Once you learn the Style Formula you will be able to put together outfits that will be guaranteed to look good and feel comfortable on you and your particular body architecture. I really enjoyed learning the science of creating the perfect outfits. Definitely worth the read!

The Style Formula by Aricia Symes is an inspiring and practical guide that makes personal style feel approachable and empowering. Aricia’s clear steps and warm voice help you discover confidence through clothing without overwhelming rules. A must-read for anyone ready to look and feel their best with ease.

I haven’t read a style book or magazine in years, but since I tend to dress in a uniform—usually a dress with a blazer or sweater—I was curious about the author’s “foolproof fashion formula,” or Style ID as she calls it. I like the idea of having a blueprint so that no matter what I grab from my closet, I’ll look polished and actually love what I find there.


Getting to that point requires wading through a few chapters of setup. The author talks about her clients, raves about her formula, and then there are testimonials and case studies that go on way too long. Honestly, if I wasn’t reading this to write a review, I would have skipped ahead.


Then it gets good at Chapter 3.


There are exercises to figure out your body architecture, which might not be what you think it is, plus her concepts of vertical versus horizontal body proportions. She makes you do the work, and once you’ve mapped that out, you can start to understand the science behind the Style ID.


The section on color science really made me rethink what I assumed was just a TikTok-ified 80s fad. I found my palette (cool winter) and realized I already loved a lot of the colors in it because they were in my closet all along. Now I know why they work, and how to play with color to flatter my skin, add visual weight, or trick the eye. I even bought a coordinating set in a store based on this chapter alone.


I’m fascinated by her concept of a palette-based wardrobe where everything mixes and matches. It reminds me of that viral Steve Harvey video for men where he explains how five suits and five shirts can create 75 looks. I’m moving toward that mindset for easy mornings, but I still love my pops of color. Those out-of-the-ordinary pieces are “specialty pieces,” not wardrobe staples.

I spent a lot of time on this chapter because she also talks about how trends and colors tempt you, but you have to consider chroma, hue, saturation, and other factors before jumping in.


I also really like her concept that you should prioritize “one-and-done” items that work on their own with no accessories or gimmicks.


Other highlights: the outfit creation flowchart is smart and succinct—I would love it as a PDF or JPEG to reference when shopping. She also shares decluttering tips that I’ll combine with Marie Kondo’s system to finally make decisions about items that have been sitting in my closet forever.


One thing I noticed in my advanced reader copy (probably fixed in the final version) is that several QR codes meant to link to more content led to 404 pages. That was a letdown.


I’m done reading, but I’m treating this book as a reference guide I’ll return to while refreshing my wardrobe. I’ve applied some concepts while shopping, but I haven’t yet done the anti-mood/mood boards or photographed items I love in my closet. It’s not that those exercises feel tedious, only that I read faster than I had time to implement everything. I want to fully commit to the system to see how it works for me.


Who is this book for? Anyone who wants to look polished and put together in clothes that fit and flatter without overthinking daily. It’s not like older style books that prescribe what skirts to pair with which tops or what to wear to a black tie barnyard spring carnival wedding. It’s deeper and foundational. The book teaches you how to use elements of the Style ID to evaluate fabric, color, body architecture, cost per wear, and how many outfits an item can generate before buying it like a stylist would. Once an item passes that test, you can basically pick outfits in the dark and know they’ll work.

I absolutely loved The Style Formula - I only wish I had something like this earlier. Its a nice, comprehensive resource that I think will be timeless in a world where digital articles/social media posts give conflicting advice.

This one should be on everyone's must-read list. Authoritative words from an expert. Too many books are written by people who are anything but as qualified as this author Good read.

Very interesting! Lots of interesting info on why we may dress as we do-society’s expectations, our parent’s preferences and more. I like the concept that our body is not why something may not look best on us but that the garment is not right! We all seem to blame our body shape. I really liked this quote: “The Style Formula is not about changing your body. It’s about objectively understanding the body you have and learning to artfully manipulate your look with your clothing choices.” It’s in Section II where the fun begins! There’s lots of great advice/tips on how to chose the best pieces for your wardrobe. Oh, and the QR codes linking to the author’s website with additional info are an added bonus! If you are the least bit unhappy/not excited about how your clothes look on you I highly recommend reading this book!

This book was really helpful. As someone that doesn't know much about fashion and styling this was such an eye opener. There are very practical tips and tricks in this book to help you style yourself better. It's a perfect combination of stories from people that struggle with styling and practical tips. This book will also help you if you struggle with buying too much clothes or always buying the wrong thing. I can definitely recommend this book, if you are interested in chlothing and fashion or if you simply want to improve your style. It's very beginner friendly.

I enjoyed reading all about finding my personal style. My closet is pretty stuffed and I have been wanting to hone down my wardrobe for years. This is just the book to help with that.

I look forward to going into my closet, trying on clothes and adjusting necklines, lengths to see what flatters most. Discovering my body architecture by using a yardstick vs a fabric measuring tape makes sense! Being realistic about my lifestyle and building a foundation wardrobe from there.

I loved the ideas about how to dress up (or down) a basic outfit. Although I do wish there were photos or sketches to accompany the many ideas.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and Advantage Books for this ARC copy</i>

Interesting concept however I personally didn’t find the content interesting. There were times where I just felt confused as she talk about client this client that, and it lacked a lot of information I had wanted in the book. I felt proud of myself that I had most of the knowledge provided in the book, so I felt like I didn’t learn anything but this book would be a decent read for someone who is just starting to develop their own personal style.

This was a really helpful book that I wish I had when I graduated. Far too often I just bought things but had no clue how to wear them or make them work for my frame. I honestly never even thought of what colors would work best with my skin tone. Next time I go shopping I will keep all these tips in mind rather than just getting something I think is cute. Definitely a must read if you find yourself frustrated with how clothes look on you.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

The Style Formula by Arica Symes is an approachable guide to personal style that helps readers move beyond trends and really understand what works for them. I liked how Symes broke things down in a supportive, practical way — the diagrams and flowcharts were a nice touch.

One thing I really appreciated was her tip about using a stiff yardstick or ruler (instead of a flexible measuring tape), along with a mirror, to help better assess your proportions and body shape — a very smart and practical suggestion.

I think this is a good starter book if you’re looking for advice on how to build a more intentional wardrobe. But having read many fashion and wardrobe advice books, I found this covers much of the same ground as most others — there wasn’t a lot new here for me. I also would have loved to see more visuals and style examples, since imagery really helps bring these concepts to life.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Thanks to NetGalley and Advantage Books for this e-ARC that will be published August 5th 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley, publisher, and the author for the ARC of this book.

The Style Formula may need to be the next guidebook for those transitioning into Adulthood. This book offers valuable guidance in navigating the world of style while remaining authentic. This will make it into gifts for those I treasure. I love to gift friends with my favorite things, and this makes the cut.

I’ve been working at a Tv station for three years, but the rationale behind on-air clothing choices has eluded me the entire time.
This helped! It demystifies not only some things I could do to tweak my visual proportions, but also some things that, in retrospect, I’ve seen coworkers do.
I do wish the book was more gender-neutral as a whole… the intro implies that it will be, then every anecdote involves women, plus there are several segments encouraging the reader to find their best dress and skirt.
Not my thing. Would have preferred a little more on menswear, or at least slightly broader tips.

This was a great informational book! As a fresh 25 year old with a fully developed frontal lobe now I have been grappling with finding my true style and dressing the best for myself! This book offered practical information to really help narrow down what is missing when it comes to your current wardrobe and how to take what you already have and make it work for your body and personality! Feeling much more confident now on how to style myself based on my unique characteristics!

Whether you’re style-confused, wardrobe-fatigued, or just trying to rediscover your fashion joy, this book offers practical, judgment-free guidance.

The emphasis on building functional wardrobes rather than complete overhauls demonstrates financial and environmental consciousness that modern consumers appreciate.