Retail icon, trend expert publish men’s style guide

It’s not hard to imagine what you get when you combine a leading fashion retailer and one of the world’s foremost fashion and consumer trend experts. If what you get is a book, then it’s bound to be one of the most valuable resources any man of style can own. And its title is probably Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Style.

Nordstrom Guide to Men's Style

Released May 15, the 155-page hardback (Chronicle, $19.95) is Pittsburgh native Tom Julian’s first, as well as Nordstrom’s first focused on the retailer’s storied heritage of dressing men impeccably since the 1960s. It begins with a quiz that helps guys identify their style ID: luxury, classic, contemporary or trendy. (Or a combination, like me and many other men.) Then it’s quickly on to details about wardrobe essentials that fit properly and look debonair for each lifestyle.

Author Tom Julian

Julian’s tone is refreshing, with just enough humor. He is authoritative without talking down to readers, affirming every man’s potential to be stylish rather than seeking to make debonair the domain of an exclusive few. The manual is loaded with practical, step-by-step advice that takes guys from basics such as matching shirts and ties to more sophisticated matters of style such as choosing custom suit details. The informational flow is logical and a cinch to follow, from the basics about essential garments such as shirts, pants and jackets to fabric attributes and correct fit. There’s also interesting “Did you know?” fashion trivia throughout.

Shoes, neckwear and formalwear - sticky wickets for many fellows - get deserved attention. There are tips on how to clean garments, how to treat stains and how to pack smartly for a trip. More than just attractive design elements, the photos and diagrams by Nordstrom staff show and tell how to achieve a desired look with relative ease. Plus, each chapter has an “Ask the Nordstrom tailor” section with answers to relevant, commonly asked questions on each topic.

The project “was sheer joy because everybody came to the table with something,” said Julian. The book was completed in less than seven months, unusually fast. Julian credits collaborative chemistry between writer, publisher and client for keeping the project on track. Nordstrom is a client of Julian’s Manhattan-based company, Tom Julian Group, and Pete Nordstrom penned an engaging foreword.

From the sartorially savvy high school teen heading off to college to the mature gentleman well along in his life and career, every fellow should own Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Style. It’s available at Nordstrom stores, Nordstrom.com, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and other book stores.