Customer Reviews

Italian Chic: The Italian Approach to Elegance

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If you are interested in fashion, you will love Italian Chic. This out of print book like its cousin French Chic (also written by Susan Sommers) is rapidly becoming a sought after collectible. Though French Chic has been listed for prices well over $100 Italian Chic can be found for much lower. Yet of the two books, my preference is for Italian Chic. The book written in 1992 describes how to incorporate Italian style secrets into simple to follow fashion guidelines. You will learn where to scrimp, where to splurge. How to update what you own. How to travel light and wrinkle free. Make a shawl work for every occasion. The pictures in the book are contemporary and work today. Unlike many fashion books where you are supposed to pick your look like romantic or trendy and dress accordingly Italian Chic is classic and works forever. You will learn how to work your wardrobe to your best advantage. Much is covered in this detailed book, everything from the type of jeans to wear and where they should hit on the ankle to the classic sunglass choice. There is a whole section on makeup for maximum effect. The Italians put the emphasis on the eyes. And information on how water helps the Italian skin glow. Excellent resource for those that want to look fabulous!

I probably own a hundred "how to dress" books, and this is one of my favorites. Sommers' previous book, "French Chic", may accurately explain how French women dress, but the tips she gives and the examples she uses would make you a laughingstock in America. (One photo presents a plump woman with waist-length hair, huge sunglasses, and a beach towel thrown over her shoulder like a shawl. But she's not dressed for the beach -- these accessories accompany ordinary day clothes. The message seems to be that the French find eccentricity the height of elegance.)
By contrast, "Italian chic" describes a classic style that works anywhere, with all ages, and is not quickly dated. Low-key, high-quality, versatile clothing is featured. Chapters on Italian culture, skin and hair care are a plus. The writing is charming, and the book itself is beautiful, with high-quality, glossy paper, and lovely photos. It's ten times better than "French Chic". Now if only Sommers would write "Chinese Chic","Indian Chic", "English Chic", etc.....

The regional distinctions might not be accurate (or maybe they are), but the fashion tips and photos are wonderful. I refer to my own worn copy of this book, regularly. If you're trying to determine your own "look," this book is helpful.

Although the styles discussed were outdated, the basic principles for Italian chic were very well described and can easily be applied to today's fashion.

Even though this book is dated, the style principles are timeless and can be applied today. I really enjoyed reading it. It covers major designers, and the differing styles of major cities in Italy, as well as style philosophy that transcends any locale or time period. It also covers different fabrics and how to care for them; jewelry and watches; and other accessories such as bags and shawls. The only part I didn't like is that the book makes it sound like EVERYONE is stylish in Italy...but in one photo, a stylish Italian woman at a spa is having a mud treatment applied by someone who obviously doesn't live the glamorous life. :) Still, I recommend this book. It's a fun read and has guidelines that everyone can use.

I would agree that Italian Chic is better than French Chic in that it seems more 'user friendly' and more practical for those of us who cannot afford French designers. I found this book to be an enjoyable read; there are many good suggestions that could be incorporated into USA-style or should I say to be stylish while living in the USA where many women have stopped trying to be stylish or attractive. Definitely worth the money as a classical look never goes out of style but I would also like to see the author do update editions to compare what is currently considered chic in France and Italy. With a small bit of imagination, EVERYONE could find some usable ideas to improve their own chic look.

This book was not what I had hoped it would be. It gave a run down of Italian style by region, but was not that helpful in incorporating it into the American wardrobe. In fact, it seemed as if Italian style was a bit boring.