The Fine Art of Dressing: Make Yourself a Masterpiece by Dressing for Your Body Type

by Margaux Tartarotti

Book Overview

Identifies six main body types by the major artists who depicted them--Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin, Rubens, and Modigliani--and shows women how to choose clothing that will enhance and flatter their particular shape.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399525688
• ISBN13: 9780399525681
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Perigee Books
• Length: 214 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.6" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A refreshing new look at beauty

I really enjoyed this book because it celebrated many different body types, showing how best to enhance each one. It can be frustrating that today there is such a narrow definition of "beauty" and this book goes beyond that.I also enjoyed the concept of labeling each body type by the artist that celebrated that shape, as opposed to fruit labels, i.e., "pear" or "apple". For instance, the Rubens shape is all-over voluptuous and generous. That doesn't fit today's "ideals" but why shouldn't one be able to look lovely just the same? I myself felt like I was somewhere in between Modigliani (very slender above the waist and curvy below) and a Renoir (similar shape, but more solid above the waist)...it depends on my weight. In any case, some of the same styles apply to both body shapes.I can say that following the advice of empire-waist dresses and dresses with bolero jackets for the Modigliani shape has garnered me compliments, both from my husband (a spontaneous, "Wow! That looks really nice on you!") and from others. And that feels great.

One of the best of its kind

I've read a lot of dressing/personal style books and this is definitely at the top of the list. It doesn't get into defining your personal style that much, but it shows you how to flatteringly dress for your body type. There is no recommended wardrobe - the author uses geometry, color and texture to hide or enhance elements of each body type - so you can work with what you have. The author defines 6 of them and though I wasn't exactly any one, I could easily combine elements from different types to determine what was right for me. The drawings are extremely useful as are the charts in the front of each section that give an overview of what pants, skirts, etc... would look best. In the back of the book is another set of charts with almost all styles of clothes you could think of that summarizes the best/worst for each figure type.After reading this book, I understood why certain styles didn't look quite right on me. This book showed me it wasn't the fit as many other books imply, it was just not a good choice for my body type.

A must for every woman!

This book is an absolute must for anyone interested in knowing which styles flatter your form and which ones don't.Designer Margaux Tartarotti uses the works of master painters to describe the different body types. This allows the reader to feel that her body type, no matter which one, is something to rejoice in, not be ashamed of.Packed with tips and easy to read charts, the reader can easily choose her most flattering styles. The author's drawings, thoughout the book, are worth the price alone!!

Intriguingly artistic take on body shape

THE FINE ART OF DRESSING is possibly the most intriguing take on body shape I've ever read. Margaux Tartarotti, a teacher and fashion designer, applies the standard body-type shapes (hourglass, pear shape, etc.) and gives them all names based on the women portrayed by certain artists. For instance, the pear shape becomes the Modigliani, and the hourglass becomes the Pop-Art (think Warhol's Marilyn Monroe). Not only does this add sensuousness to the body type, but it makes each woman feel like her body-type is one to be admired, no matter what shape it takes.Building off these six body types, the author gives a great deal of good advice, and several core outfits that accentuate the positives of each body type, while minimizing the weaknesses. Each body type is accompanied by many beautiful fashion-designer illustrations, including pictures that list what NOT to wear for your body type. In addition to information for specific body types, much general information is provided in regards to color, fabric, and ways to look your best.I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to look elegant, sophisticated, and put-together. This is real information from someone who has made it her life's work to make women look beautiful, and who has taken notes from artists who portray beautiful women who are not limited to today's narrow definition of beauty.

Fantastic Information

Lots of great information, from fabrics to styles to accessories. Easy to decipher your body type. Includes an easy to use guide for styles you may already own but aren't sure if they are flattering or not. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to look their best.