Summoning a sense of romantic nostalgia, Libraries will always encapsulate a tranquil reverence for knowledge and storytelling that withstands lifetimes. I picture myself as a child wide-eyed and soaking up the rows of worn hardcover books, the smell of aged pages, the hushed whispers and the soft echo of footsteps emanating from those browsing. In contrast, the particular energy flowing from the books, which countless souls have found solace and escape from the adventures between the bindings.
For what was believed to be a timeless space, the library lost its footing to the rise of technology; however, due to a blend of sentimentality and vintage charm, stepping into a library has never been more fashionable. For many, dressing up and going to the library is a way to channel the intellectual elegance of another era, like stepping into a scene from The Secret History.
Think tailored tweed jackets with oversized wool sweaters underneath, a mini skirt and tights, a tortoiseshell headband and a leather-bound journal set against a backdrop of bookshelves and wooden tables, a celebration of classic academic style illuminated by natural light streaming through old windows. I consider this to be the “literary lux” aesthetic unique in its commitment to creating a visual narrative where intellect and opulence coexist.
But would it be unproductive to cement this practice into a two-word aesthetic? A hashtag online? This trend speaks to a louder cultural shift towards slowing down, disconnecting, putting down the blue light, and picking up the pages. After all, the idea of escaping modernity is what conjures up a trending aesthetic anyway. But this is special; it comes from the deliberate choice to opt for a place of knowledge over distraction to pick up a book instead of scrolling on social media. It’s about reading, learning, and the pursuit of knowledge being aspirational again.
That is not to say we cannot romanticise; there is already a plethora of perfectly curated snapshots of people reading in beautifully designed spaces—plush armchairs, stacks of novels, showing off a book collection; it’s about capturing the atmosphere of being immersed in literature and learning, making the library a trendy place to be. The content creation does not stop there. Here, high fashion meets literary culture with a curated aesthetic that’s as much about personal expression as it is about the love of books.
Books are the ultimate accessory that adds a layer of personalisation to the Literary Luxe look. Just as a particular designer bag says something about the wearer’s taste, so does a carefully chosen novel. A tattered copy of Wuthering Heights suggests a brooding romanticism, while a sleek, modern edition of The Metamorphosis hints at a more intellectual, dystopian vibe. In this way, books allow individuals to communicate their personality and style preferences without saying a word. In the realm of Literary Luxe, the book you carry is as important as the bag on your arm or the shoes on your feet.
One of the most notable examples of this trend is Olympia Le-Tan’s iconic book clutch bags, which have become a favourite of style icons like Natalie Portman and Emma Watson. These embroidered clutches are designed to resemble the covers of classic novels, such as when Natalie Portman carried the Lolita clutch on the red carpet at the 2010 premiere of Black Swan. This aesthetic also manifests through influencers on Instagram who often style outfits to match the books they read. These posts feature beautifully composed shots of clothes paired with hardcover books, frequently set in picturesque locations such as vintage libraries or luxurious cafes. The books become an extension of their style, creating an intersection between fashion and reading culture.
Atelier Lauren Jane 