Girls taking their first tentative steps into the world of fashion will get sound advice from this book about dressing up for special occasions. Author Jeanne Beker, star of Fashion Television, says that in this field, “there are no rules.” Touching on all the basic fashion dilemmas, the book emphasizes finding your personal style and seeking outfits that make you feel comfortable. On the subject of inevitable disputes with parents over clothes, Beker wisely defers to parents, saying fashion choices aren’t worth fighting about.

The large-format book with thick glossy pages effectively mirrors the sumptuous world of fashion. The cover depiction of young women preparing for their “big night out” captures the confidence that characterizes this book. Montreal fashion illustrator Nathalie Dion evokes glamour with her sophisticated illustrations, filled with sinewy lines and bold patterns. A clearly organized table of contents presents chapter titles and brief descriptions of each chapter. But the two-column, text-heavy pages, filled with Beker’s personal anecdotes, make it difficult to flip back and review. Similarly, the numbered but untitled points on checklists are lost among lengthy paragraphs.

Peppered throughout are quotations from stars such as Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen and Britney Spears. I found these quotes from actors, models, and singers off-putting, because they aren’t the best role models – and they are already promoted to the max. Learning that Hilary Duff owns 75 pairs of shoes won’t make girls more confident or stylish. Somewhat contrived-sounding “Dear Jeanne” sidebars and quotes from teenage girls present a few more perspectives.