded necklaces
Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top, Marks & Spencer black round sunglasses, black rib knit vest
Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top, Marks & Spencer black round sunglasses, black rib knit vest
Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top, Marks & Spencer black round sunglasses, black rib knit vest
Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top, Marks & Spencer black round sunglasses, black rib knit vest
turquoise and red chunky bangles
Inspired by Iris Apfel - March Style Not Age, River Island red wide leg trousers, River Island red turtle neck top, Marks & Spencer black round sunglasses, black rib knit vest

River Island trousers | River island top | Marks & Spencer sunglasses (old) | Wallis vest (old) | Zara trainers (old) | LOTD faux fur coat (old)

Let’s see how my blogger friends have been inspired by Iris Apfel…

Hilda, who chose this month’s theme has styled an all-green look, with pieces borrowed from a local store. The jewellery is her daughter’s, but if I were you I’d keep hold of them Hilda! Visit Over the Hilda for all the details.

Gail has chosen a fabulous pink and green combination. I love the green collar – I think Iris would too! Head over to Is This Mutton? to see more!

Anna has really gone for it with NINE necklaces! Fab gingham trousers and a ruffle blouse make for a fab spring combination. Pop over to Anna’s Island Style to read more.

Jacqui of Mummabstylish has layered a floral print blouse over a lovely rust-coloured dress. She has topped it off with lots and lots of pearls. The funky glasses complete this Iris-inspired look.

I hope you’ve enjoyed our outfits inspired by Iris Apfel! Will you be buying anything from her H&M collection?

This is where I link up!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliates links which means I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps towards the running costs of the blog and is very much appreciated.

Share:

7 responses to “Inspired by Iris Apfel – March Style Not Age”

  1. Nancy says:

    I love all of these looks! What a hommage! Grand.

  2. Anna says:

    Wow, what a fantastic inspiration and interpretation of this style icon
    https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au/

  3. Maria Khan says:

    you look stuning! All these outfits are great.

  4. Jennifer says:

    Love this so much!

    Jennifer
    Curated by Jennifer

  5. Michelle says:

    Well done I and awesome!

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

  6. Anna Parkes says:

    You did a great job to this look Emma. I love the colour combination and your jewellery collection is fab too!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.