Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Style Strategy: A Less-Is-More Approach to Staying Chic and Shopping Smart

Rate this book
From much-loved fashion maven and New York Times bestselling author Nina Garcia comes her most indispensable style primer yetâ this one focused on looking timelessly chic, all while saving money!

Armed with Nina's no-fail The Style Strategy, fashionistas will not only discover a myriad of shopping alternatives sure to help them attain high-end looks at lower prices but will also learn how to maximize what they already have through maintenance, ingenuity, and creative style choices. Step-by-step, Nina helps readers honestly answer three key questionsâ What do I have? What do I need? What do I want?â before making purchases, so they can effectively eliminate any unnecessary spending.

This book also celebrates some of history's most extraordinary women who remained admiringly fashion-forward during their own era's economic hardships.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

53 people are currently reading
858 people want to read

About the author

Nina García

14 books80 followers
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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
181 (23%)
4 stars
228 (29%)
3 stars
234 (30%)
2 stars
115 (14%)
1 star
21 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for  ~Geektastic~.
238 reviews162 followers
January 11, 2016
Though I prefer her first two books (The Little Black Book of Style and The One Hundred), I like to break this one out whenever I'm in a closet-cleaning mood. Nina is a decently engaging writer, though she name drops too much (but hey, she's a fashion editor, it's in her job description). I appreciate her perspective on how to make what you already have work, even if her jeans could pay off my student loans. I'm a hardcore thrift store shopper, so the litany of brand names that run through all of her works mean very little to me in any practical sense, but I do like occasionally imagining what it must be like to buy Prada or Jimmy Choos, sort of like pretending I could be an astronaut or a lion tamer.

Profile Image for Gaile.
1,260 reviews
March 28, 2016
If you have a job and live in a big city like New York City this book will help you a lot. However if you live in the upper midwest, Canada or Alaska, I doubt this will work.
I live in Minnesota and here is how we dress.
Basics:
Nina Garcia: Classic high heeled pump Minnesota: Carried in a shoe bag
NG: ballet flats Minnesota: sneakers
Ng: Trench coat Minnesota: Puffy, down jackets or coats. Never seen a
a trench coat.
NG: Little Black Dress Minnesota: Only worn at funerals with a string of pearls.
NG: Classic white shirt Minnesota: Seatshirts, all kinds, all designs.
NG: Cashmere cardigan or turtleneck Minnesota: I have seen turtlenecks a plenty. A cardigan
almost never!
NG: Denim Minnesota: Now that is a Minnesota classic!
Profile Image for Hannah.
Author 6 books238 followers
Read
November 18, 2012
The illustrations in this, by Ruben Toledo, are fantastic. The writing? Meh.

If I compare this to other books about style that I've been reading lately, it's much more of a fail. Nothing really concrete, for one, whereas in Clinton Kelly's book, and in lots of magazines and other books, they will actually tell you specifically that if you are a pear shape, this or that looks terrible on you, etc. Also, Garcia has zero voice, so this is just dull to read. She keeps claiming that style is free, about being you, etc, but her examples of cheap things and of budgeting are still about buying at Macy's (and I'm assuming she means NOT the sale racks, which is what I have always perused at Macy's) and then springing for Balenciaga, whereas I buy at clearance sales and spring for things at flash sales on Hautelook as my big buys.

Basically the only concrete, useful things Garcia tells you are what fabrics are going to last longest (and since my mother refused to buy me polyester as a kid, I already knew that) and that tailoring is great (which everyone will tell you, but at least others will tell you in a way that acknowledges that you're going to buy things off of clearance racks and then make them fit you, not that you're going to revitalize your Chanel buy getting new buttons and turning the pants into capris.

Anyway. There are better books out there about how to minimize your closet and maximize your budget and style, but this isn't really one of them.
Profile Image for Diem.
525 reviews188 followers
July 9, 2011
I have completed Nina Garcia's 4-volume tome on all things fashion. Why? Because that's who I am now. The person that did that. I don't like it either.

In her final (please, Nina) book, Nina sets out a way to stay stylish in lean times. Employ a highly skilled tailor to rework your tired Chanel. Reconsider and ultimately redefine the terms "splurge" and "investment". A splurge is just an investment that never pays you back, after all. C'est la vie! And finally, who needs groceries? You're already too fat. Take the money you would have used to buy calories (you can survive on 300 of these a day if you're ambitious) and put it toward those Manolos.

When in doubt, ask yourself, "What Would Michelle Obama Wear"?*

Also, blahblahblah global warming yada repurpose humuhnuh humuhnuh Manolos.

Yeah. That about covers it.

*Something colorful with an enormous belt. The bigger the better.
Profile Image for Jess.
224 reviews44 followers
March 19, 2015
[ This post was originally uploaded to http://www.theageofintimacy.com/nina-... as part of a blogging/social media internship. ]

“New York taught me that being chic isn’t about the most expensive dress or the latest trend. It’s about being you. And being you costs nothing.”

The Style Strategy is Nina Garcia’s manual for being chic on the cheap. Her mantra for women everywhere is “Shop smart, stay chic, and make it last.” And I have to say, I agree with this mentality. Why should we drop hundreds of dollars on clothes, only for them to last a few months before the trends change, and we’re then stuck with clothing that a) dates us, and b) isn’t necessarily very flattering on us.

The basis for Nina’s mantra is six very simple questions to shop smart and weed out unnecessary/frivolous spending:

Do I already own something like it?

Can I alter something I already own to look like it?

Where will I wear it?

Do I really need it?

I want THIS dress NOW – but what did I want before I left the house?

What will I have to forgo later because I spent money on this?

As discussed in my review of Paris Street Style, I sometimes have trouble making my wardrobe interesting. As a consequence, I have a LOT of unnecessary bits and pieces, and a lot of things that don’t go together. For people like me, Nina offers a very sage piece of advice to tack onto the questions above – don’t buy anything that doesn’t go with at least three things in your closet.

The main premise for Nina’s book is to keep things that make you feel fabulous, using them as the foundation for your wardrobe. From there, you can supplement with classics that may cost you a little bit more, but are designed to last forever (providing you take good care of them). She then goes into much more detail about garment construction, and what you should be looking for in well-made garments which won’t necessarily break the bank.

I enjoyed reading this book, but I didn’t find it quite as useful as Paris Street Style, in terms of things to suit everyone. While Nina has much along the same lines in her list of “this is what everyone should own”, she has very limited ideas on how to express yourself outside the basic structure of her advice, which was a little disappointing.
10 reviews43 followers
January 30, 2017
After reading the very long author's note, I kind of had the feeling that I wouldn't learn much- and I didn't! Nina talks too much about setting up clothing swap parties but she doesn't explain enough about how to cultivate your own style or where to find inspiration for it. There are a few good tips in this book but overall it was a shallow, fluff excuse for a book. I really expected more from a fashion magazine director, but you can't win 'em all. Look on the bright side, at least the pictures are cute (and possibly are more entertaining).
Profile Image for Natalie Shawver.
504 reviews
February 17, 2020
Style is incredibly personal and oh-so-subjective—what might look gorgeous to me may look ghastly to you. I like to think I have my own sense of style for my petite frame and that I wear what I like, rather than completely ascribing to every passing trend (don't get me wrong, I have succumbed to several over the years). But, for the most part, I know what works for me and what definitely doesn't. And, of course, my style has shifted a lot in recent years—I have long since retired wearing high heels (too painful) and I tend to live in cotton right now in case a certain toddler hugs me before wiping tomato sauce off his fingers.

That being said, I was looking forward to reading Nina Garcia's book on style, especially one focused on a less-is-more approach as her title claims. And, to a degree, that's what the book did. However, I can't say I really learned anything. She merely points out things we all basically know: fold your sweaters instead of hanging them; find a good tailor; quality over quantity (skip fast-fashion); invest in good shoes; build a foundational wardrobe of basics that you can mix and match. For being a style icon and Project Runway judge/mentor, I had higher hopes. I read this in two days and when I closed the book I merely felt like I finished the fluffiest book on the planet. Don't get me wrong—I don't know that I would have enjoyed reading a book of super deep style tips; but, so many of my favorite bloggers have offered tips/tricks over the years that I have implemented (use a bandana as a neck scarf; mix florals and stripes for Parisian chic; it's OK to mix metals) that I thought surely Nina would have more to say on the subject. Her suggestions were incredibly cliche and frankly, common sense. I don't know that I truly walked away with any new ideas, sadly.

The only aspect of the book I enjoyed were her tidbits of fashion throughout history. The rest seemed so blah that even a non-fashionista could have written it.

In the event you feel absolutely clueless about fashion and shopping, perhaps this would be a good introductory book for you. But, my gut tells me you probably already know 95% of what Nina puts in her book and would be much better suited to read something more specific. This was a big letdown for me.
Profile Image for Emma Hodge.
19 reviews
July 14, 2017
The title of this book should really be "More for Less" instead of "less is more". I was excited to hear about a well-known and respected fashion executive talk more about the importance of sustainable consumerism and buying less, but the author advocated for companies like H&M and Gap which are both destroying the environment with excessive manufacturing and pollution in underdeveloped countries, not to mention, taking advantage of their garment workers. The book gives a very surface level how-to about cleaning out your closets, what you need in your closets, how to shop, and how to mend clothes. It's all very basic level writing and it's targeted towards people with money even though she says the words "on a budget" a million times. She obviously doesn't know what it's like to really be on a budget and shop for nice clothes. I gave it two stars because I found the beginning to be a little helpful when she discusses minimizing your closet, and the rest was just really frustrating and repetitive.

P.S. She has a section titled "fair trade" and didn't mention fair trade AT ALL.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tram Nguyen.
175 reviews5 followers
November 21, 2018
I'm quite disappointed with this one regarding of the other book of her (100 item list) being a huge hit for me. This book is like a longer extended version of her other books, with a very loose structure. The sections divided were not clear enough with content I saw repetitive a few times throughout the book.
Even though I could collect some useful tips about styling and maintaining clothes, the whole book feels like I was rereading the '100 item lists' with a few rambling here and there. Not completely a waste of time, just that she shouldn't have written 2 books with similar content. 3.5*/5*
Profile Image for Rachel Vryhof.
196 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2024
Lots of solid, common sense advice for looking stylish without being a millionaire. Take good care of your clothes, spend the bulk of your clothing budget on well made classics. An interesting tip for me was looking for leg wear from dance suppliers due to its durability. I was a little disappointed in not finding more information about a capsule wardrobe/mixing combinations of clothes. Good for a quick, light read
Profile Image for Ankita.
200 reviews
June 16, 2023
Dated and kind of vanilla narrow lens on what is fashionable and also lots of assumptions about who the reader is (shopaholic calorie-counting etc). Those big caveats aside, it’s super fast and easy read. Had fun overall - she’s a good writer, it’s got lovely illustrations sprinkled in, and taking away some pretty good practical tips. Liked it.
59 reviews
June 20, 2022
I picked this up browsing through the library so not something I was looking for in particular. It caught my eye. It’s a fun book to read because it motivates you to declutter your closet but no rocket science here. Buy quality staples when you can and mix in some trendy items.
Profile Image for K Browne.
110 reviews17 followers
December 27, 2020
The Style Strategy is the book you need to reclaim your closet. There is such great advice!
253 reviews
April 10, 2021
A great book gives good explanations, and I think that the list of things you must own are great.
Profile Image for Jeanette Jimenez.
1 review
October 23, 2021
This book is a great reference for anyone who is trying to learn more about fashion, shopping, and improve their sense of style.
4 reviews
January 8, 2023
Not really much more information than the author's other books. A lot of generic advice but good for beginners in styling concepts
106 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2025
It’s what I imagine having a conversation with Nina would be like: easy, informative, and inspiring.

Found the book as I was organizing all my books. A nice way to procrastinate- and be inspired.
Profile Image for Theresa.
66 reviews
December 12, 2009
Since I've read Nina Garcia's past two books, I figured I'd go along with this one. It skips talking about what basics to have (okay, it briefly mentions it), but it sets out a plan for you to clean your closet, make do with what you can afford and re-imagine a tired wardrobe. Albeit, you can't get much style inspiration from a book - photos/looks are bound to be dated in a year, and I think she wants her book to be more timeless. Perhaps she could've talked more about where to find inspiration to remix your wardrobe - for me, it's blogs and people watching in the city. However, she does offer good information about how to tailor old clothes and salvage them into new looks.

A new tip that I had never considered in cleaning out one's closet was to literally inventory what you wanted to keep. Actually write a list of what you own. Though it seems tedious, for visual learners and list keepers like me, it sounds like a brilliant idea to "see" your closet in a condensed word form. And it will remind you of what you own and that you can "shop in your closet" and not buy new things.

Now as to whether or not I will make time to inventory . . . probably for a cold afternoon.

I'd recommend this book as well as her other two books. Nina's writing is to the point and I think her advice is sound.
Profile Image for Sonja Isaacson.
432 reviews20 followers
February 24, 2012
Nina talks too much and should just cut to the chase. I don't think she addresses much about defining one's personal style. Really what will inventorying one's wardrobe accomplish? Determine how many belts you have? (I have one... I wear it almost every day with my cell holster attached) And then she doesn't write enough about caring for items and fabrics after saying how important it is. She did have some good ideas about fixing up items and again different things that can be done to a garment when it needs repair or updating. And really, I am not reading HER book to find out more about Michael Kors or Christian Siriano. If I did, I would read things by them. Write your own stuff lady. She did have a lot of store suggestions and websites at the back, and I wish I had bothered to check out a couple of the sites before returning the book to the library. Oh well. No doubt she lists them in other books as well.
Profile Image for J.
998 reviews
November 4, 2012
Quick read. Nina’s voice can be heard through the pages. It is very readable. Nina’s writing skills from Marie Claire are evident.

At first I enjoyed the quotes and female empowering vibe, but it quickly became too much. By page 30, I was definitely annoyed. The quotes often seemed unclear and unrelated to the text. Michelle Obama (ughh) was mentioned multiple times. And yoga.

The author has a shopping obsession, which she references repetitively. It seems a bit unhealthy. She also has a strong high fashion bias. She talks about her “less is more” strategy, but she assumes you are buying less high fashion items. She calls Macy’s low-fashion. I found her tone a bit patronizing at times. Additionally, she assumes the reader has sewing skills when she discusses altering clothing.

She also assumes every women dyes her hair when she states a high-quality cut and dye job is necessary every 6-monthes. Does she think I’m old with grey hair? Or a bottle blond?
Profile Image for Cass.
304 reviews5 followers
January 24, 2020
This book was disappointing- I was hoping for a truly “less is more” approach, but really, Garcia advocated for shopping at cheap discount stores and, for trendy items, endorsed “throwaway chic.” Not truly sustainable, or even “less is more” at all. It was also super New York themed- as a Canadian, a lot of her tips and tricks were pretty inapplicable. The book is a bit dated, as well.

That being said, I liked how much she talked about secondhand shopping, vintage, and mending your clothes. Also, I liked the section about buying good quality basics and upkeeping them to make them last. Overall I would not recommend this book, though. The central ideas have been better approached elsewhere by others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
February 8, 2013
I love Nina Garcia, but of all her books, I think this is the least must-read one. There's some good information, but it's pretty basic. It's still great to read and have for a fashionista, or someone like me who is trying to pare down. Her best tip (in my opinion) was to keep a clothing inventory of what you have, as well as what you need. Keep the list with you, and that way, when you go shopping, you don't end up buying another grey cardigan, even though you already have 3 at home and you buy what you can really use and need.
Profile Image for Kiran.
149 reviews8 followers
May 20, 2011
A bit of a disappointment overall with about fifty-percent of the book useless illustrations and another twenty-percent irrelevant or useless information. When Garcia is not waxing on about inspirational music playlists or the importance of hanging out with the girls, there is some really solid, helpful information on what to look for when purchasing investment pieces. On the upside with a huge chunk of the book illustrations a slow reader can easily finish this book in under an hour.
Profile Image for MaryannC Victorian Dreamer.
563 reviews113 followers
November 16, 2011
Being a big fan of Project Runway I was excited to hear about this book from Nina Garcia and I did like it. It's a bright, colorfully illustrated guide to shopping for certain items that will continue on with or without trends. Nina has her little pithy comments through out the book which I appreciated. I did garner some interesting ideas from this book that I use now in helping me keep my "Fashion Sense" in order.
Profile Image for Relyn.
4,067 reviews72 followers
March 12, 2016
I've already written about how much I like Nina Garcia's books. This one is no different. It's full of great tips and is a fun, light read. It's kind of like spending the afternoon with your most stylish girlfriend.

Nina's writing style is approachable and friendly. Kind of like having a stylish, gorgeous aunt who's willing to share all her tips. As much as her advice, I picked this one up for Ruben Toledo's illustrations. I love his work and they make a great pair.
Profile Image for Rachel Heu.
5 reviews4 followers
July 23, 2013
I liked it. It's not news that you don't have to spend a lot of dough to end up looking stylish and well-dressed, but Nina Garcia gives her take on it and doles out some good advice based on her own experiences. I have to say that Ruben Toledo's illustrations are so cool. I love looking through the book just to see those... and then there are little fun fashion and life-related quotes throughout. A light, fun read.
34 reviews7 followers
September 28, 2009
I was hoping for more tips and tricks from this book. I don't fancy myself as a great fashionista or shopper, but I pretty much knew all the tricks and tips she had to offer. The one thing that I really liked were her lists of all the stores that she shops at online, etc. If you love fashion and style, its probably worth a quick read.
Profile Image for Ashley Turner.
25 reviews15 followers
August 7, 2010
This is one of the best, most useful style books I've ever read. It's actually a realistic approach to building a wardrobe full of fashion AND function using any type of budget and saving money! Good read! Finished it in less than 24 hours and now ready to apply what I've learned to my closet! Well worth the time and money spent on this book!
Profile Image for Christine.
895 reviews15 followers
March 7, 2010
Yet another book about how to clean out your closet, figure out new purchases, etc. Filled with adorable watercolors of imaginary fashionistas and filled with fashion history trivia. Value of book: would be the ideas re: encouraging alterations and buying more expensive pieces to last (but never bringing up the whole cost-per-wear thing, which is kind of strange).
Profile Image for Sophia.
360 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2010
It has great tips to get that timeless look for fewer dollars. Nina Garcia guides you in from how to decide what to keep or throw out in your closet to the building basics that all women should own, from how to be more economical about clothing/makeup/etc. purchases to how to keep your beloved pieces in spectacular shape.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.