Ever wanted to have a celebrity stylist for a day? These five fashion books are the next best thing. Get insider tips on what clothes to wear for your body shape, how to accessorise, classical wardrobe items to buy and everything you needed to know about red carpet dressing and avoid being a fashion victim.
That Extra Half an Inch: Hair, Heels and Everything in Between by Victoria Beckham
“The perfect date dress is one that gives a hint of sexiness – but just a hint – and shows off the best of your body shape, but is also comfortable so you don’t spend the whole night fidgeting with it and you can concentrate on being sparkly, witty and fabulous.”
Victoria Beckham
This book is a high street fashion to designer labels tale of Victoria Beckham, ex Spice Girl and wife of soccer legend, David Beckham. She is surprisingly funny and shows a witty side to her that people barely see. The ex-pop star now turned fashion designer outlines basics like jeans, trousers, tops and of course after dark dressing and explains what style fit suits each different body type. Victoria lets us in on her favourite retail outlets and provides designer label options as well as cheaper and affordable alternatives.
The Little Black of Style by Nina Garcia
“Style comes from knowing who you are and who you want to be in the world; it does not come from wanting to be somebody else, or wanting to be thinner, shorter, taller, prettier.”
Nina Garcia
This book is written by Nina Garcia who is now the fashion director at marie claire but better known for her role as judge on America’s Project Runway. The book outlines ten basic tips such as the importance of the right shoes for your outfit, a good tailor and accessorising. The guide helps you find your own fashion voice and create your own signature look. It also includes style tips from fashion icons such as Rachel Zoe, Dolce and Gabbana and her fellow Project Runway co-host, Michael Kors.
Style A-Zoe by Rachel Zoe
“Glamour can come in the form of a suggestion, a hint – like a pair of oversized sunglasses – or it can appear in unapologetic glory, blinding bright from the pile of gold bangles on a bronzed wrist or at informally chic dinner you throw for your friends at a favourite restaurant.”
Rachel Zoe
This style guide is an indulgent look into Hollywood’s celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe’s personal style. She shares her tips not only on red carpet dressing which she is famous for but how to pack and travel like a jetsetter, ways to dress for chic dinner parties and to maintain a style for work that’s glamorous but wearable. The book showcases her high profile clients: Joy Bryant, Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway, Keira Knightly and many others.
A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style by Tim Gunn
“Style is not just about clothes, nor is something bestowed upon you if you are the correct shape or size. Style is about the way you hold yourself and move through the world.”
Tim Gunn
Project Runway mentor Tim Gunn steps out of the design studio to give advice on how to dress stylishly on a budget, how to find the perfect fit, ways to bag a bargain, how to find a fashion icon and ‘make it work’. All readers can benefit from Gunn’s frank but beguiling and conversational style.
The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia
“Simply put, these items make me feel classic. And there is no substitute for feeling this way. Ever.”
Nina Garcia
This book outlines the 100 basic items that a woman should own such as a white shirt, the little black dress, stiletto heels, jeans and statement jewellery. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to invest in a wardrobe of classic clothing items that will transcend several seasons.
Style is not about wearing the same designer from head to toe, being dressed right out of a look book or a magazine page. It’s about creating a signature style that expresses your unique personality and individual style. Follow these fashion bibles religiously and create your own fashion statement.