A Guy's Guide to Style

Image of A Guy’s Guide to Style
Author(s): 
Release Date: 
May 5, 2012
Publisher/Imprint: 
HF Ullman
Pages: 
240
Reviewed by: 

“. . . not about brands; he is about style, make, quality, fabric, as well as type of manufacture including machine made, hand finish, handmade, and bespoke. He explains and defines everything you ever wanted to know and more . . .”

This deceptively compact book is chockablock with some of the best and most detailed information for those curious about men’s style and what exactly defines it.

Mr. Roetzel sets up this work in a very appealing way, neither preachy nor pretentious. A Guy’s Guide to Style could be used as a textbook for a course focusing on men’s style.

Mr. Roetzel has managed to really explain the elements of style without saying “you need to wear Brioni suits” or “the only shoes to buy are Lobb” as he delves into the ingredients and necessary knowledge that guide a gentleman toward honing his own personal style.

The original book was written in German and translated for the U.S. and English speaking markets but really does not suffer in the translation. There are a few expressions that are a bit too literal or awkward, but these niggles hardly affect the impact of the author’s exhaustive and thorough examination.

Mr. Roetzel takes the reader through every step of the whys and wherefores concerning almost every single article of clothing or accessory that can be ascribed to men’s style.

The narrative is extremely intelligent in the manner in which the author chooses to present a wealth of information. He is not about brands; he is about style, make, quality, fabric, as well as type of manufacture including machine made, hand finish, handmade, and bespoke. He explains and defines everything you ever wanted to know and more and in a way that escapes the tedium and ennui one would normally experience with a thorough look into a subject most men would benefit exploring.

One would have to say that this book would be a fabulous primer for those just starting out in the world of fashion and those who would like to establish an evolving personal style . . . an interesting source of information for those hungry for the foundational and follow-up knowledge to help establish oneself as an educated consumer.