Our must-read fashion books
See our essential fashion reading, covering everyone from Isabella Blow to Diana Vreeland.
2011-10-19 11:50:00
By Rebecca Cope
The Thoughtful Dresser – Linda Grant
What it’s about: Linda Grant analyses our attitudes to fashion and debunks many myths – the main one being that clothes are a trivial pursuit!
Why we like it: When naysayers talk about fashion being shallow and superficial, we immediately refer them to Linda Grant’s brilliant book, which expresses in more powerful and articulate language than we could ever muster when put on the spot exactly what is so wonderful about clothes. Grant uses historical references and literary examples to build her case, proving that fashion and feminism are compatible and the way we dress is a powerful expression of our personalities. Chapters where she describes the experience of shopping with her mother, or the stories of women who’ve found freedom and confidence through clothes are powerfully moving, and there’s a fantastically celebratory tone to the whole book which proves that clothes matter. A great read.
Handbag rating: Mulberry Bayswater – classic, functional and smart
£11.99, Virago Press
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