Stepping Out: The Unapologetic Style of African Americans over Fifty

by Connie Briscoe, Milton Washington (Photographer)

An unapologetically bold, stimulating, and inspired collection of photographs and profiles celebrating the style of African Americans age 50+

Long inspired by mature adults daring to express their creativity and individuality through their style choices, New York Times bestselling novelist Connie Briscoe shines a light on these often overlooked and underappreciated sharply attired individuals. Accompanied by the marvelously talented Milton Washington’s dazzling photographs, Briscoe’s vision comes alive in these pages. From intrepid to chic, and sophisticated to free-spirited— Stepping Out captures the very essences of a vibrant cross section of Black elders, showcasing their stories, their styles, and how their love of fashion was born and bred. This book contextualizes the cultural, spiritual, and historical influences on decades of Black style and testifies to this dynamic legacy for generations to come.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published December 5, 2023

About the author

CONNIE BRISCOE has been a full-time published author for more than ten years. Born with a hearing impairment, Connie never allowed that to stop her from pursuing her dreams…writing. Since she left the world of editing to become a writer, Connie has hit the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.

Reviews

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a fashion person. But I love good art. And this book is not just fashion but it is art as well. I do like history. This book also gives you history. This book needs at least three readings. The first, just look at the fantastic photographs. The second, read the text. The third is then combining the two. My favorite essay was about/by CCH Pounder. But I cannot pick a favorite photograph. Amazing beautiful people expressing themselves fill the pages. My only issue was I would have liked to have seen more people, but then the book would be way too large to hold! (read via an online reader copy)

[Aee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like a tribute to black fashion, honoring our elders trailblazing fashion, and a pivotal testament to the history of clothing and personal style among black people.

It was a wonderful surprise with the wonderful photographer Milton Washington showcasing his talent in photographing our elders and making them shine while the author Connie Briscoe captured their motivations and influences in developing a style as unique as we all are.

A wonderful read and a wonderful book to own and proudly display.

[Marti Dolata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy through Goodreads Giveaway.

And I am glad I did. Any one of any color who is interested in style and fashion will enjoy this book. I am impressed as well with the photography, and was surprised that an iPhone was the camera used. I am inspired by the pride and fun these elders have with how they dress. It encouraged me to fight the invisibility usually conferred on older women and be more free spirited in my dress too - to embrace standing out from the crowd, expressing my personality with my dress and feeling Fine. Inspirational.

[Stephanie Dargusch Borders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t expect to read this book in one sitting but here we are. It was a great book to start 2024 with and I found it inspirational in a way I wasn’t expecting. Beautiful photography and the writing was well done too. My big complaint was the bios that were interspersed—they were well done but when they were finished, the opposite blank page was just black. It disrupted the flow and would have been much better used as an opportunity to insert more photos.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!!! What a beautiful way to pay tribute to the style and swag of our African American King and Queens. The way they express themselves via their style is a beautiful thing to see. So beautiful. Bleeding to all that participated in this gem of a book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my review.

[Andrea Engle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A colorful and fun look at the fashion sense of Black Americans over that milestone age of fifty … crafted by Connie Briscoe, and ably shot by the gifted Milton Washington on his iPhone 12 Pro Max … uplifting …

[Diane Rembert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an homage to the style and clothing within the African American community throughout the years, and it's significance in our lives. It's one that should be left in the coffee table as a conversation piece.

[Jenni Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully captures in pictures and words the importance of fashion in the black community and has personal accounts from some great designers.

[Ramona Short]

I loved it

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glorious!

[Candie Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #33
"Stepping Out ~ The Unapologetic Style of African Americans over Fifty" ~ Connie Briscoe
Photography by ~ Milton Washington

A bold and inspiring book taking us through the journey of African American style: Attire, Jewelry, Hats, Hair, and Art, Activism, Entertainment-Defining themselves. Milton Washington did an Amazing job capturing the beauty and essence of those in throughout the book, coupled by their stories told through Connie Briscoe shedding light on their culture, influences, symbols and their legacy. I loved learning the history behind peacocking. Rooted in their deep connections with their communities, faith and families Lana Turner, Sheryl Jones and others celebrate and chronicle their fashion journey's. #readingchallenge2024 #booklover #books #reading #bookreviewer #readingchallenge #bookrecommendations #goodreads #goodreadschallenge #goodreadsgiveaway #goodreadschallenge2024 #steppingouttheunapologeticstyleofafricanamericansoverfifty #culture #fashion #fashiostyle #hats #jewelry #readingcommunity #readmorebooks #readmorein2024 #readmore #bookworm #authorconniebriscoe
#conniebriscoe #miltonwashington #photography #photographer #photographer #photographermiltonwashington

[Edie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book primarily delivers photos and interviews with older African American fashion insiders. Most have much to say in their interviews Their clothing choices express their personal and unique POVs. . Some sartorial selections fared better than others. .

Context helps to understand the artist’s intentions. The authors apparently thought the same. However, I felt that rather than throw in bits and pieces of African American lore and history throughout the book, it been summarized in the preface. For further interest I recommend some of the wonderful publications on the topic.

[Lourdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s such a beautiful book filled with beautiful black people in incredible fashion. Every page is an inspiration to design.i only hope to be a fraction of how stylist the women where in the book. I love opening the book to different pages throughout the day to draw inspiration.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads giveaway winner / free book review:

This is such a beautiful book and quite hefty. Well made in construction, photography, and writing. I love this book. Great job Connie!

[Ron Frampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that is a ion as well of black fashion as well as a book of black history.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful book that captures the importance of fashion in the black community.

I won a copy on Goodreads.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was GORGEOUS. I loved the cultural stories, the photographs, and the emphasis of the impact and style of the older generation

[M.N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this book,
It’s absolutely stunning!
I love the large print format, bright colors and design. It’s immediately eye catching.
The art and photography are beautiful.
Much can be seen from the in-depth writing, art, culture, and fashion.

“The fabric, color, and design of clothing can alter or support your mood and charge your spiritual intention like a battery.”

I love the individual interviews showcasing stories and styles.

Such a beautiful and well made collection, my son whose passion is in fashion, felt moved and inspired!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️