Dress Code

by Véronique Hyland
Dress Code cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Essays / Essay Collections
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  • ID: 10491
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-27
  • ISBN: 9780063050822
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2022-03-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Dress Code is a collection of smart and incisive essays that delve into the fashion industry, its history, and its importance. Veronique Hyland, fashion features director at Elle Magazine, examines why we wear what we wear and why it matters. The book challenges the notion that fashion is superficial, arguing instead that it is a key that unlocks questions of power, sexuality, and class. Hyland explores thought-provoking questions such as the persistence of the 'French girl' archetype, the meaning behind 'dressing for yourself' for women, and the impact of social media on self-presentation. Through a series of essays, Hyland reminds us of the importance of dress and what it means for self-presentation. She argues that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about signaling to the world around us. The book is a reminder that everyone participates in fashion, whether they like it or not, and that clothes mean something—even if you're 'just' wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

Reviews
Eustea Reads · Eustacia Tan · 2023-05-22
insightful 4.00

The book delves into the intersection of fashion and society, exploring themes of power, sexuality, and class. It provides a critical examination of fashion's role in shaping cultural narratives and individual identities.

Eustacia Tan's review highlights how 'Dress Code' by Véronique Hyland offers a comprehensive look at the fashion industry, its history, and its impact on society. The book doesn't just discuss trends; it explores the deeper implications of fashion, such as how it reflects and reinforces power dynamics and societal norms. Tan appreciates the book's thorough research and its ability to make readers think critically about the role of fashion in their lives. The discussion on fashion influencers and the patriarchy is particularly insightful, providing a nuanced perspective on how fashion intersects with broader social issues.

Quick quotes

    How fashion interacts with society, including exploring what it means to be an 'IT' girl and an influencer.

    Fashion and the patriarchy/sexism, and how our choices are influenced by societal expectations.

    A book that makes you think about fashion and its broader implications.

An Historian About Town · An Historian · 2023-04-07
thoughtful 4.25

The book is a thought-provoking exploration of fashion's past and present, encouraging readers to reflect on its societal impact. It covers a wide range of topics, from historical trends to contemporary issues.

An Historian's review of 'Dress Code' highlights the book's ability to make readers think critically about fashion and its evolution. The reviewer appreciates the comprehensive coverage of both historical and contemporary fashion trends, noting that the book provides a nuanced understanding of how fashion has shaped and been shaped by society. The discussion on the 'French girl' archetype and other cultural icons is particularly engaging, offering insights into the enduring influence of fashion on individual and collective identities. The reviewer also praises the book's accessible writing style, making it a compelling read for both fashion enthusiasts and casual readers. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable contribution to the discourse on fashion and its broader implications.

Quick quotes

    This is a book to really make you think about fashion, and how we've ended up where we are.

    It covers the past and the present, and some very thought-provoking questions.

    A comprehensive look at fashion's past and present.

The New Yorker · The New Yorker · 2022-05-23
thoughtful 4.50

The book examines fashion as a tool for control and expression, highlighting its significance in societal and personal contexts. It offers a thoughtful analysis of how clothing choices reflect deeper cultural and individual narratives.

The New Yorker's review of 'Dress Code' emphasizes the book's exploration of fashion as a form of control and self-expression. The reviewer notes that Hyland's work is not just about fashion trends but about the deeper meanings behind what we wear. The book is praised for its incisive commentary on how clothing choices can signal power, sexuality, and class. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to connect fashion to broader cultural and historical contexts, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of fashion and society. The discussion on how fashion can be a proxy for control is particularly noteworthy, adding a layer of depth to the book's themes.

Quick quotes

    Controlling what you wear is a proxy for controlling what you do.

    An examination not only of fashion but also of sartorial significance.

    A smart and incisive essay collection centered on the fashion industry.

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