Fashion can be intimidating, especially for self-conscious tweens. Enter Learn to Speak Fashion, a book that demystifies the fashion industry and encourages readers to build their own wardrobe, design clothes, stage a backyard runway show, and plan a photo shoot.    

Veteran fashion journalist and magazine editor Laura deCarufel explains that fashion “is about expressing who you are.” Describing how clothes help shape our identities, she stresses that “style is about having the confidence to try new looks.” The author connects with young readers by employing a friendly voice, using phrases like “sweet!,” “yowza,” and “major ‘WOW!’” In parts, the upbeat writing relies too heavily on exclamation points, but, all in all, the book is an enjoyable read.

The style-savvy design by Jeff Kulak – featuring bold blocks of colour, text columns, coloured headings, and digital art – makes the pages inviting and suitably sophisticated. The book doesn’t contain photos, but this approach works: the emphasis is on fluid conceptual sketches, imagination, and design.

In describing how to cut out a pair of pants, however, the stylized art misleads. The chalk outline resembles two-dimensional paper-doll trousers, not the actual shape of the pattern pieces. As the book’s only step-by-step sewing activity, this project is likely too challenging for novices. A simple skirt would be more straightforward.

The book closes with “The Style Files,” outlining the essentials for designers, photographers, stylists, magazine editors and art directors, and interns. It’s refreshing to see that comfy shoes and a good attitude are highlighted among the ingredients for success.

Young fashionistas dreaming of launching their careers will find solid advice in this information-rich book that promotes “a lifelong friendship with fashion.”