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Wear It Well: Reclaim Your Closet and Rediscover the Joy of Getting Dressed
Define your style and use fashion as a tool for self-discovery using the Three-Word Method and AB Closet-Editing System.
Personal stylist Allison Bornstein has mastered the art of helping people look good and feel good. In Wear It Well , she shares her philosophy and outlines systems that will bring your style into alignment and create a wardrobe that delights your spirit and reflects your most authentic self.
Use the viral Three-Word Method to discover and define your personal style. Curate your closet with the AB Closet-Editing System, eliminating items that don’t fit or work for your lifestyle to build a safe and inspiring space that is filled with only clothes that bring you joy, confidence, and empowerment. Create new, sustainable looks by shopping your closet and mixing and matching with the Nine Universal Pieces.
Filled with client stories, gentle guidance, and expressive photography, Wear It Well will inspire you to identify, articulate, and develop your personal style, and dress with ease.
UNIQUE BLEND OF WELLNESS, SELF-CARE, AND The only "Joy of Dressing" book there no other book merges fashion, wellness, and self-care. In a time when many of us are at home or beginning to venture back out professionally or socially, this book will help take away the stress and anxiety around dressing. It is also a refreshing take on self-care that can easily be added to morning routines.
A PROVEN The AB Closet Editing System and Three Word Method are simple ways to organize your closet and your mind that Bornstein has successfully used with hundreds of clients.
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BODY Wear It Well discusses how to combat and banish the voices of shame that permeate fashion culture and our own heads when we buy clothing. Thi s will appeal to readers passionate about body positivity, and fans of The Body Is Not An Apology , Body Talk , and More Than A Body .
PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE Bornstein's program is based on shopping our closets rather than going out to buy an all-new wardrobe. She demonstrates how to choose ten versatile pieces to mix and match within our wardrobe . She also encourages readers to donate "never going to wear" clothes and to dress intentionally.
Perfect
Personal stylist Allison Bornstein has mastered the art of helping people look good and feel good. In Wear It Well , she shares her philosophy and outlines systems that will bring your style into alignment and create a wardrobe that delights your spirit and reflects your most authentic self.
Use the viral Three-Word Method to discover and define your personal style. Curate your closet with the AB Closet-Editing System, eliminating items that don’t fit or work for your lifestyle to build a safe and inspiring space that is filled with only clothes that bring you joy, confidence, and empowerment. Create new, sustainable looks by shopping your closet and mixing and matching with the Nine Universal Pieces.
Filled with client stories, gentle guidance, and expressive photography, Wear It Well will inspire you to identify, articulate, and develop your personal style, and dress with ease.
UNIQUE BLEND OF WELLNESS, SELF-CARE, AND The only "Joy of Dressing" book there no other book merges fashion, wellness, and self-care. In a time when many of us are at home or beginning to venture back out professionally or socially, this book will help take away the stress and anxiety around dressing. It is also a refreshing take on self-care that can easily be added to morning routines.
A PROVEN The AB Closet Editing System and Three Word Method are simple ways to organize your closet and your mind that Bornstein has successfully used with hundreds of clients.
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BODY Wear It Well discusses how to combat and banish the voices of shame that permeate fashion culture and our own heads when we buy clothing. Thi s will appeal to readers passionate about body positivity, and fans of The Body Is Not An Apology , Body Talk , and More Than A Body .
PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE Bornstein's program is based on shopping our closets rather than going out to buy an all-new wardrobe. She demonstrates how to choose ten versatile pieces to mix and match within our wardrobe . She also encourages readers to donate "never going to wear" clothes and to dress intentionally.
Perfect
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2023
617 people are currently reading
4,932 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
October 23, 2023
Having recently read several books on wardrobe essentials, improving/updating your wardrobe - I had half an idea of what to expect in this book.
Again, it covers a lot of the same ground as other books on improving/updating your wardrobe and getting over your fashion frustration, including the suggestion that a capsule wardrobe will change the way you dress.
Some of the material covered is a little too "new age" for me; ie the ritual for banishing the voices in your head that are negative and disapprove of your wardrobe, including viewing your closet with a lit candle and no distractions. Sounds like a dangerous situation just waiting to happen.
I also found it a little odd to visualize my closet and myself as I wanted it/me to look. Hello, if I were capable of that visualization - I could just make it happen. The problem is that I, along with a lot of other women and even some men - have no idea how we want to look - we just know that how we look now isn't working for us, and the constant stream of fashion that is readily available everywhere doesn't help - especially when everyone involved in fashion is setting up "rules" of how to dress - but they don't really apply.
I did appreciate the suggestions for cleaning my closet - by pulling everything out, giving the closet itself a good cleaning and airing, organizing by color and item. Sort the clothing into categories: 1. The Regulars - return these to the closet. 2. The Nevers.
Sort "The Nevers" into three additional piles. 1. The No, Never Pile - which are items that you absolutely will never wear because they are beyond repair, they don't fit or they just make you feel bad to wear - Donate these items immediately - so you can't change your mind. 2. The Not Now Pile (Seasonal, special occasion & situational "maternity") - remove these items from your closet & store elsewhere. 3. The How Pile - ie I don't know how to wear it, how to style it - or I need something I don't have in order to wear it. Make your determinations & go shopping as needed.
A small section on how to define your style using three words, which she helps you to find on the "word wheel" -9 categories on the wheel, with descriptions underneath the 9 categories.
A small section on care u repair of your clothing, shoes & accessories.
She has a section listing 9 essential wardrobe pieces/items. At this point in the book she does a lot of name dropping of famous people so that "average reader" can visualize and seek out pictures of these people and how they dress.
Like all books - the author is kind of out of touch with the average person who is struggling with their wardrobe. Most people don't have the space in their homes/closets, etc to set up the way she suggests, nor do most people have the budget to simply dispose of the bulk of their wardrobe & accessories and replace them all with things that actually look amazing on them.
There are definitely some helpful bits of information in the book - but you had to read a lot of "filler" to get to them. The book is over 200 pages, and could easily have shared the vital information within 100 pages or less.
Again, it covers a lot of the same ground as other books on improving/updating your wardrobe and getting over your fashion frustration, including the suggestion that a capsule wardrobe will change the way you dress.
Some of the material covered is a little too "new age" for me; ie the ritual for banishing the voices in your head that are negative and disapprove of your wardrobe, including viewing your closet with a lit candle and no distractions. Sounds like a dangerous situation just waiting to happen.
I also found it a little odd to visualize my closet and myself as I wanted it/me to look. Hello, if I were capable of that visualization - I could just make it happen. The problem is that I, along with a lot of other women and even some men - have no idea how we want to look - we just know that how we look now isn't working for us, and the constant stream of fashion that is readily available everywhere doesn't help - especially when everyone involved in fashion is setting up "rules" of how to dress - but they don't really apply.
I did appreciate the suggestions for cleaning my closet - by pulling everything out, giving the closet itself a good cleaning and airing, organizing by color and item. Sort the clothing into categories: 1. The Regulars - return these to the closet. 2. The Nevers.
Sort "The Nevers" into three additional piles. 1. The No, Never Pile - which are items that you absolutely will never wear because they are beyond repair, they don't fit or they just make you feel bad to wear - Donate these items immediately - so you can't change your mind. 2. The Not Now Pile (Seasonal, special occasion & situational "maternity") - remove these items from your closet & store elsewhere. 3. The How Pile - ie I don't know how to wear it, how to style it - or I need something I don't have in order to wear it. Make your determinations & go shopping as needed.
A small section on how to define your style using three words, which she helps you to find on the "word wheel" -9 categories on the wheel, with descriptions underneath the 9 categories.
A small section on care u repair of your clothing, shoes & accessories.
She has a section listing 9 essential wardrobe pieces/items. At this point in the book she does a lot of name dropping of famous people so that "average reader" can visualize and seek out pictures of these people and how they dress.
Like all books - the author is kind of out of touch with the average person who is struggling with their wardrobe. Most people don't have the space in their homes/closets, etc to set up the way she suggests, nor do most people have the budget to simply dispose of the bulk of their wardrobe & accessories and replace them all with things that actually look amazing on them.
There are definitely some helpful bits of information in the book - but you had to read a lot of "filler" to get to them. The book is over 200 pages, and could easily have shared the vital information within 100 pages or less.
June 18, 2023
I guess this is a decent book for helping you decide on a personal style. I didn't hate it, but it does strike me as a book that could have been a YouTube video. Lots of full color photographs that feel like filler, casual uninteresting looks. Which I recognize that not everyone walks through the world dressing like Jojo Siwa or Daphne Guiness or Billie Eilish. I suppose I hoped there would be more variety of styles depicted than "casual corporate" or "normcore professor."
Recommend but not glowingly. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Recommend but not glowingly. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2024
As a way of describing her own methods for styling (the AB closet edit and the 3 word system) I think this works pretty well. But because I finished the book slightly irritated it’s only a 3 star.
There were lots of opportunities to expand, like you’d hope to see in a full book. For example: HOW do you best narrow down what words fit?? What are MORE EXAMPLES of celebrities with distinctive style and what would their words be? There was basically one style of photo, repeated in collages. Rather than photos of different style and clothing combinations to resonate with. And for that, I was a little bummed.
There were lots of opportunities to expand, like you’d hope to see in a full book. For example: HOW do you best narrow down what words fit?? What are MORE EXAMPLES of celebrities with distinctive style and what would their words be? There was basically one style of photo, repeated in collages. Rather than photos of different style and clothing combinations to resonate with. And for that, I was a little bummed.
February 24, 2025
Easy to read and gave me some interesting fashion tips!! Mid-20s is such a balance between wanting to dress older but not too old and definitely not standard corporate girlboss or basic xmm but also not like a teenager. Oh God I'm in my mid-20s
June 18, 2023
Allison Bornstein is a personal stylist, and is bringing her advice and AB Method to the masses with her new book Wear it Well. Through her ideas, she challenges their reader to reevaluate their current closets, think about their ideal sense of fashion, and simplify the process of getting dressed every day.
I felt really motivated to clean out my closets, and reading this now was the perfect time for me. I recently got done with a retail job of 13 years and made a move to banking, which requires a more business casual wardrobe than I’m used to. Thinking about my Three Words the way she presents it has definitely given me guidance on how to move forward with purchasing pieces that make sense for me.
I did think that some things were skimmed over too quickly. I would’ve liked to see a variety of photo examples for each of the staple pieces. I also would’ve liked more advice on cataloging your current closet, in order to know what you have already and fill the gaps when shopping.
I’d definitely recommend this book for anyone looking to change up their style, or looking for inspiration in their current closet.
Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Prism for an advanced copy of this book!
I felt really motivated to clean out my closets, and reading this now was the perfect time for me. I recently got done with a retail job of 13 years and made a move to banking, which requires a more business casual wardrobe than I’m used to. Thinking about my Three Words the way she presents it has definitely given me guidance on how to move forward with purchasing pieces that make sense for me.
I did think that some things were skimmed over too quickly. I would’ve liked to see a variety of photo examples for each of the staple pieces. I also would’ve liked more advice on cataloging your current closet, in order to know what you have already and fill the gaps when shopping.
I’d definitely recommend this book for anyone looking to change up their style, or looking for inspiration in their current closet.
Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Prism for an advanced copy of this book!
February 7, 2024
Not for me. If you like jeans, trousers, blazers, trench coats, white shirts and neutral colors this might be your cup of tea. While that looks classy it lacks any kind of personality. It sure doesn't make me happy about getting dressed. Also way too much writing and not enough pictures. The book doesn't even address wearing colors outside of neutrals.
October 28, 2023
Wear it Well is a style book with advice on getting dressed and organizing your closet. I really liked the author’s 3 word method for defining your style even if I haven’t quite figured mine out yet. Her closet cleaning method seems sound and I appreciated the philosophy in the early chapters about how style is whatever you want it to be. But then she immediately goes into 9 must have pieces that contradicted what she had already professed. No, not everyone needs a black turtleneck. No thank you. And while I like the look of trousers they are not practical for my lifestyle.
The design of the book itself was way too artsy. Many of the photographs were abstract and randomly placed. I don’t think there was a single helpful photo in the entire book. I would have loved to see examples of people’s style with a weeks worth of outfits and their three words. Instead we were just told to visualize the style of specific celebrities. I had never heard of a lot of the celebs let alone knew how they dressed. I didn’t want to have to have a pre-req or homework in order to read this book.
There were also some woo-woo ideas about visualizing your closet in here. Um, if I could perfectly visualize my dream closet/style I wouldn’t have picked up your book.
The writing was fine and there were a lot of good nuggets, but I honestly got more out of a 15 minute video the author made for YouTube where she helped a woman figure out her 3 words.
The design of the book itself was way too artsy. Many of the photographs were abstract and randomly placed. I don’t think there was a single helpful photo in the entire book. I would have loved to see examples of people’s style with a weeks worth of outfits and their three words. Instead we were just told to visualize the style of specific celebrities. I had never heard of a lot of the celebs let alone knew how they dressed. I didn’t want to have to have a pre-req or homework in order to read this book.
There were also some woo-woo ideas about visualizing your closet in here. Um, if I could perfectly visualize my dream closet/style I wouldn’t have picked up your book.
The writing was fine and there were a lot of good nuggets, but I honestly got more out of a 15 minute video the author made for YouTube where she helped a woman figure out her 3 words.
August 1, 2024
I generally enjoyed this book. It was a light, relaxing read. I never take these books too seriously anyway and see them more as a source for inspiration or new insights than religion.
I was a tad disappointed that the author fell into the trap of the “classic� pieces (blazer, white button down shirt� sigh). The pictures in this book all reflect this as well. There were no bright colours to be seen- only white/ black/ jeans/ camel/ grey/ cream. Not exactly illustrative of many of the colourful written examples she gave from clients and celebrities.
I was a tad disappointed that the author fell into the trap of the “classic� pieces (blazer, white button down shirt� sigh). The pictures in this book all reflect this as well. There were no bright colours to be seen- only white/ black/ jeans/ camel/ grey/ cream. Not exactly illustrative of many of the colourful written examples she gave from clients and celebrities.
June 3, 2024
really enjoyed this and found it very practical. I finally nailed down my three words (for now) and feel inspired.
August 28, 2023
I'm a huge fan of Allison's Instagram, so a lot of the book was already very familiar to me. However, there were still some really impactful nuggets. (I laughed when she � rightfully � pointed out that none of us are Carrie Bradshaw.)
As someone who has always viewed her closet as a collection, it was also really helpful to hear Allison explain that a closet isn't an archive. That state of mind set me up for success as I did my clean-out, and encouraged me to donate some items I'd been holding on to for the novelty.
What I most benefitted from (and what I wished there was a little more of) were the moments where she got tactical. I would have loved to hear her talk more about proportion, styling tricks, and how different "words" style clothes differently.
As someone who has always viewed her closet as a collection, it was also really helpful to hear Allison explain that a closet isn't an archive. That state of mind set me up for success as I did my clean-out, and encouraged me to donate some items I'd been holding on to for the novelty.
What I most benefitted from (and what I wished there was a little more of) were the moments where she got tactical. I would have loved to hear her talk more about proportion, styling tricks, and how different "words" style clothes differently.
Read
January 23, 2024I really liked this book! I am someone who struggles with what to wear and how to put things together, so this was helpful. I liked her three word method, and her advise on editing the things in your closet that you almost never wear. She is a proponent of shopping your closet, which I love because she helps you to figure out what to do with the things you like, but don’t know how to wear. It’s a pretty quick read too. I recommend this if you want to branch out from wearing the same things over and over again (like me 😂), and learn how to incorporate the things you own that you like, but don’t know how to wear.
October 6, 2023
Overrated.
January 29, 2024
The style bible. 🙌🏻
January 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this; it's a great starting point for defining your personal style. I finished the book inspired and ready to take action! I do think that while the text emphasized finding a style that is uniquely you, all the photos only captured one distinct style (neutral t-shirts and sweaters with blazers and trench coats, one-note). Also, the "fashion is wellness" idea was a bit Gwyneth Paltrow for me.
November 3, 2024
I absolutely loved this book!!
In a world that tells us to buy, buy, buy, I love the practical and attainable advice that Allison gives.
-outfit repeating is good, it means you have a sense of personal style
-3 word theory
-keeping a running wish list before you shop
I love the concept of having a thoughtful closet that serves you, rather than just chasing after every trend. One thing I wish she would have touched on more that I find incredibly important is clothing material.
We’re constantly faced with fast fashion options made from cheap and low quality materials, and for me, investing in quality pieces has been a key part of my adult wardrobe. I find I have a better experience with a piece of clothing if I know the quality is there. I like it more, I wear it more, it washes and holds up better, and I’m more likely to keep it in my closet and love it for a long time.
I’ll definitely be recommending this book to friends and family!
In a world that tells us to buy, buy, buy, I love the practical and attainable advice that Allison gives.
-outfit repeating is good, it means you have a sense of personal style
-3 word theory
-keeping a running wish list before you shop
I love the concept of having a thoughtful closet that serves you, rather than just chasing after every trend. One thing I wish she would have touched on more that I find incredibly important is clothing material.
We’re constantly faced with fast fashion options made from cheap and low quality materials, and for me, investing in quality pieces has been a key part of my adult wardrobe. I find I have a better experience with a piece of clothing if I know the quality is there. I like it more, I wear it more, it washes and holds up better, and I’m more likely to keep it in my closet and love it for a long time.
I’ll definitely be recommending this book to friends and family!
September 23, 2024
When Allison first started on tiktok I was engrossed with her content, couldn't wait for new videos to post, loved them all! Then one day she wrote a post saying why she blocked people and it was for such petty reasons. To widely proclaim that you are proud to be doing this showed that she was unable to take constructive feedback on her posts. I read all the comments on her posts, no one is nasty, but people may politely disagree on her take and for her to say its her way or the highway told me she's not evolved enough as an adult in her craft. Since this soured me on her, I opted to borrow this book from the library instead of paying her for it.
First I was surprised by how small the book was, then once I started reading half the pages were pictures. She also had a bunch of blank color pages, it then made it clear that she didn't have enough content to write a full book and thus needed a lot of filler pages. She makes a list of must have items in your closet and lists a black turtleneck. Really? I'm not Steve Jobs, this is not a staple or necessity.
I also let my mother borrow this book and her first observation is why should she take fashion advice from someone who has no sense of style. I already knew Allison dressed androgynous and never tells you what was on trend, because she doesn't follow trends. All the pictures of models or herself in the book in jeans and blazers were uninspiring and not interesting. For a fashion stylist, she only displayed one style of fashion - menswear - in the book. None of the photos were helpful, who needs dozens of pictures of blazers? She should have included pictures of her clients.
First I was surprised by how small the book was, then once I started reading half the pages were pictures. She also had a bunch of blank color pages, it then made it clear that she didn't have enough content to write a full book and thus needed a lot of filler pages. She makes a list of must have items in your closet and lists a black turtleneck. Really? I'm not Steve Jobs, this is not a staple or necessity.
I also let my mother borrow this book and her first observation is why should she take fashion advice from someone who has no sense of style. I already knew Allison dressed androgynous and never tells you what was on trend, because she doesn't follow trends. All the pictures of models or herself in the book in jeans and blazers were uninspiring and not interesting. For a fashion stylist, she only displayed one style of fashion - menswear - in the book. None of the photos were helpful, who needs dozens of pictures of blazers? She should have included pictures of her clients.
December 17, 2024
Allison Bornstein has so much knowledge to offer people like me, who love the idea of fashion, but have never been able to execute their own unique vision of it. Unfortunately, she did not include much of that insight here.
Like so many books of this type, it has vaguely helpful surface information that never goes deeper or diverts from conventional wisdom. Give me visual examples. TALK ABOUT FABRIC COMPOSITION. What makes a quality garment? Devote a chapter to caring for clothes properly. Talk about color theory. I appreciated the chapters on outfit formulas, the three word method, and the AB closet editing method, but they were shallow.
There was also almost zero mention of waste in the fashion industry and how to shop consciously, which seems like a massive oversight given our current circumstances.
Read an article on Bornstein’s Three Word Method for the best of the info in here.
Like so many books of this type, it has vaguely helpful surface information that never goes deeper or diverts from conventional wisdom. Give me visual examples. TALK ABOUT FABRIC COMPOSITION. What makes a quality garment? Devote a chapter to caring for clothes properly. Talk about color theory. I appreciated the chapters on outfit formulas, the three word method, and the AB closet editing method, but they were shallow.
There was also almost zero mention of waste in the fashion industry and how to shop consciously, which seems like a massive oversight given our current circumstances.
Read an article on Bornstein’s Three Word Method for the best of the info in here.
January 17, 2025
I’ve watched some of her YouTube and so I was curious when she came out with this book. There’s a lot of filler and it reads like a blogpost but overall there is some cool tips about getting more in touch with your style.
If you don’t mind sorting through a bunch of fluff to get some genuinely good tips this could be a good one for you. Otherwise I’d skip it.
If you don’t mind sorting through a bunch of fluff to get some genuinely good tips this could be a good one for you. Otherwise I’d skip it.
February 16, 2025
I think the book could have been edited better and would prefer photos of the exact examples described instead of the mood boards.
But in general the advice and method in the book were great. I already had a neat and curated closet, but was wearing the same clothes every day. After doing the AB closet method I was able to finally let go of some pieces I was dragging for too long, and spark new life into others I also didn't wear. And no need to buy anything new for now!
The three word method is also fun and I want to see how it will help me to dress and shop in the future.
Mine are : Comfort, Cool, Confident
But in general the advice and method in the book were great. I already had a neat and curated closet, but was wearing the same clothes every day. After doing the AB closet method I was able to finally let go of some pieces I was dragging for too long, and spark new life into others I also didn't wear. And no need to buy anything new for now!
The three word method is also fun and I want to see how it will help me to dress and shop in the future.
Mine are : Comfort, Cool, Confident
March 31, 2025
isn’t it a curious things how simple acts such as getting dressed can have a major effect on our lives? a great instructional and anecdotal book about the power of fashion and a good closet. a little repetitive at times, but c’est la vie with instructions. never underestimate the importance of a good outfit. 🙂↔�
March 14, 2024
I couldn’t help myself from buying this. I went down a rabbit hole watching Allison’s wardrobe edit YouTube videos and decided to buy this book. It’s inspired me to purge, organize, and make a more thoughtful ‘to purchase� list. It’s a quick read and ultimately will look cute on my coffee table / bookshelf too.
March 21, 2024
This is definitely an audiobook I’ll refer back to when in need of tricks and tips on style and being a cautious shopper! However, I feel like I could’ve gotten all of this info in a shorter tiktok or YouTube video�
April 23, 2024
A year ago I would’ve rolled my eyes at reading such a book but honestly it was great. I found it to be very helpful- I cleared out my wardrobe, better defined what makes me feel good and rediscovered so many great pieces. Thanks Alison. Bring on a lifetime full of great looks
November 17, 2024
This book doesn’t go into a whole lot of detail, but I do like the three-word exercise and AB system. Some of the ideas/exercises are similar to the Curated Closet book but with less detail. I wish there were more pictures too!
October 11, 2023
I LOVE this book. I already know I’ll be referencing it forever. And recommending it to anyone who will listen to me. Very practical advice and a framework that’s easy to follow. Love it.
Read
January 22, 2024my closest looks amazinggggggg
April 13, 2024
Nothing different than her tiktoks
October 19, 2024
Easy read with several good takeaways I can’t wait to implement
January 5, 2025
Still figuring out my take on the three word approach, but can absolutely vouch that Bornstein’s closet clean out method was more effective than when I’ve done clean outs in the past.
Format: Softcover Print
Format: Softcover Print
January 30, 2024
Kind of a coffee table book, but also a lot of good info here!!
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