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nickscoby's review against another edition
3.0
The major themes in this book can be summed up like so: 1) In terms of fashion, the 80s sucked; 2) Americans have gotten a little lazy when it comes to style; 3) no, your t-shirts and jeans are not appropriate for all occasions; and 4) invest in a good tailor. That said, the book is still an interesting read, though, as someone eloquently stated, Gunn is more "prescriptive than descriptive." All that to say, that there's not a whole lot of history here but there is a good deal amount of informed opinion. But the opinion does come from Tim Gunn, so I'm OK with it.
the_horror_maven's review against another edition
5.0
Being a fashion designer myself, I found this book to be a great quick read on the history of the most popular garments in our world today. Highly recommended.
kimlynn77's review against another edition
4.0
Well-written and well-researched look at different garments and their history. Also, thank you Mr. Gunn for lambasting the fashion industry in the afterword and realizing that the vast majority of women do not look (or are shaped like) a model. Bring back the models from the '50s!
algae429's review against another edition
4.0
It really reads as if Tim Gunn was going through your closet and decided to give you an impromptu history lesson. Lots of fun and interesting facts.
glowbird's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 so I rounded up because Tim Gunn is delightful. The history was well edited. Just enough background to be thorough, never tipping over to textbook summaries. The real draw was Tim's anecdotes and personal thoughts on the various items of clothing.
izumisano's review against another edition
4.0
One part historical account, one part bff gab session and one part fashion ranting. Overall entertaining and informing. I wish he would've gotten more depth with more pictures.
meghan111's review against another edition
3.0
We are cursed to live in the age of the fashion ascendance of the capri cargo pant. This book argues that people in general would be happier if their clothes were a little more uncomfortable, or at least if they wore "sweatsuit alternatives" as opposed to actual sweatsuits.
Tim Gunn offers a quick look at all sorts of garments and the history of their development, from gloves to dresses to the suit. Sometimes he offers his analysis, as when he says there are two main dress silhouettes - draped or fitted - and the draped is based on ancient Greece, and the fitted from ancient Egypt. This actually turns out to be practical advice for dress shopping, because you can think of which silhouette you are most drawn to, and choose styles based on that.
Tim Gunn offers a quick look at all sorts of garments and the history of their development, from gloves to dresses to the suit. Sometimes he offers his analysis, as when he says there are two main dress silhouettes - draped or fitted - and the draped is based on ancient Greece, and the fitted from ancient Egypt. This actually turns out to be practical advice for dress shopping, because you can think of which silhouette you are most drawn to, and choose styles based on that.
slow_reader_never_giveup's review against another edition
5.0
Yes! Thank you Tim Gunn! Leggings are not pants! Oh my ladies - you aren't WEARING ANY PANTS!
1outside's review against another edition
3.0
Was at a loss how to rate this book.
I guess I wanted it to be more of a fashion history through Tim's eyes than a mashup of that and fashion advice. Some of his advice or opinions are OK, some a bit annoying but there is nothing I violently disagree with. It's just...I wanted it for the history, hoping that from him it would be somewhat entertaining. Contemplating my wardrobe is something I can do without him quite well.
So, consider this a strong-ish 3. It's worth reading if you have some interest in the evolution of fashion and the clothes we wear, but are not looking for books on this topic that are too academic.
But you should be aware that's not all that this book is.
I guess I wanted it to be more of a fashion history through Tim's eyes than a mashup of that and fashion advice. Some of his advice or opinions are OK, some a bit annoying but there is nothing I violently disagree with. It's just...I wanted it for the history, hoping that from him it would be somewhat entertaining. Contemplating my wardrobe is something I can do without him quite well.
So, consider this a strong-ish 3. It's worth reading if you have some interest in the evolution of fashion and the clothes we wear, but are not looking for books on this topic that are too academic.
But you should be aware that's not all that this book is.