Style Library: 7 Books to Master the Art of Dressing Well

A few hundred years ago, when books (and literacy) were a rarity, people believed that they could learn anything from them. Reading a guide could magically turn you into an expert in any field. However, time has shown that this is far from the truth. People learn in different ways, and not all guides can clearly explain the topics they cover. The art of dressing stylishly is a specific life skill that can be acquired in various ways: by imitating others, experimenting on your own, or studying fashion trends. Reading guides from professionals in the field is a great option for your wardrobe. It can save you a lot of money and help you understand the basic principles of selecting clothes that suit you personally. It’s important that these books are truly useful and not just a product of fleeting fashion trends, but rather explain the fundamental principles of beauty and elegance.

1. Amy Goodman “Wear This, Toss That!”

Amy Goodman is a renowned American fashion expert who frequently appears on television. She works with a team of stylists and designers who contributed to this book, offering specific advice. The book is free of theoretical material and filler content. The title itself is energetic and prepares you for decisive action. Amy suggests a set of 30 timeless fashion items, as well as 30 accessories and cosmetic products needed to create a sophisticated look. She provides clear recommendations on how to organize your existing wardrobe and what to add to it. It’s American practicality at its best—straight to the point!

2. Nina Garcia “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential People in Fashion”

The original title of the book is slightly different: “100 Items Every Stylish Woman Should Have in Her Wardrobe,” but it was shortened for convenience. Nina Garcia has been in the fashion industry since the 80s and has worked for many fashion magazines, including Elle and Marie Claire. She has written four guides on fashion and style, with this being the most practical. Nina discusses items that will serve as the foundation for a fashionable wardrobe, including not only clothing but also accessories, shoes, and many other details. Notably, the illustrations in the book are done by an artist rather than a photographer, which does not diminish their value.

3. Natalia Naidenskaya, Inessa Trubetskova “The Style Bible: Dress Code for the Successful Woman”

The term “dress code” is usually associated with work or formal events, but the book offers a much broader range of outfit choices. However, the focus is indeed on the working and active part of the female population. The wardrobe and accessories are described not only for work, leisure, and travel but also for more specific tasks such as business dinners or client meetings. Additionally, the book discusses not only clothing but also the principles of choosing color combinations and the proper use of accessories.

4. Sara Kennedy “Be a Fashion Icon”

The book features famous stylish women of the 20th century as style icons, hence the subtitle “A Guide to Creating a Vintage-Inspired Look.” However, these looks can hardly be called vintage, as they are popular in all eras. This guide delves into the styles of 25 of the most fashionable beauties. It explains what to wear to match these styles, who they suit, and how to choose hairstyles and makeup to complement the selected look. The author encourages not blindly copying popular styles but adapting them to suit your individuality while keeping them recognizable.

5. George Breschia “Change Your Wardrobe, Change Your Life”

Stylist George Breschia not only discusses stylish wardrobe items for every woman but also dedicates significant time to philosophical questions about why women should dress beautifully. He believes that a good appearance and elegance contribute to improving the quality of life and bringing us closer to happiness. Several chapters are devoted to positive philosophy, discussing how women should learn to accept their unique beauty as it is. Thus, this book can not only cultivate a sense of style but also boost your mood.

6. Lloyd Boston “I Always Know What to Wear”

This guide was written by a man who put “I” in the title, but it is created for women and speaks from a female perspective. Lloyd Boston provides an extensive and multifunctional list of items that can form a wardrobe from A to Z and combine well with each other. Of course, he makes allowances for individual tastes and needs, providing tables of colors, variations, and matches of different items for different looks and body types. Additionally, he advises experimenting based on his richly illustrated advice. Go for it!

7. Emily Albertini, Anna Humber “Simply Chic!”

The subtitle of the book reads, “Creating a Wardrobe from Simple Items to Look Stylish in Any Situation.” This is perhaps the most concrete characteristic that gives us an idea of what to expect from the authors. Practicality! The authors emphasize individuality and provide numerous tips on how to choose clothes and other stylish items based on personal characteristics. Colors, cuts, styles, and combinations of elements are all individual for each woman, although they are built on basic principles. The book teaches these principles.