9 Historical Fiction Books That Focus on Fashion—Glamour, Secrets & Drama Await!
Filled with glitzy couture and industry secrets, these historical fiction novels are sure to sweep you away
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The fashion world has always been so much more than the clothing. It’s a fast-paced industry that reflects culture, trends and identity. So, it’s no wonder many authors put fashion as their central focus. And if you’re looking for books that highlight the glitz and glamour or the secrets and drama of the couture scene, fashionable historical fiction is the perfect fit. From details about some of the most significant moments in fashion to behind-the-scenes glimpses of seamstresses, tailors and models, high-fashion historical fiction sweeps you away to luxury. Here, 9 stylish must-reads to transport you back in time.
Want to go back in time to a 1940s dress shop? Immerse yourself in The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly. For those looking for timeless wedding gowns and designs, give The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz a read. Keep scrolling for our complete list of fashionable historical fiction, and you’ll feel like the best dressed in no time.
‘The Gown’ by Jennifer Robson
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With dynamic characters and enthralling drama, this novel—told at different points in time—first brings readers to 1947, when embroiderers Miriam and Anne have the honor of helping to create Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown. Then, in 2016, a girl named Heather finds a set of royally embroidered flowers in her grandmother’s things and begins unraveling long-lost family secrets—a richly detailed saga.
What readers are saying: “A sweet story about friendship, love, heartbreak and mystery. The Gown takes place in post-WWII England, Nazi-occupied France, and Canada, and gives the reader a peek at the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II (then Princess Elizabeth) to Prince Phillip and the wedding gown. I love how Jennifer Robson alternated from past to present and back again to tell the story of the friendship between two embroiderers in an esteemed English fashion house.
‘The Dressmakers of London’ by Julia Kelly
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In her upcoming novel (out February 18), bestselling author Julia Kelly takes readers on an emotional journey to Great Britain in the 1940s. Izzie Shelton has spent her whole life working with her mother in their dress-making shop below their London apartment, where she dreams of designing her own clothing. Her estranged older sister Sylvia has left the family behind, marrying a wealthy doctor and living the high-society life. But when their mother dies suddenly and Izzie is forced to leave London to help the war effort, Sylvia must come home and run the shop.
What early readers are saying: “I found myself quickly engaged in this tale, as the characters were intriguing and relatable, and I adore a good family drama. However, what really elevated this book was the fascinating aspect of clothing in this period: having clothes made by local dressmakers instead of buying ready-made garments, and the impact of clothing rationing through the war and beyond. The challenges that Izzie and Sylvia face—running the shop through letters they exchange and how the rationing affects the designs of the garments they sell—created an unforeseen conflict and wonderful resolution.
‘The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard’ by Natasha Lester
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Set in 1970s New York, this rich, enthralling tale follows American designer Astrid Bricard, who is the talk of the town alongside fellow designer Hawk Jones. Yet Astrid can’t escape the shadow of her mother, Mizza Bricard, who was once a “muse” for Christian Dior. Then Astrid disappeared. Now, her daughter Blythe must uncover the truth and claim what’s left of the Bricard legacy.
What readers are saying: “This book was fashionable, fabulous and feisty! I loved this one. I thought the multi-PV between the three generations of women was a smart way to tell this story. As a fashion lover, it was cool to see more of that world at a different time. I thought each woman was unique but had repeated similarities throughout the story. The mystery aspect was also great and I was on the edge of my seat wondering what had really happened to Astrid.”
‘The Grace Kelly Dress’ by Brenda Janowitz
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Shortly after the 1956 wedding of Grace Kelly and the Prince of Monaco, seamstress Rose is tasked with creating a replica of Kelly’s iconic dress for a well-to-do bride. Flash-forward to the present day, when Rose’s granddaughter Rocky is set to be wed in New York City and is expected to wear the heirloom replica gown that was also worn by her mother, Joan. Though the dress already holds so much history, the women uncover secrets about the gown and each other as hidden stories of the past meet the present.
What readers are saying: “This is a great story. I loved how it was written. Even though it tells three separate stories at the same time, it isn’t confusing to the reader. I didn’t want to put it down because each chapter, which are pretty short, ends with a mini cliffhanger and you want to keep reading to find out what happens. Such great stories, really loved the book, Rose was my favorite!”
‘The Memory Dress’ by Jade Beer
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This captivating story begins in England in 2018, when Jayne meets her elderly neighbor, Meredith, who has little to no memory and can’t find her husband. Jayne tries to help her, but her only clue is a mystery itself: a gown with a note saying it’s a gift to Meredith from Princess Diana. The dual-timeline saga takes readers to 1988, when Meredith is a seamstress for one of the most iconic women in the world. A dazzling read!
What readers are saying: “This story was not at all what I expected—it was so much more. It does focus on a dress, but the story behind it is like a warm hug. I’m not going to go into story details because I want the story to draw you in like it did me. It was such a good reading experience. I highly recommend it!”
‘The Roaring Days of Zora Lily’ by Noelle Salazar
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This sweeping, glamorous saga first begins in 2023 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum, where a costume conservator sees a name—Zora Lily—hidden in the label of a gown once worn by Greta Garbo. Flashback to 1924: Zora Hough spends her nights sewing to make money and dreaming. Soon, Zora makes connections that may lead her to the life she’s always wanted.
What readers are saying: “I absolutely loved everything about this book. Prohibition is one of my favorite eras to read about and I’m just obsessed with the fashion as well. The main character, Zora loves fashion and sewing so there’s lots of references to the clothes and style of the times.
‘The Kennedy Girl’ by Julia Bryan Thomas
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Head to glamorous 1960s Paris in this immersive, enthralling story. Mia’s fashion idol is Jackie Kennedy, but her bakery job doesn’t quite pay well enough to craft a closet after the icon. Then Mia gets an unexpected modeling job at a prestigious Paris fashion house. As she rises in the industry, she’s drawn into the Cold War by the fashion house she works for. A sweeping story of fashion and espionage!
What readers are saying: “Set amidst the fashion world of 1960s Paris, I really enjoyed this propulsive historical thriller that left me guessing who was who until the end. The Cold War espionage mystery was enthralling from the beginning, and I couldn’t stop reading until I found out what happened. I loved the references to Paris’ quaint streets and delicious cafes, plus the mid-century fashion details were fascinating.”
‘A Dress of Violet Taffetta’ by Tessa Arlen
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Readers are transported to 1893 in this sumptuous true story of fashion icon Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon, who made a name for herself in the Belle Époque era. When Lucy’s husband deserts her, she turns to her art and fashion design as a way to make a living to support herself and her young daughter. In 1912, her world changes again after she survives the sinking of the Titanic. The emotional tale of a trailblazing fashion icon.
What readers are saying: “I truly enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down. Tessa Arlen did a wonderful job of describing the colors, the fabrics and the dresses in the book. I could see them in my mind’s eye. She also wrote such real characters. I had no expectations when I started the book, but I was thrilled with it. I highly recommend it. I was surprised to discover that it was about real people. Well done!!”
‘The Wedding Veil’ by Kristy Woodson Harvey
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In this story from the bestselling author of The Peachtree Bluff series, four women across generations are bound together by a wedding veil and a connection to the famed Vanderbilt family. Present day: Julia Baxter’s wedding veil was passed through generations of her family, but it’s not bringing her luck as she’d hoped, so she escapes to the Virgin Islands to clear her head. Meanwhile, Julia’s grandmother, Babs, feels shaken and unsettled. Still dealing with the loss of her husband, she decides to move into a retirement community where the last thing she expects is to run into an old flame. 1941: Edith Vanderbilt is trying to keep the Biltmore Estate afloat after the passing of her husband. She hopes her daughter Cornelia can help, but Cornelia has dreams of her own. Filled with a rich family history and complex characters, you can’t help but be enthralled by this saga.
What readers are saying: “I’ve read all of Kristy Woodson Harvey’s books, and I’ve enjoyed every one of them; but The Wedding Veil is exceptional, and it is now my favorite. It’s not an easy task to amass such a volume of information and integrate it into such a seamless, captivating story.”
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