Book recommendations on developing style and artistic sense?

[DieFree]

Please share any insights!

I don't mean artistic or style in the sense of creating music or drawing/painting and such things but like aesthetics for fashion and personal possessions/living spaces. 

@Leo Gura you mentioned the importance of developing this in one of your videos on YouTube. Didn't see anything related to this on the booklist from the main site.

 

Edited May 10 by DieFree

[Chadders]

@DieFree I would suggest reading an autobiography from someone that has a cool style about them who you admire 

I find anything from the 70s fucking cool. The fashion and interior design. The 70s was the decade for sophisticated hippies  

Also classic motor bikes are cool. Guitars are cool ladies love that 😉

I personally would say I have a good taste in style. It’s ego I know but I lean into it there as part of the human experience 

Edited May 10 by Chadders

[Nilsi]

Books are not the best medium for this. Instead, magazines like Vogue and Architectural Digest are valuable resources, and they also offer an extensive catalog of YouTube content. Museums and exhibitions on modern art are another excellent resource.

Consider browsing second-hand online stores that specialize in high-end designer products, such as Vestiaire or 1stdibs. Determine which designers and styles you prefer, then purchase some of their items. Wear or use them to experience their immediate aesthetic appeal. If you don't like something, resell it. If you're savvy, you can even make a small profit doing this.

Refine your style over time. This is akin to any developmental process—it's iterative and takes time to become highly refined.

Edited May 11 by Nilsi

[Nilsi]

9 minutes ago, Nilsi said:

Books are not the best medium for this. Instead, magazines like Vogue and Architectural Digest are valuable resources, and they also offer an extensive catalog of YouTube content. Museums and exhibitions on modern art are another excellent resource.

Consider browsing second-hand online stores that specialize in high-end designer products, such as Vestiaire or 1stdibs. Determine which designers and styles you prefer, then purchase some of their items. Wear or use them to experience their immediate aesthetic appeal. If you don't like something, resell it. If you're savvy, you can even make a small profit doing this.

Refine your style over time. This is akin to any developmental process—it's iterative and takes time to become highly refined.

If you want to approach this academically, consider reading some philosophy of art or aesthetics.

Theodor Adorno's oeuvre is perhaps the most ambitious in scope in this area, though highly biased, of course. You will have to explore a variety of theorists to gain a well-rounded understanding of aesthetics.

Edited May 11 by Nilsi

[Nilsi]

Of course, this is a highly privileged and resource-intensive pursuit, likely unsuitable for 99% of people, so take what I've said with a grain of salt.

[Basman]

The book "Models" by Mark Manson has a section on how to develop a fashion style in the context of dating. Very basic but effective principles.

In order of importance:

1. Wear clothes that fit
2. Wear clothes that match
3. Dress to your personality

Wearing clothes that fit is the most fundamental step. Well fitted clothes alone make a massive difference, so if you take anything away make it it this. Guys tend to prefer practical clothing with no eye for aesthetics and often end up wearing clothes that are slightly too big.

It can be uncomfortable to wear trousers that are an exact fit if you are not used to it. My trick is to buy high quality pants that have an elastic fabric. My test is if you can squat without the pants obstructing you. Also, avoid cheap jeans, like from H&M and that tier of clothing stores. Cheap jeans are often very uncomfortable so it is better to invest in a good pair you can use for many years and which feel good to wear.

Another pyramid for choosing individual articles of clothing (in order of importance).

1. Fit
2. Color
3. Texture

Color should match your other clothes as well as your skin/hair color. Texture is like the cream on top after a well fitted shirt that matches your other clothes.

Example of texture:

 

[Chadders]

When it comes to style it’s knowing what looks good rather than reading it in a book. It’s creative and decisive. Connecting with the spirit will help you identify  

[puporing]

The more you awaken the more you intuitively know these things without any books. Other great artists are better references (their work which may not be some instructional book). 

And who knows.. maybe a few of them will lead you back to God with their art  .

Edited May 11 by puporing