Before Pinterest and blogs were a thing I would spend hours flipping through fashion books and magazines to see everything that was new in the fashion world as well as the “do’s and don’ts” of fashion. I still find myself wanting to learn more and pick the minds of some of the most creative people in the world, so what better way to do so than read books about it!? Here are a few of my favorites!

1. The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior

This book truly is The Little Dictionary of Fashion, Christian Dior shares timeless fashion tips on everything from what you should wear to the airport or to a very formal event. I have owned this book for over 10 years and it has never done me wrong. Plus it is so compact, it can fit into a very chic purse for reference anytime!

 2. Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon by Iris Apfel

Iris Apfel is my personal fashion hero and is 100% goals. At 96 years old she is still completely wowing the industry with her work and is a powerhouse of a woman that we all can strive to be. In her book, she provides a unique and lavishly illustrated collection of musings, anecdotes, and observations on all matters of life and style.

3. Love x Style x Life by Garance Doré

Garance Doré beautifully illustrates her iconic journey through life, travel, and of course...fashion! It is filled with beautiful photos, illustrations, and candid wisdom that she has gathered throughout the years. You may know her from her eponymous blog but this book has even more insight into her priceless knowledge.

4. Grace by Grace Coddington

World-Renowned Vogue creative director Grace Coddington shares her incredible life journey including the car accident that almost derailed her modeling career, her two marriages, the untimely death of her sister, Rosemary, and of course her abiding relationship with Anna Wintour. All delightfully underscored by Grace’s pen-and-ink illustrations.

5. Vogue: The Editors Eye

Speaking of Grace Coddington, this next pick is all about the inside of the mind of these genius editors such as Grace as well as what it takes to fall into the role of being an editor at Vogue. It is extraordinarily insightful but also includes some incredible photographs from Vogue’s 120-year-old archive. Including the work of world-renowned photographers such as Irving Penn and Annie Leibovitz featuring muses like Marilyn Monroe, Verushka, and Linda Evangelista. It is a stunning book that will elevate any coffee table!

So, have you read any of these books? If so please let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Also, what is the best fashion advice you have ever received? My amazing Grandmother taught me that there is no such thing as “fashion rules” and that I should always break them. Needless to say, I wear white after labor day!

By guest editor,

Alicia  (IG: @thebookishpuff) 

About the guest editor: 

Alicia is currently the resident blogger over at The Bookish Puff and aspiring author. Raised under the southern sun she is a true eternal optimist with a deep love of history, stories, and a shameless addiction to caffeine. When she’s not on the internet writing about books, you can find her baking up a storm in her kitchen, watching true crime documentaries, sipping on coffee while chatting with friends, or getting lost in nature. She currently lives with her boyfriend and two crazy cats in Charleston, South Carolina in the United States.