What Not To Wear for Every Occasion (Paperback)

This book is set up just like the first one, with Trinny & Susannah doing all of the modelling, and with full-page colour pictures of the "don'ts" on the left-hand side of the page and the "dos" on the right. It deals with dressing for the following occasions: The job interview (for both the first job and going back to work); work wear (for the boss, the executive, and the "pa"); work to play (for both winter and summer--this section only includes "dos", with the day outfit on the left and its evening transformation on the right); school events (sports day, school play, pta meeting, and carol concert); summer and winter weddings (for both day and evening); summer holiday (both beachwear and after sun); winter holiday (both on the slopes and apres ski); and partying (for both winter and summer).

Not only does the book deal with a number of occasions, but it deals with a range of age groups (and it does require a slight stretch of the imagination when Trinny & Susannah dress as young girls embarking on their first job interview!). Most of the "occasions" are divided into three parts--smart (geared more toward the older woman), casual, and trendy (more for the younger woman). The exceptions are weddings (for which their is no "casual" option), school events (which show only one do and don't for each event), and winter holidays on the slopes (which uses the headings "professional", "beginner", and "poser").

The final chapter deals with three underwear concerns: controlling flabby tummies, minimizing the unsightliness of visible thongs, and wearing the right bra.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, though I must confess I didn't find it quite as useful (or as entertaining) as their first. Having said that, it is vitally important to read the introduction before perusing the book. Trinny & Susannah admit that we readers may think some of the "don'ts" look better than the "dos", but they are listed as "don'ts" because they are staid, unimaginative, and cookie-cutter. This is a book that is geared toward the woman who wishes to dress appropriately for the occasion (though I personally question the appropriateness of even their smartest business-wear suggestions for women working in an ultra-conservative, male-dominated profession) without sacrificing her femininity, personal flair, and sense of individuality. Therefore, if you are looking for a book outlining the "business uniform", have a very conservative personal style, or prefer to melt into the crowd and look like everyone else, then this may not be the book for you. If, on the other hand, you've enjoyed the first book and are looking for a little guidance in adding some spice to your wardrobe whilst ensuring you are still dressing (for the most part) within the acceptable parameters required by the occasion, you may enjoy looking through this little book--bearing in mind that it provides basic guidelines only, which still must be adapted to suit one's own body-type, personality, and preferences.

The book is broken down by occasion (e.g., first job interviews, back-to-work interviews, winter holidays, summer weddings) and then by type: smart, casual, or trendy. As with the first book, there are great photos, with the no-nos on the left and the yes, pleases! on the right. The book is not intended to be a book of strict rules, but rather a collection of guidelines you can adapt to your own style, age, and body type. Each photo also comes with a "What This Says about You" caption, which may be what people REALLY think when you wear white to a wedding. The photos also give readers interesting ideas on what can be worn, what can go together, and what's appropriate. As with the first book, this book also has a "where to shop" guide, as well as general guidelines for occasions (e.g., what to bathe in before an interview to make yourself alert).

Overall, this book gives a bunch of useful tips and interesting ideas. It is a fun, enjoyable read, and one that can be picked up more than once. If you combine this book with the duo's first, you will never be caught wearing the wrong thing for your body type or for any occasion!