Books on Style basics?

[keflex]

Hi, I'm interested in picking up good books on style basics, such as colors that match complexion, fashion do's (and don'ts!), etc. A beginner's sartorial primer, if you will.

Can anyone recommend anything?

Thanks in advance.

 

[argoth]

Here's a shameless link to Manton's list that I've personally found useful: http://www.amazon.com/Books-to-amuse.../3G63ZJ2L1VHEZ Of them, I particularly recommend Dressing the Man as a good starter book. Arg

 

[odoreater]

Only thing you can learn from a book is someone else's style. Your own style has to be developed from within.

Having said that, only book on men's clothes I've ever read was Manton's book. It was entertaining, though I wouldn't necessarily use it as a style guide.

 

[DocHolliday]

I'll second "Dressing the Man" as a practical guide. But for a general look at men's clothing, I like Roetzel's "Gentleman's Guide to Grooming and Style." It doesn't focus on the nuts and bolts of dressing, but has a romance Flusser lacks.

 

[keflex]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Originally Posted by odoreater

Only thing you can learn from a book is someone else's style. Your own style has to be developed from within.

I'll agree with this; however, I would like at least a basic foundation that I can build upon -- I already have a certain style I prefer, I just need to make sure it actually looks good, too.

 

[Bradford]

I'll throw in a shameless plug for Steve B's book...

http://www.mensspecialtyretail.com/

The Men's Clothing Guide is a good, basic book that should suit your needs.

I'm assuming he still has some in stock. It covers exactly what you are seeking, colors for different complexions, style do's and don'ts and ways to tell quality of clothing. Plus, it has an excellent listing of retailers in cities throughout the U.S.

 

[Sator]

Originally Posted by argoth

http://www.amazon.com/Books-to-amuse.../3G63ZJ2L1VHEZ


Yes Manton's list is excellent. His book is a delight to read and one only hopes that the next edition - or the next book - contains a lot more in the way of pictures.

Otherwise the two best basic books for beginners are Roetzel and Flusser. I would regard Manton's book along with Villarosa & Angeli as being the next step up after them.

For those who read German the following book is also an essential read:

http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/3894...543707-2018942

It is twice the size of Flusser's Dressing the Man and devoted solely to men's footwear.

 

[Morris]

Roetzel's book - in terms of breadth (not just business dress) and depth (fair treatment to all things stylish).

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Chic Simple Dress Smart Men is beginner-level and decent for business casual and more traditional attire. Dress Your Best, by Clinton and Stacey from What Not to Wear, is ostensibly a look at casual wear, but it's mostly a fit book for 'yuppie' New York style, albeit a good one. Steve's book is another good option, yes. Of course you could always consider image consulting

 

[Steve B.]

Thanks, Brad and MIC. I'd recommend Flusser, Chic Simple and Roetzel for books with pictures. Andy Gilchrists's is very good as well.

Manton's is IMO the best written and his penurious publisher should have given him a budget for pictures.

Mine is very simple and meant for the kind of guy who wears Dockers, company polos and cargo shorts. It DOES have the best store directory you'll find anywhere.

I have 40 left. They'll be gone by the end of the year. Andy and I are running a special for both his and mine if you want to click on this link.

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com

And yes you could and probably should consider image consulting...

 

[Charley]

An excellent clothing and style source for me has been the posts of the gentleman Tutee or sometimes ETutee on other message boards. Generally he includes wonderful issustrations along with the detailed descriptions. A search on this message board, on AskAndyAboutClothes.com and particularly on thelondonlounge.net will give you a great deal of information. There have been some slight changes in styles from the 1930's, but they are relatively slight - Up and down on button stance and gorge, wider or narrower lapels - relative to how fashions change in the ladies apparel world. The fabric patterns and combinations shown in his illustrations are darned good and well explained.