Whether you've decided to finally clean out your overstuffed closet, or have set out on a full-blown fashion identity quest, there's sure to be a guide that's perfect for helping you to achieve style resolution success. Here are some favorites direct from my own bookshelf. Happy reading.
1. What You Wear Can Change Your Life - by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine
This out-of-print wonder is still my favorite book for the basics of putting together an outfit that is flattering. The best part is a super in-depth, illustrated explanation of which colors go well together. I can't recommend it enough.
→ Buy What You Wear Can Change Your Life, from $1.12, at amazon.com.
2. The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own - by Nina Garcia
If you've resolved to build a classic wardrobe that will serve you well for years, this is your book. Nina Garcia has created a classic wardrobe shopping list that is second to none.
→ Buy The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own, $16.98, at amazon.com.
3. The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style: How to Wear Iconic Looks and Make Them Your Own - by Kim France and Andrea Linett
If you already have a good idea of your personal style-- from California girl, to Euro chic, to rocker-- and want to refine and expand on that look, this book has your back. It details how to build a wardrobe that reflects each style, regardless of budget, and how to remix the pieces for endless options.
→ Buy The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style: How to Wear Iconic Looks and Make Them Your Own, $21.90, at amazon.com.
4. Who What Wear: Celebrity and Runway Style for Real Life - by Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power
If you are still floundering in fashion, envying those who have a defined style, then check out this book. While it covers trend interpretation from all angles, its pages on finding style inspiration are particularly useful.
→ Buy Who What Wear: Celebrity and Runway Style for Real Life, $14.86, at amazon.com.
5. That Extra Half an Inch: Hair, Heels and Everything in Between - by Victoria Beckham
If you've always wanted to exude style in everything you do, take a few pointers from Victoria Beckham. While not all of her advice is practical, you'll find more than a few gems on how to do everyday situations a little more stylishly-- from heading to work, to picking up the kids at school, to long-distance flying.
→ Buy That Extra Half an Inch: Hair, Heels and Everything in Between, $17.71, at amazon.com.
6. Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour - by Rachel Zoe and Rose Apodaca
Want to live the life of a luxe glamour girl... or at least look like you do? Rachel Zoe's book is full of tips for creating a super glamorous, red carpet-style persona.
→ Buy Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour, $13.84, at amazon.com.
This post originally appeared on January 11, 2010. It has since been updated.
