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Hardcover with dust jacket. Ex-Library with the usual stamps and markings. Moderate edgewear, bumps, and smudging. Good reading copy. All purchases support the Denver Public Library. Thank you. Hardcover with dust jacket. Ex-Library with the usual stamps and markings. Moderate edgewear, bumps, and smudging. Good reading copy. All purchases support the Denver Public Library. Thank you. See less
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What Shall I Wear? Hardcover – November 21, 2012

by Claire McCardell (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars 31 ratings
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The revolutionary fashion designer credited with originating "The American Look," Claire McCardell designed for the emerging active lifestyle of women in the 1940s and '50s.

She was the originator of mix-and-match separates, open-backed sundresses, and feminine denim fashion; she started the trend for ballet flats as a wartime leather-rationing measure. Spaghetti straps, brass hooks and eyes as fasteners, rivets, menswear details and fabrics: they were all started by McCardell. Her Monastic and Pop-over dresses achieved cult status, and her fashions were taken up by working women, the suburban set, and high society alike.

First published in 1956, What Shall I Wear? is a distillation of McCardell's democratic fashion philosophy and a chattily vivacious guide to looking effortlessly stylish. Mostly eschewing Paris, although she studied there and was influenced by Vionnet and Madame Gres, McCardell preferred an unadorned aesthetic; modern and minimalist, elegant and relaxed, even for evening, with wool jersey and tweed among her favorite fabrics.

What Shall I Wear? provides a glimpse into the sources of McCardell's inspiration--travel, sports, the American leisure lifestyle, and her own closet--and  how she transformed them into fashion, all the while approaching design from her chosen vantage point of usefulness. A retro treat for designers and everyone who loves fashion--vintage and contemporary--and teeming with charming illustrations and still-solid advice for finding your own best look, creatively shopping on a budget, and building a real wardrobe that is chic and individual, What Shall I Wear? is a tribute to the American spirit in fashion. 7 color and 5 b/w photographs and more than 150 b/w illustrations
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  1. Print length
    160 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    The Overlook Press
  4. Publication date
    November 21, 2012
  5. Dimensions
    6.32 x 0.7 x 9.29 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1585679704
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1585679706
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The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Claire McCardell's clothes were timeless. She was the first designer to look not to Paris for inspiration but to the needs of the American woman."   — Michael Kors

"What I truly appreciate was her fabric sensibility, even with more constructed fabrics like denim. She made them all look so soft and drapey. The halters she did were so modern. The thing is, you look at some of the things she did, and you can't believe it was the '40s." — Anna Sui

"Humble fabrics and rich designs--Pure Americana! Purely inspirational!McCardell broadened all of our visions and elevated the entire fashion industry to another level." — Geoffrey Beene

"I identify so much with Claire McCardell . . . that I can't believe it." — Isaac Mizrahi

"Her sportiness and chicness for me are definitely revolutionary." — Guillaume Henry, Creative Director, Carven

"Claire McCardell . . . has had tremendous influence on fashion even up to today . . . there is a spirit of independence and humor that transcends the context of the era." — Sarai Mitnick, Coletterie

From the Publisher

"Claire McCardell's clothes were timeless. She was the first designer to look not to Paris for inspiration but to the needs of the American woman." --Michael Kors

"What I truly appreciate was her fabric sensibility, even with more constructed fabrics like denim. She made them all look so soft and drapey. The halters she did were so modern. The thing is, you look at some of the things she did, and you can't believe it was the 40's." --Anna Sui

"I identify so much with Claire McCardell...that I can't believe it." --Isaac Mizrahi

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Overlook Press; 1st edition (November 21, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1585679704
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1585679706
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.32 x 0.7 x 9.29 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 31 ratings

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
31 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's style, with one noting it's written by a goddess of fashion and glamor. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, with customers finding it a great read with timeless advice. Additionally, customers appreciate how the book takes them back in time.

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17 customers mention "Style"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's style, particularly its classic fashion approach and cute illustrations, with one customer noting it provides a realistic discussion on fashion and another describing it as a guide to sensible glamour.

"...The author's ideas are timeless; they include fashion sense, fashion fun, as well as sage guidance tips for dressing your children/teens, delivered..." Read more

"Claire McCardell shares her vision of fashion with a beautifully written book. She changed the world!" Read more

"...This book is like stepping back in time and the illustrations in this book are just lovely. Two of my favorite quotes: “..." Read more

"...proven Claire McCardell was a fashion pioneer whose styles are both timeless and fresh...." Read more

10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fun to read and appreciate its great tips, with one customer noting it provides eternally good advice.

"I am very pleased with the book, it is as described, and was packed extremely well with great attention to protecting the book during transport...." Read more

"...but the rest is spot-on and fun to read. It's a ***** recommendation both if you love fashion and are looking for great personal advice." Read more

"...her own collection of this designer's work. A beautiful, useful book." Read more

"...I found so many great tips and was amazed at the pictures included - these clothes are (for the most part) things that will never go out of..." Read more

3 customers mention "Sensibility"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's sensible approach, with one noting that the author's ideas are timeless.

"...The author's ideas are timeless; they include fashion sense, fashion fun, as well as sage guidance tips for dressing your children/teens, delivered..." Read more

"An extremely fun and sophisticated, realistic discussion on fashion designed to encourage women (who are in shape of course) on what to wear...." Read more

"...take a girl/woman of any age through the paces of looking grand, yet sensible. The perfect gift for a young woman entering the business arena." Read more

3 customers mention "Time travel"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate how the book takes them back in time.

"...This book is like stepping back in time and the illustrations in this book are just lovely. Two of my favorite quotes: “..." Read more

"...to your standard magazine, though conversational and reflective of it's time. The illustrations are pretty cute!" Read more

"Great little book to add to your collection. Takes you back in time. Great illustrations and lots of food for thought!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Samson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, super delivery and book!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I am very pleased with the book, it is as described, and was packed extremely well with great attention to protecting the book during transport. The author's ideas are timeless; they include fashion sense, fashion fun, as well as sage guidance tips for dressing your children/teens, delivered in a no nonsense and friendly manner. Highly recommend the seller and the book! "What Shall I Wear? The What, Where, When and How Much of Fashion" by Claire McCardell, published 1956
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  • bdabb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read. Good advice.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Claire McCardell shares her vision of fashion with a beautifully written book. She changed the world!
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  • Little Miss Fun
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not Worth the Cost (at least the cost that I paid for!)
    Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I heard about this book from Tim Gunn, whom I simply adore. The author, fashion designer Claire Mc Cardell, changed American fashion in her time (1905-1958). She made women’s dresses more comfortable, practical, while maintaining style and elegance. Her dresses had pockets, which few dresses at the time had. Sad to say, dresses with pockets still seem to be a rarity. She also popularized the use of ballet flats.

    Some of the advice in the book is obviously dated, things like dressing to please your husband, but me, being traditional and all, have no problem with that. This book is like stepping back in time and the illustrations in this book are just lovely.

    Two of my favorite quotes:

    “Never too much, never too little, never undue exaggeration, never downright carelessness. Ask yourself first of all: ‘Have I done my best to keep myself trim, without the danger of starvation diets, overexercise? Am I weight-conscious? Do I ever walk?’ Now if there are certain serious disproportions after you have done your part, you will obviously need the support of firmer underthings. But this does not mean punishing, rigid, unrelenting foundations.”

    “Don’t drive your husband and your friends crazy by talking about your diet all the time.”
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Michelle B. Braverman
    5.0 out of 5 stars The book that changed my life
    Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Not the only book, of course, but I was 14 when this was published. It spoke to me and the "me" I wanted to become. Since then I've read it repeatedly to see how I'm doing. I've also photocopied it as gifts to friends for years. How nice that this book is finally republished.
    History has proven Claire McCardell was a fashion pioneer whose styles are both timeless and fresh. Her "fashion philosophy" was based on the belief that your life style and personal style should influence your wardrobe-- lessons still worth learning and remembering.
    Yes, you will need to disregard bits of advice about wearing gloves, etc., but the rest is spot-on and fun to read. It's a ***** recommendation both if you love fashion and are looking for great personal advice.
    13 people found this helpful
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  • BooksReader
    1.0 out of 5 stars apparently ghost-written
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    While reading this simultaneously with Claire McCardell's biography by Kohle Yohannan, I just wasn't hearing her voice in this book. And then Yohannan mentions that this "What Shall I Wear" book was ghost-written. I just couldn't continue with the book after that. It has such an old-fashioned voice, the opposite of Claire McCardell. But definitely read Yohannan's book.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • pebbles
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book for my daughter who has a vintage clothing store. She uses it as a reference. Of course I had to go through it before I gave it to her. I was blown away by the beautiful pictures and the gorgeous styles. My daughter called me a couple days ago to say she found several items by Clair McCardell at an estate sale. She was thrilled that she was able to recognize them and verify what they were. She was also happy that the other buyers didn't. She was able to make a nice purchase to add to her inventory. She is thinking about starting her own collection of this designer's work.
    A beautiful, useful book.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • MiMi
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fashion Endures
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    While some of the advice is quite old-fashioned, the message is timeless. Fashion is not a trend and is more than just an outfit or ensemble, it is timeless and endures when it is right for you. Claire discusses finding your own style and that building your wardrobe with timeless pieces is critical to be fashionable from year to year. I think it is a wonderful read for those interested in fashion, fashion design, or American fashion designers.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Karen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource
    Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    It's kind of surprising this book was written so many years ago. The information it contains, tips and suggestions, are still relevant today. I found so many great tips and was amazed at the pictures included - these clothes are (for the most part) things that will never go out of style.

    Great information on finding and developing your personal style, on any budget.

    This will stay on the shelf with my fashion reference books!
    6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • BB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Wonderfully period but also contains some good advice that still holds.
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  • nathalie girard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tb
    Reviewed in France on April 28, 2019
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  • Mrs B Carroll
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fab book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 21, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    An excellent book to give a glimpse into the past and see that most is relevant now. Great fun. Would recommend.
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  • Elima
    3.0 out of 5 stars period piece
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 2, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I had hoped this book would have more contemporary relevance than it does. The illustrations are delightful and the descriptions of items in Claire McCardell's own wardrobe are mouthwatering but it is aimed at the relatively wealthy American woman of the 1950s, not Everywoman of the 21st century.
    There are useful nuggets of information embedded in the text but you have to search hard to find them. I found Genevieve Antoine-Dariaux's 'A Guide To Elegance' of more practical use.
    But maybe I'm missing the point. Perhaps I should just enjoy the evocation of a particular period in fashion.
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