David CogginsMen and Style: Essays, Interviews and Considerations

This is a book about Style, not Fashion. The author is of a different generation than I am – I am of his father’s generation – in fact his father and I went to High School not 10 miles from each other, at the same time, in the DC suburbs in Virginia. David however, is a New Yorker – that is where he resides, and his attitudes are those of “The City”.In this book the author interviews many men (and a few women) on a variety of subjects that show how they developed their individual styles – suits, ties, scarfs, etc. But, also other subjects outside of mere clothing – what was your first car? Drinking, Hangover cures, etc. – all subjects for this book.I only found one typo in this book – on page 161, in the 10th line the word should be “be” however as printed it is “me”. Thus causing the sentence to read “it had to me more like…” rather than “it had to be more like…”. To me books should not have typos. None. Ever. But, that is just me.A very nicely laid out book that will have you thinking about what style you project to the world – which is something worth considering.

So worthy of reading precisely because it isn't a mere style guide! Less a catalogue of what to wear and how to wear it than (1) a near anthropological study of some of today's greatest style icons and how they developed their styles over their lifetimes, (2) the author's answers to some key questions as the reader builds his wardrobe - "what's the right occasion for a blazer over a suit" or "is there a better suited hat for a certain occasion" (turns out the answer is often along the lines of "do it on your own terms") and (3) the importance of understanding your "style" is built in always knowing the best local dive bar, caring much more about a garment than it's color, and finding those few intangible things you can call all your own. You'll finish the book with the important base of knowledge and inspiration to finally walk with that certain sprezzatura. Three cheers!

This wonderful book provides a wealth of insight into men's style and how men learn to live life.The author's essays are knowledgable and witty with a perfect mix of personal and universal. The interviews with prominent men in fashion, journalism, and the arts are informative, funny, and touching. Beautifully conceived and designed, the book is layered with amusing rarely seen photos of the famous and charming family snapshots. This is a must read for anybody, man or woman, who cares about contemporary style and culture. A question for Alan P whose review of the book on Amazon was frankly incomprehensible: what book was he reading? "Men and Style," produced by a talented and experienced writer, is an instant classic and a deserved best seller on Amazon.

This book is a clever take on men's style. Looking through the lens of some of the fashion world's most stylish men, the book sheds light on hangover cures, ideal dive bars, and personal sartorial "rules." The book is at it's best when Coggins steps on his soap box, and displays his wit regarding things like the lost art of carrying cash, or the importance of imperfection in fashion. One of the highlights is an interview with Coggins' father, in which it becomes apparent that the apple didn't fall too far from the tree. Overall, an enjoyable read!

A "fun book" of pictures and recollections from a variety of men.You can pick it up and just read a few pages if you wish, then reflect on your own experiences with the particular piece of clothing.

I wanted to like this book. I bought it as soon as it came out after reading about the author in a J Crew blog. It's a beautiful book and perhaps a solid addition to the bookshelf for that reason alone. But the content of the book is a mystery to me. The topics are very random and the writing is gratuitous. Large portions of the book are simply interviews with his friends about the most random of topics (who cares what any of them wore to the prom? Seriously? I don't care. Who does?). The style "advice" is cryptic, pompous and elusive. Does anyone really live and think like this? So disappointing.

interesting read, people talking about clothes, style and learning experiences form their lives.

I purchased this book based on the positive review in the Wall Street Journal. What a huge disappointment. It consists primarily of excerpts from banal interviews with the author's friends which have been cut and pasted into topical chapters. If that sounds remotely interesting or informative, trust me, it isn't. I really don't care what the author's friends and acquaintances wore to prom in high school, or what they wore in elementary school (yes, these are both chapters in the book). If those insipid reminiscences illustrated some insightful essays, then I could stomach them. But they don't. The essays are as uninformative and uninteresting as the patched-together collections of quotes that the author calls "chapters". I have never returned a book before, but I returned this book the same day I received it.

A book about men and style. Well, the men are certainly there.The major part of the book is taken up with accounts from some of the author’s acquaintances about their lives, their fathers and the style insights thus gained. Unfortunately, I didn’t find these to be particularly interesting consequently I was not really engaged by the book at all. Perhaps I’m just becoming harder to please but I was hoping for something sharper and more illuminating.

Fantastic book. Lifts itself up from technical/historical style books to a much more relaxed, personal and charming level.Filled with short article-type pieces exploring menswear from new angles. A must read for anyone looking to develop their own style whole picking the brains of others with same interest.

not really my thing

A must for lovers of traditional style, but see with modernity

Read it and you understand it!