It’s time to take a break from your academic readings—winter break means creating your own personal syllabus for the coming weeks. In between all of those bestsellers you’ve picked up in the past months, try reading a few fashion-based texts. Writing about clothing and style isn’t limited to the pages of magazines or street style blogs. A great number of writers, editors, and fashion stars have taken to print to discuss the fundamentals of dressing.
Here is an assortment of books that I have been gifted or recommended over the years that have helped shape my sense of style and awareness in the fashion world. From dazzling images to intimate stories, these book’s demonstrate that clothing is intrinsically linked to who we all are as individuals.
A compilation of interviews, survey answers, anecdotes, Women in Clothes provides an overview of fashion from over 600 women. Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits, and Leanne Shapton edited together this massive ode to the eccentricities of dressing with precision and delicacy. Clothing is often seen as frivolity, but the human experience highlighted in Women in Clothes reminds the reader of the important role fashion plays in identity.
In a similar vein to Women in Clothes, Worn Stories looks at relationships between people and individual items of clothing. Each contributor selected a piece from their wardrobe and tells its story. From editors to actors to professors, the books points out that no matter who you are, or how far you are from the fashion industry, clothes can hold anyone’s memories in any walk of life.
Following Men in this Town, Giuseppe Santamaria’s blog-turned-book takes readers on a tour of street style in six different cities across the world. Flip through for a look at exquisite and eclectic outfits, read more for interviews with the fashionable everywoman.
Aptly named for her status in 21st century fashion, Alexa Chung’s debut book is an easy read with insight into her It-girl world. Immerse yourself in this quick read as a break from school readings. Chung shells out perspectives on the fashion industry and modeling while providing visual inspiration in her musings, photographs and doodles.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
While not a book about fashion, Marie Kondo’s immensely popular tips and tricks can help any of us in an organizing rut. Whether you agree with her methods or not, Kondo’s ideas can lead to a reevaluation of your things and wardrobe this break—sometimes your clothing has piled up or remained untouched for a reason.
While not a book, Suitcase is a magazine with longevity. My copy from two years ago is still enjoyable to read today as it was then. Each issue covers different cities from across the world and how to be a tourist in style. A mixture of travel and fashion tips, Suitcase is visually pleasing and full of useful information for those looking for hoping to explore abroad.
