Need to scratch a "Project Runway" itch?

The new season of the hit Bravo show doesn't start until later this year, but in the meantime, the show's ice-queen fashion judge, Nina Garcia, has just released her how-to-look-great tome "The Little Black Book of Style" (Collins, $17.95). It's on the shelves near show mentor Tim Gunn's "A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style" (Abrams Image, $17.95), released in May.

The books are remarkably similar in content and organization. Who makes it work better? You'll have to decide for yourself. But here's each author's take on some of the same ground they cover.

WOMEN'S WARDROBE

Tim says: A "trench-ish" coat; sweatsuit alternative (something comfortable but chic, like a sundress and cashmere cardigan), a pair of boots, pumps and flats; shapely jacket and go-anywhere top; signature jewelry; appropriate undergarments; a day dress; an after-5 look; a "new, cheap, terribly trendy" item that you purchased for $20 or less; two pairs of jeans, one dressy, one casual.

Nina says: A little black dress; a classic man's white shirt; a cashmere cardigan or turtleneck; a trench coat; a pair of great jeans; a man's watch; diamond (or fake diamond) accessories; ballet flats; classic high-heel pumps; a great bag — shoulder bag, clutch, medium handbag with a chain-link strap and a "must-have" bag.

WEARING WORKOUT CLOTHES IN PUBLIC

Tim says: "Soft cotton pants should be avoided if one is going anywhere other than the yoga studio. Many a woman is walking around New York City right now with no idea that her pants not only reveal the shape of her bottom, but the shape her bottom is in."

Nina says: "Do not wear a sweatsuit. Not even an expensive one. Because let me tell you, if there is a girl in a sweatsuit and a girl in a cashmere sweater, and there is the possibility of an upgrade, cashmere beats sweatsuit every time."

CARRYING THE 'IT BAG'

Tim says: "Why not carry a plastic bag from the supermarket and simply tape your credit card to it?"

Nina says: "The 'it bag' is not going to set your wardrobe apart or make any unique style statement, and the bag is where you should have a little fun."

CLEANING OUT THE CLOSET

Tim says: "No agonizing about whether or not to keep the jumpsuit. If you have to ask, the answer is: Throw it away."

Nina says: "For every 20 items you toss, you can buy one killer piece."

FIT VS. SIZE

Tim says: "Fit is the most neglected aspect of how we dress; that is, most people wear clothes that are either too big or too small or a combination of both."

Nina says: "It is better to buy the realistic size and enjoy the way the clothes make you feel at that moment."