Wow. Just wow. This is how it’s done, people. Taking risks with your style — because you know that another, possible better outfit, is just inside your closet.

Look at how Iris Apfel uses texture and color, and even though she’s not exactly a minimalist, she doesn’t clutter her look with more of everything. It’s thought-through: the signature glasses, the huge pin with the bangles; the colorful coat layered with a necklace and bracelets. There are no earrings and rings to muddle things. And scroll down with that second outfit and see the pink shoes — what a surprising thing to add, but for me it works. (I have to say that the designers she’s standing with look, by contrast, colorless and dull.) And note that she is NOT a beautiful woman! Just smart and stylish.

Make sure to take five minutes and listen to the video, with Apfel talking about what inspires her (and see all the fantastic pictures of her).

I’m running out to get this book of the show about her.