If you’re ever in the mood for fashion and beauty tips unadulterated by the copious and increasingly bizarre ads that fuel the glossy high fashion magazines, head to the bookstore. Thousands of experts are waiting to give you advice on everything from how to dress for an office party to tips on finding “love-your-butt” jeans. No, those are not in the same book.

Many fashion magazine editors are creating and collaborating on the latest batch of style books. We can only assume that they are responding to the universal complaint that it’s nearly impossible to find the table of contents in a typical fashion magazine and once you do, flipping to page 335 is more difficult than it sounds.

Whatever the reason, the trend is worthwhile.

“Harper’s Bazaar Great Style: The Best Ways to Update Your Look,” by the magazine’s former fashion news editor Jenny Levin (Hearst Books, $24.95, 240 pages).

It has nearly the same content as the magazine. Style is described in classic, not trendy, terms, and the magazine’s look at dressing for your age by decade offers the same useful tips.

The only difference is that the pages are in sequential order.

Advice from the book: The tailored structure of the classic trench coat hides all flaws. “Put on a trench, you’re suddenly Audrey Hepburn walking along the Seine, even if you’ve got red hair and you’re five one,” says designer Michael Kors in the book.

The verdict: This book is really just a compilation of magazine spreads, filled with lots and lots of celebrity photos. The advice is pretty basic and perfunctory: “In warmer months, a lightweight coat looks refined and elegant over a dress. Pick one that matches for the most uptown air,” but the photos are the selling point. This is for visual learners.

“A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style,” by respected design mentor Tim Gunn of “Project Runway” fame who now works as the chief creative officer at Liz Claiborne Inc. (Abrams Images, $17.95, 201 pages)

For the crowd that likes to read and doesn’t stumble over references to 19th century Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, check out this book. Gunn wrote it with his former assistant chair Kate Moloney from his days as head of the fashion design department at Parsons The New School for Design.

Advice from the book: Set out on a shopping safari. Gunn writes that he’s normally an advocate of finding your shopping niche and sticking to it, but once in a while he flips and suggests just the opposite. If you’re a “dyed-in-the-tunic Eileen Fisher wearer, this might mean tolerating the music and throngs of teenagers for a look around Forever 21. Conversely, you Urban Outfitters fans might find a lovely pair of wide-legged, cuffed trousers on sale at Ann Taylor Loft.” He writes that a little adventure is good for your wardrobe, but you don’t need to buy something. You’re looking for inspiration and maybe you’ll stumble on the right piece, maybe not.

As an important side note, he says, “Don’t limit yourself by gender or age, either. Smaller women have been finding fabulous jackets, sweaters and button-downs from the boys’ department for years.”

The verdict: If you love Gunn, you’ll love this book. It’s filled with his erudite and practical voice, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. If anything, reading it will enlighten you on the finer points of being yourself, unless the real you is tacky, in which case Gunn will persuade you to repent.

“Rock Star Momma: The Hip Guide to Looking Gorgeous Through All Nine Months and Beyond,” by Skye Hoppus, Mandi Norwood and Amy Denoon (Atria Books, $17.95, 246 pages)

This is a great little treat for anyone walking around with a baby on board. The treat is that so many moms-to-be receive the obligatory, how life happens and what to do about colic books, but what future mom ever gets a maternity-focused fashion book.

Advice from the book: “Never thought about a tee under a suit? Think again. Nothing is cooler. A vintage tee, especially with a little color under a black suit, is chic, playful and perfect for the office diva. A classic white tee is timeless.”

The verdict: The book discusses true style in maternity terms that is hard to find in fashion books. It also offers practical advice to use past the third trimester (including what to wear for stylish nursing attire). There are fun quotes and pieces of celebrity maternity wisdom from actresses such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Joely Fisher and secret tips from Kimora Lee Simmons. The information ranges from handling facial blemishes to dressing your baby for their first public appearance. There’s even advice on how to look good at the gym.

“Details Men’s Style Manual,” by the magazine’s editor-in-chief Daniel Peres and his team of editors (Gotham Books, $30, 272 pages)

Are you looking to answer some serious fashion questions for the guy who just doesn’t know any better but wants to learn. The manual provides tips on dressing for work, finding the perfect blazer, selecting the right jeans and even picking out the right underwear.

Advice from the book: “Women’s fashion magazines advise their readers about ‘Dressing for Your Body Type,” believe it or not, this applies to guys, too. Knowing your build and dressing accordingly is crucial.”

The verdict: From discussing the protocol of ordering custom-made Italian suits to discussing the merits of different denim washes, the book covers quite a bit of territory in a compact readable guide that is filled with explanatory, not superfluous photos of clothes against clean white backgrounds. I particularly like the fashion don’ts at the end of each section.