18+ Novels About Fashion and Dazzling Nonfiction Picks Too!
I’ve always been obsessed with novels about fashion. Ever since I read Confessions of a Shopaholic, it’s safe to say I’ve been hooked!
Below you will find some of my favorite fashion novels from recent years. If you are as interested in fashion as I am, you’ll find something to enjoy on this list!
I also included a few non-fiction picks because I thought they would help round out the list. Let me know if you decide to read any of these!
*books about fashion 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.
This post fulfills a prompt for the 2024 reading challenge! It’s not too late to join!
Historical Fiction Novels about Fashion
The Sunset Crowd
Author: Karin Tanabe
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fashion book set in Hollywood in the 1970s is perfect for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six. In the backdrop of Hollywood, three women with ambition try and stay on top with their unrelenting ambition in a time when men ruled the industry.
Why Kirsten loves it
I learned so much about the world of fashion, film, and music in the 70s. I was so intrigued by the cast of characters who ruled the Sunset Strip and the con artist in their midst. This 70s book swept into their world and I never wanted to leave.
Find this book in: Hollywood Novels / Novels About Fashion / Books Set in the 70s / Books like Daisy Jones and the Six
The Last Dress from Paris by Jade Beer
This dual-timeline story was such a fun read. At her grandmother’s request, Lucille has been sent to Paris to retrieve a Dior dress. But what should have been an easy task becomes a scavenger hunt when the dress in question is missing.
Lucille begins tracking down the dress and uncovering the history of Alice Ainsley, wife of the British Ambassador to France in the early 50s. Lucille’s hunt for the dress soon turns into her seeking Alice’s connection to her beloved grandmother.
I loved the way the timelines unfolded and the secrets were unveiled. It was lovely to understand womanhood in the 1950s from the lens of Lucille, who uses the lessons of the past to resurrect her own floundering life. This historical fiction is perfect for our beach reads 2023 post.
The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott
What boat books list doesn’t include stories set on the Titanic? Not ours! Tess is hired to be a ladies’ maid aboard the Titanic, hoping it’s her chance to become a seamstress.
When Tess is rescued after disaster strikes, she’s forced to reckon with the possibility that her employer might have sacrificed the lives of others to save her own skin. Tess has to decide if she should keep her employer happy or stay true to herself.
I liked that this story looks at events after Titanic instead of just ending when the boat sank. I really enjoyed this one.
Mademoiselle Chanel by C. W. Gortner
Coco Chanel is a fascinating woman, who is famed for her stylish, sophisticated fashions. Yet this story explores her connection to the Nazis during WWII and just how far she would go to stay on top.
Why We Loved it: I loved this story, but ended up hating the woman it was about. I grew up loving Chanel designs and idolizing the fashion icon. However, when I learned more about her life, I was scandalized and horrified….but I couldn’t put it down!
Find this book in Books set in the 1920s, Biographical Fiction / Fashion Novels / Books Set in France
The Stolen Queen
Author: Fiona Davis
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book simultaneously tells the story of the Egyptian Gallery of the Met, the Met Gala (helmed by Diane Vreeland), and the discoveries of archaeological digs in Egypt.
In 1936, Charlotte Cross was an anthropology student working in the Valley of Kings when something happened that changed the course of her life. In 1978, Annie Jenkins is working for former Vogue editor, Diane Vreeland to organize the Met Gala.
When an ancient Egyptian necklace goes missing on the night of the Gala, Annie must work with Charlotte, now the associate curator in the Met’s Department of Egyptian Art, to recover the lost necklace.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved both female leads – particularly Annie, who found the gumption to change her life circumstances. Davis‘s writing sucked me right in and I was fretting with nerves the night of the gala.
I loved each setting of The Stolen Queen, but Egypt really captured my heart. Another hit by one of my favorite authors.
Find this book in: Fashion Books / Novels Set in Egypt
Fashion Novels about Dressmakers
The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights by Kitty Zeldis
In this Jazz Age novel, three women’s lives intersect in Brooklyn in 1924. All because Bea, a dress store owner, has moved from New Orleans with her charge and seamstress, Alice, in hopes of meeting Catherine.
As their lives intersect, they forge friendships, confront their pasts, and learn about the bonds of found family. This historical fiction fashion book moves from New York City to late 19th century Russia and to New Orleans in the 1910s.
Why We Like it: It was a quick read that focused a lot on sewing, Jewish history, and family ties. #Gifted by Harper Books
Find this book in Books about the Jazz Age / Novels about Fashion
The Gown by Jennifer Robson
I thought this was going to be a wedding book about Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip based on the cover, but I was wrong. Instead, it was about a couple of seamstresses who worked on the now-Queen’s wedding dress.
Part historical fiction, part romance, part mystery – this pick from books about Queen Elizabeth II reminded me a bit of The Lost Vintage. This story is definitely not a royal romance but instead offers brief glimpses into the wedding dress-making process.
Plot
This is an LGBTQ graphic novel that I read in a few hours. Prince Sebastian is a prince by day and Princess Crystallia by night. The only one who knows his secret is his seamstress who hopes to make a name for herself with her fashion.
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia, Transphobia
Why Jackie loves it
My son read it twice because he “loved the message that it’s okay to be yourself”. I don’t normally read graphic novels, but, I loved it!!! What a wonderfully inclusive, feel-good story.
Find this book in: Novels About Fashion / Best Books for 13-year-olds / YA Historical Fiction Books
Contemporary Fiction Books about Fashion Magazines
Plot
Like everyone, I fell deep into the Netflix show Inventing Anna. When I realized this story was about a similar tale, I knew it would be the perfect summer book about con artists!
Essentially it’s about an intern named Lora who was taken in by an Elle editor named Cat Wolff whose glamorous life quickly takes over her own. But is Cat who she claims to be or is she someone else entirely?
Why Kirsten loves it
Let’s just say this is one of those books where you get to the end and you want to go back and re-read. I gasped when I read the final chapter of this pick from summer reads 2023.
Find this book in: Novels About Fashion / Books about Con Artists and Thieves / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023/ Epistolary Novels
The Devil Wears Prada
Author: Lauren Weisberger
Year: 2003
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The Devil Wears Prada is the OG fashion novel. Written about an unfashionable assistant to a demanding magazine editor (clearly supposed to be Vogue’s Anna Wintour) this book became the inspiration by the cult classic movie of the same name.
Why Kirsten loves it
I read this story as a teenager and found myself utterly enthralled by the antics of the editor, the demands of the fashion industry, and all the stunning clothing descriptions. It’s truly the best fashion novel ever!
Adaptation Information
At this point, the famed movie starting Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, and Emily Blunt has reached cult following status. Recently, it was announced that Disney would be making a sequel!
Find this book in: Novels About Fashion / Books Becoming Movies
Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Skyes
This charming debut fashion novel from Plum Skyes was one of my favorite reads back in college. It’s over-the-top label naming and look inside the world of Manhattan’s elite had me googling places and things non-stop.
While the fashions might be dated now, they will be nostalgic throwbacks for anyone living in the early ’00s.
Contemporary Fashion Novels
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophia Kinsella
No list of novels about fashion would be complete without this pick. Shopaholic Becky Bloomwood has it all – an amazing flat, a killer wardrobe, socialite friends, but there is a catch. She can’t afford any of it!
As she tries to cut back her spending to pay off her bills, she only gets deeper into the hole. Becky is hysterical, and the scenarios within the pages are ridiculous. I loved this frivolous story, but I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff
Phoebe decides its time to quit her well-paying job and finally open the store of her dreams – a vintage clothing store! Phoebe delights in finding treasures in the attics. of private clients or sorting through discarded wears at thrift stores.
But when she finds a child’s coat in the wardrobe of one. of her favorite clients, she realizes she might have come across a different kind of find. As her friendship grows with the owner, secrets unravel and truths are set free.
I loved reading about the vintage fashions within this fashion novel. It’s a perfect vacation read.
The Second Chance Boutique by Louisa Leaman
The Whispering Dress bridal boutique. where she matches each bride with the dress they need, not the dress they think they should wear. When she finds a one-of-a-kind dress from the 1950s, everything changes. She starts to break her first rule: never covet a dress.
As her own history is developed, a new possibility for a future emerges as she becomes more infatuated with the dress. I love this feel-good book about fashion.
Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction
Love Contemporary Fiction? I do too! The Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction is carefully divided by genre.
Non-Fiction Books about Fashion
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: Books About Fashion / Best New Nonfiction Books of 2024
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: Books About Fashion / Giftable Books / 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 / Fashion Books / Books about the Royal Family / Books about Queen Elizabeth II
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: Books About Fashion / Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Gilded Age 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 / Nonfiction Books about Fashion /
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: Books about Fashion / Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Beach Reads 2023 / Best Books 2023
Hi there….I was wondering if there was a link to print the 2024 Reading Challenge. Thank you in advance.
Hi Nancy. Thank you for the message. There is a link to download the reading challenge in the 2024 reading challenge post. You can also find all of our downloads in the printable library.