I’m on a mission to define and understand style. I believe that when you can clearly describe your own style and perhaps know your style statement, you’ll dress better, feel more confident in your clothes, and shop more efficiently. To achieve this, I’ve been talking to people, experimenting with my clothes, and reading books about style.
One book I recently read and thoroughly enjoyed is “I Love Your Style: How to Define and Refine Your Personal Style” by Amanda Brooks.
Amanda Brooks is a fashion consultant who has contributed to the New York Times Magazine and Vogue. She was the creative director at Tuleh, has been a muse, and appeared on various TV shows as a fashion expert. She splits her time between New York and Oxfordshire, England.
As the title suggests, the book is all about style. It’s very visual and personal. Amanda begins each chapter with her personal experiences of a certain style. If she hasn’t tried a style, like minimalism, she immerses herself in it to write authentically about it. The styles she explores include classic, bohemian, minimal, high fashion, street, and eclectic. She also covers topics like shopping for basics, cheap chic, designer, and vintage clothes.
What sets this book apart is Amanda’s personal touch. She shares her own successes and failures with each style, including photos, and lists her favorite items in each chapter. Famous figures like Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, and Kate Moss are featured, providing inspiration and illustrating different styles. The book is a great mix of text and images, offering style ideas and essentials that you can adapt to create your own look.
Finding the right clothes involves knowing what works for your body, lifestyle, and style preferences. Amanda highlights the importance of figuring out your wardrobe’s foundation and not stopping until you find the right pieces for you.
However, the book is very visual, which might not be to everyone’s taste. Also, Amanda’s love for real fur might not sit well with some readers.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to understand or refine your own style, this book is a great resource. It helps you identify the style that appeals to you and provides ideas on essential pieces. The photos alone make the book worth the expense. “I Love Your Style: How to Define and Refine Your Personal Style” by Amanda Brooks is available on Amazon.