Romance, fashion design, a competition, and a traitor. These are just a few of the themes introduced in A Dress for the Wicked.
Last year, I added A Dress for the Wicked to my TBR (to be read) list on a whim because it had a beautiful cover. Yep, just like everyone and their mother, I’m drawn to stunning cover art. I hadn’t heard much about the book, but a friend of mine had an extra copy and offered it to me. I’m certainly not one to turn down a free book, so of course I accepted! Last month, I finally got a chance to read it and it took me completely by surprise!
I was not expecting to fall so head-over-heels in love with this story. While it is placed in the genre of “fantasy,” I wouldn’t necessarily consider it fantastical. There’s no magic or supernatural/paranormal in it – only an alternate 19th Century England. The emphasis is mostly on the Fashion House competition and the architecture and design of the clothing itself. In fact, that’s what’s so magnificent about this book!
If you have any interest in style or fashion design, whatsoever, you’ll want to read A Dress for the Wicked. Let me tell you all about it!
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Why You Should Read A Dress for the Wicked
Don’t judge people by the way they dress. There can be angels in rags and demons in silk.
A Dress for the Wicked
“Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Shy in Avon-upon-Kynt. And for eighteen years, Emmaline Watkins has feared that her future held just that: nothing.
But when the head of the most admired fashion house in the country opens her prestigious design competition to girls from outside the stylish capital city, Emmy’s dreams seem closer than they ever have before.
As the first “country girl” to compete, Emmy knows she’ll encounter extra hurdles on her way to the top. But as she navigates the twisted world of high fashion she starts to wonder: will she be able to tailor herself to fit into this dark, corrupted race? And at what cost?” (Goodreads Synopsis)
Below you can find my full and honest review of A Dress for the Wicked by Autumn Krause.
Once upon a time, fashion was my world. I spent years trend-watching, looking forward to any occasion that allowed me to dress up and show off a new outfit, and my dream was to attend a fashion university. When life took a different direction, I found a new dream and spent close to five years as a full-time fashion blogger. It allowed me to creatively express myself through my style and I adored every minute of it. Fashion is super personal and while I no longer blog solely about fashion, I still adore clothing and find such fascination in anything style-related.
Reading this story was like coming home. I haven’t been immersed in the fashion world for so long, but this book gave me the opportunity to indulge in something I love. There were moments where I just had to pause my reading because the imagery of Emmy’s sketches was so enticing and I wanted to sit there and bask in how gorgeous those ensembles would be in real life! If you enjoy vivid descriptions, you will adore this book!
In addition to the phenomenal fashion aspect of the story, I really appreciated the character development. There were times when I suspected that someone had certain intentions – and I was pleasantly surprised when what would seem like a predictable plot direction wasn’t what played out. I really enjoyed learning more about the secondary characters, in addition to Emmy (who was, by the way, a pretty likable protagonist, which is a rarity), and I think that their backstories were really well-written. It made me feel more connected to everyone in the story and not just the main characters.
I absolutely think there should be a sequel. Without giving too much away, I believe there are a handful of moments that could be expounded upon in a second book and I’m dying to see what happens with the fashion house and with these wonderful characters.
[CW: death, domestic abuse, classism, destructive fire]
order the book
A Dress for the Wicked – Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Target
Would you read A Dress for the Wicked?
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Lauren says
I haven’t heard of this book before. I like to read these blog posts because it gives me recommendations. I have some books on my to be read pile. I actually haven’t read anything this year so far. So this is a reminder to get reading. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren bournemouthgirl.com
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s not a well-known book, so I can’t say I’m surprised. But it is a beautiful story and I hope more people pick it up based on my review 🙂
A Cup of Wonderland says
I loved reading your review and how it previously connected to your love of fashion. I’ve not actually heard of this one and even though I don’t think it would be for me – I do have someone in mind t o potentially gift this to now. Thank you!
Stephanie Whitman says
It was really neat to read a book that had those kinds of fashion descriptions. I haven’t been part of that whole world in quite some time, so it made me smile. How cool that you can think of a friend who might enjoy it 🙂 I hope they do get a chance to read it because it was an excellent book!
Eleanor Jones says
This sounds like a beautifully written book, thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙂 I might have to check this one out in my March reading x
Stephanie Whitman says
Oooh if you do, please let me know! It was such a good book and I want everyone to read it!
Claire Lomax says
I am so guilty of buying a book based on it’s cover! It’s really clear you enjoyed this book which I think makes for a great review. Its almost infectious when someone has loved a book, that enthusiasm and joy shines through x
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s a GORGEOUS cover, so I wouldn’t blame you if that’s the only reason you pick it up – but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that the story is just as beautiful as the cover!
Lucy says
A very interesting book by the looks of it and I love this review! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Stephanie Whitman says
It was a really unique and beautifully-written story. The plot and the way it unfolded really surprised me since I was under the assumption that it was super fantastical. I loved it though!
Jessica Khater says
This book looks very interesting. It doesn’t seem like a cliché and I’d love to give it a try. And by the way, one of the best feelings in the world is reading a book without any expectation and then falling in love with it.
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s definitely not cliche. Very unique story and absolutely beautiful descriptions. It made me want to go try on ball gowns or something haha!
Oh to Be a Muse says
Thank you for your review of this book. I really need to get off TikTok/Reels and go back to reading books.
Stephanie Whitman says
I sometimes think I’m the only person on the planet who doesn’t enjoy video content like that haha. I’d rather read all day and never touch my phone – what’s a blogger to do? 😉
Sarah says
I absolutely add books to my TBR based solely on how beautiful the cover art is. While I have about zero interest in fashion, I will admit the synopsis and your review of this book has me intrigued. A story with good character development is always nice to see, especially with such a likable protagonist. I might just have to add this one to my TBR and see how I like it. It’s always nice to expand my reading beyond what I would normally pick up.
Stephanie Whitman says
I used to go to Barnes & Noble and just take pictures of pretty covers so I could go home later and look the synopses up on Goodreads haha! Covers definitely hook me, but I try not to read without any information at all. Thankfully I at least heard a few good reviews before just launching myself into this one. But my gosh it exceeded all expectations! It was beautiful!
Amie says
Oooh I’ve not heard of this book before, but this sounds like such an interesting book. I love a good book tht has great character development it sounds like such an incredible book!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s sorely underrated, but it definitely deserves more love! It’s a gorgeous story with such beautiful writing.
Lizzie says
Sounds like a good read! And love how you shared your own experience. It’s finny how life works out sometimes – on path leads to another and then another. 🙂
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Okay, SO, I know this is slightly unrelated to your comment, but I feel like you’d LOVE this book. The fashion descriptions made me think of you several times!
Jennifer Prince says
Even the quote you highlighted draws me in! “Don’t judge people by the way they dress. There can be angels in rags and demons in silk.” I mean, what a truth AND a fantastic way to look at people. And, yes, I do pick books by a good cover, which I’ve learned doesn’t always mean a good read, lol!
Stephanie Whitman says
RIGHT? Such a good quote. In fact, there were several excellent quotes throughout – related to fashion and not. It was beautifully written through and through.
lee says
You had me at “fashion design” lol. This sounds super interesting and love that it’s fantasy genre but also only pseudo-so. Definitely going to check it out!
Lee
Stephanie Whitman says
I mean, really the only fantastical thing about it was that it was set in an alternate Victorian England? Like… I thought there’d be some crazy creatures or magic or something, but nope! Just gorgeous fashion and fierce competition. It was awesome!
Ruth| Ruthiee loves Glamour says
I have never heard of or read this book. I don’t like reading fashion books haha but the cover of this one looks so good. You gave such an amazing review of the book and now, I feel like the book is a really nice one.
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m not surprised! It’s a very underrated book, but it definitely needs more love. The story was beautifully written and it made me wish I had any kind of skill for fashion design or art – even though this was purely fictional ahah!
Amanda says
You have great tastes in books, this sounds so good!!! Awesome review and thanks for sharing 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh, thank you! 🙂 I’m glad you think so!
Merry Sari says
I can relate when you said that you’re drawn to stunning cover art because ME TOO! I’m interested in fashion (altho not much), based on your review, I’m so tempted to read the book this month >_<
Stephanie Whitman says
I really hope you do read it! It’s such a beautifully written book. I’m surprised it’s not more hyped up! I’ve never heard anyone talk about it outside of a couple of people on bookstagram. It needs some more love!
Heidi says
I hadn’t heard of this book before, but it sounds like one I would like. I love historical fiction and I haven’t actually read one in that genre for a long time. Thank you for the recommendation! I will have to add it to my ever-growing list of TBR. 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m not surprised, since it’s very underrated. I hope that more people read it after seeing my review because it deserves all the love. It was so gorgeous! It’s not quite historical fiction? I mean… sort of? It’s an alternate Victorian England, so I guess it has those elements, but it’s mostly just about the Fashion House competition!
Kelly Diane says
This sounds like a great book to read. I love anything that is a bit alternative whilst giving you an insight into how things might have been. Its lovely that you felt such a connection with this story.
Stephanie Whitman says
It was a really unique plot and I’m so glad I got a chance to read it because it was WONDERFUL!
Rach says
Oh I admit I sometimes pick up a book because of the beautiful cover too! It sounds like this book has depth! Which I am so glad to hear bc sometimes books with fashion don’t have much to it. Thanks for sharing this!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s one of the things I loved most about it: the depth! It was SUCH a great story with beautiful descriptions and world-building, without making fashion seem like a shallow topic – if that makes sense.
Tanvi Rastogi says
I hadn’t heard of this book. I am intrigued now. Thanks for always introducing me to new books.
❥ tanvii.com
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s not a super well-known book, which is part of why I wanted to share it on my blog. It needs more eyes on it for sure. It’s so good!
Greta says
I haven’t heard of this book but appreciate your review. They’re always so helpful!
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha that’s the most popular comment I’ve gotten, but of course, that’s my job: to introduce people to new books 😉
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
This sounds like it was meant for you! I love a book with lots of details and descriptions, where you feel transported. I might have to check this one out!
Stephanie Whitman says
It really was the perfect combination of a great story with a splash of fashion and it made me happy! I’m not part of that world in the same way I once was, but I still appreciate it!
Deborah says
I’ve never heard of this book before but it sounds like exactly the kind of book I’m drawn to! I’ll have to add this to my list as well!
Stephanie Whitman says
I think you might enjoy it! It was a really unique plot and beautifully written 🙂
Venus says
This sounds like such an interesting book and anything that deals with the slightest info about fashion. I’m completely here for.
Stephanie Whitman says
You would probably really enjoy this then!
Raji says
I’ve been considering reading this book for a while and the cover is so pretty too. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing your review, you’ve convinced me to read it!
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s a really wonderful book, so I definitely hope you give it a read at some point 🙂
Katie says
I’ve never heard this book, but it sounds right up my street! Thanks for your review
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Jenny in Neverland says
The cover of this book is absolutely stunning! I gotta admit, I’m not that into fashion so not sure I’d be quite as absorbed but it sounds like a great read! x
Katie says
OMG love this! Love how it’s a story set in the fashion world
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Meredith Dent says
Sounds like a great read! I’m not much of a reader, but I just may have to check it out!
Caitlin says
The cover art and the quote you included is enough to sell me on this book! It is so very true about judging someone by what they wear!