American Costume, 1915-1970: A Source Book for the Stage Costumer

Though intended for the stage, I got it because a writer needs lots of details to interest the user, and books like this have details you wouldn't necessarily know about any other way.

I felt that the black and white line drawings were inappropriately "chunky" and a bit misleading about the fashionable silhouette for certain decades. Nonetheless, this book is, as far as I know, the only reference that systematically describes the elements and accessories of 20th century costume, and judging by the decades for which I have personal experience, it is largely accurate. (Note: This review is based upon the 1982 trade paperback edition of this book).

I've always been into nice clothes, and several years ago I figured out that nice clothes hit their peak of style and class in the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Ever since then I have searched high and low for a book that had both written descriptions and adequate drawings of the clothes I like to wear. I found that book: "American Costume". The research that has gone into its writing was obviously exhaustive. Not only does the book have sensational drawings depicting the various styles from 1915 to the 70s, it also has extremely detailed descriptions of the styles. Through these thorough descriptions, the reader can not only see what the styles look like, but how they are made, what accessories to wear, and how to style one's hair to period authenticity. It is quite simply an excellent resource book, and and invaluable tool for anyone interested in costumes or clothes.