Dress Your Best Life by Dawnn Karen

DRESS YOUR BEST LIFE by Dawnn Karen explores the idea that “fashion is the voice we use to declare ourselves to the world.” Karen, a graduate of Columbia University, former model, and now a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, offers chapters on topics such as “Fashion Psychology 101” and “Mood Matters.” In the introduction, she frankly describes her background, recounts a traumatic event, and explains her on-going interest in exploring the “relationship between attire and attitude” through studying both psychology and fashion. There is a fascinating chapter on color and another on power accessories, plus multiple case studies. Karen builds on wider messages associated with “self-acceptance, body positivity, and inclusivity” and employs quizzes to help the reader define his or her own style. There’s an element of sustainability, too: she recommends a list of “woke” brands. I particularly liked the questions she suggests near the end: 

• Do I love it? (instead of Will they like it?)
• Do I need it? (instead of Do I want it?)

This title, which the author hopes encourages readers to “feel more and shop less,” seems like a good “fit” for my students who are currently researching the impact of fast fashion and the shift to more casual clothing. DRESS YOUR BEST LIFE received a starred review from Booklist.