Customer Reviews

Clothes (Chic Simple)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought this book but the other Chic Simple wardrobe books are better. This edition outlines too many things to be of much use: fashion trends over the eyars, clothes for sports, women, men and children. Unfocused.

The information is spread too thinly. There aren't many pictures of clothes, compared with the other CS books. Lastly, you'll be disapointed if your own the other CS editions because they copied many photographs from this one. I'm donating mine to a library.

Unlike the first two reviewers of this book on Amazon, I really enjoy it and - as is rare with me - I actually purchased an excellent used copy via eBay for my personal collection. I borrow literally constantly from the libraries and am forever browsing in libraries and book stores to get my book "fixes;" actually purchasing is not common for me and I considered this book a special gift. I am familiar with most of the "Chic Simple" series and find this particular entry IS up to snuff.

Yes, it's one of the most general, but what would one expect with the word "clothes" in the title? The point is this is the one book of the series one can browse through or consult when one does want the general - for male or female, dress or casual, principal clothing or accessory, etc. Since classic clothing/accessories are emphasized, as well as unisex, the book ages well. No, nothing really all-encompassing here or fully comprehensive; there are plenty of other sources easily available for those purposes. But we have here a tasteful, knowledgeable, and highly entertaining treatise to serve various reference-source purposes with the usual wonderful illustrations one has come to expect from the "Chic Simple" series in general. As a personal aside, the classic duffle (or, duffel) coat photograph here is the most enticing photo of one I am aware of, of one of my favorite articles of clothing. I see it's a Brooks Brothers. . . Bravo!

This books is excellent, clear and pretty timeless. I have referred to it a lot over the years. It gives the reader a common sense approach to having a foundation for a great wardrobe. The styles illustrated are classic and conservative, but even if you have a more creative personal style, you will benefit from this book.

I cannot fathom the lower reviews on this book! My only guess is that the people who rated it lower do not have an appreciation for fine dressing and the purpose and history of classic clothing. This book actually reads as a guide to upper-crust, classic dress...it is sort of a "Cliff Notes" for dressing "Old Money". I love it. All these years later, it is still at the height of vogue for its ability to stay current (which is the true nature of classic dressing). Chic, true, elegant, obviously--absolutely essential information for those who do not want to appear "Nouveau Riche". You cannot go wrong with this book.

I am buying my college-aged daughter this book, as she is currently interning at a law firm and does seem to be sometimes overly-influenced by fads (which are NOT conducive to lawfirm etiquette). This book will no doubt be invaluable to her.

I'm sad that other reviews (but one) did not like this book. I loved it when it first came out, and it is still one of my favorite books on apparel. The lists are are helpful place to start building a wardrobe, and many of the suggestions are true over a decade later. Chic Simple Clothes was the first time I'd seen outfits put together in such a minimalist/clean and appealing way, and I never tire of flipping through the now dogeared pages.

Yes, the information may seem to be spread thin, especially given all the other Chic Simple books, but don't forget this was the first book.

If readers are looking for trends, this isn't the book, but for timeless fashion, Chic Simple Clothes is a great reference.