In my quest to define style, learn from the experts and be inspired, I enjoy reading fashion books on style and photography.

Fashion books as gifts

They are a lot of fun to read and can actually be great gifts as well.

So, if you are looking for a gift for a style-conscious loved one this festive season, or you want to drop some heavy hints to Santa about what to buy you, this is the ultimate list of style books.

For more inspiration look at the best gifts for women over 40.

Here are some style books that I have read and some that are on my wish list.

You’ll find the very latest newly released style books, my top 10 of books that are a little bit older, along with some beautiful image-based coffee table books.

10 of the very latest style books for you – new releases

If you think you’ve read every book on style there is, you’re in luck because there are some fantastic options which have been released this year.

Here are some of the very latest to choose from.

1. Legendary Artists and the Clothes They Wore – Terry Newman

I love the diversity of styles in this book, the way art and fashion are intertwined as well as the explanation about what each artist’s signature style is.

Style books - Legendary Artists and the Clothes They Wore | 40plusstyle.com

Legendary Artists and the Clothes They Wore

2. Bill Cunningham: On the Street: Five Decades of Iconic Photography – New York Times

If you get your fashion inspiration from what you see stylish women wearing on the street, this is the book for you.

Style books - Bill Cunningham: On the Street: Five Decades of Iconic Photography | 40plusstyle.com

Bill Cunningham: On the Street: Five Decades of Iconic Photography

3. Fashion, New Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide (Smithsonian) – DK

This one is more of an educational book, and a fascinating one it is to. It takes you from Ancient Egypt to the catwalks of today.

Style books - Fashion, New Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide (Smithsonian) | 40plusstyle.com

Fashion, New Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide (Smithsonian)

4. Paris, Capital of Fashion – Valerie Steele

Paris is often described as the fashion capital of the world, and this book explains why.

Style books - Paris, Capital of Fashion | 40plusstyle.com

Paris, Capital of Fashion

5. The International Best Dressed List: The Official Story  – Amy Fine Collins

This tells the story of the international best-dressed list launched by American fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert.

Inside, you’ll find everyone from Grace Kelly to Jackie Kennedy, Twiggy to Bianca Jagger.

Fashion books - The International Best Dressed List: The Official Story | 40plusstyle.com

The International Best Dressed List: The Official Story

6. Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes – Dana Thomas

If sustainable fashion is your thing, then this is your book.

Style books - Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes | 40plusstyle.com

Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes

7. Marc Jacobs Illustrated – Grace Coddington & Marc Jacobs

If you love Marc Jacobs and want to see how he sketches his designs before they are brought to life, this is a beautiful book to have.

Fashion books - Marc Jacobs Illustrated | 40plusstyle.com

Marc Jacobs Illustrated

8. Tonne Goodman: Point of View – Tonne Goodman

Go behind the scenes at Vogue with model-turned-fashion director Tonne Goodman.

Style books - Tonne Goodman: Point of View | 40plusstyle.com

Tonne Goodman: Point of View

9. Issues: A History of Photography in Fashion Magazine – Vince Aletti

A specially-curated collection of 100 significant magazine issues chosen by acclaimed photography critic Vince Aletti.

Fashion books - Issues: A History of Photography in Fashion Magazine | 40plusstyle.com

Issues: A History of Photography in Fashion Magazine

10. Killer Style: How Fashion Has Injured, Maimed, and Murdered Through History – Matthews David, Alison & Serah-Marie McMahon

Something a bit quirkier for you, that’s bound to provoke discussion, this is a non-fiction book which explains why fashion through the ages has been lethal.

Killer Style: How Fashion Has Injured, Maimed, and Murdered Through History | 40plusstyle.com

Killer Style: How Fashion Has Injured, Maimed, and Murdered Through History

the best fashion books to inspire you

Of course, you don’t have to choose only from style books which have been launched this year.

There are plenty of inspiring choices here which aren’t quite as recent, just in case you haven’t already discovered them.

There are plenty of autobiographies and biographies as I felt like you might want something you could get your teeth into over the festive holiday.

The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane Von Furstenberg

This is definitely one of my favorite fashion books. It’s an inspiring biography from this iconic designer.

The Woman I Wanted to Be | 40plusstyle.com

I’ll Drink to That: A Life in Style, with a Twist by Betty Halbreich

She may be in her 80s, but Betty Halbreich is showing no signs of slowing down.

She has spent nearly 40 years as the legendary personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman, dishing out frank advice and her own brand of wisdom to socialites, stars and women who need her guidance.

You can read my review of I’ll drink to that here.

I'll Drink to That: A Life in Style, with a Twist | 40plusstyle.com

Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon by Iris Apfel

Iris Apfel became a household name in 2004 at the age of 83 when her closet became the subject of a Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute exhibition.

Known for her sense of humor and her trademark round classes, she has become a leading light in the fight against fashion in the fashion industry.

One of the best fashion books around, this is a mix of musings and photographs, including some never-before-published images.

Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon | 40plusstyle.com

D.V. – Diana Vreeland

D.V., Diana Vreeland. I loved this book which is full of great anecdotes and small stories of Diana Vreeland’s life in a bygone era.

D.V. | 40plusstyle.com

Yves Saint Laurent: A Biography by Laurence Benaim

This is relatively new among current fashion books, so it’s on my to-read list. Let me know if you’re already read it and what you think of it.

It chronicles his star trajectory which led to him leading the House of Dior to his fall from grace, and rise again, with interviews from his partner Pierre Bergé as well as staff, family and muses.

I’d like to read about his concept for the Le Smoking suit for women, which quickly became a sexy alternative to the little black dress.

Yves Saint Laurent: A Biography | 40plusstyle.com

Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion by Lauren Goldstein Crowe

Credited with discovering Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy, editor and muse Isabella Bow was rarely seen without an eccentric hat.

She tragically committed suicide at the age of just 48, but the legacy of this woman who started her career as Anna Wintour’s assistant lives on.

Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion | 40plusstyle.com

Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington

Beautiful. Willful. Charming. Blunt – that’s how Grace Coddington is described in the blurb for her book.

She talks through her early career as a model, working the David Bailey, to stepping behind the camera to become fashion editor at British Vogue in the Swinging Sixties.

She moved onto American Vogue in the Eighties, and takes you behind the scenes as iconic Vogue shoots as well as revealing her private life, including a car crash which almost killed her, her two marriages, and her enduring friendship with Anna Wintour.

Once only known to those in the industry, she was thrust into the spotlight with the movie The September Issue, which tells of how Vogue puts together its greatest issue of the year.

Grace: A Memoir | 40plusstyle.com

Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life by Justine Picardie

No top 10 of fashion books would be complete without at least one Coco Chanel tome in there.

This biography by Justine Picardie is based on personal interviews with Chanel’s last surviving family, friends and employees. It starts with her life in an orphanage and charts her rise to one of the most powerful figures in fashion history.

Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life | 40plusstyle.com

Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You by Simon Doonan

If you’re looking for something a little different with a sense of humor, this might just be it.

Not your typical how-to manual, this is about tapping into your existing idiosyncrasies to develop a totally unique style. It’s a mix of essays combined with interviews with eccentric women of the world such as Tilda Swinton.

Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You | 40plusstyle.com

Holly Would Dream by Karen Quinn

Just in case you’re looking for an easy beach vacation read, this novel will be perfect for you.

This wins praise for it’s old-school Hollywood glamour and the Rome setting. It’s a classic rom-com for an easy summer read.

Holly Would Dream | 40plusstyle.com

Gio Graphy: Fun in the Widescreens World of Fashion by Giovanna Bataglia

This book by the style icon Giovanna Bataglia is already on the wishlist of many of you. Giovanna is a style icon for many and this book is sure going to inspire you.

Gio Graphy: Fun in the Widescreens World of Fashion | 40plusstyle.com

Parisian Chic Look Book: What Should I Wear Today?  by Ines de la Fressange

This book is for those that can never get enough of French style.

Parisian Chic Look Book: What Should I Wear Today? | 40plusstyle.com

The Curated Closet: A Simple System for Discovering Your Personal Style and Building Your Dream Wardrobe

Learn how to create a closet you love.

The Curated Closet: A Simple System for Discovering Your Personal Style and Building Your Dream Wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Best fashion books: My personal favorites

I Love Your Style – How to Refine and Define Your Personal Style by Amanda Brooks

A book I personally enjoyed and you can read my review.

I Love Your Style - How to Refine and Define Your Personal Style | 40plusstyle.com

Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen

Be inspired by amazing style of these women over 60! Read my review of advanced style.

Advanced Style | 40plusstyle.com

The Sartorialist X by Scott Schuman

Schumann photographs both men and women on the streets worldwide. Great for your coffee table.

The Sartorialist X | 40plusstyle.com

Style Forever: The Grown-Up Guide to Looking Fabulous by Alyson Walsh

Alyson Walsh is a journalist and blogger and she has a very down-to-earth approach to style.

Her book gives you clear guidelines on how to achieve timeless effortless style. Find out which style tribe you feel you belong to or get inspired by the many stylish women that are featured in the book.

Style Forever: The Grown-Up Guide to Looking Fabulous | 40plusstyle.com

American Fashion by Charlie Schelps

A book recommended by Oprah, that provides  a richly illustrated celebration of the history of fashion in America. Looks really interesting with lots of pictures from icons like Lauren Bacall and Madonna.

American Fashion | 40plusstyle.com

How Not to Look Old by Karla Krupp

Fast and effortless ways to look 10 years younger, 10 pounds lighter, 10 times better. A fun book with quick and good tips to dress well and look well as you get old. Read my review of How not to look old.

How Not to Look Old | 40plusstyle.com

Staging Your Comeback, A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45 by Christopher Hopkins.

Currently on my to read table, this book offers a lot of practical tips with lots of illustrations on how to look great over 45.

Staging Your Comeback, A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45 | 40plusstyle.com

The Body Shape Bible by Trinny Woodall & Susannah Constantine

The ultimate guide on body shape and how to dress for your shape. They identify 12 unique shapes and provide excellent dressing advice for each.

The Body Shape Bible | 40plusstyle.com

The One Hundred by Nina Garcia

Nina Garcia highlights 100 fashion items she believes we should all own.

The One Hundred | 40plusstyle.com

The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style by Kim France and Andrea Linett

This book goes into detail about various styles and describes how to achieve them. Illustrated with lots of clothing examples and images. Review coming soon.

The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style | 40plusstyle.com

Style Statement, Live by Your Own Design by Carrie McCarthy & Danielle LaPorte

Find out what defines you and the 2 words that describe your style. Find out more in my own review: how to discover your style statement or read about my own style statement.

Style Statement, Live by Your Own Design | 40plusstyle.com

Parisian Chic, A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange

If you want to add a bit of parisian style to your wardrobe then Ines offers many tips on how to get it. For more info you can read the parisian chic book review.

Parisian Chic, A Style Guide | 40plusstyle.com

Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel by Eric Boman

This book by Eric Boman about style icon Iris Apfelis on my wish list as well.

Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel |40plusstyle.com

Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton

A book on beautiful quotes and photos of people in New York.

Humans of New York | 40plusstyle.com

Even more style books I think you’ll love

Refinery 29: Style Stalking by Pia Gelardi and Christene Barberich

Style stalking: lots of style inspiration from the creators of the popular blog Refinery 29

Refinery 29: Style Stalking | 40plusstyle.com

It by Alexa Chung

The darling of the fashion world and co-host of the music TV show Fuse News shares her inspirations, musings, and her own very personal and eclectic style.

It | 40plusstyle.com

The Essentials of Fabulous by Ellen Lubin-Sherman

Abook about how to be fabulous as a total person. For more information read my book review of the essentials of fabulous.

The Essentials of Fabulous | 40plusstyle.com

Love Style Life by Garance Doré

A wonderful book about style and life by the stylish French Garance Doré.

Love Style Life | 40plusstyle.com

Influence by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Influence | 40plusstyle.com

The Power of Style by Annette Tapert

The Power of Style | 40plusstyle.com

Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Luster by Dana Thomas

Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Luster | 40plusstyle.com

Instyle the New Secrets of Style: Your Complete Guide to Dressing Your Best Every Day by Jennifer Alfano

Instyle the New Secrets of Style: Your Complete Guide to Dressing Your Best Every Day | 40plusstyle.com

The Truth About Style by Stacey London

The Truth About Style | 40plusstyle.com

Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady by Derek Blasberg

3.3 stars, 60 reviews

“This is a great book with wonderful advices for just about everything a young a lady goes through.” – Shavana

Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady | 40plusstyle.com

Already Pretty: Learning to Love Your Body by Learning to Dress it Well by Sally McGraw

Already Pretty: Learning to Love Your Body by Learning to Dress it Well | 40plusstyle.com

I Want to Be Her!: How Friends & Strangers Helped Shape My Style by Andrea Linett and Anne Johnston Albert

I Want to Be Her!: How Friends & Strangers Helped Shape My Style | 40plusstyle.com

Style Feed: The World’s Top Fashion Blogs by William Oliver and Susannah Lau

Style Feed: The World's Top Fashion Blogs | 40plusstyle.com

In My Shoes: A Memoir by Tamara Mellon and William Patrick

A personal account of the woman who grew Jimmy Choo into a billion dollar brand.

In My Shoes: A Memoir | 40plusstyle.com

Fashion 2.0: Season of Change by Yuli Ziv

A Forecast of Digital Trends Set to Disrupt the Fashion Industry, Yul Ziv: If you like to know more about the fashion industry and digital media.

Fashion 2.0: Season of Change | 40plusstyle.com

The World According to Karl by Jean-Christophe Napias

Karl Lagerfeld’s quick wit and silver tongue are as notorious as Chanel’s quilted handbag. This book is a cornucopia of his Karlisms: cultivated, unpredictable, provocative, sometimes shocking, but always impossible to ignore.

The World According to Karl | 40plusstyle.com

Beyond Chic by Ivan Terestchenko

Look into the homes of designers like Chanel, Alaïa, Yves Saint Laurent, Pucci, Kenzo, and Missoni.

Beyond Chic | 40plusstyle.com

Unshopping: Recovery Solutions from an Ex-shopaholic by Debbie Roes

This book will help you with your shopping addition and teach how you can look more stylish with fewer clothes.

Unshopping: Recovery Solutions from an Ex-shopaholic | 40plusstyle.com

Style Evolution: How to Create Ageless Personal Style in Your 40s and Beyond by Kendall Farr

Farr shows readers how to create a hip, ageless, individual sense of personal style without feeding into the culture’s deep obsession with looking “young.” High on my ‘to read list’. Read my review of style evolution.

Style Evolution: How to Create Ageless Personal Style in Your 40s and Beyond | 40plusstyle.com

A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style by Tim Gunn

Not always that easy to read but a little guide I refer back to time and time again.

Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style | 40plusstyle.com

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel by Lisa Immordino Vreeland

This one chronicles 50 years of international fashion.

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel | 40plusstyle.com

Fashion history books

If you love to read about the history of fashion, these choices may be for you.

Fashion: 150 Years of Couturiers, Designers, Labels by Charlotte Seeling

Fashion: 150 Years of Couturiers, Designers, Labels | 40plusstyle.com

The Fashion Book by Editors of Phaidon

New and extended edition: Spanning almost 200 years, this is a massive A-to-Z encyclopedia of fashion packed with hundreds of profiles designers, photographers, style icons, models, and retailers.

The Fashion Book | 40plusstyle.com

Audrey Style by Pamela Clarke Keogh

Who is your favorite style icon from history? If it’s Audrey, then this book is a fabulous read.

Audrey Style | 40plusstyle.com

Jackie Style by Pamela Clarke Keogh

If you prefer the style of Jackie O, you may wish to opt for this one.

Jackie Style | 40plusstyle.com

Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century (Collection from the Kyoto Costume Institute) by Akiko Fukai

Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century (Collection from the Kyoto Costume Institute) | 40plusstyle.com

100 Unforgettable Dresses by Hal Rubenstein

I love this one for showing how a dress can become part of history.

100 Unforgettable Dresses | 40plusstyle.com

Fashion coffee table books

If you’re looking for a book you can dip in and out of yourself as well as to provide interest to your visitors, you may want to look at some of these chunkier tomes.

Chanel coffee table book

Chanel: Collections and Creations by Daniele Bott

Chanel: Collections and Creations| 40plusstyle.com

Louis Vuitton coffee table book

Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury by Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury | 40plusstyle.com

Tom Fordbook

Tom Ford by Tom Ford and Bridget Foley

Reviewers do mention some nudity in this one.

Tom Ford | 40plusstyle.com

Alexander McQueen book

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty by Andrew Bolton

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty | 40plusstyle.com

Vogue book

Vogue: The Covers by Dodie Kazanjian 

Vogue: The Covers | 40plusstyle.com

What are your favorite style books?

p.s. Looking for something more substantial?

Take my signature course: 21 steps to a more stylish you and truly discover and finetune your unique style!

Continue reading:

  1. 100 Most Stylish Women Over 40 On Instagram
  2. Can You Learn Style?
  3. How To Dress After 40 And Look Hip?

UPDATE: this list is constantly updated with my new finds and recommendations from readers. If you know of a great style or coffee table book, let me know! I also have a complete gift guide with other gift ideas for women over 40

The best style books | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by fashionmagazine.com

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.

You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.

Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!