True Style: The History and Principles of Classic Menswear

Phenomenal book!Thank you so much

Most of us know what we love and hate about menswear, but we may not know why something feels right or wrong. Boyer takes us one piece of clothing at a time through a classic wardrobe and explains the principles that one can use to buy and wear clothes, and then combine them appropriately to feel one's way toward a personal style. He writes with knowledge and passion, making the hard work of building a wardrobe feel--if not effortless--at least manageable and very satisfying. Good sources and index for referring back to long after you've read it through.

If you read the subtitle of this book, you will gain an insight into what it is about; The History & Principles of Classic Menswear. It then helps to understand that Boyer is English (but does not limit his coverage to the English, venturing across the Atlantic frequently), and finally that he eschews fashion as the fashion houses provide it on the runway. He particularly likes the English Country House look, but also the Ivy style. He believes that anything that is too shiny, too ironed, and or too flashy represents an ostentatious display of wealth, apparently whether one is wealthy or not, or fashion consciousness. With this as a background, if you are interested in learning more about men’s clothing, accessories, and grooming, I think you will find this book to be an interesting and educational read. Also be aware that he does believe that each man should develop his own style. His prejudices against the well ironed and brightly colored seem to contradict, or at least limit, his belief that each man should develop his own style. The chapters are mostly based on articles he has published in the past, but are edited to provide cross references within the book and to knit it into a unit.

Delightful sartorial rumination! Not much by way of specific advice, so if you need to learn how to tie a Windsor knot, look elsewhere. Still, there’s some good history of men’s fashion and somewhat philosophical considerations on the subject. I was quite a fan of the chapter on maxims: “Real style is never a matter of right or wrong. It’s a matter of being yourself. On purpose.”

product as described, thank you

As men's fashion writers go, Bruce Boyer is one of the better ones. The subtitle of "True Style", "The History and Principles of Classic Menswear", overstates its comprehensiveness by a mile. "True Style" is a compilation of disconnected articles treating a diverse group of clothing items and ideas. The chapters served well as magazine articles focused on narrow topics, but they do not cohere as a book. You might be occasionally entertained or enlightened, but you will not come away with a deep, or even useful, knowledge of the history and principles of classic menswear.

G. Bruce Boyer is an acknowledged expert in classic menswear. While he favors the Ivy style, this book looks at all styles in the classic clothing field. Boyer has collected pieces he wrote for magazines, and on-line blogs, into what is the third book in his excellent series about clothing (Elegance and Eminently Suitable are the first two books). It is NOT a "how-to" manual that teaches you how to tie a bow tie or helps you chose the best colors for you to wear. It is a mix of a history and celebration of great clothing and accessories. "True Style" educates the reader on why we wear what we wear. The book is a must-have for your sartorial library.

A very good book that has been written in exciting way. Would recommend it to anyone interested in the sartorial world. Beginner friendly too!