Nina Garcia’s Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion is one of four books written by Garcia, of which I have read just two. It is organized into chapters offering suggestions for what to wear on common occasions like job interviews, the first week at a new job, Christmas dinner, and so forth.
There are a lot of books similar to this one on the market, so I thought I’d share a few reasons I liked this one.
Nina Garcia writes very well. Good writing isn’t a given in this genre. Garcia is an exception. Her style is direct and engaging, and she doesn’t adopt the frivolous, chatty girlfriend tone that some writers seem to think is how women talk and what we want to read.
This is a book, not a “style manual” (i.e., a checklist for looking like everyone else). I don’t think getting dressed should be akin to using a formula to solve a chemistry problem, and I appreciate that this book doesn’t treat it that way. Garcia offers overall thoughts on what is appropriate for each occasion (more on that in a moment), some pitfalls to avoid, and descriptions of example outfits. The accompanying images are illustrations by Ruben Toledo.
The result is that you can actually read this book like a book—it has a message that merits the number of words on the page, and it doesn’t limit one’s creativity (or tempt the pocketbook) by showing real clothes, focusing a lot on brands, or breaking everything down to a formula or checklist. I think I would be more inclined to get creative with my own wardrobe after reading this, rather than go shopping for something new.
It focuses on what is appropriate, for you and for the occasion. As much as I like freedom in fashion, and breaking or bending outdated or silly rules, the idea of appropriate clothing as a matter of courtesy and consideration for others is really important to me. I also believe that Americans often resist the idea of “appropriate” clothing too much, because it feels too restrictive, and so we can’t find a good balance. Garcia gives each occasion its fair due without being stuff or overly conservative. Sometimes she goes on little side discussions of good manners, but since I’m in sympathy with her points, those don’t bother me!
There’s perfume! Yes, Nina Garcia might be a bit of a perfumista. She mentions fragrance options throughout the book. Very fun for me (and probably for you), but I bet that even people who are less fragrance-obsessed would enjoy this extra dimension to the discussion. And as with the clothing, she doesn’t mention fragrances by name, so it leaves one free to imagine any fragrance that would fit the mood.
It’s personal. The book reminds and demonstrates that the foundations of personal style are being yourself and knowing what suits you. Those are reassuring messages when faced with a nerve wracking situation like a job interview, and that’s one of the reasons I can see myself looking back at this book when I’m stumped about what to wear.
The bottom line: I definitely recommend this if you need a little inspiration or some guidance for a specific occasion.
I checked out Nina Garcia’s Look Book from my local library. As always, posts are not compensated or sponsored, and my opinions are honest and my own. Information on my review policies is on the Media & Disclosure page. The image above is courtesy Everyday Treats.
I came to discover Nina Garcia on Project Runway and very quickly fell under her smart warm and witty charm. I respect her point of view and her unerring eye for style, creativity and taste. As the editor of Marie Clare she has to know her stuff, but she goes beyond just that and gives great advice. She is in short a wonderful teacher.
I agree – she had a great eye. She seems to be able to immediately cut to the point of what works and doesn’t in any particular garment or outfit. Speaking of that, I need to start watching the new season!
You have missed only one episode. Micheal Kors I’d mysteriously missing.
I’m all caught up now. I like Zac Posen, but I think it’s odd they haven’t explained MK’s absence!
Yes I agree with you on both Zac and the lack of an explanation on the missing Mr. K.
When I was growing up fashion was really important and most women tried to follow whatever was trendy. When I moved to the US it was very refreshing that real adult women here didn’t succumb to the madness of trying to like everybody else.
I like to dress up. I have no idea if I follow any trends or contrsdict them. I hope I do not break all social rules (just because I’m on a more conservative side) but even if I do… why would it matter if most people around not only do not follow – but it looks like do not know about those rules (just look at jeans in opera houses or baseball caps in restaurants)?
I think I’m done listening to anybody’s advices as to what [not] to wear (I’ll just keep looking around and choosing who to mimic
). But if I ever feel an urge to do so I’ll look into getting this book.
I can’t imagine that you need anyone to tell you what to wear – you always look great!
I think this book is really aimed at people like those who do wear jeans at the opera house or a baseball cap in a restaurant, simply because they don’t think about what is appropriate. But yes, there is the element of telling people what to do.
I read two of Nina Garcia books – I use the term loosely.
The black and silver one (I think The Little Black Book of Style and 100 Hundred things each woman should have – sth like that) and I admit, I still go back to read some of her advice.
I enjoy her writing and I can actually put in practice what she advises.
I can honestly say those two books influenced how I see fashion when it comes to my own choices and I believe my style is a bit better for it.
So, I’ll definitely get this one too.
I am going to pick up the 100 one, I think. I enjoy her writing, too, and at this time of year I find I need a little extra motivation to avoid ending up in jeans and warm tee-shirt layers every day!
You had me at “she doesn’t adopt the frivolous, chatty girlfriend tone that some writers seem to think is how women talk and what we want to read”. Thank goodness for that.It’s so true. I also love that quote shown in the photo.
How nice you checked this out of your local library. Definitely one that would be nice to read from a book rather than a Kindle. I will look it up but I would be interested to know if you have a favourite book on fashion/style.
I’m so glad you agree about that annoying girlfriend chatter, Tara. When did that become the “only” option for books by/for women? I was thinking about how this is one to read in hard copy rather than Kindle, especially for the illustrations. When he started doing these, they weren’t as popular, I think, as they are now. It’s a really innovative idea to draw women the way he did and introduce that idea for advertising and publications like this. I hope you enjoy this if you pick it up.
Favorite book on fashion/style? Gosh, that’s a great question! I don’t think I have one. Harper’s Bazaar?
I tend to go for books on narrow topics within fashion. For example, I just finished one called Scarves, by Albrechstein and Solanke. Full of gorgeous images of scarves, and a bit of history about scarf designers and prints. Do you have any favorites?
From what I have seen and read, you have such great style I wondered if you had a “style bible” but the fact is people like you are naturals. My sister is one also. I find it a real effort and tend to play it safe!
The style book I have on my Kindle and have been meaning to get into forever is Eccentric Glamour by Simon Doonan. He’s very funny but also, anyone fighting the tidal wave of “porno chic” has to get my vote
You are too sweet! I hope if we ever meet in person you aren’t horrified by my taste.
Simon Doonan sounds too funny. I’m off to look him up now!
Hope you like him, I think you will!
I love when I can find a spread in a magazine or a photo on a blog that makes me feel this way: “I think I would be more inclined to get creative with my own wardrobe after reading this, rather than go shopping for something new.” Occasionally Eleanor Strauss at Lucky puts together great wardrobe guides that inspire me to style things in new ways versus go shopping. Maybe I’ll look for this at the library too!
I’m going to have to look for layouts by Eleanor. The last thing I need is more clothes!
I love Nina Garcia’s books. Especially the 100 pieces you must own.
Stacy Blaise
I think I might check that one out next, since you and Ines both enjoyed it. Thanks for the mention!
Your welcome. It’s a cool book.
Stacy Blaise
Love the Epictetus quote with its notion of “self-adornment”! I must confess that I had never heard of Nina Garcia – the only books I have ever seen that come close (and I use the word “close” advisedly) are the ones by Trinny and Suzannah in the UK. They did teach me a lot about flattering clothes for my shape. Well actually some of it I knew instinctively, which is a bit of luck, but there was more I hadn’t considered, like shoe styles to suit types of leg!
Anyway, this sounds like a good read, though I wish Nina had come straight out and said what the fragrances were! How vaguely did she describe them exactly?
I have seen the Trinny and Suzannah ones, I think! I have a friend who I believe felt those were great for dressing for her shape. That seems to be their niche.
As far as Nina’s descriptions – she actually doesn’t seem to be describing particular fragrances, but rather moods of fragrances. It’s just that from the descriptions, I couldn’t help thinking she had a particular one in mind.
Looking at the photo of the book, between the artwork and what I saw of the text – and by your description – this sounds charming, which is not a word I usually think of in connection with fashion books. Thanks for the review, Natalie. I’ll check this out next time I’m at the library or the bookstore.
Charming is a good description! I get the feeling that Nina herself must be a very charming and thoughtful person.