Fashion in print
5 Books that brought me though fashion uni
As a fashion journalism and content creation student, I have read my fair share of fashion books. My course includes a lot of academic writing and at first, I would read books online, but there were some that I kept coming back to so ended up buying…here they are. In no particular order, these are the fashion books I read that actually taught me something.
1) Fashion Source Book
The Fashion Source Book is great for anyone passionate about fashion design and history. It is full of design references and technical garment names that I always come back to when writing a fashion article. Even if you’re not a fashion student, this is great for deepening your historical understanding of fashion through the decades. I think this was the first fashion book I bought for uni because I had heard so much about it and it is definitely worth the hype.
2) Thinking Through Fashion: A Guide to Key Theorists
Thinking Through Fashion: A Guide to Key Theorists is an essential read for anyone who wants to explore the deeper cultural, social, and philosophical meanings behind what we wear. Agnès Rocamora and Anneke Smelik, compiled a list of major thinkers like Foucault, Bourdieu, and Butler to the world of fashion, making complex theory accessible and relevant to style. This book demonstrates the power of fashion beyond clothing.
3) Big Dress Energy
Big Dress Energy by Shakaila Forbes-Bell is a bold and empowering read that blends fashion psychology with personal style exploration. It goes beyond trends, helping readers understand how clothes affect confidence, identity, and self expression. Fashion lovers should read it not just to refine their wardrobes, but to unlock the deeper power of dressing with intention and authenticity.
Fun fact, I wanted to interview the author for an article I was writing in first year but she was busy. So as any good journalist, I booked tickets for her book launch where I was able to interview her and get a signed copy of her book!
4) Why Fashion Matters
Why Fashion Matters by Frances Corner is a punchy and thought-provoking collection of short essays that explore the many layers of fashion’s impact. Each entry highlights how fashion is a powerful force that influences culture, politics, and the environment. Fashion lovers should read it to gain a broader perspective on the industry they admire, and to understand the responsibilities and opportunities that come with engaging in fashion today.
5) Fashion Writing: Journalism and Content Creation
The guide by Josephine Collins and Stephen Spear is a must-read for anyone looking to turn a love for fashion into a career in media. The book breaks down the essentials of writing for the fashion world, covering everything from trend reporting and interviews to styling commentary and digital content creation. It also explores how to find your unique voice and navigate the fast-paced fashion landscape. Aspiring journalists should read it to sharpen their storytelling skills and understand how powerful, well-crafted writing shapes the way we see and engage with fashion.
I saved this one until last because it is actually written by two lecturers on my course and was released last year!
There you have it, 5 fashion books you need on your bookshelf! This is following on from last blog post about resources I use to increase my fashion knowledge so make sure to check that out and subscribe for more content!
