The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman

by Christian Dior

Christian Dior reveals the secrets of style in The Little Dictionary of Fashion , a charming, indispensable guide that covers everything from what to wear to a wedding and how to tie a scarf to how to walk with grace. These are timeless tips with something special for every woman.

“Much has been written about fashion, in all its aspects, but I do not think any couturier has ever before attempted to compile a dictionary on the subject. Of course, it would take volumes to cover the entire field of Fashion, but I have compiled a book which I think is neither too long, so that it becomes tedious, nor too short so that it seems insufficient. . . . I think it should be of great practical use to the women of today.” —from the introduction

Christian Dior’s taste, style, and expertise ensures every girl and woman will know the three fundamentals of simplicity, grooming, and good taste. This A to Z provides thoughtful advice and background on each topic. In “A” alone you will find advice about Accent, Accessories, Adaptation, Afternoon Frocks, Age, and more!

Some things never go out of beauty and style among them. Here you will find advice that is as useful today as it was when first put on paper by one of the greatest names in French fashion, the master designer himself. First published in the 1950s, and filled with timeless advice, this landmark edition was published for the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Golden Age of Couture exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dior’s “New Look,” and illustrated with delightful photographs and drawings. This handbag-size classic is the perfect gift book for any style-conscious woman.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Art, Coffee Table Books, Design, Lifestyle, Reference

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

Christian Dior was an influential French fashion designer, probably best known as the founder of one of the world's top fashion houses Dior. He was born in Granville, Normandy, a seaside town off the coast of France. Dior flagship boutiques are found in Paris, Milan, Rome, London, New York, Beverly Hills, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Boston, Honolulu, San Francisco,São Paulo, Seoul, Madrid, Barcelona, New Delhi, and Shanghai.

Reviews

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here are some of my favorite gems of wisdom from this little book on fashion:

Age
There is a slight difference in a woman's way of dressing before and after marriage, too. I would not advise anyone to wear big jewels and expensive furs before marriage.

Elegance
Elegance is not dependent on money. Of the four things I have mentioned above, the most important of all of them is care. Care in choosing your clothes. Care in wearing them. Care in keeping them.

Emphasis
[T]he whole of fashion is emphasis--emphasis on woman's loveliness.

Flowers
After woman, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world.

Grooming
Grooming is the secret of real elegance.

Hair
You can never take enough care of your hair.

Handbags
Don't forget, a bag is not a wastepaper basket!j

Key to Good Dressing
[S]implicity, grooming, and good taste--the three fundamentals of fashion--cannot be bought.

Perfume
When I was young, women used much more perfume than they do now and I thin that was wonderful and I regret now that more women don't use it lavishly now.

Scarf
A scarf is to the woman what a necktie is to a man, and the way you tie it is part of your personality.

Shoes
You can never take too much care in selecting shoes.

Variety
When you have a favorite dress there is no reason why you should not wear it often.

The Way Your Walk
It is ridiculous to wear beautiful clothes and then slouch along or sit in a slovenly manner so that they quickly become creased like rags.

Yellow
Just like the other colors, there is a shade of yellow for everyone--but you have to take the trouble to find it.

Zest
There is no beauty that is attractive without zest.

[Anne Bollmann (Annelise Lestrange) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)

*~.Book Analysis.~*
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)

PROS
You literally learn how to dress well for ANYTHING and how to use your money more wisely when purchasing clothes. The man is a god, seriously. And he talks to all social classes, not just to women who can afford a Dior piece, haha! As a bonus, the reader also can enter Dior’s mind and have a glimpse of what was like to live and get dressed in the 1960’s. Spoiler alert: thank God for Macy’s, hahaha!

CONS
As the book was wrote in the 1960’s, it’s easy enough to stumble in some old and dusty conceptions, but nothing worth of dropping the book. We just have to keep in mind that Dior, despite being highly advanced for his time, was still a man living in the 1950’s and 1960’s, so of course that he tends to say inappropriate things for the 21st century women. Just don’t let those small things get under your skin, because I’m sure he would be our number one fan in this century as well, no restrictions. Dior was a women lover in his time, so I can only imagine how well he would have embraced feminism movements. =)

RECOMMENDED FOR
Anyone into fashion, anyone that desires to glimpse Dior’s notions of what was classy, but the book does focus on the female wardrobe, so… Women that love fashion are the special target, haha! 90% of what is in the book can be applied in fashion today. The guy was a genius.

*~.Quotes.~*

" (...) seu jeito de ser exclusiva é ser você mesma. Encontrar em sua personalidade as coisas que são diferentes e te fazem diferente de todos os demais. (...) exclusividade não é uma questão de dinheiro." - p 124

[Bloodorange · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read it so that you don't have to. The book is pretty and has very little content - all platitudes, some of them mildly interesting. If you really want to learn about vintage fashion from a vintage book, choose A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions or ABC of Men's Fashion.

Sample platitudes:
Age
As far as fashion is concerned there are only two ages – girlhood and womanhood.
(There are also grandmothers – but it is only necessary to dress as a grandmother if you have a certain kind of figure and lead a certain kind of life.)

Elegance
{Elegance] must be the right combination of distinction, naturalness, care and simplicity, Outside this, believe me, there is no elegance. Only pretension.
Elegance is not dependent on money. Of the four things I have mentioned above, the most important of all of them is care. Care in choosing your clothes. Care in wearing them. Care in keeping them.

Grooming
Good grooming is easier if you keep to simple, uncluttered lines.

Individuality
[Individuality] will be always one of the conditions of real elegance.
Even if you cannot have your clothes made to measure, try to find the ready-mades that exactly fit your personality.

Perfume
When I was young, women used much more perfume than they do now and I think that was wonderful and I regret now that more women don't use it lavishly now.

Red
In winter I think a red coat is very nice because it is such a warm-looking colour; and if most of your frocks and suits are in neutral shades a red coat will go very well with them.

Umbrellas
It is a good idea to have one umbrella and many covers for it – then you can have a colour that goes with every outfit.

Handbags
Don't forget, a bag is not a wastepaper basket!

Scarf
A scarf is to the woman what a necktie is to a man, and the way you tie it is part of your personality.

Shoes
You can never take too much care in selecting shoes.
Court shoes are good with everything.

Variety
When you have a favorite dress there is no reason why you should not wear it often. It is much better to have few clothes but good ones (…)

Zest
There is no beauty that is attractive without zest.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

take a shot every time he says gay !

[Jessica (Odd and Bookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this little book!

This book was written by Christian Dior in 1954 so naturally a lot of it is outdated. For example, there is a lot of discussion on frocks and how to wear them.

That being said, there is still relevant advice. The overall theme of the book is elegance and accentuating what makes you look good, which is still useful in today’s world. One of my favorite lines comes from the Lingerie definition, “Real elegance is everywhere, especially in things that don’t show…Even if you had on the most beautiful frock, you could never feel your best if you knew that your lingerie was not equally beautiful ” (pg. 73). I 100% agree!

I also enjoyed learning new fashion terminology like Princess Line (I never knew that style was called that) and Persian Lamb (a fur I have never heard about).

The whole book has a vintage vibe that I loved. From the cover to the wording to the black and white photos, this book was such a throwback.

Overall, if you love vintage fashion, the history of fashion, or Dior, you have to get this book! Plus, it’s a cute book to display around the house.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

take a shot every time something is described as "gay" or "lovely"

you won't make it to Gloves

[Carolyn James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute book to have on display around your home. It contains actual fashion terminology as well as fun tips to dress for your body as well as some cute little words and entries. Though simple on the outside the inside contains a lot of cool vintage fashion drawings to inspire all retro fashionistas out there. Quirky fun book to pick up and browse through.

[Xialin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing."
A very useful reference book for all women (yes, only for women).

[karina 🦢 · Rating 3 out of 5]

idk why it’s just so cute to me that christian dior sat down and wrote us a dictionary of fashion like it’s kinda adorable he went letter per letter and listed garments and styles and furs and accented it in his opinion 😭 personally a mf is too conservative like idk if you think women shouldn’t dress extravagant imma wear my mink coat and those hats the buckingham palace soldiers use but ig i’ll pardon him because he was pretty cool for a fashion designer in the war 😕

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little book with all of the definitions of French and common fashion words explained.

[Lizzy w · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it on a whim ! 🤣 got it for my mum on Mother’s Day and it’s actually pretty handy !

[Vasja]

Gjate sfides sime per te krijuar nje garderobe qe me pershtatet dhe reflekton vetveten time, e dija qe duhet te edukohesha mbi veshjet dhe stilet dhe kombinimet dhe modat. Nje bote e tere per t'u zbutur. Ndaj, mendova se menyra me e mire do te ishte te ndiqja udhezimet e nje prej mjeshtrave te modes: fjalorin e modes nga Christian Dior.

Libri ka nje kopertine mbreselenese, me kapak te forte estetikisht te kenaqshem, I thjeshte ne ngjyra dhe stil por me nje lloj sharmi ne thjeshtesine e tij. Ky lloj stili kishte vazhdueshmeri edhe ne brendesi te librit ku lundrimi ishte mjaft I embel.

Persa I perket vlefshmerise, nuk pati impaktin qe une deshiroja te kishte pasi shume veshje nuk perdoren me ne shoqerine e sotme. Ndoshta ndoshta edhe ndodh nese jeton ne nje fllucke luksi te izoluar, por per mua me kembet ne toke, nuk me solli shume njohuri te vlefshme. Nuk do te thote qe nuk kishte asgje me vlere ne liber, pasi kishte shume keshilla ne lidhje me kombinimet e ngjyrave, tekstileve, permasave qe kapercejne moden e cdo kohe. Kishte nje lloj objektivizmi, nje lloj shkence pavaresisht qe aplikoj ne dicka subjektive.

Christian Dior I drejtohet lexuesit ne vete te pare dhe krijon nje raport shume intim, sikur e ke punesuar te jete keshilluesi yt personal dhe kjo ishte nje nga anet me te mira te librit. Ai nuk perpiqet te te shesi moden luksoze te veshjeve Dior apo te flase me superlativa per to; Dior ben detyren e tij per shkrimin e ketij fjalorthi dhe na shpalos njohurite e tij sic di ai me mire.

Dy nga keshillat me te mira te tij ishin qe nuk do te dukesh asnjehere I kuruar mire dhe I ndrequr nese nuk kujdesesh per rrobat e tua dhe nese nuk tregon entuziazem per to. Amen.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming small book starting with A for Accent and ending with Z for Zest, which apparently one needs to carry off fashion and life. This was written in and for a different time, long before throw away cloths became popular. C. D also speaks to the home sewer giving instructions on some of the pit falls of certain kinds of cloth. C. D lets his personality, likes and dislikes shine through his writing.

[giorgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

grazie al cielo per christian dior

[Aryani Siti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A to Z simple advices and guide for fashion lover. Very useful.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christain Dior was a genius. He understood fabric and color and texture and line and women’s bodies in a way that allowed him to accentuate not just their bodies but also their personalities. His designs remain timeless, they are still relevant today. It is somewhat ironic then to realize that he was very much a man of his time guided by the social distinctions of the early and mid-twentieth century. It is obvious in “The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman” that he had a set of standards that were biased by a feeling of what was appropriate for a woman’s age, size, coloring (not just race or ethnicity, but her skin tone, hair color, eye color, etc.). We do not hold such stringent feelings today instead allowing women freedom of expression in a way they believe best fits them. I do feel Dior would be okay with this, however, because personality is usually the biggest part of what makes fashion work. The book is full of fashion terms and ideas. Dior’s understanding is useful and valuable if you can get past his mid century bias. It is ultimately a fun little read. If you like learning about fashion, the history of fashion, terms for the construction of clothes and fabrics, or the mid-twentieth century you will enjoy this book. I recommend it.

[Esperança · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read Dior's dictionary, I must agree with those who say that this designer retarded the advancement of female empowerment by swooping in after the war, when women were feeling capable and strong and wore what they liked, and reminded them of the pre-war power dynamics. I'm sure that some of his ideas were 'revolutionary' from a design-standpoint, but nudging women back into wearing conservative, restrictive clothing and telling them that only certain lengths, cuts and colours have 'class' and dignity seems problematic. I can see how books such a this one played a part in promoting this very 50s devoted-impeccably-dressed-housewife-waiting-for-you-with-dinner-on-the-table stereotype society still can't seem to shake.

[Jaimie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little tome was charming, but it is severely dated and obviously a product of its time. I can't remember the last time that I heard someone refer to a dress as a "frock," but this book used the word so many times that I've seen it enough for a lifetime. Language and era-specifics aside, I thought that many of the little passages contained quite good advice. Dior may be a bit of a conservative (who doesn't like colourful shoes - seriously), but he is absolutely correct in his advice regarding quality over quantity, practicality, and timeless elegance.

[Susan Marie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

TIMELESS short read by Mr. Christian Dior the one and only. Love his work and loved even more to read all about his thoughts on the most important and valuable aspects of fashion. S

"Key to good dressing: There is no key. If there were it would be too easy, rich women could buy the key and all their fashion worries would be over! But simplicity, grooming, and good taste; the three fundamentals of fashion, cannot be bought. But they can be learnt, by rich and poor alike."

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

a funny and somewhat insightful step back in time. it was first published in 1954. one entry discusses how many women should go back and learn how to walk, because it is "ridiculous to wear beautiful clothes and then slouch along or sit in a slovenly manner so that they quickly become creased like rags." Can you imagine what Mr. Dior would think now?

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important things I learned from this book: one needs a beautiful dressing gown b/c it is the first thing you wear to start the day; purple is for old women (I guess I have been old my entire life); everyone should learn to walk--"it is ridiculous to wear beautiful clothes and then slouch along or sit in a slovenly manner".

[Natalie June · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I think it was really cute book for someone that wants to step back in time and see what was considered good or bad dressing. I give it 3/5 stars because it was lacking in practicality. Would make a cute gift, but is not to be taken too seriously.

Full Review: http://quirkygirllikesvintage.blogspo...

[Jessica DuBose · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the most gorgeous book I own. It’s simple, concise, and effective. I only wish I could own half of the clothes displayed in this beauty.

[Sophie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everything I know, see or hear; every part of my life is transformed into dresses. They are my dreams, but they have passed from dreamland into the world of everyday items to wear…” ~ Christian Dior ♡

After visiting the ‘Dior: Designer of Dreams’ exhibit, I decided to purchase this little book from my
favourite designer.

Dior emerged onto the couture scene in 1947 with his infamous “New Look.” This spellbinding collection revolutionised couture and has impacted womenswear up to the present day. Silhouettes were transformed through an iconic jacket called “le bar” which, with its clean lines and hourglass structure, re-emphasised what femininity could be. The jacket was intended to be worn during cocktail hour in the bars of grand hotels.

Dior would go on to influence Parisian couture until his untimely death in 1957 and his 'Little Dictionary of Fashion' he reveals an A-Z of ideas for any woman to follow. On each page there is something to take away and remember & I thought I would share a few of my favourites with you...

🌸“Pink is the sweetest of all colours. Every woman should have something pink in her wardrobe. It is the colour of happiness and of femininity…”

🌸“Deep in every heart slumbers a dream, and the couturier knows it: every woman is a princess…”

🌸“Perfume is the indispensable complement to the personality of women, the finishing touch of a dress…”

🌸“A ballgown is your dream, and it must make you a dream… wearing a beautiful ballgown you become a real woman; all femininity, daintiness and sweetness.”

🌸“After women, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world. But being so sweet and charming they must be used with care…”

🌸“A woman’s perfume tells more about her than her handwriting…”

[reece t · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw a quote once that said "you can tell when a designer loves women and when they hate women" and Christian Dior? He loved them. Not in a weird way at all, but in a empathetic and knowing way that a lot of male designers lack. He created beautiful pieces that embraced women's natural beauty and made them confident. Even now, when you see a Dior piece on the runway or red carpet, it is colorful and beautiful and elegant.

In this book, this Little Dictionary of Fashion, he takes the principles of fashion and makes it accessible in a way few designers have ever done. He saw every woman as beautiful, no matter how they looked or how much money they had. He destroyed the myth that only the wealthy are well-dressed, and recognized the beauty of the everyday woman. The tips and suggestions in this book are timeless. He knew that women are not a blank canvas to be painted over and shaped and molded to perfection-- women are works of art all on their own! Fashion is merely an accessory to complement the already existing beauty that is obvious in each one of us.

Christian Dior loved women. And this book, in all of its gentle guidance, is a must have for anyone who wears clothes. Because life, in all of its glorious messiness and chaos, is our runway-- and the simple t-shirts and jeans of our everyday closet are fashion at its epitome! Without the everyday, high fashion would cease to be special. The commonplace loveliness of the working-class woman is the framework that makes fashion what it is: a true celebration of the beauty in us all.

Thank you for coming to my TedTalk haha XD

[Mariana Marreti · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Even the prettiest color, if you wear it every day, will lose its effect. Color needs change. We wouldn’t appreciate blue skies if they were always blue, it is the clouds, the ever-changing scene, that makes the sky so beautiful.” – Pg. 26
“Good planning is very necessary to good dressing.” – Pg. 27
All ladies need a little fashion advice at times. This book has a lot of simple but useful tips on how to dress elegantly without it being too much or too expensive. Although it gives a lot of vintage advice or uses some vintage examples and items in fashion that are not used anymore, it is still a good book to get a better view of fashion, its terminology, and tips from a world-renowned designer. It can give you a better understanding of your own preferences and to interest you with what would be right for you, of course it can be a little old fashioned at times, but it still provides good guidance. It shows to be very helpful especially if you have limited wardrobe options.

[Nancy Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean, it's one thing for your cousin Imogene to hold court on why she looks smart with three chains and fishnets, but her advice is often as good as yesterday's tuna melt. This is our chance to learn from the truly learned: Christian Dior has written The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman. Notice those last words, for every woman, not just tallest mannequins whose weights hover between 110 and 110.5. You will step inside his head and find out what he means by simplicity, style and grooming. You will learn what he means by accent, the little thing that makes a standout at any age, and why less is more. Cuts, accessories, they are all there. This is an invaluable book for those who want to study, rather than just glance at, themselves in the mirror.

[julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The whole of fashion is emphasis – emphasis on woman’s loveliness.”

“After woman, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world.”

actually I think it's a 3* but IT IS JUST SO CUTE???? I loved his perspective of fashion and the way you can tell how much he loved it just by reading his definitions of everything.
I was so confused at first with how he uses "gay" lmao, it was really funny and interesting to read. Also, as it was written a long time ago, personally I didn't agree with a lot of things for obvious reasons but that makes it even better cuz you notice how much the world of fashion has changed (for good).

[Laïni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. It's not only a dictionary. It is a comprehensible body of work laced with advices, illustrations, and words of encouragement. As someone who started reading not so confident in my fashion choices and knowledge, I leave this book in high spirits and full of contentment. This book explains fabrics and concepts as much as it builds the reader's confidence, which is why I rated it five stars. Everyone deserves reading this book. After all, it's not everyday you can be empowered by Christian Dior.

[Mariana Quesada · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since this book was published in the 50's (one of my favorite fashion styles ever) it may seem a bit old for newest generations. Talking about hats and gloves which we don't wear regullarly anymore. But I loved reading about the sense of style and uses of different fabrics. For me the 50's were all about elegance and accetuating the beauty of the female figure, whichever size or shape it has. And this little dictionary describes how to use every element of fashion towards this goal.