Books That Changed the Way I Shop

Hands up if you’re also someone who does most of their reading during the summer! There’s something about slower days, afternoons spent lying in the sun and long flights towards a summer destination that makes it feel like the perfect season to finally catch up on the books waiting on my shelf.

I’ve been thinking about starting a Goodreads list, partly to keep better track of what I’m reading, but also to motivate myself to read more consistently throughout the rest of the year. I tend to gravitate towards books that are quite knowledge-heavy, which unfortunately makes me a terrible bedtime reader! The material often requires far too much concentration when I’m already half asleep.

A recent example is The Psychology of Money, which I’m currently reading after hearing it discussed on a podcast with Mia McGrath | Frugal Chic®. It made me think about the books that have shaped other areas of my life, particularly the way I shop, understand clothing and build my wardrobe.

There are a handful of fashion books that have genuinely changed the way I think about getting dressed and consuming fashion.

You might remember me sharing that attending a panel discussion with author and journalist Dana Thomas became a major turning point in my relationship with clothing. I wrote more about that experience in Why I Care About Slow Fashion. Dana Thomas is the author of Fashionopolis, one of the five books I’m introducing you to today.

Each of these books approaches fashion from a slightly different perspective. Some uncover the realities of the fashion industry, while others explore textiles, craftsmanship and fashion history. A few offer more practical guidance on styling and creating a wardrobe that feels intentional and functional.

They are all written by women I admire: journalists, stylists, researchers and content creators who have helped to bring awareness and change into the fashion industry!

Writing a book of my own is quietly one of my dreams! I already have a few ideas, and although I don’t think I’m quite ready just yet, the thought continues to return to me. Perhaps that is how many meaningful projects begin.

I hope these recommendations leave you feeling both inspired and better informed. I truly believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we have. The more we understand about how our clothes are made, what they are made from and why we buy the way we do, the more confidently we can make choices that align with our values.

So, let’s dive into five fashion books that make great summer reads and might just change the way you shop, care for your clothes and build a wardrobe that truly works for you. I’ll introduce them to you in the sequence I read them.