Intellectual Chic: How Glasses and Books Are Shaping Fashion's New Cool

Fashion has always loved a good makeover story—think Mia in The Princess Diaries or Laney in She’s All That. The transformation often follows a similar script: swapping glasses for contacts, ditching certain hobbies for ‘cooler’ ones.  But lately, the narrative has flipped. With social media trends like thought daughter encouraging introspection, reading, and journaling, the nerdy look, once associated with introversion and not being fashionable, has become the ultimate marker of cool. Now, it girls are opting for a reversed makeover, rocking Bayonetta lenses and treating books like designer handbags. Glasses and books have thus turned into the defining accessories for the intellectual chic aesthetic, redefining what it means to be trendy, and here’s how:

Librarian Glasses Everywhere 

With the year nearing its end, one thing is clear—glasses are the accessory of 2024. Popularized by the office siren aesthetic and respectively by Gisele Bündchen in The Devil Wears Prada with her Miu Miu archival lenses and slicked-back hair, glasses have been redefined as a sophisticated statement piece that can elevate any outfit. They have shifted from being a utilitarian necessity to a coveted fashion staple.

In the past year, glasses have ventured far beyond office style. Whether you’re more into ‘clean girl’ minimalism or the chaotic energy of  Brat girl summer, inspiration for styling librarian lenses is everywhere, from Hailey Bieber’s paparazzi pictures to Charli XCX in Acne’s latest campaign. Among the trending styles, the tortoise round Miu Miu frames stand out. Spotted on Sabrina Carpenter and top fashion influencers alike, their petite shape flatters all face types and pairs well with everything, from streetwear to club attire. The days we feared a pair of ugly glasses could ruin our outfit are officially over, as they are now a guarantee to looking stylish.

Books Worn as Accessories 

Forget splurging on the latest designer bag—how about Sally Rooney’s newest novel? With the rise of intellectual chic, books are no longer hidden inside handbags. Instead, celebrities flaunt them like must-have accessories that complete their well-curated looks. Most of the time, the book titles eclipse the outfits, and magazines dissect celebrity reading choices more eagerly than their fashion.

And celebrities are indeed transforming their passion for reading into a fashion moment. Not so long ago Dua Lipa paired Just Kids by Patti Smith—one of her book club selections—with a sleek black dress and bold gold earrings, proving that book covers can be the perfect inspiration for an outfit. Kaia Gerber, another book club IT girl, is often seen with a novel in hand and sporting a “Come to my house, I have great books” graphic tee that perfectly follows the aesthetic’s narrative thread. Even Jacob Elordi gives into the trend as he often steps out with a book tucked in the pockets of his cargos, in true Jess Mariano fashion.

There’s no denying that intellectual chic is causing shifts in the fashion world through these items. Glasses, once seen as imperfections meant to be hidden, now symbolize the embrace of authenticity, while carrying a book openly signals a preference for intellect and individuality to take center stage in fashion.

Of course, there’s a performative side to it —celebrities may not always read the books they’re photographed with, sometimes using them as props to project an image that doesn’t correspond with their true selves. Still, the message is clear: looking smart is no longer tied to being shy or self-conscious. It has become an emblem of elegance, confidence, and trendiness.  And on that note, can we all agree that Mia deserves her glasses back in the Princess Diaries continuation?