There's little more attractive than a beautiful mind. Recently Alexa Chung told Into the Gloss that she'd much rather hear 'Oh, you sound clever today!', than be complimented on her looks. Knowledge is power, after all. 

As such, there's no better accessory than a book, and you'll no doubt forgive us for noting that these people, including Marilyn Monroe, Veronica Lake, Kate Moss, and of course, Alexa, look pretty damn great with theirs, not least because they'd struggle to ruin anything aesthetically, but because they're feeding their minds too. There's even a hashtag, #stylishpeoplereading, to celebrate this fact.

So get prepping your summer reading list! There's plenty of fashion in literature if you're a total style purist, and you might just find yourself picking up some beauty inspiration or outfit ideas from the literary heroines you encounter. 

Take a look through this gallery for a spot of bookish frippery, and remember to leave plenty of space for your paperbacks alongside your beach wardrobe when you're packing for your holiday.

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