Books Are the New It-Bag: Why Carrying a Novel Is the Coolest Fashion Statement

Has quiet luxury gone literary?

POSTED 12.11.25 09:09 BY EILIS LYNASS

Some may say it’s ‘performative’; I’d rather call it romantic. But with books peeking out of back pockets, there’s no denying that reading is trending.

Influencers, models, actors and your local tote bag baddies – look around or scroll on socials and you’ll see everyone has a book in hand. They’re not just flicking through fairy tales either; more often than not, the titles on display are socially relevant, discussing the complexities of Class or exploring feminist issues. It’s like books have become an aesthetic badge of self-awareness and intellect.

Still, I can’t help but find it interesting that physical books are making such a comeback at a time when education feels the most divided it’s been in decades. Courtesy of the pandemic, literacy rates have dropped dramatically, and unsurprisingly, it’s lower-income households that have been hit the hardest. In this context, the picture of a leisurely reader sitting at a café and sipping on an oatmilk latte appears a little less casual and a little more privileged.

But class isn’t all about books being used to signify; with no phone in sight, books cast an air of mystery onto whoever’s reading them. So if you’re looking to stay a little more unplugged and get a little less embarrassed by your screen time, a book is the perfect accessory. They don’t need to be charged, backed up, connected to wifi, or placed in a case; books are ideal for long journeys and screen-free, quiet afternoons.

Literature has always been used to signal depth — from Beauty and the Beast’s Belle to Gilmore Girls’ Rory. Today’s paperbacks serve the same purpose they did then: proof that you’re well-educated, have interests, and that there’s more to you than just being beautiful. So, next time you reach for a novel, consider it as integral to your outfit as your shoes.

P.S. A good book shouldn’t be your only accessory — it adds a little extra intrigue to your outfit. Try pairing your next novel with one of our stunning Fizzypicks:

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