Style Bible: What to Wear to Work

by Lauren A. Rothman

First impressions (and second ones!) count, whether you are an intern or a CEO. Lauren A. Rothman addresses an age-old how to be appropriate and stylish in the workplace. Based on a decade of experience in the fashion industry, she
addresses the basics of fashion and executive presence by offering advice, anecdotes, and style alerts that help readers avoid major fashion faux pas at the office. Style What to Wear to Work is the must-have resource for the modern professional, male or female, climbing the ladder of success. Lauren identifies the ultimate wardrobe essentials, and reveals shopping strategies and destinations for the everyday person. Style Bible, complete with helpful illustrations,is the go-to manual on how to dress for every professional occasion and a valuable resource for understanding dress codes by industry, city, and gender so that your visual cues will make a strong impact. Make a commitment to being better dressed at work with Style Bible.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion, Self Help

230 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2013

Reviews

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Lauren lives with her husband, son, and pink-toenail-polished Dogue de Bordeaux in McLean, Virginia." Gag. I did find this book practical and helpful, and I picked up more than a few pointers; I feel much more prepared to go shopping and realize I've been making a lot of mistakes- there is an easier and cheaper way to project a nice, neat, professional appearance (third piece!). I wish there had been more pictures or examples of specific items. Not my typical genre; received this as a gift, but I'm glad I read it.

[The Rad Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too sexist...

[Mrs AB McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was easy to read and truly a great book to read when you are looking for a refresh, especially as we get older and the world of style is changing so much. Lauren focuses on the essentials that don't go out of style and the easy way she writes made this quickly consumable and I have already implemented changes! Great writing, storytelling and expert advice.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide for men and women on what to wear in the workplace, especially for me considering I know very little. Also offers great pointers in how to properly condense your closet and shop on a low budget to get the best bang for your buck.

[CharlotteReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very helpful with many very solid tips. This does not have a lot of fancy pictures-- it is rather an approach of how to present your best you to move forward in the way you would like. It also has great resources.

[Elizabeth Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent tips for professional women looking to "step it up a bit" on fashion, makeup, and appearance. I found her attitude and writing to be straightforward and practical, without being preachy or judgmental. I very much enjoyed this book.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new or earth shattering here.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few useful tidbits. Author is a little “old school” but I understand her points. She is not prescribing how things should be rather she is teaching how to respond to current reality.

[AnnGene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is geared more towards millennials who are getting their first job rather than professionals who are looking for style suggestions. No real useful information is provided.

[Phạm Hiền · Rating 2 out of 5]

Go through few first pages and quite sure that I couldn't make it to the end.

[Brad Felix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and informative read. A sanity check for professionals who often only get to imitate their culture or boss' style.

Here are the quick bullets for Men:
-Match socks to dress pants, not shoes
-Buy your appropriate fit - "slim fit" or "ultra slim fit" no longer unique
-Shirts: non-iron, wrinkle free, arm length should extend past wristbone
-Suit/Blazer: Shirt should be about a quarter to half inch below jacket cuff; jacket will end at or around wristbone
-Pleated pants are outdated; don't wear them
-Splurge on nice shoes and a watch - investment pieces
-"The scale of the pattern on your tie can be larger or smaller than that of your shirt, but it should not be the same. Similarly, the scale of stripes or pattern on your suit or sport coat should be different from that of your shirt"


Shop "fit" over quality. Author strongly encouraged use of fast-fashion clothes designed to wear out quickly. Perhaps this lines up with "made for outlet" merchandise at most outlet malls.

[BarbaraCF · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great insight into what to wear at work and every day.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent tips for professional women looking to "step it up a bit" on fashion, makeup, and appearance. I found her attitude and writing to be straightforward and practical, without being preachy or judgmental. I very much enjoyed this book.

[Mark Yoshida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some good tips, but I would've preferred more general suggestions and ideas. Book would've been significantly improved w/ illustrations.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really is timeless advice. It would have been so easy to make it dated like other fashion guides. It is the primer I wish I had had 20 years ago. Changed my perceptions in a fundamental way.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basics, just wish it was just for women. I skipped a bunch of men's chapters.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

No pictures, lots of bragging, and some good information. So-so...