Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet

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Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet

3.71 of 5 stars 3.71 · rating details · 416 ratings · 117 reviews

In the beginning there was the fig leaf... and the toga. Crinolines and ruffs. Chain mailand corsets. What do these antiquated items have to do with the oh-so-twenty-first-century skinny jeans, graphic tee, and sexy pumps you slipped into this morning? Everything! Fashion begets fashion, and life—from economics to politics, weather to warfare, practicality to the utterly...more

Hardcover, 320 pages

Published September 11th 2012 by Gallery Books (first published September 4th 2012)

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Dec 11, 2012 Amy Bunn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction, reviewed

I really admire Tim Gunn, and he seems like he would be a great person to know. He's witty, intelligent, charming, and, of the utmost importance, he seems like an all-around nice guy. (I have to qualify this statement with the word "seem," because apparently TV editing can do wonders at portraying an individual however the producers choose. For all I know, once the cameras are off, he runs around cursing like a sailor and slapping Project Runway Designers upside the head, but I sincerely doubt i...more I really admire Tim Gunn, and he seems like he would be a great person to know. He's witty, intelligent, charming, and, of the utmost importance, he seems like an all-around nice guy. (I have to qualify this statement with the word "seem," because apparently TV editing can do wonders at portraying an individual however the producers choose. For all I know, once the cameras are off, he runs around cursing like a sailor and slapping Project Runway Designers upside the head, but I sincerely doubt it.) I think I'd really enjoy having dinner with him sometime... which I'm sure he will invite me to... any day now.

Even so, I think he'd find my taste in fashion deplorable, and that was why I had to give this book three stars. While it was generally a good book, it left me with a sour taste in my mouth, and a neurosis about my own fashion shortcomings. I suppose I should have expected it, because one of Tim's specialties is providing fashion advice, but truthfully I dove into this book for its descriptive aspects, not its prescriptive. The evolution of culture over time is fascinating, and I was eager to see Tim's take on how fashion had changed over the years and the impetus behind those changes. If the focus stayed merely on that aspect, I would have been more comfortable with it.

As it is, the book is still good, but not what I would call great. (So sorry, Tim, I'm a picky sort.) There were a lot of illustrations, which proved helpful for the fashion-challenged like myself, but there were still moments I wished for more. I also think it would be more helpful for the illustrations to appear in a more coordinated fashion (pun!) with the text. More than a few times, I found myself painstakingly trying to visualize a style he was describing, only to turn the page and find a large depiction of it. If the illustration had been one page earlier, I could have saved myself the trouble.

I was also surprised that there was no chapter on jewelry. There were chapters on undergarments, belts, gloves, handbags, coats, and scarves. Why did jewelry get the short shrift? True, it's a mammoth topic to explore, but a brief overview of this important fashion accessory could have been fascinating. I wonder, for example, when the first evidence of jewelry appears in the archaeological record. Were those early pieces worn for religious or purely decorative reasons? Who first decided to stick a hole in someone's ear, so they could hang a bauble from it? How did men's jewelry differ from women's over time? And how were they similar? And if Tim wanted to move into the prescriptive aspects, he could have discussed what jewelry best complements certain clothing.

Admittedly, part of my problem with this book-the tendency for it to tell a reader what should or shouldn't be worn-traces back to my own shortcomings in the area of fashion. Still, I'm curious what Tim's work could have been if he'd laid off the advice a little bit, and spent more time on the history.

And Tim, while you're reading this, (As I know you inevitably will, because what author doesn't read every single review and commentary on his work? ;)) please keep in mind that my lukewarm review of this book does not reflect my overall opinion of you. You rock (or seem to), and I welcome your... forthcoming... very soon... invitation to dinner! :)(less)

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May 16, 2013 Tsedai rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reference, sewing

I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I would have to say that of the three books Tim has written, this is by far the best. It is interesting and informative, but Tim's voice still comes through and prevents this book from being a dry history of clothing. Though this book looks at fashion dating back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, the primary focus is on the rise of American fashion (and how WWII helped American designers become unique and innovative instead of just being European copy...more I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I would have to say that of the three books Tim has written, this is by far the best. It is interesting and informative, but Tim's voice still comes through and prevents this book from being a dry history of clothing. Though this book looks at fashion dating back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, the primary focus is on the rise of American fashion (and how WWII helped American designers become unique and innovative instead of just being European copycats), how fashion has evolved and changed through the decades, and how everything we wear today is really a derivative of history.

This book actually has a fascinating structure, where, instead of focusing on chronological eras of fashion, Tim actually discusses individual items of clothing instead. I actually really liked the way this book was structured. I felt like focusing on the evolution of a specific type of garment gave a very cohesive feel to the chapters, although Tim's writing style, as I have mentioned in my reviews of his previous books, can occasionally have a rambling feel to it. I do think that Tim's passion for history, fashion, and education is evident in his writing though.

One thing I did like about this book is that it focused on both women's and men's clothing history. While some chapters (like Dresses) focused more on women's clothes and others (like Dress Shirts) were geared more towards men, I thought it was good and equally interesting to read about both. Another thing I really liked about this book is that there were side boxes full of useful information about modern clothing styles. For example, I now know the difference between hotpants, short-shorts, regular shorts, Bermuda shorts, culottes, gauchos, pedal-pushers, and capris. Yes, these are technically different and depend on subtle differences in length. There are also helpful tips about appropriate styles and situations for wearing clothes in the modern day. I have only one minor quibble - this book is not the best for bedtime reading - it is full of pictures and images from history, movies, and art which completely enhance the points made throughout the text, but also make the book a bit heavy and awkwardly shaped for cozy reading in bed. I think the great information and lovely glossy photos make up fot that though.

Another feature I liked about this book is that, though it focuses on the history of fashion, Tim also makes the reader think about how this actually applies to them and their modern wardrobe. In the Conclusion and Appendix, Tim (and co-author Ada Calhoun) encourage the reader to really assess their own wardrobe, what function it needs to serve, what sort of style they have (or want to have). I appreciate that while Tim is (very) critical of certain styles of clothing, he is still encouraging and sympathetic with his readership and admits that creating a functional wardrobe can be a bit daunting. I also like the fact that while Tim appreciates quality textiles and craftsmanship (most noticeable in his discussion of suits), he is still critical of unnecessary excess and expense (most noticeable in his discussion of handbags). He is very practical about fashion; it is clear he thinks that everyone should take care in appearance and try to cultivate a personal style, but he also feels that fashion needs to fit into a lifestyle and not dictate it. I rather enjoyed his discussion over the hypocritical notion that a woman is simultaneously criticized for not looking her best but also for wasting time thinking about the trivialities of appearance and fashion.

Overall I would have to say that this is a fabulous book and I am so happy I read it. Clearly, it isn't an exhaustive history of fashion, and probably wouldn't be of interest to serious scholars or fashion historians. However, for those of us who are interested in a comprehensive, interesting, and fun overview of fashion history this is a great book. It is my favorite of Tim's books so far, as it feel more informative that Guide to Style and more focused than Gunn's Golden Rules. It is evident that despite all of the hats he wears, Tim Gunn is truly gifted as an educator, because he makes learning fun. I certainly have more appreciation for today's fashions, and a greater interest in learning about fashions of the past. This was an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it to others.(less)

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Dec 03, 2012 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am not a fashion maven of any sort! I dont really even think about what I put on every day. However, I am a big fan of Tim Gunn. After watching him for many seasons on Project Runway, I love this man. He comes across on television as witty and fabulous, someone you would want as a close friend. His writing is even better! It takes talent to write a book about the condensed history of fashion and make it interesting--especially for us non-fashionistas! He has nailed it! This book is a fun overv...more

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Nov 20, 2012 Marcie rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Until...the Regency period..., daily bathing was far from common. The first deodorant wasn't patented until 1888. For thousands of years, people were grubby and literally lousy with bugs. A 1900 medical paper found that in the huge skirts that were the fashion of the day there were found large colonies of germs, including those of tuberculosis, typhoid, tetanus, influenza." Ewwwww!!! Awesome!! But they look so magnificent in their oil painting-portrait! lol

Also, CoCo Chanel is the sh**! "Look a...more

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Nov 13, 2012 David rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tim Gunn's writing style is extremely conversational and easy to read, and his voice (as heard on "Project Runway") comes through loud and clear. This book is great and highly addictive - I had not intended to read it, but Sarah brought it home and when I was leafing through it it completely hooked me.

Gunn unsurprisingly has a lot so say, and has strong opinions about w,hat looks good, what doesn't, and although this is ostensibly more of a history book it contains a tremendous amount of his pe...more Tim Gunn's writing style is extremely conversational and easy to read, and his voice (as heard on "Project Runway") comes through loud and clear. This book is great and highly addictive - I had not intended to read it, but Sarah brought it home and when I was leafing through it it completely hooked me.

Gunn unsurprisingly has a lot so say, and has strong opinions about w,hat looks good, what doesn't, and although this is ostensibly more of a history book it contains a tremendous amount of his perspective on what works (and how to "make it work" as he would say). He bemoans the creeping casualness of clothing - that yoga pants, tee shirts, and jeans have pretty much eaten the entire American wardrobe. His perspective is that clothing is a language by which you can express yourself, and limiting yourself to one mode of expression is like only learning twenty words - you might get by, but you'll certainly miss out on some conversations with interesting people!

Some particular targets of his ire and wit are the cargo Capri pant, which bulks up women's legs while making them look shorter and heavier, yoga pants (which he says properly belong in a gym, not in the grocery store), the fanny pack (about which the less said the better), five-fingers shoes (he says "when exercising only!"), baseball caps worn indoors, and sweatpants on men (see yoga pants above). He points out that if you run into an ex in the grocery store, don't you want to look put together? A fortiori if it's someone more important!

One refreshing thing abut Gunn's writing is s humility: in the section about neckties, he talks about how costume designer Rita Ryack taught him a tremendous amount, including finally cracking the pocket square code (complimentary rather than matching, color and pattern). All though the book, he lists his influences, and talks about the people who have taught him and others, praising many designers greatly (with a few choice words for some design failures along the way).

I think the book does well as an occasional reference ("I need some new ties, what does Tim say?") and also as a lighthearted, fun way to think about clothing and how the choices we make influence the impressions we convey. Recommended.(less)

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Oct 24, 2012 Rebecca E. rated it 5 of 5 stars

I try to invoke the spirit of Tim Gunn each and every day, and I am a better person when I succeed. Gunn embodies two seeming contradictions and, in the process, has gone a long way to elevate the fashion conversation. First, he is a gay man in the fashion industry who is his own complex person -- no condescending to "bitchy diva" or "every gal's darling, dishy best friend" stereotypes. Second, his books about fashion are written for educated adults; he avoids "let's deconstruct the trope of the...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Scott Fabel rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am not the most fashionable person in the world. Even so, I try to look my best. I love Project Runway, but they mostly show women's clothing. When I heard that Tim Gunn wrote a fashion book, I thought that it would be mainly about women's clothing. It is not. It's a great book that is written by someone I admire greatly. As a mentor to many of my own students, I hope--one day--to be as good a mentor as Tim Gunn is! The book has many attributes that convinced me it was worth five stars: First,...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Bianca Woods rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished-in-2012, own

I adored Gunn's other books but, while I liked this one, it's not my favourite things he's written. There was a bit too much meandering (like an easily distracted lecturer) on each topic and, for a book presenting itself as a "fashion bible", it could have used a bit more focus... well, and content too. Some of the sections struck me as a bit light on unable information about the theme of the chapter.

As well, some of his fashion advice struck me as a bit narrow minded. For instance, his hate of...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Pamela rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: disappointing, pointless

A more proper title for this book would be: Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible: Tim Gunn's Opinion on Clothes, with History in a Walk-On Role.

I used to really like Tim Gunn. I love Project Runway, and he can be very grounding for the contestants. However, I then think about the things I don't like about Tim Gunn. He once called a model "zaftig" and blamed her for a contestant's ill-fitting clothes. My reaction to this was something like HULK SMASH!!!! He also seems to be a walking catchphrase. However, at...more A more proper title for this book would be: Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible: Tim Gunn's Opinion on Clothes, with History in a Walk-On Role.

I used to really like Tim Gunn. I love Project Runway, and he can be very grounding for the contestants. However, I then think about the things I don't like about Tim Gunn. He once called a model "zaftig" and blamed her for a contestant's ill-fitting clothes. My reaction to this was something like HULK SMASH!!!! He also seems to be a walking catchphrase. However, at other times I feel like he'd be a lot of fun to have a kaffeeklatsch with.

Gunn freely admits to the fact that this is not an exhaustive history of clothing, or even Western clothing. It's a sort of overview, and he encourages readers to educate themselves further by picking up more in-depth, scholarly works. I applaud this. Too often, Famous People Who Write Books present themselves and their product as the end-all-be-all of .

However. I found very little substance here, and too much of Tim Gunn holding forth on why he likes or dislikes a certain style of clothing. He often links a certain style with a moral judgement, and while this may be human nature, it's not right. For example, if you wear cargo capris, you are Sartorially Inept, a slob, and someone who's given up on themselves. Or ... you just might feel comfy in cargo capris. If this were really a history, he would note who first conceived of the cargo capri, and social factors into their popularity, etc. Mostly we get a rant about how they are ugly and unflattering (note: I do agree with him on the aesthetics).

The chapter on suiting, as well as the chapter on vests (mostly there is a chapter on vests because Tim Gunn likes vests) engages in a lot of French-bashing. Evidently, the English "invented" the vest. In order to be patriotic, therefore, Gunn suggests: "Maybe instead we should have gone with the seventeenth-century British strategy and all taken to wearing vests." Oooh, ow, that hurts! Everyone's wearing vests! In that chapter, there also seems to be an implicit link between being American and being British, as if everyone who lives in the U.S. is somehow indebted to the British for design and should aspire to that aesthetic. This is more than slightly inaccurate.

However, the thing that really got me (and as you can tell, I had a lot of angry feelings, mixed up with boredom) was the chapter on undergarments. Really, I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out Gunn was sponsored by Spanx or something. If this were Tim Gunn's world, everyone (and I mean everyone--you too, dudes) would be wearing shapewear. The absolute last thing I want to do is wrangle myself into some stretchy corset-by-another-name in order to wear some goofy dress, or present a slimmer profile. Way to reinforce body image stereotypes! Thou shalt be thin! If thou be not thin and sculpted, thou shalt wear undergarments that squash thy body into the media ideal!

HULK SMASH!

He even presents corseting as a good thing (!!!) and seems to thing we'd all be better if we went back to lacing ourselves up every day. I know that some women today wear corsets because they want to, or because they feel more supported and have less back pain, and hey, more power to them! But I do not subscribe to the view that the corset of times past was somehow liberating because it made your clothes look good.

I got halfway through the book, and just started saying to myself, "I cannot ... I just canNOT with this book!" And thus, it is abandoned, and will be returned to the library. You are free to vilify me for reviewing a book I haven't actually finished (gasp!), but I have a feeling that it's all in the same vein.

P.S. Don't forget your corset.(less)

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Jan 21, 2013 Leigh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

This book isn't really directed at serious fashionistas, but even as someone who enjoys the history and terminology of fashion, I was able to find new little nuggets to learn from everyone's favorite dapper uncle, Tim Gunn.

It's chatty and informative, without being gossipy, but still retains enough of Gunn's intellectual wit and professorial charm to keep it smart and interesting. It's a quick read with textbook-esque photos and insets, and concludes with a review and tips to enhance your own w...more

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Dec 12, 2012 Martha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: textiles

It's not really clear to me exactly what this book is supposed to be! There are lots of exclamation points throughout the text, giving it a dramatic quality, but there is also a fascinating array of facts about the clothes we wear and their history. Something like fashion history disguising as pop culture. Attitude and opinion are sprinkled in like grains of pepper, which seems to reflect the author's personality and persona as host of Project Runway. Trends and fads throughout the ages as well...more

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Nov 09, 2012 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, nonfiction

The title of this book accurately summarizes its contents--

Tim Gunn: author and source of too many anecdotes. Check.
Fashion: he makes a case for this word versus "style". Check.
Bible: verses used are taken out of context. Check.
Fascinating History: 100%! Check.
Everything in Your Closet: right down to the underwear. Check.

But the reason this is only getting two stars? Not enough pictures!

Gunn would often reference how a particular piece of clothing has changed over the course of time, and of the...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Steven rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: culture, design

Fashion plate, clothes horse or Beau Brummell have never been used to describe me. I'm not fond of shopping and I'm not a snappy dresser. However, I am fascinated by period fashions, and the history angle of this title pulled me in. Plus, I really admire Tim Gunn. He strikes me as a no-nonsense kind of guy, something rather rare in the world of fashion. He's my favorite thing about Project Runway.

The style is breezy, in a word. When I saw that it was co-authored, I thought, "Uh, oh, ghost writer...more

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Dec 10, 2012 Phyllis rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: advice-for-ladies, fashion

What a strange creature this book is. It is a chimera with the body of a fashion history text, the head of a style advice book for ladies, and the tail of a "ruminations from some famous person on TV type" book. The style advice pops up in the midst of the historical context throughout the book, and then at the end there's a very, very brief appendix reiterating what every style advice book in the history of the world says about evaluating your closet. It seems very phoned in, and I have a funny...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Meghan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction, fashion

We are cursed to live in the age of the fashion ascendance of the capri cargo pant. This book argues that people in general would be happier if their clothes were a little more uncomfortable, or at least if they wore "sweatsuit alternatives" as opposed to actual sweatsuits.

Tim Gunn offers a quick look at all sorts of garments and the history of their development, from gloves to dresses to the suit. Sometimes he offers his analysis, as when he says there are two main dress silhouettes - draped o...more

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Sep 30, 2012 Shelley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: media, history

I love Tim Gunn. This walks you through fashion history, garment by garment, and I loved it. It was super interesting and filled with classic Tim lines like, "The fall 2010 collections were full of black and white stripes similar to the original Breton. No one needs to know that those stripes were originally created to help sailors spot their drowning crew-mates bobbing in the ocean, but doesn't that information make a trip to Style.com that much more fun?" Yep. It totally does.

There's are also...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was looking forward to this book as a fan of both Tim Gunn and Project Runway, and also as a philistine who knows little about fashion but wants to learn more.

Tim Gunn knows his audience, and has created a history of western fashion for the Project Runway crowd. The good news is that he is as approachable and entertaining in print as he is on television. Each chapter covers a different article of clothing, covering its history from its origin - sometimes in prehistoric times - up to today. Th...more I was looking forward to this book as a fan of both Tim Gunn and Project Runway, and also as a philistine who knows little about fashion but wants to learn more.

Tim Gunn knows his audience, and has created a history of western fashion for the Project Runway crowd. The good news is that he is as approachable and entertaining in print as he is on television. Each chapter covers a different article of clothing, covering its history from its origin - sometimes in prehistoric times - up to today. The discussion is breezy and accessible, peppered with Tim's amusing anecdotes, fashion judgments, and tips for helping you sort out your own style and wardrobe.

A running theme throughout the book is that nearly all the garments and styles we now take for granted have appeared in some form in different past eras. Styles and trends change - often dramatically - over the years, and fashion both reflects societal norms and influences them.

Gunn also takes the time to urge readers to upgrade their looks and personal style. If your entire closet contains T-shirts, jeans, and some athletic wear, you basically have a very stunted vocabulary for your own personal self-expression. Gunn feels that people should care about how they look, and the current trend towards ultra-casual wear basically creates a situation where we are all desensitized to the fact that most people in public look less than presentable. Gunn also urges readers to have fun while developing their wardrobe and style.

The final chapter is a wardrobe makeover, with worksheets, measurement charts for men and women, and a guided interview for evaluating your own closet.

For all of the things I liked about this book, it also left me wanting. It barely scratches the surface - the topic of fashion history in the western world is simply too large for one book to cover. Gunn deliberately tries to keep things accessible and away from the language of designers/academics, but sometimes I felt the discussion was too superficial or too simplified.

The book also badly needs more pictures. There are several, often with a funny pop-culture reference, but oftentimes Gunn refers to a type of garment and with no picture, it is hard to appreciate it. I had to have Google/Wikipedia handy to search for sample pictures of things ranging from crinolines to porkpie hats to Elsa Schiaparelli's bowtie dress. I do have some sympathy, as I feel that to illustrate the book appropriately for dunces like me would easily double or even triple the page count.

Finally, Tim's writing style, while light and amusing, often takes off on tangents and has some awkward flow issues. Frequently a new paragraph begins with "Speaking of...." or "Let's talk about....", which is invariably an abrupt change of subject.

Still, I had fun, and if you're a fan of Project Runway or fashion in general you will like this book.(less)

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Oct 29, 2012 Beatnik Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars

http://www.cozylittlebookjournal.com/...

Recently The Bloggess Jenny Lawson asked on her blog, "Which of your heroes would you like to meet in real life, without worrying they would disappoint you?" For me, I think it would be Tim Gunn. I bet he would be the same in person as he is on TV--upbeat, approachable, knowledgeable and honest. That's certainly how he is in his books. His latest, Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible, is a fascinating history of everything from handbags to hosiery and everything in be...more

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May 19, 2013 Jaimie rated it 5 of 5 stars

For anyone who is interested in fashion history, but doesn't want to delve into the weighty and academic tomes that chronicle fashion history through the ages, this book is the perfect starter course. Gunn's patent sarcasm-lite and extensive knowledge of American fashion (and fashion trivia from all over) is put to good use in this book which educates and entertains all in one. I especially like the worksheet that is included as an appendix, because it's highly useful to everyone who has a messy...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Kim Olson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ever wonder how the high heel originated, why people were so nervous about women wearing pants in the 1940s, or why men's shirts button differently than women's? Tim Gunn answers these questions and others in his latest book, in which he dishes out scads of interesting fashion history tidbits.

Each chapter covers a particular garment or accessory--jeans, dresses, suits, handbags--with Gunn sharing some of the cultural, economic, and political forces that led to their creation and affected their d...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: beauty-and-fashion, nonfiction

Love, love, love. Seriously. LOVE.

Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible is essentially a brief history of clothing. He hits all of the high (and legitimately interesting) points without getting bogged down by technicalities and the stuffy dryness that so often comes with history. The book is light, witty, and informative.

What I Liked:
- Tim Gunn hates the same things that I hate! Jeggings, fanny packs, sloppy workout gear, the term "wifebeater"...
- His absolutely sincere lament at the loss of gloves as everyd...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tim Gunn teaches you everything you need to know about the clothes we wear & no longer wear. He gives a quick tour of the major garments humans have worn throughout history; he even goes back to prehistoric times. I enjoyed learning about different fashion trends and the hows and whys they came and went. My favorite parts were when Gunn gave his own opinion on various articles of clothing, like when they should or should not be worn; like no pajamas in public - ever! It was interesting to se...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Glennis rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read this book in bits and pieces over a period of time that worked out well since each chapter covered a different piece of clothing. Nothing was gone into huge detail but there were numerous footnotes and several other books were mentioned that would cover a certain article of clothing in much greater detail. Bits of fashion advice were sprinkled throughout the book and neat tidbits of history as well. A good gift book for someone fashion forward to see the roots of what they love so much.

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Nov 28, 2012 Rosanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

If you are new to fashion history, but have an interest, this is the book for you. In his cozy, chatty style, Tim Gunn uses many of the items found in anyone's closet to give a brief history of the item and then a modern commentary on how it is being used today. Many of the fashion history tidbits are as fascinating as the title claims. And, when discussing modern dress, Tim Gunn is his usual charming fuss-budget self. All in all, a fun and educational read.

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Oct 24, 2012 Marguerite Czajka rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked it, but it was lighter on the history part than I expected. It did cover a wide range of clothing types. I appreciated his defense of plus sizes, though I would also liked to have seen a comment on tall as well. (I know if you are short, you often have to have clothes taken up and in - but at least that's possible. If you are tall - over 6', not the clothes world tall of 5'8 or 9", 5 or more inches is a big difference - you are stuck with a very small selection.)

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May 11, 2013 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book much better than I thought I would. Mr. Gunn's fashion comments are often a little biting, but in this book it is balanced nicely with great histories of fashion, and helpful graphics explaining the different types of shorts, skirt, pants etc. It's very fun, readable and you absorb the fashion history while better understanding what's in your closet, what looks good on you, and how to look for good quality pieces at the store.

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May 04, 2013 Linda Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tim Gunn is a gentleman. I would love to have lunch with him and listen to his stories, his opinions and his vocabulary! He's so likable. Admittedly, I am a fan of history and more pointedly "the origins" of things and Tim does not disappoint. While this book is not an in-depth fashion lesson it does touch on the genesis of jeans, undergarments, t-shirts,etc. just enough to whet your appetite. His opinions are pretty strong. I know I'll never be a fashion plate, I live in the Midwest, but I try!...more

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Feb 23, 2013 Sharon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great book. I thought this would be more of a 'what to wear' kind of book, but it wasn't (to a degree)
Giving a brief history, as well as a bit of insight into Mr Gunn's life, this book was really intresting, and a informative book on how to be stylish in what you wear.
I liked the fact, that Mr Gunn is well aware of the fact that people come in various shapes and sizes, and does not preach that we all should look like models in order to wear clothes well and be stylish.
Really enjoyed this book, m...more

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Jan 20, 2013 Jenne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiftyfifty-me-2013, nonfiction

The fashion history is interesting, and the illustrations are fun, and the fashion advice is useful, but the best part is Tim Gunn's random asides and reminiscences. The best was when he said something like "one of my favorite parts of Pee Wee's Big Adventure is..." and I was like, ONE of your favorite parts? You have multiple favorite parts of Pee Wee's Big Adventure?? Tim Gunn you are adorable.

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Jan 30, 2013 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is a lot of fun, especially for "Project Runway" and Tim Gunn fans, and the author's voice and sense of humor (and style) shine through in an appealing way. Full of "gee, who knew?" information and helpful sidebars on how to choose clothing that fits. Warning: your current wardrobe may seem ready for a makeover after you read Gunn's advice. Too bad you can't check out a new wardrobe after you return the book to the library!

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About Tim Gunn

Timothy M. Gunn is an American fashion consultant and television personality. He was chair of fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design from August 2000 to March 2007 and is well-known as on-air mentor to designers on the Bravo reality television program Project Runway. Gunn's popularity on Project Runway led to his spin-off show, Bravo's Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, as well as his book A...more

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Books by Tim Gunn

Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work

Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style

Tim Gunn in Conversation with Budd Mishkin by Tim Gunn (Audio Book)

Fashion Inside Out: Daniel V's Guide to How Style Happens from Inspiration to Runway and Beyond

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Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet

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