True Style : The History and Principles of Classic Menswear

From choosing the right pair of eyeglasses to properly coordinating a shirt, tie, and pocket square, getting dressed is an art to be mastered. Yet, how many of us just throw on, well, whatever each morning? How many understand the subtleties of selecting the right pair of socks or the most compatible patterns of our various garments-much less the history, imperatives, and importance of our choices? In True Style , acclaimed fashion expert G. Bruce Boyer provides a crisp, indispensable primer for this daily ritual, cataloguing the essential elements of the male wardrobe and showing how best to employ them. In witty, stylish prose, Boyer breezes through classic items and traditions in menswear, detailing the evolution and best uses of fabrics like denim and linen, accoutrements like neckties and eyeglasses, and principles for combining patterns, colors, and textures. He enlightens readers about acceptable circumstances for donning a turtleneck, declaims the evils of wearing dress shoes without socks, and trumpets the virtues of sprezzatura, the artistry of concealing effort beneath a cloak of nonchalance. With a gentle yet firm approach to the rules of dressing and an incredible working knowledge of the different items, styles, and principles of menswear, Boyer provides essential wardrobe guidance for the discriminating gentleman, explaining what true style looks like-and why. From choosing the right pair of eyeglasses to properly coordinating a shirt, tie, and pocket square, getting dressed is an art to be mastered. Yet, how many of us just throw on, well, whatever each morning? How many understand the subtleties of selecting the right pair of socks or the most compatible patterns of our various garments—much less the history, imperatives, and importance of our choices?In __True Style__, acclaimed fashion expert G. Bruce Boyer provides a crisp, indispensable primer for this daily ritual, cataloguing the essential elements of the male wardrobe and showing how best to employ them. In witty, stylish prose, Boyer breezes through classic items and traditions in menswear, detailing the evolution and best uses of fabrics like denim and linen, accoutrements like neckties and eyeglasses, and principles for combining patterns, colors, and textures. He enlightens readers about acceptable circumstances for donning a turtleneck, declaims the evils of wearing dress shoes without socks, and trumpets the virtues of sprezzatura, the artistry of concealing effort beneath a cloak of nonchalance.With a gentle yet firm approach to the rules of dressing and an incredible working knowledge of the different items, styles, and principles of menswear, Boyer provides essential wardrobe guidance for the discriminating gentleman, explaining what true style looks like—and why. From Choosing The Right Pair Of Eyeglasses To Properly Coordinating A Tie, Shirt, And Pocket Square, Getting Dressed Is An Art To Be Mastered. Yet How Many Of Us Just Throw On, Well, Whatever In The Morning? How Many Understand The Subtleties Of Selecting The Right Pair Of Shoelaces Or The Most Compatible Patterns-much Less The History, Imperatives, And Importance Of Our Choices? In True Style, Fashion Expert G. Bruce Boyer Provides A Crisp, Indispensable Primer For This Daily Ritual, Cataloguing The Essential Elements Of The Male Wardrobe And Showing How Best To Employ Them. Detailing The Evolution Of The Most Classic Items And Traditions In Menswear-from Fabrics Like Denim And Linen, To Staples Like Blazers And Button-down Shirts, To The Rules For Combining Them All-boyer Reveals What True Style Looks Like, And Why-- Ascots -- Boots -- Bow Ties -- Business Attire -- Craftsmanship -- Denim -- Dressing Gowns -- The English Country House Look -- Evening Dress -- Eyewear -- Fragrances -- Grooming -- Italian Style -- Ivy Style -- Maintenance -- Maxims -- Mixing Patterns -- Pocket Squares -- Shirts -- The Shoe-hosiery-trouser Nexus -- Shorts -- Sprezzatura -- Suits -- Summer Fabrics -- Turtlenecks -- Weather Gear. G. Bruce Boyer. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. "From choosing the right pair of eyeglasses to properly coordinating a tie, shirt, and pocket square, getting dressed is an art to be mastered. Yet how many of us just throw on, well, whatever in the morning? How many understand the subtleties of selecting the right pair of shoelaces or the most compatible patterns--much less the history, imperatives, and importance of our choices? In True Style, fashion expert G. Bruce Boyer provides a crisp, indispensable primer for this daily ritual, cataloguing the essential elements of the male wardrobe and showing how best to employ them. Detailing the evolution of the most classic items and traditions in menswear--from fabrics like denim and linen, to staples like blazers and button-down shirts, to the rules for combining them all--Boyer reveals what true style looks like, and why"-- Provided by publisher From choosing the right pair of eyeglasses to properly coordinating a shirt, tie and pocket square, getting dressed is an art to be mastered. Yet how many of us just throw on, well, whatever each morning? How many understand the subtleties of selecting the right pair of socks or the most compatible patterns of our various garments - much less the history, imperatives and importance of our choices? In 'True Style', acclaimed fashion expert G. Bruce Boyer provides a crisp, indispensable primer for this daily ritual, cataloguing the essential elements of the male wardrobe and showing how best to deploy them More Advance Praise for True Style Contents Introduction 1. Ascots 2. Boots 3. Bow Ties 4. Business Attire 5. Craftsmanship 6. Denim 7. Dressing Gowns 8. The English Country House Look 10. Eyewear 11. Fragrances 12. Grooming 13. Italian Style 14. Ivy Style 15. Maintenance 16. Maxims 17. Mixing Patterns 18. Pocket Squares 19. Shirts 20. Shoe-Hosiery-Trouser Nexus 21. Shorts 22. Sprezzatura 23. Suits 24. Summer Fabrics 25. Turtlenecks 26. Weather Gear Acknowledgments Appendix: The Best Fashion Books for Men Notes Index About the Author