BOOKS
In researching this website, and for my own use, I’ve referred to a huge number of books. Some of them have been tremendously helpful and others not so much. My favourites include…
The Body Shape Bible by Trinny and Susannah
This is a great reference for body shape, being as they say ‘The Bible’. If you’re just starting out and are looking for a good place to start then this is it. They’ve identified 12 distinctly different body shapes and then go on and give ideas and examples for each of them. Deciding on what shape you are is a bit tricky so it’s better to identify two or three that you ‘might’ fit into and go with those examples. Read the whole book though as anything that works for someone who has a completely different body shape from you will unlikely work for you!
Get the “Body Shape Bible” here. Read my full review of this book here.
What Your Wear Can Change Your Life by Trinny and Susannah
I bought this book just recently and am half way through it. Specifically I was looking for some advice about accessories. This book is about the important little things; hair, makeup, accessories, underwear, skincare and colors. Since I’m the sort of person who doesn’t like to fuss with any of that stuff I thought it would be a good idea to find out what suits my shape and then pretty much stick with it.
Buy “What You Wear Can Change Your Life” here.
The Lucky Shopping Manual by Kim France & Andrea Linnet
This book is a reference for clothes rather than body shape. When I first started researching about clothing I found that I was actually quite confused when it came time to go shopping. It’s all very well to say look for an empire line top but if you have no idea what that is you’re waisting your time. One of the other things I particularly liked about this book, and something I hope to implement, was outfit examples ie take one skirt and mix and match it to make different outfits.
Get “The Lucky Shopping Manual” here.
Dress Your Best by Clinton Kelly & Stacey London
Clinton and Stacey are the US counterparts to Trinny & Susannah and are the hosts of the hugely successful “What Not To Wear”. I loved the way Clinton and Stacey address body size – for each shape they look at petite (short), average and tall women with that particular shape. It’s a great highlight for how much difference height makes in the way you dress. This book is aimed at men and women and is a great reference, particularly since they come up with some great outfits.
Get “Dress Your Best” here.
How To Look Good Naked by Gok Wan
Gok Wan is another UK fashion stylist with a popular show. This book is just filled with positive reinforcements and has a really good feel to it. Plus the advice is very helpful and straight forward. It’s specifically about body shapes and how to dress them. It’s a good reference and covers everything from swim wear to the office to evening wear, all presented in a easy to refer to format. I read this book when I first started researching for this site and found that much of the information I garnered is very valuable.
Buy “How To Look Good Naked” here.
Secrets of Celebrity Style by Editors of US Weekly
I loved this book, mostly because I love looking at photos of celebrities. Theres a lot of little gems in this book, things that when I first read rather went over my head because I was specifically looking for information about how to dress body shape. This book is more about style, the different types of styles and how to put it all together. Everything they teach is beautifully illustrated with photos of celebrities which is actually a good strategy – when you see something you like and then copy it for yourself.
Get “Secrets To Celebrity Style” here.
In Style, Secrets of Style by the editors of In Style
This book is really a work manual for those who are serious about making over their wardrobe. It has in depth analysis of specific items of clothing including how to determine the best fit, what are the best fabrics and how to dress up each item. It’s broken down into body shape, or rather body issue. For instance what sort of jacket to wear if you have big boobs, what sort of suit for bigger on the bottom. I’ve found it to be a good reference but then I’m a little more interested in depth knowledge.
Buy “In Style, Secrets of Style” here.
What Your Clothes Say About You by Trinny and Susannah
This is a crafty little book that I picked up in following Trinny and Susannah’s work and got quite a surprise. It is more in the “what not to wear” range and points out how you actually what other people think of some of the more common ‘styles’ people adopt. For instance the ‘frumpy housewife’, the ‘stuck in the 80’s’ look, ‘the 40 year old crone’, and my personal sin, ‘dressing from your teenage daughters closet’. I found this book informative and somewhat in-my-face. It was awesome.
Get “What Your Clothes Say About You” here.
Who Do You Want To Be Today? by Trinny & Susannah
If you’re looking for a resource about different styles then this is the book for you. It’s a synopsis of different looks and the backbones of how to achieve them including everything from clothing silhouettes to opt for, different looks for day and night, hair, makeup and I attitude. There are 12 distinctly different styles highlighted. I bought this book because I wanted to really pinpoint my own style and needed a reference to get me started. I’ve reviewed the book here.
Buy Who Do You Want to Be Today?
Other Books You Might Find Useful
Closet Smarts: Flatter Your Figure with the Clothes You Already Have
What Not To Wear for Every Occasion
Trinny and Susannah the Survival Guide
E BOOKS
How To Look Stylish by Annette Welsford.
This ebook was written by a fellow Australian, Annette Welsford. Selling for $27 (including a couple of giveaways) the book is a primer for styling your shape and, well styling in general. Annette has worked with eight image consultants from around the world to put together this information. I’ve not had a chance to work through this ebook as yet so I can’t give any sort of testimony as to the quality.
Click Here! to get “How To Look Stylish”