Men's Style: The Thinking Man's Guide to Dress

by Russell Smith, Edwin Fotheringham

Men’s Style is a personal and knowledgeable compendium of tasteful advice for the thinking man on how to dress and shop for clothes in a world of conflicting fashion imperatives. This sophisticated and witty book by the popular Globe and Mail columnist combines nuggets of history and the sociology of masculine attire with a practical and supremely useful guide to achieving an elegant and affordable wardrobe for work and play.

In chapters and amusing sidebars on shoes, suits, shirts and ties, formal and casual wear, underwear and swimsuits, cufflinks and watches, coats, hats, and scarves, Russell Smith steers a confident course between the hazards of blandness and vulgarity to articulate a philosophy of dress that can take you anywhere. He tells you what the rules are for looking the part at the office, a formal function, or the hippest party, and when you can toss those rules aside.

Men’s Style is supplemented throughout with fifty black-and-white illustrations and diagrams by illustrator Edwin Fotheringham.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion, Business, Personal Development, Personal Growth, Reference, Cultural

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 20, 2005

About the author

Russell Claude Smith is a Canadian writer and newspaper columnist. Smith's novels and short stories are mostly set in Toronto, where he lives.

Smith grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He attended the Halifax Grammar School and Queen Elizabeth High School, and studied French literature at Queen's University, the University of Poitiers, and the University of Paris III. He has an MA in French from Queen's.

Russell Smith is one of Canada’s funniest and nastiest writers. His previous novels, including How Insensitive and Girl Crazy, are records of urban frenzy and exciting underworlds. He writes a provocative weekly column on the arts in the national Globe and Mail, and teaches in the MFA program at the University of Guelph. He hates folk music.

Reviews

[AgustinCB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book after listening to the author in the podcast The Art of Manliness (episode 174). I had absolutely no idea about style whatsoever and the subject itself seemed uninteresting and unnecessarily complicated. During the podcast, the author made enough of a good case about the subject to convince me to give it a try.

Frankly, the book was an absolute delight. It didn't feel like someone trying to indoctrinate me ("YOU SHOULD GO EVERYWHERE WITH SHIRT AND TIE FROM TOMORROW") but rather explain the basic rules of the game, give me enough information to make my own decisions about how I want to look and some basic guidance about common errors. I was able to start applying the advice right away and noticed improvement as soon as I did.

The prose is also easy to ready, the author has a dry, visual sense of humor that makes it a delight to follow. He also makes a point in differentiating between his own opinion and what the fashion industry dictates, which gives him some extra credibility.

If you are like me, an absolute beginner with a cynic view on the matter, but willing to learn a thing or two, "Men's Style: The Thinking Man's Guide to Dress" is a must.

[Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. I couldn't put it down. For someone who has gone against the trend of informality, this book felt to me like a much-needed manifesto for a return to elegance and good taste. Society is seriously in need of reconsidering 'street fashion'. I never understood why anyone would like to be seen in ragged clothes, unkempt facial hair and bling. Why not project being smart, sensible and… yes, even power! Smith covers almost every piece of clothing that a 'grown-up' man would wear (there's nothing about sweaters, though), as well as accessories (he despises giant Rolex watches as much as I do) and grooming. Very highly recommended to men who wish to transition from boyish fashion to adult style.

[SelfBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Men's Style: The Thinking Man's Guide to Dress, Russell Smith delivers a witty and insightful manual for men who want to master the art of dressing well without falling for fleeting trends. Combining cultural commentary with practical advice, Smith demystifies the rules of classic menswear — from suits and shirts to shoes and accessories — while exploring how style reflects personality and confidence. With humor and real-world examples, he encourages readers to invest in timeless pieces, pay attention to fit, and develop an eye for detail. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their wardrobe, this guide is a smart, accessible resource for dressing with intention and ease.

[Ryan Carignan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bland take on the principles of menswear and not worth the money or the time you could spend to read it. God bless and have a great day!

[Marshall Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Should buy.

[Jeremy Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sassy. The art budget could have been a bit higher; it could use some nice photography to accompany the sass. Still, highly entertaining, even if you have to take some of the guidelines with a grain of salt.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smith's perspective is from a very privileged position and smacks of elitism. That said the information is sound, if filled with the author's self-aware opinions.
While pompous the author does include some humor. I have to admit my appreciation for Smith's Canadian perspective as well.

[Melvin Marsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't say this is what I was expecting. The primary focus was on suits. That is not what I was looking for as someone who already has such things. I was hoping to find out how to look better when I dress casually.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smith is a witty, knowledgeable author whose writing is exceptionally beautiful. This book is a unique mix of history, culture, personal advice and idiosyncrasy. I loved it.

[Youngki.bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written introduction to the details that the fashionable man should pay attention to, regardless of his budgetary limitations.

[Sourabh Dhingra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great read but the content on hair and scent could have been better. Even though It is highly informative when it comes to Suits and shoes.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book to skill up on etiquette when it comes to dressing up. You gain some necessary knowledge which will help to shape some decisions around choice of suit, shirt, tie, etc.

[Susan Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy and simple guidelines. Fun tone of voice.

[Neechi · Rating 3 out of 5]

... a refreshing albeit tiring read featuring lots of witty humor.

[dom · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice and short, covers just about everything. great primer.

[Basilius]

Above all: Stop feeling guilty about vanity. A sensual pleasure in surfaces is a sign of artistic sensitivity.

Embarrassing, but I forgot almost everything in this book once I finished it. I think it’s because it’s more about Russell Smith’s views on Men’s Style than it is about “The Thinking Man’s Guide to Dress.” I've read some informative and insightful essays on clothes, and picked this up as a more detailed guide, but I think everything was just a verbose repeat of the basics. Smith makes assertions rather than arguments, and I really don’t care about the history of style, so it simply didn’t work for me.

What I did enjoy was the introduction, where Smith defends the need for style, and criticizes those who ignore fashion out of indifference or scorn. It’s a wonderful call to make yourself more visually aesthetic, and how this reflects a duplicate inner quality. Perfect inspiration, though better for someone who won’t buy this book, than someone who will.

Anyways, I won’t rate for now because I feel like I’m doing Smith injustice. I’ll read it again later and write a more in-depth review.