What Shall I Wear?

First published in 1956, What Shall I Wear? is revolutionary fashion designer Claire McCardellâs collection of fashion wisdom and philosophy, and a vivacious guide to looking effortlessly stylish. This new edition of the sought-after classic features a foreword by iconic designer Tory Burch and a color insert of photos from McCardellâs collections.
         
âThe testament to great design, Claire McCardellâs dresses look fresh, contemporary, and desirable eight decades after they were made, as the Costume Instituteâs 2022 exhibit In America: An Anthology of Fashion demonstrated.â âNicole Phelps, global director, Vogue Runway and Vogue Business
        
âAmong the many surprises and insights I discovered in McCardellâs valuable book is that she wanted to call it Fashion is Fun. That may also be the secret behind her genius and enduring influenceâshe refused to take fashion too seriously.â âCathy Horyn, New York Magazine
          
âThe first designer to create a cohesive vision rooted in the American lifestyle of ease, McCardell and her contributions as a designer and a woman in business are often overlooked. Tory Burchâs new foreword . . .puts this American treasure in her rightful place.â âConstance White, fashion editor and author of How to Slay: Inspiration from the Queens and Kings of Black Style
       
âClaire McCardellâs guiding philosophy of dressing with ease in afunctional, fashionable American look was groundbreakingâand feministâfor her times. And it continues to resonate globally on the runways and in closets today.â âBooth Moore, executive editor, Womenâs Wear Daily