




We’ve all heard Coco Chanel’s famous advice:
“Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.”
Now compare that to Iris Apfel, the queen of maximalist style, who famously declared:
“More is more and less is a bore.”
Two style icons. Two radically different philosophies. So, who’s right?

Coco’s Edit vs. Iris’s Exuberance
What I find interesting is that when you actually look at photos of Coco Chanel herself, she’s dripping in accessories – layers of pearls, brooches, hats, cuffs, the works. Clearly, she knew the power of adornment. Her quote likely wasn’t about minimalism for minimalism’s sake. It was about intentionality – editing so that every element serves a purpose.
Iris Apfel, on the other hand, embraces exuberance as an art form. Her accessories are more than decoration – they’re a declaration of personality. Her style is playful, eccentric, and unmistakably authentic. She doesn’t edit herself down – she turns herself up.
So Which Accessory Philosophy Is Right?
The truth? Both are right, depending on your personality and preferences.
If you’re a Classic, Relaxed, or Elegant Chic style type, you might resonate with Coco’s refined restraint. If you lean more Creative, Dramatic, or Eclectic, Iris’s “more is more” mantra might feel like home.
This is why personal style isn’t about following rules – it’s about knowing what aligns with you.
A Quick Accessory Check-In
Next time you accessorise, ask:
-
Do I feel like me in this?
-
Does each piece add something meaningful – interest, cohesion, personality?
-
Am I wearing this for impact or habit?
Whether you subtract or stack, the goal is always the same: authentic self-expression.
Want to get clear on which accessory approach suits your style type? My 7 Steps to Style program helps you uncover your unique style personality so you can wear accessories with confidence – your way.






It makes you wonder what Coco would look like with yet one more accessory, doesn’t it?
It does. When I went looking for a pic of Coco to put this quote onto, I was amazed that in every picture I could find, she was laded down with accessories!
I love Iris’ flamboyance. I’m all for the statement scarf or necklace but she takes it all to another level! On her it looks authentic (together with her statement clothing!) but I suspect on me it would just look a mess. And I’m with you on Coco. Her accessorising it’s hardly what you’d call minimalist!
Yes, Iris really does her own style well. And somehow she doesn’t look overdone!
It is interesting how much bling Coco is wearing, and how she looks one step away from sideshow gypsy lady at a carnival. Maybe she was more theatrical than her reputation leads us to assume? Didn’t Karl Lagerfeld design for Chanel? His “uniform”, for all its restraint, also looked, as far as I can picture him now, sort of theatrical in some way. But I think Coco looks amazing. Fantastic.
I love both Iris and Coco, Iris for her outrageous accessories and colour and Coco for her restrained use of colour and accessories.