Table Of Content

THOU SHALT LOOK FABULOUS. Thank you for purchasing this Gallery Books eBook. Sign up for our newsletter and receive special offers, access to bonus content, and info on the latest new releases and other great eBooks from Gallery Books and Simon & Schuster. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP or visit us online to sign up at eBookNews.SimonandSchuster.com CONTENTS Introduction WHY A HISTORY OF WESTERN FASHION? Chapter 1: Underwear SECURITY VS. FREEDOM Panties, bras, lingerie . . . In defense of the corset Chapter 2: T-Shirts FROM UNDERWEAR TO EVERY WHERE Graphic tees, tank tops, V-necks . . . Why a white T-shirt signals sexual availability Chapter 3: Jeans THE ITALIAN, FRENCH, GERMAN, ENGLISH, INDIAN, ALL-AMERICAN GARMENT Low-rise, boot-cut, skinny . . . Jeans, the great American wardrobe staple Chapter 4: Dresses FROM THE TOGA TO THE WR AP DRESS Cocktails, shifts, sheaths . . . Are you a Cleopatra or a Helen? Chapter 5: Capri Pants andShorts THE PLAGUE ON OUR NATION Bermudas, Daisy Dukes, hot pants . . . From the battlefield to the beach party Chapter 6: Skirts MINI, MIDI, MAXI, AND MORE Pencils, hobbles, poufs . . . The shorter the skirt, the younger—not necessarily the sexier—the look Chapter 7: Belts FRIEND TO SOLDIERS AND VIXENS Cinches, aprons, tool belts . . . Giving shape to the shapeless for thousands of years Chapter 8: Dress Shirts PRUDERY AND PUFFERY Collar stays, secretary blouses, French cuffs . . . Are you button-down casual or buttoned-up dressy? Chapter 9: Ties and Scarves COLOR ME BEAUTIFUL, HERMÈS, AND OTHER CULTS Neckties, bandanas, pashminas . . . Men in the nineteenth century knew dozens of ways to tie a tie; every man today should know at least one. Chapter 10: Vests TAKE THAT, FRANCE! Tweeds, silks, waistcoats . . . Why vests are fashion’s freedom fries Chapter 11: Suits ALL HAIL BEAU BRUMMELL! Business wear, zoots, tuxedos . . . Are you a single-notch or shawl-collar man? Chapter 12: Pants THE TRUTH ABOUT DRESS REFORM Khakis, trousers, cargoes . . . No, leggings are not pants—jeggings either! Chapter 13: Hosiery FROM THE MAYF LOWER TO THE BEDROOM FLOOR Socks, stockings, panty hose . . . Tights should look like tights. Chapter 14: Shoes THE WORLD AT YOUR FEET Heels, boots, slippers . . . The more impractical the shoe, the richer the look Chapter 15: Athletic Wear ATTACK OF THE PLAYCLOTHES Sweat suits, swimwear, hoodies . . . Get thee behind me, yoga pants! Chapter 16: Sweaters KNIGHTS, FISHERMEN, AND SWEATER GIRLS Jerseys, knits, crochets . . . The cavalry has arrived—wearing cardigans. Chapter 17: Coats and Jackets FROM CAVEMEN TO REAL HOUSEWIVES Pelisses, trenches, peacoats . . . Why fur belongs in the dustbin of history Chapter 18: Hats CROWNING GLORY Baseball caps, fedoras, berets . . . The lost etiquette surrounding hats indoors Chapter 19: Gloves THE LONG-LOST LOVE TOKEN Mittens, gauntlets, fingerless . . . Why gloves went the way of the crinoline Chapter 20: Handbags ENEMY OF THE POCKET Purses, clutches, messengers . . . Size matters! Conclusion HOW TO SHOP WITH THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE IN MIND Appendix YOUR CLOSET WORK SHEET Acknowledgments About Tim Gunn Notes Bibliography Dedicated to fashion lovers past, present, and future

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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—