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The Gentleman's Guide to Cool: Clothing, Grooming, Etiquette
THE SECRETS OF MAKING A GREAT FIRST AND LASTING IMPRESSION
According to a Harvard University study, once a bad impression is formed, it takes eight – eight! – subsequent good encounters to correct that initial impression.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Paul Giles, News Corp columnist and former international male model who worked with the biggest fashion houses and designers for over 20 years, shows men how to make the right first impression.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Cool: Clothing, Grooming, Etiquette is the book for any man who wants to learn the secrets of making a great first and lasting impression. Learn what to wear, how to portray confidence and simple grooming techniques that will make a difference to all areas of your life.
According to a Harvard University study, once a bad impression is formed, it takes eight – eight! – subsequent good encounters to correct that initial impression.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Paul Giles, News Corp columnist and former international male model who worked with the biggest fashion houses and designers for over 20 years, shows men how to make the right first impression.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Cool: Clothing, Grooming, Etiquette is the book for any man who wants to learn the secrets of making a great first and lasting impression. Learn what to wear, how to portray confidence and simple grooming techniques that will make a difference to all areas of your life.
150 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2015
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 9, 2020
A good book to add a bit of polish which never goes astray.
September 19, 2024
Five stars for enjoyability. Advice is applicable and chapters flow nicely, making it easy to dip in and out of, or read cover to cover.
The good:
- Encouraging men to learn their measurements and invest in a true bespoke suit. Fantastic advice and I loved the author's emphasis on clothes that fit.
- Educating the reader about various garments eg. different types of coats and jackets, with accompanying pictures.
- The sections on how to tie a tie, and fold a pocket square, complete with pictures.
- Explanations of the different types of dress shoes, once again with pictures.
The author really shines in his menswear and style advice and I've already returned to consult some sections when shopping for menswear.
Areas for improvement:
Spelling and grammar errors -
"loose" instead of "lose" on page 84.
"you're" instead of "your" on page 107.
"woman" instead of "women" on page 108.
"woman" instead of "women" on page 120.
"your" instead of "you're" on page 121.
In some instances, the author uses "female" as a noun. Female is not a noun, it's an adjective. Curiously, the author never refers to men as "males".
Heterocentrism -
Gaining popularity with women is mentioned frequently as motivation for dressing and acting like a gentleman, but why ignore that some men want to attract another man instead? This book reads as though the author has forgotten that gay and bi men exist. Style and grooming advice should largely remain the same whether trying to impress a male or female partner, but using more gender neutral language when referencing dating or partnerships would bring this aspect of the book into the 21st century.
Dating advice-
Any man under age 45 who pulls the chair out on a first date is doing it for his own ego. I can't speak on behalf of gay men, but most women don't want or need this "help."
And calling your date on the phone the next day? This may be a tried and trusted method for boomers and gen x, but with many women aged 18-30 experiencing anxiety when talking on the phone, this advice is not applicable across all age groups.
Other-
Advice to take at least $50 cash with you to an event is a little odd when 'tap and go' bank cards are the norm. While not harmful advice, it does make the author seem out of touch.
Despite these criticisms, The Gentleman's Guide to Cool is a worthwhile & educational read. I'm glad I bought it.
The good:
- Encouraging men to learn their measurements and invest in a true bespoke suit. Fantastic advice and I loved the author's emphasis on clothes that fit.
- Educating the reader about various garments eg. different types of coats and jackets, with accompanying pictures.
- The sections on how to tie a tie, and fold a pocket square, complete with pictures.
- Explanations of the different types of dress shoes, once again with pictures.
The author really shines in his menswear and style advice and I've already returned to consult some sections when shopping for menswear.
Areas for improvement:
Spelling and grammar errors -
"loose" instead of "lose" on page 84.
"you're" instead of "your" on page 107.
"woman" instead of "women" on page 108.
"woman" instead of "women" on page 120.
"your" instead of "you're" on page 121.
In some instances, the author uses "female" as a noun. Female is not a noun, it's an adjective. Curiously, the author never refers to men as "males".
Heterocentrism -
Gaining popularity with women is mentioned frequently as motivation for dressing and acting like a gentleman, but why ignore that some men want to attract another man instead? This book reads as though the author has forgotten that gay and bi men exist. Style and grooming advice should largely remain the same whether trying to impress a male or female partner, but using more gender neutral language when referencing dating or partnerships would bring this aspect of the book into the 21st century.
Dating advice-
Any man under age 45 who pulls the chair out on a first date is doing it for his own ego. I can't speak on behalf of gay men, but most women don't want or need this "help."
And calling your date on the phone the next day? This may be a tried and trusted method for boomers and gen x, but with many women aged 18-30 experiencing anxiety when talking on the phone, this advice is not applicable across all age groups.
Other-
Advice to take at least $50 cash with you to an event is a little odd when 'tap and go' bank cards are the norm. While not harmful advice, it does make the author seem out of touch.
Despite these criticisms, The Gentleman's Guide to Cool is a worthwhile & educational read. I'm glad I bought it.
June 16, 2021
I borrowed this on a whim from my local library. 150 pages of superficial advice posing as sophistication. Don’t bother.
May 11, 2015
According to Giles, chivalry is not dead, good manners never go out of style and dressing well is a sign of respect to those around you. Giles seamlessly blends the concept of old world class with new world cool to deliver a sensible, step by step guide that any man can easily follow along with incredibly helpful basics like how to master a bow tie. A must-have for all men pursuing the ultimate goal of becoming the perfect modern gentleman.
May 11, 2015
A very constructive book because it's not just about clothes and dressing well.
This book is about taking care of your appearance and how important this is for healthy self esteem, and also how it affects they way others perceive you.
This applies to work and also personal life.
Every young man...actually every man should have this book!
This book is about taking care of your appearance and how important this is for healthy self esteem, and also how it affects they way others perceive you.
This applies to work and also personal life.
Every young man...actually every man should have this book!
August 23, 2019
Found the information a bit too basic for my taste.
September 21, 2022
Basic and simple. However, it is surely useful for the length of the book. Short and sweet read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews