Esquire The Handbook of Style: A Man
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Esquire The Handbook of Style: A Man's Guide to Looking Good

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Product Info

  • EAN: 9781588167460
  • Manufacturer: Hearst

Features

  • ISBN13: 9781588167460
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Editorial Reviews:

  • Each year, the editors of Esquire produce a special issue of the magazine devoted to men’s style called The Big Black Book, which has been wildly successful. Using the same pragmatic, highly illustrated approach, and laced with Esquire’s trademark humor, Esquire The Handbook of Style brings readers vital information on every aspect of a man’s wardrobe, from suits and shirts, to shoes and neckties, to watches and other accessories. The style-minded reader will find useful advice on suit fabrics and cuts, the right kind of trousers for his build, the essential outerwear to own, how to dress properly for an occasion, how to tie a tie, how to pack for a trip, grooming strategies, and much, much more. A compact and sophisticated accessory in its own right, Esquire The Handbook of Style will be the style bible for the well-dressed man for years to come.

Spotlight customer reviews:

  • Customer Rating: Average rating of 2/5Average rating of 2/5Average rating of 2/5Average rating of 2/5Average rating of 2/5
  • Summary: Should be titled "The Handbook of a Very Specific Style"
  • Comment: This book contain a great deal of helpful, accurate information that can be used by any male buying, storing and caring for his clothes. I found the history of each garment very interesting, and the tips on what to look for in terms of quality, fit, details, etc. are worth the price of the book alone.

    However, for a book called a "handbook of style", I thought it was actually very limited. Overall, by following the rules from the book - and yes, the book is very rule-based - you won't go wrong at the office, at the dinner party thrown by your boss, or that polo match. The book also makes it clear you will impress women (gays need not apply or, it seems, anyone who doesn't have or aspire to have their social life revolve around a country club). If that's what your life is like then this book will meet your needs superbly.

    If, however, you're looking guidance on creating a style that's a little more adventurous, look elsewhere. For example, want to know if what Prada sent down the runway might work for your style and body type? You're out of luck - the book won't give you broad principles that you can adapt to a more individual style. Especially when it comes to more casual styles, the book doesn't go beyond the world of chinos, v-neck and crew neck sweaters, jeans and other few basics.

    Great book for what it is, not for what it's titled.
  • Customer Rating: Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5
  • Summary: Solid advice
  • Comment: The book is a good reference on common fashion subjects (e.g., matching shoes with suit colors). It also has useful and entertaining advice on subjects where each of us must make his own rules (e.g., who should wear what jeans). I recommend it for most guys from 13-60 (I think men after age 60 are beyond fashion advice).
  • Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
  • Summary: Must-have item for any male
  • Comment: This is an essential guide for anyone who has to wear clothes! I grew up not knowing half of what was in this book, to my disadvantage. Once I saw what was in it, I was so surprised. I started paying attention to what I wore and received compliments at work. I bought two more copies for friends. They are delighted!
  • Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
  • Summary: LITTLE BIG BOOK
  • Comment: Granted, it lacks color photographs. But if I end up buying another picture of Cary Grant, the Duke of Windsor or Fred Astaire, I'm gonna demand a refund and sue the editor!

    This is a book for the average guy, with the average dough, who wants to dress better for his money's worth. It's neither DRESS FOR $UCCESS nor THE METROSEXUAL BIBLE. Just solid advice on subjects that count, and great tips on details that make a difference. Plus, it's fun reading, has a nice layout, and takes little space in your bookshelf. What more could you ask from a book? Get real!
  • Customer Rating: Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5
  • Summary: Recommended
  • Comment: Unlike the metrosexuals of last decade, advocating trendy looks to put the average dude at level with the European cutting-edge, the Handbook of Style turns an eye to the past to find a uniquely American style: timeless looks that will still look great and fit great for the next fifty years. Thankfully, this book couldn't have arrived sooner, as interest in Traditional Men's Clothing seems to be at an all-time high: the Don Draper and the Ivy League (Ed Helms in the Office) looks are high on the fashion radar, and "urban lumberjacks"--full bearded hipsters in wool and twill--occupy every downtown block between the two coasts.

    The book, by Esquire's editors breaks down the American male wardrobe into it's essentials, at least for those who work a white collar job or are in a creative profession. As men, we have it pretty easy, as our uniforms and office attire aren't expected to change drastically from year to year. This book advocates buying some high quality wardrobe essentials that are good for year round wear (navy suit, charcoal suit, black cap-toed shoes, and brown wingtips) plus recommendations for the spring and summer and fall and winter. You get a history of the cultural origins of our various jackets and trousers, plus a gallery of famous men and the garments they made popular.

    I only became interested in dressing better in the past year, finding that a lot of the clothes that got me through my college years and even my internship aren't quite making the cut when it comes to presenting myself as an adult, and a professional. I'm a young man (23) and when I put on a wool blazer and flat front trousers my girlfriend (soon to be wife) tells me I look great. If this is what I'm supposed to be wearing into my old age, I hope I continue to look my best and hear the same thing from my significant other.

    I really appreciate the no-nonsense approach the editors took to this guide, stressing the philosophy that a personal style takes years to develop. Also, this is a guide to style that is broad, and not specific to any subculture. Deck shoes are good if you're into yachting, but aren't essential to EVERY men, only the preppiest among us. My two grievances with the book are the suggestion that every guy looks great in a black turtleneck (maybe I'm still too young) and that Paul Newman is absent as one of the style icons.

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