Welcome to the monthly edition of Match Made in Seven! We are an international group of fashion bloggers who meet virtually once a month. One of us chooses a theme each month, and that can be anything: a book, music, a color, a movie. And then we all style an outfit based on that theme.

This month’s theme was chosen by Sonja and is “Ode to Iris Apfel.” See my post about the theme below…and be sure to take a look at my fellow bloggers to see how they have interpreted the theme this month.

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style

Debbie of https://www.debbiestyleslife.com/

Darlene of https://aquamarinastyle.com/

Sonja of https://www.yustsome.nl/

Anna of https://www.muttonstyle.com/

Emma of http://www.style-splash.com/

And now for this month’s theme: Ode to Iris Apfel

Harper Collins Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon Book

Some know style superstar Iris Apfel as that “Rare Bird of Fashion.” Some know her as the lady with the big round glasses. However you know her, everyone can recognize her individuality in her clothing and jewelry.

I recently watched a documentary about Iris (called, not surprisingly, “Iris”) and her career on Hulu. I never knew her history before, I recommend giving it a watch.

In it, she spoke about individuality and the increasing homogeneity of the fashion world. And for her, being individualistic means being bold, colorful, “out there.” And a lot of people think the same. But I’m here today to take a little different stance, and to say that Being Yourself is Whatever You Want it To Be.

If your comfort level is not standing out in a crowd, then feel free to blend in. If you feel the most like yourself when you’re dressing a certain way despite others gently nudging you to “try something different,” then stand your ground and wear what YOU want. If you want to pile on all the colors of the rainbow and every piece of jewelry you own, DO IT. 

THAT is true individualism, to wear exactly what you want, in spite of what those around you are doing or saying.

As for myself, I am not a “stand out in the crowd” type of person. I don’t necessarily want to draw attention to myself through fashion…and that’s okay. I dress for myself, nobody else. That’s individuality. And what I feel like wearing can change from day to day…season to season…or year to year. Also okay.

So here is the dress I wear more than any other in my wardrobe…it’s going on its third year and it’s still my go-to when I want to feel comfortable and like ME. I like simplicity and comfort and ease. And this kind of outfit gives me all three.

I think Iris would be okay with this. As she says in the documentary, “It’s better to be happy than well-dressed.” And an outfit like this makes me happy.

What kind of clothing makes you happy??

What I Wore:

  • Old Navy Tencel Pintuck Swing Dress, old. Comparable here.
  • Old Navy Cream Open-Front Long-Line Sweater, size 2x. Only available right now in light grey but it’s on sale!
  • Keds with no shoelaces. Cuz easy.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click on them and/or buy something as a result of clicking that link.