This book investigates the historical evolution of fashion trends, specifically focusing on the bizarre, dangerous, and often absurd sartorial choices that have been mandated or outlawed throughout human history. Platt examines the social pressures and cultural contexts that drove individuals to adopt impractical or hazardous styles, using a lighthearted approach to analyze the intersection of vanity and regulation. The text serves as a survey of historical fashion blunders, providing context for why certain trends were deemed necessary or prohibited by authorities.

Readers frequently note the accessible and entertaining nature of the prose, which balances historical fact with a humorous tone. Experts highlight this as a light, informative text suitable for those interested in the social history of clothing and the evolution of cultural norms.