Looking for a poolside read this summer? You can’t beat sitting in the sun with a good book. And what better way to do it than exploring your passion for fashion, right? In this article, we’ve put together a list of all the books you can dive into this summer, so you don’t have to search.
15 Fashion Books to read – Summer 2024 edition
Anna: The Biography
Looking to learn about what it takes to be Anna Wintour? How did the most renowned editor-in-chief of Vogue become the icon she is? Amy Odell created a biography based on extensive interviews with Anna Wintour’s closest friends and collaborators. Including some of the biggest names in fashion, possibly the most revealing portrait of Wintour ever published. A perfect read to inspire you this summer, from the most motivated editor in fashion. Click here to listen to our podcast interview with Amy Odell.
Kate Spade New York: It’s So You: The Joy of Personal Style
Want to become a stylist or simply discover your style and how to build your unique wardrobe? Then I recommend this Kate Spade’s book.
Fashion Climbing: A New York Life
Renowned American fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham, left behind this memoir filled with his capturing the madcap times of his early career and the fashion scene of the mid-century. His love for the big city and fashion were unmatched, as once a hat designer, whose creations were seen in Vogue and worn by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy. He then went on to become a journalist for WWD, before he found his feet as a street photographer in a career of forty years.
Shocking: The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli
All eyes are on Schiaparelli again since the recent spectacular Haute Couture show staged by Daniel Roseberry. So why not learn more about this iconic brand?
Released in August 2022 to accompany the major exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, this book includes vintage photographs, sketches, and contemporary features from Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. This interesting volume presents specially photographed masterpieces from the collection of the exhibition taking place in Paris. Dive into the surrealist world of imaginative and creative designs of the founder, Elsa Schiaparelli.
Your Fashion Dream Plan
Think of this as your career manual to become the fashion industry professional you have always dreamed of. Turn your dreams into reality, with author Giada Graziano who has been featured in Forbes Under 30, the CEO and founder of Glam Observer, a fashion career coach, and a podcaster! Who else would you trust for fashion career advice? If you order now, you will also receive a free online class: Your Fashion Career Plan to Succeed plus a workbook; My Fashion Dream Plan to use alongside the book.
The Lives of 50 Fashion Legends: Visual biographies of the world’s greatest designers
Looking for something with a more visual approach? Learn all about the legends of fashion with this insightful book that explores the stories of the world’s greatest designers, across the decades. Filled with timelines and fascinating graphics that place each fashion designer on the world stage. This book shares the lives of 50 of the most important and influential fashion designers, from CristĂłbal Balenciaga and Hubert de Givenchy to Tom Ford and Karl Lagerfeld. Why not spend your summer learning more about your favorite designers?
Wear it Well: Reclaim your closet and rediscover the joy of getting dressed
 Allison Bornstein, the stylist and inventor of The Wrong Shoe Theory. Allison explains how to rediscover your style and organize your closet using the pioneering Three-Word Method and AB Closet-Editing System. Whether you are considering becoming a stylist or are simply interested in discovering your style with a new approach, you will enjoy this book.
Fashion: The Whole Story
Fashion The Whole Story offers an in-depth insight into each period of fashion. And exploring the global history of fashion and tracing the evolution of fashion design. The book is organized chronologically, placing key fashion pieces in the context of social and cultural developments to help you gain a deeper understanding of the fashion industry. A great way to learn about the fashion industry during summer.
 Dressing the Part: Television’s Most Stylish Shows
The film industry plays a major role in shaping fashion and trends and has many references that someone interested in fashion or working in this industry must understand. So if you love cinema and analyzing the outfits of your favorite characters, we think you’ll like this newly released stylish book! In “Dressing the Part”, fashion director, consultant, and media personality Hal Rubenstein explores how our favorite shows on television from the 1950s to today have influenced the way we dress.
The History of Fashion Journalism
If you are an aspiring fashion writer, this is the book we recommend to read. Combining an overview of the key moments in fashion journalism history with close textual analysis, author Kate Nelson Best explores the evolution of the media and its relationship with fashion.
Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture
How much do you know about one of the greatest Christian Dior’s inspirations – his sister Catherine Dior? In this book, acclaimed French author Justine Picardie unveils all the little-known facts about the life of Catherine Dior who inspired the name of the iconic perfume, Miss Dior, and more.
How To Make A Dress
In this book, Jenny Packham, one of Britain’s leading designers, reflects on her creative process and answers the most popular questions we have about style.
Glossy: The Inside Story of Vogue
Vogue is the #1 magazine every fashion enthusiast turns to to immerse themselves in the fashion industry. But have you ever wondered what’s the history behind this glossy publication you read every month? If the answer is yes, we invite you to read Glossy: The Inside Story of Vogue by Nina-Sophia Miralles which tells the story of the magazine from its launch in 1892 to the present day and how it evolved under the different editors. Whether you dream of working at Vogue or simply want to learn about your favorite magazine, you will enjoy this book.
The Beautiful Fall: Fashion, Genius and Glorious Excess in 1970s Paris
Curious to learn how was the fashion industry was like in the 1970s? Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent are among the fashion designers who dominated this decade. You can learn about it in this book by Alicia Drake.
Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success
If you dream of starting your own business in fashion, or you are just looking for inspiration and career advice to keep you going on your exciting journey in the fashion industry, this book will give you the motivation you need.
Let us know which book you’ll be reading this summer 🙂 You can get your copy at your local library, Amazon, or read it online.
