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Off the Cuff: The Essential Style Guide for Men--And the Women Who Love Them
The famed fashion expert and member of the Queer Eye for the Straight Guy team shares the secrets of men's style, in an irreverent and entertaining guide that explains how to create a fashionable approach that takes into consideration one's unique personality and physique. 100,000 first printing.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
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About the author
Carson Kressley
8 books6 followersCarson Lee Kressley was the fashion expert on the American television program Queer Eye, where he was one of the show's "Fab Five" members.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 23, 2008
My old boss recommended this book to me when I said that I knew dick about men's fashion. The book has some decent advice, but I can't stand Kressley's writing style. How many times did he need to introduce a sentence with the word "people"? Also his snotty decision not to include ironing tips for men's shirts because you should dry clean all your clothes anyway is retarded.
December 24, 2023
::sigh:: OK I realize this book was published almost 20 years ago (2004) but Carson should have known better about the language he was using. No, not the funny exuberant fashion or lifestyle stuff, or gay innuendo. I loved all that stuff. I'm talking about the genuinely mean-spirited jibes which he aims at all sorts of people. I started folding down the corner of the page every time I came across a nasty comment and in the first half of the book (up to page 70) I did this 15 times. That's a lot. And then at the halfway mark, he calmed the hell down and hit his stride and there was nary an offensive remark. So strange.
Page 18: "...flip-flops are more fun than an Asian hooker- at half the cost!"
Page 29: "...will only remind you of that crazy homeless person you saw on your way into work."
Page 32: "...look sexy on almost everyone except the morbidly obese and the manorexic."
Page 64: [silk shirts] "...look like... they're waiting for the next Air India flight to Bombay."
What a jerk.
Page 18: "...flip-flops are more fun than an Asian hooker- at half the cost!"
Page 29: "...will only remind you of that crazy homeless person you saw on your way into work."
Page 32: "...look sexy on almost everyone except the morbidly obese and the manorexic."
Page 64: [silk shirts] "...look like... they're waiting for the next Air India flight to Bombay."
What a jerk.
February 23, 2021
As a CK fan, when his book appeared in my "suggested for you" titles, I of course borrowed it.
The book is pretty much what you would expect if you ever watched, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy or any of the other fashion design shows that Kressley hosted or appeared on. His book sounds exactly like he talks and I heard his voice in my head as I read the book.
The book is funny, enjoyable, and definitely classic Carson Kressley.
The book is pretty much what you would expect if you ever watched, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy or any of the other fashion design shows that Kressley hosted or appeared on. His book sounds exactly like he talks and I heard his voice in my head as I read the book.
The book is funny, enjoyable, and definitely classic Carson Kressley.
December 9, 2012
"Queer Eye for the Straight Guy", along with Carson Kressley, saw their 15 minutes of fame expire several years ago. Still, Kressley does know his stuff (before the TV series, he worked as a stylist for Ralph Lauren) and this book remains as one of the better men's style guides I've read recently.
Like the other style guides I've read, "Off the Cuff" advises readers to steer towards timeless styles and away from the hot trend of the moment. Unlike other books, he actually has a chapter with specific tips to help the reader develop their own sense of personal style.
I found myself in agreement with much of his style advice, though there were some specific things I didn't think were a good idea or would personally never do (for instance, wear a denim jacket underneath a blazer. That is, if I did wear a blazer). I think the reader would do well to read this book with an open yet critical eye - open to new ideas they might incorporate in their wardrobe or personal style (perhaps a lightweight V-neck sweater might be nice winter layering over a dress shirt), and critical of specific style advice they might never need or want (cashmere or pink oxford shirts, for instance). I will say that just about everything he lists in his "wrong answer" sidebars is completely spot-on.
Compared to the "Details" style guide, this one has much more actual words, and more discussion of what to do and what to avoid when assembling a men's wardrobe. And compared to "Color for Men", this book is way more up to date with current trends in men's fashion, but doesn't have as much material on assessing fit, or especially on matching styles to body proportions (which Kressley is admittedly not all that hung-up about).
One note is that "Off the Cuff" uses cartoon-like illustrations throughout, for both levity and teaching purposes. Sometimes that works well - a drawing is sometimes the best way to depict something, such as how to tie a necktie. But sometimes you'd just like to see a photo, for instance to understand a particular style of garment.
Finally, Carson Kressley writes much like he's talking to you, including lots and lots of jokes. Some are truly funny, others are a little off-color - even to a gayboy like me.
I picked this book up used from the San Francisco Public Library book sale.
Like the other style guides I've read, "Off the Cuff" advises readers to steer towards timeless styles and away from the hot trend of the moment. Unlike other books, he actually has a chapter with specific tips to help the reader develop their own sense of personal style.
I found myself in agreement with much of his style advice, though there were some specific things I didn't think were a good idea or would personally never do (for instance, wear a denim jacket underneath a blazer. That is, if I did wear a blazer). I think the reader would do well to read this book with an open yet critical eye - open to new ideas they might incorporate in their wardrobe or personal style (perhaps a lightweight V-neck sweater might be nice winter layering over a dress shirt), and critical of specific style advice they might never need or want (cashmere or pink oxford shirts, for instance). I will say that just about everything he lists in his "wrong answer" sidebars is completely spot-on.
Compared to the "Details" style guide, this one has much more actual words, and more discussion of what to do and what to avoid when assembling a men's wardrobe. And compared to "Color for Men", this book is way more up to date with current trends in men's fashion, but doesn't have as much material on assessing fit, or especially on matching styles to body proportions (which Kressley is admittedly not all that hung-up about).
One note is that "Off the Cuff" uses cartoon-like illustrations throughout, for both levity and teaching purposes. Sometimes that works well - a drawing is sometimes the best way to depict something, such as how to tie a necktie. But sometimes you'd just like to see a photo, for instance to understand a particular style of garment.
Finally, Carson Kressley writes much like he's talking to you, including lots and lots of jokes. Some are truly funny, others are a little off-color - even to a gayboy like me.
I picked this book up used from the San Francisco Public Library book sale.
August 25, 2015
Who knows about style? Why Carson Kressley does! Come on people! You know it!
The book uses language that is only 10 years old, but is as dated as wearing your dad's necktie as a belt. Fortunately, Carson is writing about style, not fashion, so the basic rules remain the same. Like why a man's back should not be so hairy it's mistaken for a sweater. And why men should never wear anything sheer. And to disregard trends.
The book was written with the idea that his suggestions should allow you (a man or a butch lesbian) to dress appropriately for the next 30 or 40 years. So while the language and jokes are off-putting, the information is still completely relevant.
If you can find it at an affordable price, pick it up. In fact, my wife found a copy at a library book sale for 50¢ and gave it to me. Stay gold, pony boy.
Yes, he actually uses a reference to the 1967 SE Hinton novel, The Outsiders. Twice.
Plus P.S. who did not LOVE The Outsiders?! I always wanted to be Dallas Or Johnny. Hell even Ponyboy.
P.S.S. I have no idea why, but I found Carson surprisingly inspirational. So I bought 2 new pairs of khakis, am sprucing up another pair now, tried to buy shoes but was unsuccessful, and actually worked out at the gym this morning for the first time in about 6 months. Go figure.
The book uses language that is only 10 years old, but is as dated as wearing your dad's necktie as a belt. Fortunately, Carson is writing about style, not fashion, so the basic rules remain the same. Like why a man's back should not be so hairy it's mistaken for a sweater. And why men should never wear anything sheer. And to disregard trends.
The book was written with the idea that his suggestions should allow you (a man or a butch lesbian) to dress appropriately for the next 30 or 40 years. So while the language and jokes are off-putting, the information is still completely relevant.
If you can find it at an affordable price, pick it up. In fact, my wife found a copy at a library book sale for 50¢ and gave it to me. Stay gold, pony boy.
Yes, he actually uses a reference to the 1967 SE Hinton novel, The Outsiders. Twice.
Plus P.S. who did not LOVE The Outsiders?! I always wanted to be Dallas Or Johnny. Hell even Ponyboy.
P.S.S. I have no idea why, but I found Carson surprisingly inspirational. So I bought 2 new pairs of khakis, am sprucing up another pair now, tried to buy shoes but was unsuccessful, and actually worked out at the gym this morning for the first time in about 6 months. Go figure.
September 11, 2011
This is a cute book. Carson is so funny - he writes like he talks. I bought this Big Lots for like $3. Spotted it just after Fred asked me if cuffed pants were still "in" or not. I was so surprised he asked (or cared), that I thought I'd find out for myself! Turns out, No, they're not. At least not now. If anyone wants to borrow this for their man, let me know! Apparently men don't need much in the way of apparel, even according to Carson. Now if I can just get Fred to donate what he doesn't wear...
October 2, 2008
First off I love carson to death I think hes incredibly funny and smart and even though I am a woman I found the book to be very well detailed on how a man should dress he makes it fun and informative.
June 14, 2011
A good book in general for guys who would like to look their best. I know it's written by a gay dude, but there is some really good information contained within this book. All guys would benefit from this information, whether you're gay or not.
October 30, 2014
Style is everything and it is something to be in style and know style. In Off the Cuff, Carson Kressley spells out the dos and donts in making someone look and feel good. Full of illustrations and examples, this book is perfect companion and part of any library.
December 23, 2016
This is, in essence a reference book on how to dress. Suitable only for a man who dresses in the fashion style of modern contemporary or European. Not a good reference for the classical dresser or the casual or outdoor type of guy.
February 15, 2008
I just love Carson. Handsome, smart, funny...and oh-so-good at shaping up the men in our lives.
August 10, 2009
Mostly really good fashion advice. I don't agree on 100% cotton for everything, but then I don't like to iron and don't take washable clothes to the dry cleaners.
October 16, 2009
Seriously, SO enlightening about men's fashion. At first, Chuck wanted to burn this book. But after sharing bits with him, now he wants to buy it off Amazon.
January 12, 2010
Pretty much read most of it while at Jer's 27- 30 May 2008
June 2, 2011
Challenges:
Book #133 for 2011
Book #133 for 2011
May 26, 2012
Fashion for men
December 12, 2013
Started off well but the writer digressed way too many times. It was funny, yes, but the writer brought up many unnecessary examples & comparisons.
April 5, 2007
Hilarious. Hates pleated pants.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews