Reflections on "Things a Man Should Know About Style"

Scott Omelianuk and Ted Allen of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy lend experience in style in Esquire's Thing A Man Should Know About Style. This book is a brief collection of lesser known pieces of wisdom regarding fashion, behavior, art, etc. Many of the tidbits offered in this book simply provide a way for a man to become more aware and deliberate of their persona. In essence, what Omelianuk and Allen do is provide the common man with the cultural capital that is typically reserved among privileged classes. At first read, this may seem like a book to help a person act like something they are not. For some, this may be the manual for just that. For others, this book provides enhanced knowledge that can enable a person to gain access to certain institutions that otherwise would be inaccessible. At the very least it can be used to help one understand how several aspects of their character, dress, and behavior are perceived by others.

While I don't have the slightest interest in employing some of the advice provided in this book, some I have found very valuable and have already implemented in my daily routine. One that really resonated with me: "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." Because this book is so small, extremely easy to read, is entertaining, and can prove helpful in various situations, I feel that there is a place for this book in just about anybody's bookcase. If nothing else, at least it's a humorous read...and the illustrations are hilarious. As always...until next time...peace.

Bibliographic Information:

Omelianuk, S., & Allen, T. (1999). Esquire's Things A Man Should Know About Style. New York, NY, USA: The Berkley Publishing Group.