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The Way She Wears It: The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Revealing Your Personal Style – A Fashion Illustrator's Visual Handbook for Women
You are your own brand. But to market yourself well, you need the best package, and that’s your own authentic style. In The Way She Wears It , fashion illustrator and It girl Dallas Shaw shows you how to mix up your closet and shop like a rock star. The most highly sought-after fashion illustrator/luxury project designer working today uses her sketches, styling skills and visual expertise to help you develop your eye, define your aesthetic, banish the predictable, stock your wardrobe, and make heads turn in this highly visual and lavishly designed & illustrated personal fashion guide. Working backstage, in showrooms, and alongside creative directors and iconic designers, Dallas learned from the best. In this sophisticated, illustrated handbook, this go-to girl for clients ranging from Chanel, Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta, Kate Spade, Christian Louboutin, and Ralph Lauren to Anthropologie, Target, Maybelline, and Neutrogena shares her insider tricks—expert layering hacks, the secrets to print pairing, bold color choices—and something you won’t find off the confidence. Organized around a range of challenges, this lookbook-meets workbook-is a must for every woman, whether you’re a fashion novice trying to figure out your signature style, a fashionista who wants to step up her game, or the most stylish presence in the room looking to stay ahead of the competition. Mixing breathtaking creative visuals—hundreds of photos and drawings, including 100 original pieces of art—and a little bit of girl talk, Dallas teaches every woman how to banish the predictable and develop and maintain their own unique look. She also busts fashion myths, serves up insider industry tricks and expert picks, and most important, inspires you to live beautifully.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 28, 2017
85 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 23, 2017
I bought this book for the illustrations, which Dallas Shaw is most know for, which were great....but I didn't glean any novel information in regards to changing my personal style. I guess by the time you are in your fifties, your style is pretty established. It would be fun for someone in there twenties. :)
January 6, 2018
As far as fashion books go, this is a dud. The author makes all sorts of grandiose promises about finding your own style but fails to deliver in terms of helpful suggestions. This book is full of trends in the author’s own style and that’s about it. If bohemian trendy feminine isn’t your thing (it’s certainly not mine), this book isn’t for you. The Curated Closet is much more useful.
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December 29, 2024I was supposed to create my own personal style and not read about your personal style 😐.
June 6, 2017
Stopped reading it at the point where I was scolded for wearing black in spring. I was hoping for something to help me organize my thoughts on my own style, not something that would attempt to shoehorn me into a style that the author finds appealing - as someone whose wardrobe contains about six inches of lace total across every item I own, and oh, maybe four light-colored shirts, I can safely say this is not the book for me.
If anyone has recommendations for style books targeted at the goth lite, feel free to throw them my way.
If anyone has recommendations for style books targeted at the goth lite, feel free to throw them my way.
February 1, 2020
This book would have been helpful for me 30 years ago. I think that it is possible the author spends her every last dollar or outward appearance. There were a few take aways for me: incorporate more florals, stop thinking about shoes and up the game, pay attention to detail,.....
For the most part I felt like this was Dallas’ clothes diary.
For the most part I felt like this was Dallas’ clothes diary.
May 23, 2017
A beautifully illustrated and photographed book on style and fashion. Nothing new here, just a fun read with pretty pictures.
June 12, 2017
This was a fun workbook. Analyzing my own preferences of personal style and then coming up with ideas for each season of the year. I loved it!
May 29, 2020
I picked this up at the library because the hold List for “the Curated Closet” was at 24 people (estimated wait: 5 weeks) and this was recommended instead. I went in with the feeling of: I’ll give this a chance.
No judgment to those who liked it, but my complaints with this book are it’s (1) very much not about developing your own style even though it promises to be, (2) the advice is all very prescriptive (wear a pastel, pair florals with a stripe, strapped sandals for summer, etc.) and frankly not that original or different from what you might find in your average fashion mag, (3) the advice is offered up like “just try it out see how you like it” but to just try it out you would need to spend a truly wallet busting amount even if you bought the cheapest version of everything, There are just a lot of things recommended, (4) It doesn’t address lifestyle in any meaningful way, and (5) it’s a book that definitely caters to an affluent, creative professional and that just seems limiting to me.
Only good points were that it was easy and fast reading, and some common sense advice in the intro about finding out which brands make the best version in terms of fit and wearability of the basics you wear over and over again and getting multiples of those. I’m sure if you like the illustrations or content the creator is already sharing then buying this book might be a good way to show support, but I wouldn’t recommend this otherwise and am glad this was just a library loan for me.
No judgment to those who liked it, but my complaints with this book are it’s (1) very much not about developing your own style even though it promises to be, (2) the advice is all very prescriptive (wear a pastel, pair florals with a stripe, strapped sandals for summer, etc.) and frankly not that original or different from what you might find in your average fashion mag, (3) the advice is offered up like “just try it out see how you like it” but to just try it out you would need to spend a truly wallet busting amount even if you bought the cheapest version of everything, There are just a lot of things recommended, (4) It doesn’t address lifestyle in any meaningful way, and (5) it’s a book that definitely caters to an affluent, creative professional and that just seems limiting to me.
Only good points were that it was easy and fast reading, and some common sense advice in the intro about finding out which brands make the best version in terms of fit and wearability of the basics you wear over and over again and getting multiples of those. I’m sure if you like the illustrations or content the creator is already sharing then buying this book might be a good way to show support, but I wouldn’t recommend this otherwise and am glad this was just a library loan for me.
August 9, 2021
I've been on a quest to rediscover my personal style, not so much for appearances as for mental health. I wanted to like this book and I really enjoyed the pictures and illustrations, But as a guide to personal style it fails.
First, the target audience of this book is so narrow. For the challeneges in this book to work, you have to have the time and money to go shopping regularly. You also have to have the time to commit to a year long style journey. It's a fun idea, but not what I was expecting when I checked out this book from overdrive.
Second, this book really only challenges you to adopt the author's own style. It's a pretty style, it looks great on her and a lot of other women, but it's uh... Cheugy? Is that the word the kids use? It's a very trendy style that was popular a few years ago when I was trying to make friends on Facebook mommy groups and all the women dressed like that. And I tried to dress like that, too. I did, I tried so hard. It didn't work for me. So this book sort of reawakened the trauma that started me down this road of not really feeling like my style reflects who I am and so I had to quit.
It's a shame because the book is super pretty and I liked her suggestions on pattern mixing. Unfortunately, I am not an upper middle class skinny blonde lady with perfect cascading curls and a prefernece for boho chic. This book wasn't for me, and I'm not at all who the author had in mind when she wrote the damn thing.
First, the target audience of this book is so narrow. For the challeneges in this book to work, you have to have the time and money to go shopping regularly. You also have to have the time to commit to a year long style journey. It's a fun idea, but not what I was expecting when I checked out this book from overdrive.
Second, this book really only challenges you to adopt the author's own style. It's a pretty style, it looks great on her and a lot of other women, but it's uh... Cheugy? Is that the word the kids use? It's a very trendy style that was popular a few years ago when I was trying to make friends on Facebook mommy groups and all the women dressed like that. And I tried to dress like that, too. I did, I tried so hard. It didn't work for me. So this book sort of reawakened the trauma that started me down this road of not really feeling like my style reflects who I am and so I had to quit.
It's a shame because the book is super pretty and I liked her suggestions on pattern mixing. Unfortunately, I am not an upper middle class skinny blonde lady with perfect cascading curls and a prefernece for boho chic. This book wasn't for me, and I'm not at all who the author had in mind when she wrote the damn thing.
October 10, 2017
2.5 / 5 stars
This was just...okay. I was expecting a fun fashion book, and I got that. The pictures were pretty. The illustrations were great. The layouts were nice. I definitely took a lot of inspiration from this book.
Buuuuuut...I didn't really like the format of the seasonal challenges, and how the book was meant to be read over a year. If I had actually attempted to read this over the course of a year, I would've forgotten about it within weeks. That's just not gonna work for me. Also, I feel like a lot of the tips and challenges would require you to buy new things (based on the suggestions, expensive new things) rather than working with what you have. I know it's a fashion book, and that comes with a certain level of vanity, but this book just felt very superficial to me for some reason.
Summary: I have very mixed feelings about this. It was just meh.
This was just...okay. I was expecting a fun fashion book, and I got that. The pictures were pretty. The illustrations were great. The layouts were nice. I definitely took a lot of inspiration from this book.
Buuuuuut...I didn't really like the format of the seasonal challenges, and how the book was meant to be read over a year. If I had actually attempted to read this over the course of a year, I would've forgotten about it within weeks. That's just not gonna work for me. Also, I feel like a lot of the tips and challenges would require you to buy new things (based on the suggestions, expensive new things) rather than working with what you have. I know it's a fashion book, and that comes with a certain level of vanity, but this book just felt very superficial to me for some reason.
Summary: I have very mixed feelings about this. It was just meh.
March 26, 2018
I didn’t love this book. I thought it would be a great way to narrow in on my personal style, but instead it felt like a lot of her personal style, fun challenges she takes to her designs, her style mantras, and of course-pretty people in perfect expensive clothing that is unattainable for the rest of us. Let’s not even talk about being a mom and the wear and tear on clothes that way. Also, not a minimalist closet at all—so many clothes and shoes! So not my favorite. Also, pretty basic in the world of Pinterest and online inspiration. Maybe I went in expecting too much. I'd probably recommend it to a clueless pre-teen who needs a boost into color theory and seasonal clothing.
May 13, 2019
We all have our own style. Perhaps this book will increase style attitude and confidence. If you feel good and comfortable, you're probably going to look good. Your who-cares-what-others-think attitude will give you style respect. And it isn't all about how much was money spent. Isn't it wonderful that we all don't look the same?
The book begins with personal questions. Then it offers some suggestions about entering the closet. It's not only tee shirts, but shoes and purses and jewelry and makeup. And don't forget nail polish. It starts with a basic look and how to step it up and be brave.
It's a fun and helpful book.
The book begins with personal questions. Then it offers some suggestions about entering the closet. It's not only tee shirts, but shoes and purses and jewelry and makeup. And don't forget nail polish. It starts with a basic look and how to step it up and be brave.
It's a fun and helpful book.
September 13, 2019
I think style books are tricky because they never age well. I checked this out of the library though and i took it for what it was. I would never literally go out and do everything that a style writer says I should because style is so personal (ex. you can't tell a woman what perfume to wear because it smells different on everyone!). But I guess for what it's worth, this book asked the reader to face some reflective questions about her own personal style which is kinda important if you're like me and have yet to nail down a style persona. Also, the illustrations are incredible! but that's what she's known for.
May 19, 2020
This is a nicely designed book that features plenty of the author’s signature fashion illustrations but none of the cultivation of personal style that was advertised.
Instead, it presents a list of benign oft repeated rules that you’ve heard since you were a child -florals and pastels in spring, deep jewel tones in fall. There’s nothing ground breaking in this, nothing riveting, nothing really to set it apart from its peers. The illustrations are beautiful but that’s the beginning and end of this one for me.
Wait, I lied, I did enjoy the part where grey is described as a pastel. That felt a bit like permission.
Instead, it presents a list of benign oft repeated rules that you’ve heard since you were a child -florals and pastels in spring, deep jewel tones in fall. There’s nothing ground breaking in this, nothing riveting, nothing really to set it apart from its peers. The illustrations are beautiful but that’s the beginning and end of this one for me.
Wait, I lied, I did enjoy the part where grey is described as a pastel. That felt a bit like permission.
February 21, 2020
Not my style
I was expecting tips to find out what looks good on me and a variety of looks to inspire me. What I got was the author's own issue of Cosmo and/or collection of Instagram pics. I felt like I was going into one of those super trendy boutiques that looks amazing, but after 10 minutes you realize there's nothing you'd really wear because individual items would just look stupid and you don't know how to put a look together like the shop owner does. The author throws off some random combinations that look great in the sketches, but on real people?
I was expecting tips to find out what looks good on me and a variety of looks to inspire me. What I got was the author's own issue of Cosmo and/or collection of Instagram pics. I felt like I was going into one of those super trendy boutiques that looks amazing, but after 10 minutes you realize there's nothing you'd really wear because individual items would just look stupid and you don't know how to put a look together like the shop owner does. The author throws off some random combinations that look great in the sketches, but on real people?
January 7, 2021
I have read many many books on how to style yourself . This book is one of the best of them. My favorite part is often she chooses as color or print or accessory or fabric ( ie lace, floral print etc) and gives you options of how to “ ease in” to wearing it. I’ve often loved a look and wasn’t brave enough to try it. Dallas’s way of easing you in is priceless. Beautiful photos and illustrations as well. I will be buying thus book.
February 10, 2018
I can tell this book was a labor of love and the illustrations are lovely. In my opinion, it's geared toward NYC "It girls" with disposable income and/or folks who are really into fashion. Thus I can't relate. That said, I read it cover to cover and can appreciate the niche market it's targeted to. I will totally try the smoky eye technique!
August 17, 2019
A good little book of fashion inspirations and ideas organized by the 4 distinct seasons in North America. It is easy to read, nice to look at and chock full of ideas. My only issue with this book is figuring out which ideas will work for my body type so in the end I am not sure this book meets my need as I would still be trying to figure out style and fashion through trial and error.
October 19, 2019
I am not the IT girl. I am a 64 year old woman who wants to look her best. Taking a good look at you wardrobe each season is important. This book is full of fun ideas, challenges and exciting suggestions. I found it a fun read and also now consider it a reference book that I will reach for when I need to shake up my old comforts. Nice job Dallas Shaw!
December 27, 2017
The most useful and charming book of this type I've ever read. It's also beautiful to look at and full of amazing photos and illustrations. I tried out a couple of her mix and match suggestions and got compliments all day.
January 24, 2018
Had read a rave review on this in a magazine and got from the library and was disappointed. I did not read one new thing that I did not know and I am no fashion maven. It is well put together with elegant illustrations, but....
April 23, 2018
A fun quick read geared towards younger women fashionistas wanting to both understand the fashion “rules” and how to break them to create a personal style. I found the pages about “how to match” items interesting.
October 18, 2019
I liked the challenges, they were doable and mixed things up. I made some new combos I otherwise would not have. Good book to revisit each season. This was a library copy that had to go back, but would check it out again.
June 27, 2020
Perfect for creating your own look. Provides visual stunners and thoughtful tips & examples from casual to bold. Would love to see more sustainable forward closets but adored the colour palettes and pace of this book!
February 22, 2022
Started out a bit stronger, make a Pinterest board of your style. I did that and I kept thinking we would go back to that somewhere to hone in on one's personal style. I enjoyed the book, but decided about a third in it was more the author's style than personal to the reader.
May 19, 2017
Such a FUN treat! Beautiful illustrations, pictures and helpful advice.
May 31, 2017
Good resource for evolving personal style!
September 5, 2017
Fun, but not as expected. Very prescriptive.
December 19, 2017
Great questions that helped me realize how I have more to do filling the gap between how I see my personality and style, and the clothes I'm actually wearing.
Now I having a shopping list... :P
Now I having a shopping list... :P
January 6, 2018
The pictures are pretty, and there's a few good tips wedged in there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews