Looking for a good fashion book? Whether you want a fictional story with gorgeous descriptions of clothing, or a peek into the non-fiction world of fashion, these are some of my favorites!
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Last Sunday was apparently “National Read a Book Day” and I started thinking about all my favorite fashion books, both fiction and non fiction. There are a few books that I think you’d enjoy, whether you are a huge fashion fan, or just enjoy a good book!
My Favorite Fashion Books
1. Grace: A Memoir
I really, really enjoyed this book! Grace Coddington is the former creative director of Vogue and chronicles her life in this story from a young girl “discovered” as a model in 1960s England, to her current position working alongside Anna Wintour.
Even if you’re not a Vogue reader, you’ll enjoy Grace’s stories of travel, the social scene, and some amazing models and celebrities she’s worked with.
2. A Vintage Affair
Set in London, Phoebe Swift has opened a vintage clothing shop in an attempt to start a new life for herself. Through connections with the clothing she sells she develops relationships that both allow her to heal her own past and help others do the same.
This was a really good read that kept me captivated until the end. The clothing descriptions are magical, but the stories surrounding the clothing, particularly those about a child’s blue coat, will lead you on quite the emotional journey!
3. A Matter of Style
I received this coffee table book from a former co-worker (probably the best “work” gift I’ve received!) and it’s an amazing look at several women who have made a fashionable impact on our world.
I’m often tempted to frame some of these photos and just might one day! Right now there are copies of this book on Amazon for under $2!
Anything by Tim Gunn
If you don’t love Tim Gunn, well, I don’t know you. I’m not shy about my love for him and how I wish he could be my life mentor.
This is a man who had a total career change at the age of 50 when he became the now-famous designer mentor on Project Runway. He has remarkable taste and a true love of style (and manners!). The three I own:
4. Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste, & Style
Every aspect of creating and maintaining your personal style including how to dress for various occasions, how to shop, find the perfect fit, and even improve your posture!
5. Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making it Work
If you want a little more behind-the-scenes info on Project Runway, or even his experiences (both good and bad!) with different designers and celebrities, this is your book. He still covers plenty of lessons on “making it work” for your everyday life, including style, manners and how to improve your life.
6. Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet
I even have an autographed copy of this one! This is a book for true fashion lovers covering history and information on everything you could want to know about clothing! From jeans and t-shirts to handbags and hosiery, he’s got ALL the information you could ever need on where items originated, how they evolved and how we should wear them now!
7. Fashion Climbing: A Memoir with Photographs
Bill Cunningham was the famed New York Times fashion photographer known for his street style photos and blue jackets. If you haven’t watched “Bill Cunningham New York“, it’s a must-see and you’ll fall in love with this dear man. After his death, his autobiography manuscript was found and published, giving a peek into his back story and the development of his career.
I’m tracking to remember all of the other fashionable books I’ve read but these are the ones I can think of right now! I’ll update if more come to me. :)
Have some favorite fashion books? Tell me in the comments!
