Leopard Is a Neutral: A Really Useful Style Guide

Lifestyle blogger Davies debuts with a chatty and opinionated guide to branching out and having more fun with one’s wardrobe. Contending that clothing should be a confidence-building, life-enhancing tool, Davies urges readers to prioritize comfort: “To me, being comfortable means not comparing yourself to others and being at ease with whatever choices you make in life.” She notes that the average fashion purchase is worn just seven times, and provides specific questions to ask when deciding whether to buy a piece of clothing, including “Do you need it?” “Will you wear it a lot?” “Is the price right?” and “What else could you wear it with?” Her recommendations include getting clothes properly tailored, being professionally fitted for a bra, avoiding shapewear unless it truly enhances one’s self-esteem, focusing on how clothes actually fit instead of their size number, and “develop[ing] something signature” such as red lipstick or gold hoop earrings. Other noteworthy advice includes instructions for surveying a store like a fashion editor in order to find singular, quality pieces quickly, and an argument for why one’s age should not determine fashion choices. Davies is refreshingly helpful and nice, qualities not often associated with the fashion world. Readers will be eager to follow her lead. (Apr.)