The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own

by Nina García, Rubén Toledo (Illustrator)

In the wildly popular The Little Black Book of Style, fashion authority Nina Garcia showed women how to think about personal style in an entirely new way. Encouraging readers to creatively assert their style identities, Nina showed women of all ages how to hone and self-edit a distinct fashion voice.

With her style philosophy firmly out in the world, Nina decided to address the most popular question readers consistently ask Exactly what are fashion's timeless pieces?

The One Hundred answers this question and provides women with a tangible style map to follow when planning a shopping trip and stocking one's closet. With illustrations from world-renowned fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo, The One Hundred contains the 100 items that Nina believes will never go out of style and that have become absolutely indispensable for any woman attaining her own eternal fashion look.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Reference, Self Help, Personal Development, Lifestyle, Coffee Table Books

284 pages, Hardcover

First published August 26, 2008

About the author

Nina García (born Ninotchka García) is a magazine editor who, until August 18th, 2008, acted as the Editor-at-Large of Elle, as well as a judge on the Bravo reality television program Project Runway.

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me laugh. I sometimes struggle with the fact that I have only one outfit appropriate for going out anywhere vaguely fancy after work, and that I am totally averse to shopping and makeup and other things that make women look "presentable." (Hence reading this book on the recommendation of my more classically stylish sibling.) But then I remember that I am a field biologist, and that my idea of a good evening out is drinking a craft beer in the unpretentious brewery district near my house, or spending a few hours dreaming of garden box designs in the lumber section of the Home Depot, and I stop worrying about it. Stiletto mary janes and diamond studs, my foot! I would now like a cape and jaunty cap to go with my wellies, though, so the advice in this book has not been entirely lost on me. Sherlock Holmes-themed wet weather wear, here I come!

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 2 out of 5]

As if I needed verification that I'm not a stylish woman... If I aspired to be, I'd need more than a couple of items, including:

Ankle Boots
Aviators
Belts (can you believe I don't own a single one?)
Brooches
Caftans
Cashmere Sweaters
Cocktail Rings
Cowboy Boots
Driving Shoes
Fishnets
Gloves (not winter gloves, 'fancy' gloves)
Havainas
Investment Bags (i.e. the kind that cost more than $2k)
Leather Pants
Missoni Knits
Pucci
Signet Ring
Stilettos
Tuxedo Jacket
Vans
Wellington Boots
and a Zippered Hoodie (nope, don't have one)

Not that I have all the rest of the list, but I'm not even close to buying any of the above (while I may purchase some Spanx eventually).

I didn't dislike the book, per se, but it's not one which will affect my daily life (other than giving me feelings of inadequacy if I think on it too long).

[LATOYA JOVENA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Fun and helpful. Sassy and classy. The full color illustrations are the perfect accessory to the writing.

There were some thing on this list I disagreed with. It seemed Nina was grasping to fill out the 100 items. But the items I do agree with come with absolutely perfect advice.

If you're into fashion you need this book. If you're a fashion disaster you need this book. If your hopelessly stuck in the middle somewhere you need this book.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very silly (in my opinion) but fun to page through and think about items that could be good gifts for me or someone else. Would NOT recommend buying it -- unless you're actually serious about following through with her suggestions; a library rental is perfect since it takes about an hour to peruse, which is about as deep as I needed to go with it.

[Cole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I say meh. I've been reading a lot of style and fashion books (in an ongoing attempt to dress less slobby and tooly) and this feels like a retread. Also, don't tell me I "must" have this or that thing. I'm never going to own aviators or a Chanel purse.

[Ella Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are an original. Start dressing like one.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5!

I absolutely adore Nina Garcia on Project Runway, and I've been interested in reading her books for a while. The idea of a capsule wardrobe is really appealing to me and I thought this was a good place to start. Initially, I was a little bit worried because the book was published about 10 years ago, and these fashion books about style tend to get old quite fast when there are trends involved.

No need to worry though - I found it to be quite on point and took several notes while I was reading this. The things I didn't agree with where technology-based (so I swapped the Blackberry for an iPhone and the iPod for an Apple watch, for example).

I also didn't agree with animal furs and skins being listed as must-haves, but that is my personal choice as I don't condone animal cruelty in that way.

Other than that, it was a really good read with lovely illustrations and a great starting point if you want to start building a classic wardrobe!

Would recommend for: fans of capsule wardrobes. If you Google/Pinterest search those two words endlessly like me, you might like this one!

[Steph H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her second book, Garcia lists the (in her opinion) 100 pieces every woman must own. From an A-Line dress to Cashmere knits, she covered nearly every essential I've ever heard of. Only the mention of an IPod/IPhone kind of confuses me. I don't see where both items are making women 'stylish' (but I won't start a discussion about that now because everyone knows I'm an crackberrian and thus very biased). Anyways, Garcia gathered not only essential clothing items and how to wear them, but also very interesting background facts about most of them. For anyone who doesn't know the history of flats, caban jackets or biker boots (or even jeans), this book is a valuable source. Many famous actresses and models are mentioned, too. All my favorite Brigitte-Bardot-movies are in this book. She also recommends her favorite designers of particular items. The way she writes about them makes me want to go shopping everytime. Although Garcia writes from a very subjective view, she somehow manages to keep a general opinion (that makes her either a genius or a very ordinary person).


But the thing I love must about this book are (let's be honest) Ruben Toledo's illustrations. He worked with Garcia before (The Little Black Book Of Style) and absolutely adore everything he draw, every little stroke in this book. Not only are his works a great piece of art, but also so simple and yet so great. I wonder if there's a calendar with his work...

Overall, this book was a great investment. Of course, there a few items I highly doubt you need to be stylish (the previously mentioned IPhone/IPod, flipflops, Kaftan, Sarong, Yoga pants...) but then again, Garcia wrote this book based on her own, personal opinion. I also wonder why she left out Maxi dresses. Sure, petite girls hardly find one that fits them, but I haven't bought a Bikini since I was thirteen.


Pro:

alphabetical order
lots of items
useful information on Do's & Don'ts ('Sometimes, girls are seen wearing tights as pants. Which they aren't.' I love her for this.)
interesting background information (First appearance of flats to the fashion world: And God Created Woman with Brigitte Bardot, 1956)
Great artwork

Contra:

some items aren't mentioned
some items shouldn't be mentioned
A bit average
too USA-centered

If you're interested in fashion, looking for advice, craving for information about your favorite clothing items, interested in Nina Garcia's books or simply need to stock up your personal fashion book shelf (like me), then you shouldn't miss this.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Good: The focus here is how to build a wardrobe of stylish pieces that you can wear in to your 50s and beyond, and I totally appreciate that. Garcia allows mixing in a trend here or there for fun, but basically insists that the truly stylish don't follow disposable fashion. The layout and design of this book is also adorable - the illustrations are spot on and help to make the book seem like the classic tome it clearly wants to be. And as I get older, I'm starting to appreciate the importance of things like good silk robes and statement necklaces. She also gives great advice on classic color and choices for simple things like nail polish and lipstick.

The Bad: Garcia clearly goes in for the "investment piece" line, and every truly must have item is usually a super top of the line designer piece that costs thousands. And Birkins, caftans, and Missoni knits are probably not in everyone's wheelhouse, no matter how fabulous you may be. There's not a lot of variety in the (cartoon) models here, and you get the feeling that Garcia doesn't see her audience as having much variety in body shape either. She is fashion after all.

This was fun to thumb through and I think I took away some mature fashion advice. Overall, worth a look (with some included eye rolling).

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea behind this book is that it features the 100 items the renown Project Runway fashion judge reaches for again and again. I enjoyed the book immensely - especially Ruben Toledo's illusrations. That man has a gift, I tell you. I don't think I've ever read a book featuring watercolor illustrations that I didn't like. The book prompted me to think about my own fashion favorites. I don't have 100 must haves, and I really don't think someone outside the fashion world would. But, I do have looks, styles, clothing features that look best on me and make me feel my best. It was fun to think about. Example: I look great in tunics. My preferred sleeve is 3/4 length worn with a great cuff or a pile of bangles. Deep vees or scoop-necks are best for me. Wide legged pants are the only way to go, with boot-cuts being the narrowest that look really good on me. As I read this book and thought about my own closet, I realized that I have a problem with shoes. No, not the problem most women have. I have nearly no shoes. I have a bad - I mean bad selection. I own one pair of shoes that truly looks and feels good on me - my cowboy boots. SHEESH! I need to buy some shoes.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nina Garcia understandably has expensive taste. I knew that I would be skipping right over suggestions like the Birkin bag, the cocktail ring, the Pucci, and the Missoni knit. But, I could certainly take those designs into consideration when shopping and look for similar silhouettes and patterns in my price range.

Having recently cleaned out my closet and committed to filling it out with quality, lasting pieces instead of just great deals, this book was helpful. It gave me a great place to start and specific items to look for when I go shopping instead of my often regretted moment-of-weakness, cheap but rarely worn purchases.

I wrote down my realistic list from her 100, then let myself cross of the items from the list that I already had in my closet. It helped to see that I did have SOME taste already! The list is also helping me explore areas of fashion I never dared try before. Some I might not like, but others might just surprise me. For example, why had I walked mockingly past the Minnetonka moccasin in shoe stores all these years? Have you ever put one on your foot? Well, thanks to Nina I finally did and now have very happy, fashionable feet!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the 100 stylish pieces need to have in your wardrobe, I'm going shopping, I already have a fair amount it's time to complete it. The illustrations and the quotes make it a fun book.

[Malika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and useful book! My favorite parts are where she gives specific advice on how to wear an item - fashion freebies, you don’t have to go thru bad outfits to learn, she just hands out the what to wear nuggets! For example: Wide Leg Pants - be sure to wear with a fitted top to balance out the outfit. Wide up top and bottom would not be flattering.

Some chapters/items were unnecessary and suggests she just needed to add items to make it to 100. For example: champagne, iPod, valid passport.

Last but not least, the watercolor illustrations were out of this world! Definitely ties the whole book together.

A fashion article i wrote on my blog :)

https://mjmusawwir.wixsite.com/thisan...

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this author’s other book - Little black book of style and this was even better than her first one. I am creating my own capsule wardrobe and wanted to know the must-have wardrobe pieces. This book had exactly what I was looking for.

[Rebeca Núñez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy entretenido, me sorprendieron algunos artículos. Fue un gran repaso de los must. Ademas agrega un montón de datos históricos, muy interesantes. Fácil y ágil lectura.

[Wysteria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some great inspiration ideas for what you may want in your own closet.

[Elma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and fun. Loved Ruben Toledo’s illustrations more though…

[Tess · Rating 2 out of 5]

The items on the list have aged better than the comments for each the author provided. (References to jewelry from an 2000’s Oscars year is just one example.)

[~Geektastic~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a bold title: The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces EVERY Stylish Woman Must Own. But is it true? Yes and no. While the full one hundred won't apply to everyone, there is at least something to appeal to nearly everyone (since when is Champagne a fashion accessory?). There are items that fall into classic categories, and nearly every woman will own them no matter what their personal style statement is. I would say great jeans, a trench coat, a great sweater, a black dress and that one wear-with-anything pair of shoes all fit into the American/Western wardrobe in some shape or form. But there are definitely things I consider unnecessary or just not for me on Garcia's list:

Havianas. I'm not a flip-flop kinda gal.

Champagne. If I'm going to imbibe alcohol, it most likely won't be champagne.

L.L. Bean Tote. I don't own an L.L. Bean anything. Ever. My heart still rebels against The North Face, too. I blame bitchy high school girls for this prejudice.

A caftan. Do I look like Mrs. Roper?

A Blackberry. Well, technically I do own a Blackberry Pearl (I don't recommend it), but this entry just shows how this book has already dated itself. The Blackberry is on the way out as the tech du jour, ladies.

I am glad that Garcia included things like Converse sneakers (a must!) and vintage t-shirts along side "investment bags" (read: big name, splurgerific bags by the likes of Prada and Hermes) and cashmere sweaters. I have a lot of fun combing through this book, especially as each alphabetical entry includes little bits of trivia and history to take the topics beyond merely constructing a catalog of acquisition.

I won't lie: I like clothes. I like shopping for clothes and putting pieces together just for the love of personal aesthetic expression. I also like reading about fashion (or more accurately, style), because it reflects who we are as a culture. Every decade has its costumes, and that is fascinating. This book takes elements from various decades to create an essential foundation for a great wardrobe. I don't use this book as a guide to my own clothing choices, but rather I like to look at it as a fun inside look at how we, as a culture, look at clothes: what is classic? What is just a fad? How does this reflect our culture? How can I enjoy clothes and accessories without letting acquisition take over my life? Well, this book doesn't help so much with that last question, but it does help give perspective as to what things are worth investing in for the long term, which is one way of avoiding the consumer money pit. And Ruben Toledo's watercolor illustrations are adorable.

[Bethany · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has aged like milk.

I own just 1/4 of the pieces García claims a stylish woman must - and I'm quite happy to continue living my life as an unstylish woman since I see no need in my (at least near) future to own a signet ring, monogrammed stationery, an exotic skin bag, cowboy boots, brooch, or bangles. To name some. I can't help but think that a list of items a stylish woman should own should be ageless, but this one includes the now-obsolete Blackberry and iPod along with some brand names that might be lasting, or might not - Spanx, Vans, Converse etc are named explicitly as list items and a hundred others are suggested as the author's favourites for certain other listed pieces. These suggestions are extremely US-centric and mostly assume significant spending ability on the part of the buyer.

While the author's tips are sometimes useful and insightful, at other times they come off extremely out of touch under a 2021 lens. The idea that I should have a "space fifty-dollar bill" that I keep in a pocket for "mad money" sounds, well, mad. The idea of the average person my age owning an exotic skin bag just doesn't match up with my reality whatsoever. I should own any, ANY Pucci item, this book claims? Even the cheapest,skinniest silk scarf on the website would set me back almost £100. I can't "spend a few weeks' salary on [a bag] and not feel guilty". What the fuck am I actually going to do with a £955 LV Speedy bag that can barely fit a damn thing in it anyway?

The idea of budget barely exists in this book - the likes of H&M get an occasional look in but the overall assumption is that you can and will spend, and yet despite this, the concept of sustainable and ethical fashion also does not exist here. Fine if I'm actually a character in Gossip Girl, bizarre if you're a normal UK twenty-something with a normal job living your normal life where you have to actually pay to live and don't have any occasion to show off a £1000+ bag anyway.

Overall the book reads like a magazine article trying to hit a wordcount and I DNFed it somewhere in the 'S' section when I realised my eyes were glazing over yet another list of unafforable luxury brand names and fashion tips that barely make a lick of sense to an ordinary human.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the fact that regular people like me might never be able to get all the 100 items in this so-called "guide" that Nina Garcia wrote, I think many will find this list rather useful. It's a great book to discover what your style is because as you go through the items one by one, it becomes very easy to decide what works for you and what doesn't.

For example, The Birkin bag might be listed, but even if I could afford it, I already know that the bag is not for me. It just doesn't fit my style at all. The boyfriend cardigan and the sailor top, on the other hand, are. And it would also come as a surprise that you might already own some of these items! Unlike so many fashion "guides", it doesn't put you down for not owning designer brands. It's not a book about fashion, but a book about style.

It's not really something you collect and it might not be useful for everyone. But if you don't know what your style is and want to find out, this is the book to check out. If you do know what your style is and want a confirmation, this is also the book to get. And if you're just looking for a fun, mindless read that you can share with your friends, this is the book.

Lovely illustrations by Ruben Toledo, but I wish the book had contained more of them. All in all, a nice book to own or to give as a gift.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I stare down my 35th birthday in a little over 6 months, I've decided to stop waiting to look better. I'm not going to wait until I lose weight. I'm not going to wait until my skin is a smooth as the proverbial baby's bottom. I'm not going to wait to win the lottery. I deserve to look good NOW.

I've always liked Nina Garcia as a judge on Project Runway. Her ideas of the 100 things every woman most own should naturally be taken with a grain of salt, but she's not really to far off the mark in my book. Her philosophy? Invest in the classics that will last forever and have fun on a budget. She takes the time to explain *why* she thinks such-and-such a piece is essential. (I didn't always agree, but it was definitey food for thought.) I also love that she gave ideas as to where to actually get the pieces she recommends with various price points. As someone who is trying to look better on a modest budget, I really appreciate her POV. I think this would be a great book for a woman of any age- from the fashion conscious teen to the housefrau looking to step up her game.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

The One Hundred is a fashion guide listing the one hundred essential pieces a stylish wardrobe must include, according to Nina Garcia.

Each item is described by Nina who includes some of its history, gives advice on how to wear it and tells you some of her favourite places to shop for each particular piece. Finally, each item is beautifully illustrated by Ruben Toledo.

Since Nina’s style is mostly classic, the book provides a good basic list that will fit any wardrobe, and it is up to the reader to change and adapt it to her tastes (why not even write her own list?)

The One Hundred is a very easy and useful read that I would advise to every woman.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously a light read, but Nina is right on about the 100 items every girl's closet needs. There were a lot of things you expect (LBD) but so many I didn't (boyfriend sweater? leather pants?) and really great tips about styling and buying vintage. One of those books I'm sure I'll refer to frequently.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those not born with style confidence (ahem....me) this is a really helpful book. It breaks down what the author considered to be 100 pieces of clothing that every woman should own. I don't agree with all of them but I still got lots of ideas. It helps you examine your wardrobe and figure out which classic pieces you already own and where you should spend your money in the future.

[patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was kind of silly but since it was a free download via my state library I was compelled to check it out since I'm a fan of Nina Garcia. Many of her "essential" items are beyond financial reach for most women, though she does offer cheaper suggestions. She took it a step further and writes about the history of many items (how the totally unaffordable Birkin bag came to be). That was a plus.

[Gaile · Rating 3 out of 5]

The contents of this book are exactly what the title says, the one hundred wardrobe pieces every woman should wear. When it comes to me, there were some pieces I have never bought, owned or wore simply because I think they do not suit me. Read the book and make up your own mind.

[Edie Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun book to read. The only problem is that though Garcia mentions many true classics, in some ways the book seems badly dated (the very thing she tries to avoid). A BlackBerry as an essential accessory? Oops!
I didn’t agree with all her choices but I did enjoy hearing them.

[Kristie Helms · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of statements of the stunningly obvious. Like... it's good to have a trench coat. And a little black dress. It was fun to flip through, but wouldn't recommend as a "buy".

[Shelby *trains flying monkeys* · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm glad I didn't buy it only picked it up at the library.

[Andreea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Nina Garcia's books as it is quite concise and gives a clear and neat guideline. For beginners and fashion victims both. I also liked her recommendations - luxury products as threshold.