If you eat, sleep and breathe all things fashion and style, then your taste in literature should probably reflect that. In addition to the bevy of fashion mags that you’re already subscribed to, there are certain tomes that every fashionista should own. From style how-to books to beautiful keepsake coffee table books from your favorite designers, there’s no shortage of reading material to go around. Check out these 22 sartorially approved books that will be a welcome addition to your winter reading list.
1. Journey of a Dress ($48): Who knew that one dress could revolutionize fashion history? Apparently Diane von Furstenberg did. Serving as a companion to her 2014 retrospective exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the wrap dress, this colorful coffee table book is for longtime DvF devotees. For a big splurge, check out this signed copy.
2. Tory Burch in Color ($37): Get ready for major eye candy with this fashion tome documenting the role that color has played in the evolution of Tory Burch’s fashion and lifestyle brand. See how the designer’s preferred getaways, style icons, artists and interior designers have inspired her through the decades.
3. Refinery 29 Style Stalking ($20): Just as the title reads, Refinery 29 has got us all style stalking with their first book. Having already risen to New York Times bestseller status, this is the style bible that lays out how to pull off every style — whether it be boho or ladylike chic.
4. It by Alexa Chung ($18): Our favorite cool girl, A. Chung, penned a book documenting her style inspirations and it is everything. Trust us when we say that you’ll read this entire gem of a book in one sitting and then re-read it again and again.
5. The Truth About Style ($15): She imparted her knowledge on What Not to Wear alongside Clinton Kelly and now she’s back with her own book. Through heartfelt advice, tips and personal experience, Stacy London illustrates how style and confidence go hand in hand.
6. Lauren Conrad Style ($10): We’re definitely fangirling over this one. Considering the fact that we’ve been on “Team LC” since way back when, we’ll gladly take style advice from the queen of effortless California chic.
7. Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman ($23): Calling all fashionistas, this tome dedicated to the luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman is too good to pass up. Complete with memorable quotes and stories from fashion insiders, stunning photography and the history of Bergdorf, this has it all.
8. Oscar de la Renta: The Style Inspiration and Life of Oscar de la Renta ($125): As we remember the life and legacy of the irreplaceable designer, this exquisite coffee table book provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at Oscar de la Renta’s work and inspirations. Chock-full of elegant designs and fashion photography, this splurge-worthy collector’s piece is perfect for every self-proclaimed fashion lover.
9. Nina Garcia’s Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion ($18): Besides being a Project Runway judge, one thing that Nina Garcia excels at is speaking fashion. If you’ve ever fallen victim to a wardrobe conundrum — haven’t we all? — then this book is for you.
10. Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet ($13): Going beyond how to dress, Tim Gunn recounts the history of every wardrobe staple you can imagine in his self-titled fashion bible. For a fun, insightful read, complete with a fair share of “aha” moments and Tim Gunn’s signature humor, we give this book the a-okay.
11. The Sartorialist: Closer ($20): Avid street style fans and followers of the blog The Sartorialist will appreciate the photography featured in Scott Schuman’s second book. Documenting fashion across the globe, this book truly brings his creative vision and unique aesthetic to life.
12. Chloe: Attitudes ($52): Chronicling 60 years of “youthful elegance and femininity” at the fashion house Chloé, this is the coffee table book that will have you oohing and ahhing. It strikes the perfect balance between gorgeous photography and insightful history. Go ahead, we dare you not to fall for this book.
13. Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty ($29): If you couldn’t make it to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s record-breaking 2011 exhibitionSavage Beauty, then this coffee table book is a must. Documenting the enfant terrible’s greatest work through striking photos and quotes, this book epitomizes Alexander McQueen.
14. The Fashion Book: New and Expanded Edition ($45): We think the title says it all. If you have a passion for fashion, then owning The Fashion Book is obligatory. Spanning nearly 200 years, consider this the definitive encyclopedia on fashion.
15. The World According to Karl ($30): As per usual, all eyes remain on Karl… Karl Lagerfeld, that is. Brimming with unforgettable quotes and the designer’s infamous “razor-sharp wit,” get ready for an exclusive peek into Lagerfeld’s world.
16. Grace: A Memoir ($22): If you’re anything like us, then you also couldn’t get enough of Grace Coddington in The September Issue. From her early career as a model to her days working alongside Anna Wintour as a creative director at Vogue, this memoir would be perfect for anyone aspiring to work in the fashion industry.
17. Living in Style: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Glamour ($20): Make 2015 your most stylish year yet by taking Rachel Zoe’s tips, advice and style influences to heart. It’s time to up your personal style and allow it to come through in everything that you do — from interior design to your extravagant hosting skills.
18. How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits ($17): When we grow up, we want to be Parisian chic. As it turns out, that just may be possible. Get started on this book and you’ll be brushing up on your Parisian street cred in no time.
19. A Denim Story: Inspirations From Bellbottoms To Boyfriends ($33): If you or one of your gal pals has a reputation as a serious denim hoarder, then boy have we got the perfect book for you. Written by the designers behind the luxury denim brand Current/Elliott, A Denim Story is all about blue jeans and the style icons who wore them so well.
20. Kate Spade New York: Places to Go, People to See ($33): As a follow-up to Kate Spade’s charming coffee table book Things We Love, the witty and oh-so-colorful brand is back with Places to Go, People to See. Trust us when we say that KSNY’s roundup of chic destinations and glamorous photography will bring forth some serious wanderlust.
21. Rowing Blazers ($37): You need not be a rower to appreciate this already much-acclaimed book centered around classic American rowing blazers. Created by champion rower Jack Carlson — with photography cred going to none other than king of prep, F.E. Castleberry — this book is as aesthetically pleasing and comprehensive as they come.
22. PANTONE on Fashion ($26): At last, a book that combines two of our greatest loves in life: Pantoneand fashion. Carefully organized by color (of course!), this book will mesmerize you with its rich history of hues like ultramarine green as they’ve appeared on the catwalk.
Which of these fashion and style tomes will you be reading for your sartorial pleasure? Tell us in the comments below!
