To our utter delight, there’s a closet full of books about stylish women out there. Picking our favorites wasn’t tough. Narrowing down the list to these was.

So, if you need a little sartorial inspiration or Sunday afternoon read — or someone to look to as you build your empire — you couldn’t do better than to look to the women on our list of favorite books about stylish women. Happy reading!

D.V. by Diana Vreeland

Vreeland was the fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar and editor-in-chief of Vogue. She was friends with Chanel, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Isak Dinesen, Clark Gable, and Swifty Lazar. And she was a renowned and uninhibited storyteller. In her own words, she tells stylish tale of her stunning and thrilling life as a fashion icon. Whether you’re a fashion maven or just fascinated by powerful women, this book will keep your pages turning.

The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe by Srah Churchwell

That pink dress in Gentleman Prefer Blondes. That practically nothing-but-beads dress to sing to JFK. That bathrobe just casually thrown on while waving out a window. The woman could wear clothes… But her life story will pull the tears from your eyes. In this definitive biography of the movie and style icon, Sarah Churchwell brings pathos and style to Monroe’s story.

Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington

If not forThe September Issue — the acclaimed 2009 documentary that turned publicity-averse her into a sudden, reluctant celebrity — Grace Coddington might have remained fashion’s best-kept secret. It cannot be easy to live in the same world as Anna Wintour and stand out, right? But thanks to this charming doc, we got to know blunt, striking, brilliant Grace and her unforgettable hair.

Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon by Iris Apfel

First, you should know that I am obsessed with Iris Apfel. Her accessorizing skills are #goals. The documentary about her, Iris, is simply delightful. As is her home. As is she. And this book of recollections, musings, anecdotes, and observations on all matters of life and style is a must read and a charming addition to your coffee table stack.

The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane Von Furstenberg

She says early on that she always wanted to be “the kind of woman who is independent and who doesn’t rely on a man to pay her bills”. After decades in the fashion business and literally inventing a style of dress (Try the Wrap Dress as power dress sometime), I’d say she got there. This lovely book reflects on her life—from childhood to jet-set princess to designer and style icon.

Jackie, Janet & Lee by J. Randy Taraborrelli

You know the style and grace that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis embodied. And you might have seen photos of her even more beautiful sister, Lee Radziwil. But the mother to both, Janet Auchincloss, defined this sartorial holy trinity. The Bouvier women personified beauty, style, and grace — and commanded the attention of generations of fashion followers.

The World of Gloria Vanderbilt by Wendy Goodman

She practically invented fashion denim as the must-wear for a night out with the girls. And that’s one of the least famous things Gloria Vanderbilt ever did. An heiress, a painter, a muse, a designer, a model, a writer, an entrepreneur, an actor, a socialite, a survivor, an icon — glamorous, influential, fashionable — and all laid out in this incredibly intimate portrait of the woman.

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ERIN ELLISON

While most at home close to the water (having been born among the Great Lakes), Erin Ellison is currently a writer living and working in land-locked Atlanta.