cover image The Cool Factor: A Guide to Achieving Effortless Style, from the Women Who Have It

The Cool Factor: A Guide to Achieving Effortless Style, from the Women Who Have It

Andrea Linett. Artisan, $24.99 trade paper (208p) ISBN 978-1-57965-648-5

Stylist Linett (I Want to Be Her!), the founding creative director of Lucky magazine, offers specific and well-illustrated advice to help women develop a distinctive personal style. To make her points, Linett uses friends and acquaintances who have that “cool” look: effortlessly put together, all details counting, sometimes breaking fashion rules in the service of style. The photos, shot by Linett’s husband, Michael Waring, are strong and clear, and Linett’s exposition is well-organized, lighthearted, and encouraging. The guide will best suit professional women between the ages of 35 and 60 who work in a creative environment that permits a lot of denim (jeans, Linett readily admits, are her personal obsession). There’s at least one tip or rule-busting—potentially game-changing—suggestion for any woman looking to cultivate a coherent wardrobe and unique style by using her eyes, judgment, and Linett’s six principles. Color photos. (May)