Read and be fabulous: books about style

The days of summer reading may be over, but autumn brings a bevy of new style guides. Here, reviews of three of the most intriguing titles.

"The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style," by Kim France and Andrea Linett (Gotham Books).

Lucky has built its name on being the go-to magazine for the how, what and where of shopping. In this guide, the glossy's editors take on the much trickier task of mastering style by identifying 10 archetypes, which range from such unexpected ones as Euro Chic and Posh Eclectic to the more typical Bohemian and American Classic.

For each, you'll find an iconic item, profiles of trendsetters and 40-odd quintessential pieces. Some of the suggested basics are obvious (a leather motorcycle jacket for capturing rock 'n' roll), but others are head-scratchers. Is a brown suede poncho really necessary for nailing California Casual? Still, the well-edited take on each look's essentials is fascinating.

Michelle Thomas, The Washington Post

"How to Have Style," by Isaac Mizrahi (Gotham Books).

A bargainista's best friend, Isaac Mizrahi packed this bluntly titled book with helpful advice, from tips on scoring cheap, exotic accessories to a catalog-style list of wardrobe necessities. But first, Mizrahi doles out some earnest thoughts on how this is not a makeover book; instead, it's his guide to discovering a sense of personal style.

So how does he do it? First with a 24-question quiz and the command to create an inspiration board. Then, leading by example, he assesses and revamps 12 women's looks, using candid photos, sketches and scribbled notes to explain the process.

A few style prescriptions are baffling, primarily his advice for a woman uncomfortable with her large bust. Three of her four new outfits direct the eye to a lacy peek-a-boo bra and lots of cleavage. Bold? Yes. Practical? Not so much. But most of the women look truly transformed — with help from a great haircut and professional makeup application — and the tips are genuinely helpful. For readers just starting to explore personal style as well as those stuck in a fashion rut, Mizrahi's two cents' worth is a wise investment.

Holly E. Thomas, The Washington Post

"Twinkle's Town & Country Knits," by Wenlan Chia (Potter Craft).

Bold designs, chunky yarns, almost-instant gratification for knitters — must be a Twinkle creation. This 30-piece collection features trendy and classic patterns with an upscale look: a Fair Isle pullover, a thick cabled cap, a flirty Metropolitan Diary Skirt, all made on giant needles so you'll spend more time wearing, less time stitching.

The instructions are easy to follow and include diagrams. The recommended yarns are readily available, if pricey. (Knitters know this secret: You don't necessarily save money by crafting your own creations.) Besides patterns, the book offers tips for "the Twinkle lifestyle": souvenir shopping, packing for vacation, even songs suited for seaside, town or country.

Kathy Blumenstock, The Washington Post