Nonfiction Art and Fashion Books
Fashion and art have always captured the imagination of tastemakers around the world because they tell the behind-the-scenes story of how humans bring creativity to everyday life. Whether it’s a true crime story like The Art Thief or an inside look at how skirt lengths have changed with society, nonfiction art and fashion books are able to capture the heart of what makes us human.
Some of my favorite nonfiction revolves around art and fashion – two things I love outside of reading. I love taking my kids to museums or creating a fun outfit, so it’s not a surprise that fashion books and stories about artists keep me turning the pages.
Below are my favorite nonfiction fashion and art books, many of which read like fiction!
The Best Nonfiction Art and Fashion Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Nonfiction Fashion Book
The Kingdom of Prep by Maggie Bullock – Jump to section
The Best Fashion Style Book
HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes – Jump to section
The Best Nonfiction Art Book
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Nonfiction Fashion Books
The Kingdom of Prep: The Inside Story of the Rise and (Near) Fall of J.Crew
Author: Maggie Bullock
Year: 2023
Genre: Nonfiction
Plot
An inside look at a brand that defined my 20s? Sign me up to read this bad boy! This book looks at J.Crew’s creation, its juggernaut success in the 90s and 2000s, and what led to the company’s declaration of bankruptcy at the outbreak of the pandemic.
Why Kirsten loves it
With dozens of interviews and extensive research, Bullock delivers a compelling, nostalgic, and brutally honest account of the company. I loved the behind-the-scenes feel to the book and particularly enjoyed learning about Jenna Lyons’s rise to prominence inside the company.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Beach Reads 2023 / Best Books 2023
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion
Author: Julie Satow
Year: 2024
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This nonfiction book tells the story of Hortense Odlum, Geraldine Stutz, and Dorothy Shaver, three revolutionary women in the world of New York City department stores. These women, who helmed Bonwit Teller, Henri Bendel, and Lord & Taylor, helped to revitalize a dying industry by meeting the needs of their ideal customers – women like them.
While each department store was known for something different, their success was all based on the women in charge and their unique business savvy.
Why Kirsten loves it
I had fun getting a peek behind the curtain of some of the most well-known department stores in the world. While none of these stores have survived to the present day, it was still nice to learn about their storied history.
Find this book in: Best New Nonfiction Books of 2024 / Books With Numbers in the Title
Skirts: Fashioning Modern Femininity in the Twentieth Century
Author: Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell
Year: 2022
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
From the ankles being shown post-WWI, Dior’s new look in WWII, the shoulder pads donned by career ladies in the 80s, and more, it was inspiring to see how fashion tells the story of female empowerment. This is a perfect place to start if you are looking for nonfiction books for beginners.
Why Kirsten loves it
I often find myself drawn to non-fiction books about fashion and women’s careers. I found this history of modern feminism through the changing of hemlines to be quite interesting!
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Gilded Age Books
Fashion Style Books
Taylor Swift Styled
Author: Sarah Chapelle
Year: 2024
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: Instant New York Times & USA Today Bestseller
Age Range: 11+
Plot
In this incredible fashion tome, @taylorswiftstyled takes readers through Taylor Swift’s many fashion reinventions, album by album, one era at a time.
Within the pages you’ll see how Taylor commits to a theme, seamlessly reinventing her style with every new album. Chapelle connects the fashion dots and explains the narrative Taylor was conveying in her outfit choices by pointing out patterns and common elements around each era’s satirical choices.
Why Kirsten loves it
Like her famed IG account, she gives her own commentary and takes on the outfits as well and the way she does it is magnificent. To quote the book “In the world of fashion, where the urge to be cutting, to even be catty, felt like the norm, I wanted to carve out a space that was critically kind in thought and in manner.”
While Chapelle applied this sentiment to Taylor’s fashion, take out “of fashion” and you have an ethos we strive for in this community… one we wish to see more of in the world today. If you loved Elizabeth Holmes’s HRH Royal Fashion, you will adore this one. It’s an ideal gift for the Swiftie in your life!
Find this book in: Best New Nonfiction Books of 2024 / Best Books for 11-year-olds
HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style
Author: Elizabeth Holmes
Year: 2020
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 12+
Plot
I’m an avid follower of Elizabeth Holmes’ account (you should be too) where she explains the significance of the Royal Family’s wardrobe. The nuance and attention to detail the Royals use when
Why Kirsten loves it
Elizabeth breaks it down in an accessible and understandable way. I’m thrilled that her book delivers everything I’ve come to expect from her and more. This in-depth look at The Queen, Diana, Catherine, and Meghan is informative and beautiful. It is the perfect coffee table book for any fashion lover.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Books about the Royal Family / Books about Queen Elizabeth II / Best Nonfiction Books / Royal Nonfiction Books
The Other Side of the Coin
Author: Angela Kelly
Year: 2019
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: Sunday Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Angela Kelly is the Queen’s headdresser and long-time companion. She details her process for dressing the queen, talks about some of her most iconic looks, and even reveals a few personal stories about her time with Her Majesty.
Why Kirsten loves it
I had palace fever this month while working on our Royal Reads post, so it’s no surprise that when my library hold for this autobiographical audiobook came through, I dove right into it. I absolutely loved this inside look about life with the Queen. I really felt like I learned about the Queen’s personality through this book.
Find this book in: Books About Queen Elizabeth II / Books about the Royal Family / Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Royal Nonfiction Books
Nonfiction Art Books
The Art Thief
Author: Michael Finkel
Year: 2023
Genre: Nonfiction True Crime
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I’m not sure I’ve ever read a nonfiction book that read so much like fiction. Imagine two people driving around Europe casually stealing billions of dollars worth of art from the most famous galleries and museums in the world. That’s what this book about thieves is all about.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, Suicidal Thoughts
Why Kirsten loves it
I was floored by the writing, but the story is one I wouldn’t believe if it wasn’t true. It’s a fast, compelling book that art lovers, mystery lovers, and true crime aficionados must read.
Find this book in: Books About Con Artists and Thieves / Best Nonfiction Books
The Queens of Animation
Author: Nathalia Holt
Year: 2019
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 18+
Special Info: April 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Plot
This nonfiction old Hollywood book sheds light on the talent of Disney’s pioneering female animators and the struggles they faced in a male-dominated field. I loved learning about these incredible women – like Mary Blair who created the art for the “It’s a Small World” ride.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was appalled by the disparate treatment female in the animation field received, but I was also impressed by their gumption. The author does a tremendous job of showing their struggles but also how these women shaped animation as we know it. I was heartened to see just how far they have come. The book ends with Frozen and you can see the studio’s growth.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved reading about these women and how they shaped animation! I am a huge Disney fan, so everything about this intrigues me. I was equally upset by the struggles these talented women had to endure strictly because they were women (although I shouldn’t have been shocked).
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Old Hollywood Books / Books like Lessons in Chemistry / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Vincent and Theo
Author: Deborah Heiligman
Year: 2017
Genre: History
More: Printz Honor Book
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This biography of the famed artist Vincent Van Gogh and his brother, Theo, will captivate any art lover. Theo is the lesser-known brother, who was ultimately the champion of Vincent’s work. This incredible work draws on extensive research, including the 658 letters the brothers wrote to one another.
Trigger Warnings
Mental Illness, Suicide
Why Kirsten loves it
While I don’t usually love non-fiction, this is one of the first books in the genre that really got me hooked. The relationship between Vincent Van Gogh and his brother, Theo, was complicated.
Their love for one another was inspiring, though they did fight often as brothers are wont to do. Most of all, I loved the description of the art.
Expert Tips
- The books on this list are not really for your coffee table! They are meant to be read cover-to-cover to learn about fashion or art in a specific period.
- Not sure which nonfiction art or fashion book to start with? Art Thief is a great entry for art lovers, and I’d recommend The Kingdom of Prep for fans of J.Crew and/or Jenna Lyons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best books about celebrity style?
For celebrity fashion books, I turn to HRH: Royal Style for a look at the royal family or Taylor Swift Styled to see how the world’s biggest pop star uses fashion in her storytelling.
What are good art books that aren’t for a coffee table?
The Art Thief reads like a novel, but it’s 100% true. Vincent and Theo is a meticulously researched look at the Van Gogh brothers and their commitment to one another.
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Epilogue
I adore nonfiction books about fashion and art, and I’m always looking to read more. Could you please recommend some of your favorite art and fashion books?
