Each year, the editors of Esquire produce a special issue of the magazine devoted to men’s style called The Big Black Book, which has been wildly successful. Using the same pragmatic, highly illustrated approach, and laced with Esquire’s trademark humor, Esquire The Handbook of Style brings readers vital information on every aspect of a man’s wardrobe, from suits and shirts, to shoes and neckties, to watches and other accessories. The style-minded reader will find useful advice on suit fabrics and cuts, the right kind of trousers for his build, the essential outerwear to own, how to dress properly for an occasion, how to tie a tie, how to pack for a trip, grooming strategies, and much, much more. A compact and sophisticated accessory in its own right, Esquire The Handbook of Style will be the style bible for the well-dressed man for years to come.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
122 of 130 people found the following review helpful
By Gravenimages
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Solid, if quite general, information on basic mens style. The writing is good, occasionally snarky, and the advice offered will still be relevant several years from now. The layout is well put together and the celebrity images run from vintage to recent. And I disagree with other reviews dismissing this range as dated. There is a certain classicism represented in the choices, and I appreciate a restraint which avoids too many trendy faces that will be forgotten in a year or two.
Unfortunately what weakens this edition from four to three stars is the omission of any color photos. One cannot properly compare dark brown and black shoes in a B&W photo. A page that purports to guide the reader in pairing shirts, trousers, and jackets is ineffectual as a grayscale reproduction. Fashion in our daily lives always exists in full color, and any book claiming to be a style guide should mirror this reality.
The publisher should correct this in future editions.
Unfortunately what weakens this edition from four to three stars is the omission of any color photos. One cannot properly compare dark brown and black shoes in a B&W photo. A page that purports to guide the reader in pairing shirts, trousers, and jackets is ineffectual as a grayscale reproduction. Fashion in our daily lives always exists in full color, and any book claiming to be a style guide should mirror this reality.
The publisher should correct this in future editions.
55 of 60 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you like to dress up, then this book is for you. It is packed with valuable advice and is fully illustrated throughout. Chapters are intuitively chosen; the book starts by discussing the finer points of buying a suit. It then goes through shirts, pants, even personal care, and ends with a chapter on building a wardrobe. Each page is filled with tips, pictures of fashion icons, and notes for investing in your clothes. I personally found the Accessories chapter to be a fun read, especially since I am a fan of vintage watches and bow ties.
Are you old enough to know what the Preppy Handbook is? If so, this is an updated and less-snobbish version of the classic. In fact, this is the new Preppy Handbook, occasionally with a similar tongue-in-cheek approach. There are several other books in the market, but none are as easy to read as this. The focus is on men's clothes in general, not just suits and formal wear as in Alan Flusser's Dressing the Man. And though brands and specialty stores are mentioned, the emphasis is on how to distinguish well-made clothes, not just where to buy them.
Unlike other fashion books that will become outdated, this is one is not about trends, but really about style. You will pass this on to your sons in the future, so do them a favor and buy them one each. Give it the day they leave for college, or as an 18th birthday present.
If you read GQ or Esquire for their buying guides, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It would take years of subscribing to magazines to come up with all the info between the covers.
Overall, an entertaining, informative, and essential guide for any man who cares about the way he looks.
Are you old enough to know what the Preppy Handbook is? If so, this is an updated and less-snobbish version of the classic. In fact, this is the new Preppy Handbook, occasionally with a similar tongue-in-cheek approach. There are several other books in the market, but none are as easy to read as this. The focus is on men's clothes in general, not just suits and formal wear as in Alan Flusser's Dressing the Man. And though brands and specialty stores are mentioned, the emphasis is on how to distinguish well-made clothes, not just where to buy them.
Unlike other fashion books that will become outdated, this is one is not about trends, but really about style. You will pass this on to your sons in the future, so do them a favor and buy them one each. Give it the day they leave for college, or as an 18th birthday present.
If you read GQ or Esquire for their buying guides, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It would take years of subscribing to magazines to come up with all the info between the covers.
Overall, an entertaining, informative, and essential guide for any man who cares about the way he looks.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Roman
Format:Hardcover
If there was ever a book that put the interests of Esquire's advertisers above those of its readership, then congratulations Esquire: you've succeeded with this guide.
Given that the book was written in collaboration with Esquire advertisers, chomping at the bit to sell more of their cheaply made products, it is not surprising that the results do little to illustrate the true nature of men's fashion. For example, the cardinal rule of "dress up" is not only lacking as the underpinning of the strategies and tactics listed in the book, it is completely missing.
Look, if you really want a book that goes into the facts, evidence and logic of how not only to dress for success, but to dress in style, then men, do yourselves a favor: purchase Carol Jackson's "Color Me Beautiful" (1987 Paperback...if you can find the hard copy of the book, that's even better), and learn from an expert about dressing with class, elegance and style.
Remember: Esquire is only a magazine and clearing house of advertisers who "think" they know what fashion sense is all about. In reality, they don't: they don't have the experience, the pedigree or the ability to demonstrate any competence, other than what their advertisers tell them to "spew."
Given that the book was written in collaboration with Esquire advertisers, chomping at the bit to sell more of their cheaply made products, it is not surprising that the results do little to illustrate the true nature of men's fashion. For example, the cardinal rule of "dress up" is not only lacking as the underpinning of the strategies and tactics listed in the book, it is completely missing.
Look, if you really want a book that goes into the facts, evidence and logic of how not only to dress for success, but to dress in style, then men, do yourselves a favor: purchase Carol Jackson's "Color Me Beautiful" (1987 Paperback...if you can find the hard copy of the book, that's even better), and learn from an expert about dressing with class, elegance and style.
Remember: Esquire is only a magazine and clearing house of advertisers who "think" they know what fashion sense is all about. In reality, they don't: they don't have the experience, the pedigree or the ability to demonstrate any competence, other than what their advertisers tell them to "spew."
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
required reading for every man who wants to be taken seriously on...
It is not a subject that most men admit to, but honestly we all want to look better, or atleast want to be treated better, and while very little can be taught you to change on the... Read more
Published 7 days ago by axiom_axiomus
5.0 out of 5 stars
Every man needs a copy
Purchased this for my husband's Christmas stocking, and it was a big win. Provides a ton of practical advice for the novice and expert alike. Excellent price!
Published 17 days ago by Nicole K.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read
This gave me a solid foundation for style. Of course no man will admit he doesn't know style but this definitely will get you on your way. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Luqman Haksett
4.0 out of 5 stars
Second time I've bought this book
I first purchased this book for my brother but as I start a job search I wanted a good reference for what the most versatile articles of clothing are for a man. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Joe
3.0 out of 5 stars
so-so style guide for novices
This is a decent style guide that I might recommend to someone who has no clue about how to dress well, or what constitutes a good wardrobe. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Acrophobe
4.0 out of 5 stars
Birthday gift
Gift for my husband. He seems to have enjoyed it (he read it, so that's a good sign). The cover is nice fabric, looks good on the shelf too.
Published 2 months ago by jackie
5.0 out of 5 stars
very good; but does not include color photography
Gentlemans style book from european writer is still the gold standard. but, this will do as a handy guide to men's style.
Published 2 months ago by Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good online shopping experience
An excellent experience, I can enjoy the oversea shopping online. The book is value for money, which I cannot find it in HK
Published 3 months ago by Stanley Law
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Handbood of Style
Very good information. It is a book every young man should have and read. All the information a man should know about style can be found in this book.
Published 4 months ago by Ricky R Jackson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Useful, but a little "fluffy" and the pictures are way too...
I found this book a great start on the basics of mens style, but it runs out of detail when you start to ask detailed questions (for example, it would be nice to have a section on... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Kurcules
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