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Details Men's Style Manual: The Ultimate Guide for Making Your Clothes Work for You
At last—a sophisticated wardrobe guide for men from a respected authority, Details magazine, offering head-to-toe advice for choosing the right look, the right fit, and the right style for every situation, from boardroom pitches to casual Saturday nights.
Each month, Details magazine keeps hundreds of thousands of men up-to-date on the most current trends and tips for looking sharp. Now the editors of these award-winning pages give every man the wardrobe wisdom he needs in order to reach both his professional and personal goals. Making sense out of the shifting protocols in menswear, Details Men's Style Manual offers a sleek lifeline,
• How to dress an item up or down
• Full-color illustrations of dozens of outfits, with complete explanations of what works and why
• A piece-by-piece evaluation of everything from button-down shirts and every type of jacket to shoes, suits, ties, and more
• Commentary from icons of contemporary male style
• How to choose the best clothes for your shape
A man's wardrobe is one of his single most valuable assets, conveying the image he presents to the world. Infusing style with eye-catching design, this refreshing guide blows the dust off staid rulebooks and delivers a thoroughly contemporary, individual look for each reader. Produced by the same team as the smash success The Lucky Shopping Manual, Details Men?s Style Manual will be on the wish list of every man who's ready for a confident new sense of style.
Each month, Details magazine keeps hundreds of thousands of men up-to-date on the most current trends and tips for looking sharp. Now the editors of these award-winning pages give every man the wardrobe wisdom he needs in order to reach both his professional and personal goals. Making sense out of the shifting protocols in menswear, Details Men's Style Manual offers a sleek lifeline,
• How to dress an item up or down
• Full-color illustrations of dozens of outfits, with complete explanations of what works and why
• A piece-by-piece evaluation of everything from button-down shirts and every type of jacket to shoes, suits, ties, and more
• Commentary from icons of contemporary male style
• How to choose the best clothes for your shape
A man's wardrobe is one of his single most valuable assets, conveying the image he presents to the world. Infusing style with eye-catching design, this refreshing guide blows the dust off staid rulebooks and delivers a thoroughly contemporary, individual look for each reader. Produced by the same team as the smash success The Lucky Shopping Manual, Details Men?s Style Manual will be on the wish list of every man who's ready for a confident new sense of style.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 21, 2012
This book covers the basics of men's clothing, giving specific style pointers and visual guides for pairing and matching items into a cohesive look, along with advice for judging proper fit.
It's accessible, with plenty of pictures. It provides plenty of information on different classes of an article of clothing, such as different styles of casual shirts, but it's also not comprehensive. For instance, the chapter on dress shirts didn't really delve into the difference between a casual shirt with button-down collars versus a more formal dress shirt. The chapter on formalwear mentions morning dress for weddings, but offers no pictures.
Each chapter is punctuated by "style points" by famous designers such as Michael Kors, Sean Combs and Tommy Hilfiger. These celebrity designer points are more pithy observations than helpful advice. The book does deserve kudos for directing readers towards classic looks and styles rather than chasing fashion trends, and for choosing quality (one good-quality suit is better than two cheap suits).
But ultimately, this book came off as a little fluffy and was a very quick read. I was hoping for the principles and motivation behind certain rules of thumb, say for pairing shirts and ties, but didn't really find enough of that here - as another reviewer noted, it's more of a collection of factoids. I guess I wanted more details from the "Details" Men's Style Manual.
It's accessible, with plenty of pictures. It provides plenty of information on different classes of an article of clothing, such as different styles of casual shirts, but it's also not comprehensive. For instance, the chapter on dress shirts didn't really delve into the difference between a casual shirt with button-down collars versus a more formal dress shirt. The chapter on formalwear mentions morning dress for weddings, but offers no pictures.
Each chapter is punctuated by "style points" by famous designers such as Michael Kors, Sean Combs and Tommy Hilfiger. These celebrity designer points are more pithy observations than helpful advice. The book does deserve kudos for directing readers towards classic looks and styles rather than chasing fashion trends, and for choosing quality (one good-quality suit is better than two cheap suits).
But ultimately, this book came off as a little fluffy and was a very quick read. I was hoping for the principles and motivation behind certain rules of thumb, say for pairing shirts and ties, but didn't really find enough of that here - as another reviewer noted, it's more of a collection of factoids. I guess I wanted more details from the "Details" Men's Style Manual.
August 3, 2013
The styles included are primarily so classic that I was surprised when a card fell out for a subscription to Details magazine, expiring in 2004. I guess unlike women's fashion, men's fashion doesn't alter as much (or at least, not as fast).
I could see my dad wearing a lot of the clothes pictured, and in fact he does own many of the recommended items (in his own color choices and brands, of course). That being sad, (a) my dad has money, (b) my dad is an attorney and needs to dress the part, (c) my dad lives in Michigan where it is cold enough to follow the fashion suggestions included and (d) my dad is kinda preppy, which is the prevailing style of this book. Not that that's a bad thing, it just is what it is.
I live in south Florida. My husband owns a couple of suits, but does not need to wear them for work as he has a uniform. He would not be caught dead wearing most of the "off-time" clothes that are recommended in this book, not to mention the fact that if he did, he would roast alive. Shorts are approached with caution by the Style Manual but let's face it, in South Florida for most of the year they are a very practical choice. Many of the style choices suggested would be ridiculed here as "trying too hard", or just laughed at outright as not fitting in at all. What I'm saying here is this: the Style Manual is (in general) written by, and for, your average prepster/hipster in a colder and more formal job or area.
What does apply across the board, in my opinion:
- well-fitting jeans (this rarely means skinny jeans, when men are concerned) are VERY IMPORTANT. No saggy butts.
- stay away from the immature slogan t-shirts if you're trying to impress a girl or look nice
- if you're going to wear a suit, wear a well-fitted suit.
- Careful with the "mandals". The pair pictured were hideous, btw. Note: in Florida, flip flops are ubiquitous and for most casual situations are fine.
The part of the book I liked best was Giorgio Armani's advice: When in doubt, ALWAYS listen to the opinion of a woman over a man. (I think he explained this as 'men try and envision themselves wearing the clothes, but women are more objective.') It is a rare woman who can't improve on a guy's style, or at least give him better advice than his friends. I know I've averted more than one terrible fashion disaster in my house.
I could see my dad wearing a lot of the clothes pictured, and in fact he does own many of the recommended items (in his own color choices and brands, of course). That being sad, (a) my dad has money, (b) my dad is an attorney and needs to dress the part, (c) my dad lives in Michigan where it is cold enough to follow the fashion suggestions included and (d) my dad is kinda preppy, which is the prevailing style of this book. Not that that's a bad thing, it just is what it is.
I live in south Florida. My husband owns a couple of suits, but does not need to wear them for work as he has a uniform. He would not be caught dead wearing most of the "off-time" clothes that are recommended in this book, not to mention the fact that if he did, he would roast alive. Shorts are approached with caution by the Style Manual but let's face it, in South Florida for most of the year they are a very practical choice. Many of the style choices suggested would be ridiculed here as "trying too hard", or just laughed at outright as not fitting in at all. What I'm saying here is this: the Style Manual is (in general) written by, and for, your average prepster/hipster in a colder and more formal job or area.
What does apply across the board, in my opinion:
- well-fitting jeans (this rarely means skinny jeans, when men are concerned) are VERY IMPORTANT. No saggy butts.
- stay away from the immature slogan t-shirts if you're trying to impress a girl or look nice
- if you're going to wear a suit, wear a well-fitted suit.
- Careful with the "mandals". The pair pictured were hideous, btw. Note: in Florida, flip flops are ubiquitous and for most casual situations are fine.
The part of the book I liked best was Giorgio Armani's advice: When in doubt, ALWAYS listen to the opinion of a woman over a man. (I think he explained this as 'men try and envision themselves wearing the clothes, but women are more objective.') It is a rare woman who can't improve on a guy's style, or at least give him better advice than his friends. I know I've averted more than one terrible fashion disaster in my house.
August 18, 2018
This is a good guide or starting point. You’re likely not going to be able to run out and get one of everything this book suggests unless you’ve got A LOT of money. But chances are this book can help you make the most of what you already have and provide you some guidance when you are looking to buy some new clothing. Of course, while the style in this book is great, you will need to adapt it somewhat based on what you spend your time doing. For the elementary teacher, a nice wool suit will be of less importance than some of the other suggestions.
May 4, 2020
Read this in one sitting as well and the pictures and easy format made it easy to absorb. As I was going through it I knew it was a good read for a friend of mine who is interested in men's style. Solid information throughout, but I disagreed with many of the designers takes on how to dress.
September 19, 2025
The ebook version is awful quality. Instead of digital images, it uses photographs of the physical book. Reads more like a scrapbook than something put out by a professional publisher. If everyone involved isn't embarrassed, they should be.
February 23, 2018
The casual outfits were ugly, and the fancy outfits were too fancy (expensive) to be useful to me. If I had a few extra grand and were less outdoorsy, then this might actually be a valuable guide.
September 27, 2019
Some good style advice.
April 5, 2010
Accessible and easy-to-use reference on men's clothing. Where the book excels is how jeans, slacks, shirts, sportcoats, suits, etc. should fit, with attention given to hemlines, sleeves, necks, torsos, etc., and if you should resort to a tailor. If all you're going to wear are jeans and tee-shirts, they might as well fit right, and they might as well look good.
Also useful is which clothes a man should wear...if you move in the same social circles as author Daniel Peres. Which I don't. I don't know anyone who even wears a necktie to work, let alone a whole suit. I wish I was invited places that require a tuxedo. Only a chump or a douche wears a pressed white dress shirt to play Frisbee golf. I've gone to the opera in jeans.
Playing dress-up is fun, but having to turn down social events because you'd spend the whole time worrying about damaging your clothes, or how your shoes kill your feet, gets tedious. Speaking from experience, don't wear a waistcoat to a crawfish boil.
Part of that is because I live in Houston, where we average 99 days a year over 90 degrees. Style guides from people living in London or New York should be read lightly.
Also useful is which clothes a man should wear...if you move in the same social circles as author Daniel Peres. Which I don't. I don't know anyone who even wears a necktie to work, let alone a whole suit. I wish I was invited places that require a tuxedo. Only a chump or a douche wears a pressed white dress shirt to play Frisbee golf. I've gone to the opera in jeans.
Playing dress-up is fun, but having to turn down social events because you'd spend the whole time worrying about damaging your clothes, or how your shoes kill your feet, gets tedious. Speaking from experience, don't wear a waistcoat to a crawfish boil.
Part of that is because I live in Houston, where we average 99 days a year over 90 degrees. Style guides from people living in London or New York should be read lightly.
January 25, 2010
I just found this book to be excellent and very helpful. It presents different types of clothes ( jacket, tie, shoes,pants,shirts, etc) and gives examples, when each might be more appropriate, and how to combine them with other things to make good outfits. it's not a very in-depth book, though. there's not as much as i would like on why somethings good vs something else doesn't. there's also not a lot on dressing different body types or how to disguise somethings while drawing the eye to others. it's a good beginning book. Great for young men or old men who want to learn how to dress nice and get a GIRLFRIEND!! :-D
February 9, 2015
I wanted to give this book three stars because of some of the stupid snark and bits of advice that only skimmed the surface, but I have to admit I learned a bit and mostly got what I was looking for. Two page spreads of lists dot this book, and they are worthless. Rules of Style sections featuring advice from fashion heavyweights are entertaining and contradictory -- which I thought was a nice touch, actually. For all the rules of style, fashion is still largely a matter of personal taste. One of the best pieces of advice I got from this book was, 'go ahead and make a statement, but not two or three.'
September 21, 2008
Got this to try to elucidate my honey that being cool can also mean looking cool--that there's no shame in knowing how to dress nicely for all occasions. Pretty cool the way it allows for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced approaches to the same clothing item; i.e. if you're just starting out wearing ties, stick to some tried-and-true basics about which patterns cover the most occasions, etc. If you're advanced, you're welcomed to try some dashing leaps out of the box.
Easy to grasp. Funny intro.
Easy to grasp. Funny intro.
December 26, 2008
My husband recently read this book and found it entertaining and insightful. The tone is fun and a bit sarcastic, definitely written for a male audience. The book gives the classic dos and don'ts with lots of pictures, as well as what men should have as the basics in their wardrobe. So if you are looking for something fun and informative for your husband, or favorite nephew, uncle, cousin, etc., this book will not disappoint.
March 25, 2012
A simple and colorful guide to fashion and style basics. The book is nicely broken up into short specific chapters such as 'shoes' or 'shirts.' There are plenty of glossy, full color photos that makes this easy to read through and my only gripe is the original publication date makes this just a tad bit dated.
September 6, 2012
Good book about how to dress well whether it be for work / at home / or in casual environments. Discusses everything from socks to shirts to ties etc. and is a great read for anyone thinking about their wardrobe. Also good to read through as you think about different styles of clothes you want to pull off and is a book that I would reference every year or so to refresh your wardrobe
December 22, 2013
It was a very good book. It had a lot of very good tips and some great ideas on how to dress. I saw a few things in the book that I actually liked and wanted even though I already have plenty of everything: shirts, shoes, pants, jeans, and socks. I would like to look through this book again if I get the chance.
November 11, 2010
It's pretty decent if you have questions about anything more than casual wear. Most of the clothes however are not exactly my style, and weren't all that helpful (to me anyways) on working to develop a new style, or at least one that doesn't age me 10 years or looking insufferably preppy.
April 18, 2011
This book has taught me so much about men's fashion. I feel like a new man. As a child, I didn't have a strong male role model to teach me how a gentleman should dress. After reading this book, I feel confident about going to buy clothes.
September 4, 2012
A nice overview of men's clothing and building a wardrobe, and the full color photos are great, but due to all the photos, there's not a whole lot of content. A good supplement to other books and websites, but a bit thin content-wise to stand on it's own.
November 20, 2013
Slightly outdated (as for year 2013) but the basics are there (lots n lots) . Would love to read about the latest trends in the future. As for this edition, it is still something that every man should know read.
December 3, 2007
I loved this book. So what if it's mostly pictures.
Very helpful, useful advice. Any guy that wants to dress himself well should read this.
Very helpful, useful advice. Any guy that wants to dress himself well should read this.
January 23, 2008
A man's gotta know things.....this does it!
January 23, 2009
This is the most comprehensive, modern, and sensible guide to style I've read. Highly recommended.
March 26, 2009
A great resource for guys on what to wear in any situation.
February 25, 2011
This book has made my wardrobe more exciting! And it did made me look good with it.
June 20, 2011
I skimmed this work. It's a reference work concerning men's fashion. It has good pictures. And it explains some style principles. I think it will be helpful in building a wardrobe.
August 27, 2011
This book taught me how to dress well. Best book on men's fashion IMHO
January 3, 2012
Fun, well-designed intro to current (and pragmatic) men's clothing. Great pictures.
July 29, 2016
Brought home to look at with D. Seems like men's wardrobe is easier - fewer pieces for starters.
December 15, 2012
Some helpful things, but extremely basic in all regards.
December 2, 2013
Great read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews