Details Men's Style Manual: The Ultimate Guide for Making Your Clothes Work for You [Paperback]

 

 

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This book is exactly what I've been looking for. A good mixture of useful information, tips, what not to do, with plenty of pictures and examples of mixing and matching. It's also important that it's up to date. The problem with a lot of these guides is that they must be up to date to be useful. It's true that style and style sense do not change, as do some classical pieces of clothing, but fashion does play it's part in updating old looks and making them modern. Since this book was published in late 2007... it's current and therefore my choice for the best book for men who need to look good (especially when your work place demands it). See my list of others books that I've bought (at the bottom of this review), and why this publication wins out over them.

The book covers 13 chapters; 1. Shirts, 2. Pants, 3. Blazers, 4. Ties, 5. Suits, 6. Formal wear, 7. Jeans, 8. Casual Shirts, 9. Sweaters, 10. Outerwear, 11. Underwear, 12. Shoes, and 13. Accessories. There are also sections for 1. How to Pack, 2. How to Care for Your Wardrobe, and 3. Where to Shop (which includes a very small section for us Canadians).

In each of these chapters the author explains the important parts of a each piece of clothing (example (for shirts): The Plain Cuff, The French Cuff, The Collar, The Buttons, and the Fabric). I did not know for example that "extremely high grades (of cotton) may be silkier, but they wear out faster and cost more". A good tip indeed! Another good tip "you should be able to comfortably fit two fingers in between your neck and the collar of the shirt when it's buttoned", for a good fit. Any tighter and the shirt is not the right size. For men who are not fashionistas, we need this kind of information, or we are lost. Let's face it... buying anything out of ignorance whether it be a car. television or jewellery, and clothing, can be a costly mistake. It's best to educate yourself to save money and time. This book is that education tool. It's a must for men who don't pay a lot of attention to fashion... but need to dress well for work or for leisure.

Each chapter contains a "BASICS" section. A diagram of the article of clothing is shown... with circles around each part explaining the terminology and differences. An "OPTIONS" section gives examples of clothing in different styles, fabrics, colours. "THE PERFECT FIT" section tells you some of the rules to look for when something should fit right. "DRESS UP DRESS DOWN", show examples of outfits laid out on the floor (not worn by models), to show how to use one piece of clothing in several different outfits. "HOW TO PULL OFF" section tells you the rules of wearing one type of clothing with another. It usually gives you three rules; 1. Beginner, 2. Intermediate, 3. Advanced. The "Don'ts" section shows and tells you what not to do. "How to Buy" speaks for itself... rules on how you should shop for this item. What should you bring with you, what questions you should ask, to knowing what measurements you should know before you go shopping.

Chapter 1 (Shirts). SHIRT BASICS - 1. The Plain Cuff, 2. The French Cuff, 3. The Collar, 4. The Buttons, 5. The Fabric. OPTIONS - Blue, Checks Variegated Stripes, Gray, Plaid, Striped Oxford, Contrast Collar, Military, Pencil Stripes, Band Collar, Floral Print. THE PERFECT FIT - The Torso, The Back, The Waist, The Neck, The Sleeves, The Tails. Collars - Regular, Spread, Button-Down, Tab, Long Point. DRESS UP DRESS DOWN - pages 26-27 "How to wear one white shirt for four different occasions" A. The Presentation, B. Dinner Date at the Diner, C. Winter Window Shopping, D. Sunday Drive. HOW TO PULL OFF - The Print Shirt (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). DON'TS page 30. HOW TO BUY page 31.

Chapter 2 (Pants). PANT BASICS - 1. The Waist, 2. The Rise, 3. The Inseam, 4. The Belt Loop, 5. The Pockets, 6. The Cuffs, 7. The Fabric. OPTIONS - Khaki, Black, Navy Chino, Pleated, Pinstripe, Linen, Cuffed, Tweed, Cargo, Wool Flannel. THE PERFECT FIT - Overall, The Natural Waist, The Jean Waist, The Hem, The Break, Pleats vs. No Pleats. The Hem - The Straight Hem, The Cuff, The Crop, The Jeans. SHORTS AND SWIM WEAR - Denim Shorts, Cargo Shorts, Trouser Shorts, Running Shorts, Elastic-Waist Swim Trunks, Classic-Cut Swim Trunks. DRESS UP DRESS DOWN - Pages 50-51 "How to wear one pair of gray pants for four different occasions" A. Friday Business Meeting, B. Corporate Retreat, C. Poker Room at the Bellagio, D. To the Ballpark. HOW TO PULL OFF - White Pants (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). DON'TS page 54. HOW TO BUY page 55.

Chapter 3 (Blazers). BLAZER BASICS - 1. The Details, 2. The Fabric, 3. The Patterns, 4. The Pockets, 5. Single-Breasted vs. Double Breasted. OPTIONS - Seersucker, Plaid, Tweed, Corduroy, Peak Lapel, Velvet, Khaki. THE PERFECT FIT - Slim Versus Relaxed, The Sleeves, The Vents, The Buttons. DRESS UP DRESS DOWN - Pages 68-69 "How to wear one navy blazer for three different occasions" A. To An Afternoon Party, B. To the Boardroom, C. On A Date. HOW TO PULL OFF - Blazer with Jeans (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). DON'TS page 72. HOW TO BUY page 73.

Chapter 4 (Ties). OPTIONS - Print, Solid Color, Small Pattern, Stripe, Bright, Knit, Variegated Stripe, Polka Dot. THE PERFECT FIT - The Right Length, The Knot, Well-Made, The Width, The Dimple. Knots 101 - "Four-in-hand", and "Bow Tie". HOW TO PULL OFF - Prints With Prints (shirts & ties) (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). DON'TS page 88. HOW TO BUY page 89.

Chapter 5 (Suits). SUIT BASICS - 1. The Shoulders, 2. The Lapel, 3. The Buttons, 4. The Pattern, 5. The Pockets, 6. The Lining, 7. The Stitching. OPTIONS -Black, Gray, Herringbone, Cotton, Linen, Prince of Wales, Windowpane. THE PERFECT FIT - English Fit, The Italian Fit, The All-American Fit. Fit Tips - The Lapels, The Buttons, The Vents, Double-Breasted vs. Single Breasted. DRESS UP DRESS DOWN - Pages 106-107 "How to wear one gray suit for four different occasions" A. At the Office, B. Late Night Out, C. Meeting the Parents, D. Sunday Brunch. HOW TO PULL OFF The Khaki Suit (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). DON'TS page 112. HOW TO BUY page 113.

Chapter 6 (Formalwear). TUXEDO BASICS - 1. The Stripe, 2. Single-Breasted vs. Double Breasted, 3. The Shirt, 4. The Vest or Cummerbund, 5. The Shoes, 6. The Tie. OPTIONS Double-Breasted, Shawl collar, Single-Breasted, White Dinner Jacket. Options: Shirts and Shoes, Bib Shirt, Wing Collar, Pleated Shirt, Turn-Down Collar. Shoes - Velvet, Black Lace-Ups, Patent Leather. Ties, Bow Tie, Straight Tie. THE PERFECT FIT - A Tuxedo Fits Like a Suit, The Break, The Fabric, The Studs and Cuff Links, Jacket Required, A Word About Wedding Attire. HOW TO PULL OFF The Tuxedo (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). DON'TS page 128. HOW TO BUY page 129.

Chapter 7 (Jeans). OPTIONS - Blue, Dark Blue, Gray, White, Slight Distress, Finishes/Washes. THE PERFECT FIT - The Straight, The Relaxed, The Skinny, Know Your Body Type. DRESS UP DRESS DOWN - Pages 140-141 "How to wear one pair of jeans for three different occasions" A. Friday Meeting, B. Drinks and Dinner, C. Running Errands. HOW TO PULL OFF Jeans With a Shirt and Tie (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). DON'TS page 144. HOW TO BUY page 145.

Chapter 8 (Casual Shirts). CASUAL SHIRT BASICS - 1. The White T-Shirt, 2. The V-Neck, 3. The Shirt, 4. The Polo, 5. The Henley, 6. The Rugby. OPTIONS - Solid Color T-Shirt, White T-Shirt, Polo, Striped Polo, Contrast Collar Polo, Rugby, Long-Sleeve Polo, V-Neck, Henley. THE PERFECT FIT - Not Too Tight, Not Too Long, Polos. DRESS UP DRESS DOWN - Pages 156-157 "How to wear one polo shirt for three different occasions" A. A Day in the City, B. Travelling, C. A Weekend Away. HOW TO PULL OFF A Blazer With Casual Shirts (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). DON'TS page 160. HOW TO BUY page 161.

Chapter 9 (Sweaters). SWEATER BASICS - Styles 1. The Crewneck, 2. The V-Neck, 3. The Turtleneck, 4. The Cardigan, 5. The Material. OPTIONS - Cashmere, Cotton, Fair Isle, Cable-Knit, Wool, Crewneck, V-Neck, Turtleneck, Cardigan, Fisherman. THE PERFECT FIT - Close to the Body, The Shoulders, The Bulk. DRESS UP DRESS DOWN - Pages 174-175 "How to wear one sweater for three different occasions" A. Basketball Game, B. Supermarket Run, C. Dressing for Fall. HOW TO PULL OFF A Sweater With a Suit (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). DON'TS page 178. HOW TO BUY page 179.

Chapter 10 (Outerwear). OUTERWEAR BASICS - 1. The Material, 2. The Breast Pocket, 3. Single-Breasted versus Double-Breasted, 4. One is Not Enough. OPTIONS - Parka, Down Jacket, Denim Jacket, Military Jacket, Barbour Jacket, Chesterfield Coat, Camel-Hair Coat, Peacoat, Trench Coat, Macintosh, Toggle Coat. THE PERFECT FIT Overcoats - No Bulk, The Length, The Belt. Jackets - The Sleeves, The Length, The Pockets. DRESS UP DRESS DOWN - Pages 196-197 "How to wear one overcoat for three different occasions" A. Thursday Night Dinner, B. Afternoon Soccer Game, C. Neighborhood Lunch. HOW TO PULL OFF A Denim Jacket (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). DON'TS page 200. HOW TO BUY page 201.

Chapter 11 (Underwear). OPTIONS - Flannel Pajamas, Undershirt, Briefs, Boxers, Boxer Briefs, Athletic Socks, Dress Socks. THE PERFECT FIT - The Choices, The Long John, The Fabric. HOW TO PULL OFF Colorful Socks (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). DON'TS page 210. HOW TO BUY page 211.

Chapter 12 (Shoes). SHOE BASICS - 1. The Laces, 2. The Color, 3. The Material, 4. The Toe, 5. The Welt, 6. The Sole, 7. The Broguing. OPTIONS -Loafers, Oxfords Monk-Straps, Spectators, Wing Tips, Ankle Boots, Sandals, Flip-Flops, Work Boots, Driving Shoes. THE... Read more ›

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