Skip to Content

15 real-life outfits to wear to a book signing – author & guest!

15 real-life outfits to wear to a book signing – author & guest!

Wondering what to wear to a book signing or book launch party as an author or guest? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

As an avid reader since childhood time, I love attending book launch parties and enjoy every second of it.

From live reading to group photoshoots to book signing, it’s just a lot of fun!

It comes with wide variations from a rooftop book party to classic bookstore meetups to a formal one in a ballroom.

To embrace the joy to the fullest, picking the right outfit is key.

Ahead, I’ve gathered 15 real-life outfits for both authors and attendees along with some styling tips – enjoy!

1. Dress according to the formality

More often than not, the book launch event is going to fall somewhere between formal and informal.

When in doubt, think business casual.

A neat white blouse and classy dress pants are always safe to make a good impression without trying too hard.

Styling tip for author:

For the signing, I would probably go with business casual- taking into account that you will probably be sitting a lot, so something that won’t wrinkle.

what to wear to book signing author
Amanda’s book launch party

A comfy loose dress can be a good idea as well!

2. What to wear to the book launch signing as a guest

If you are attending a causal book launching party invited by your friends, high chance there’s a dress code on the invitation card.

Otherwise, if you are attending the public author event, pick the clothes with neutral shades so you can blend in with the crowd easily.

After all, the author should be in the spotlight, and wearing distractive outfits might not be the best idea.

What to wear to book launch signing as guest
Source: Dujour

Speaking of the neutrals, think of hues like black, grey, navy, beige, and white that you can never go wrong with.

Of course, a classy (but not overwhelming) print dress works wonders!

3. Daytime outdoor live reading author event

If the book event is more of a carefree outdoor vibes, make sure your outfit matches!

casual book launch party outfit
Source: Stefanieannis

A sleek jumpsuit can be a great idea if you want to look put together in comfy clothes.

4. Match the color for a book launch party

During the book event, you will take a ton of photos.

what to wear to book launch party
Source: Lushra

For an aesthetic photoshoot, matching the hue of the book and top is a no-brainer.


All shades of green for the book launch party!

In my opinion, except for leisurewear, everything in between is acceptable!

5. Dress for the book theme

For the attendees, you can also dress according to the book theme to support the author! (Depends on the formality of the event)

If the storyline is set in the 1980s, wearing something retro is really a thoughtful act, and let the author knows you are a loyal fan!

I’m sure he or she will be so touched!

6. Look the best for book signing: Peplum dress

In the course of the book signing event, you have to sit the majority of the time, and picking a tummy-forgiving dress is just extra important.

My gem is a peplum dress.

tummy-forgiving peplum dress
Get this peplum dress on Amazon

Featuring an extra stripe of fabric gathered around the waist, this peplum dress will make you feel the most flattering – check this out! ❤️

7. GLAM IT UP for the book release party

For a cozy book release party with your family and friends, seriously, wear a nice cocktail dress that makes you feel good!

The actress Jenna is wearing a sassy black dress during her self-help look “Choosing GLEE” release party.

8. Blazer for a boss babe look

For a professional look, you just can’t go wrong with a blazer.

professional blazer outfit book party
Source: Pinterest

That said, a black blazer might look a bit too formal. To add a refreshing and feminine touch, go for the white blazer.

If you want to embrace the girl boss vibes from head to toe, complete your look with a pair of sleek pointy-toe heels.

white blazer book party
Gwyneth Paltrow attends her book signing

Gravitate towards the effortlessly chic look, consider an oversized blazer that screams a dash of attitude!

9. Show your personality

If the theme of the book event is a bold and personal one (Think independence, self-love, empowerment, and more), feel free to showcase your personality through the looks!

book event party dress
Source: Thevendry

This lady is rocking this look – I never thought a purple dress and yellow pumps could look that good together!

Styling tip:

If you want to look taller, opt for the asymmetrical dress – the inverted V-shape can elongate your legs visually!

10. Dress what you feel like!

But seriously, don’t overthink the outfit, and trust your gut feeling!

At the end of the day, no one really cares much about how you dress unless you go really dramatic.

When in doubt, look up the venue- that usually gives you a pretty good idea about the vibes of the book event.

To get you inspired, I got you more real-life looks down below.

The “keep it chill” look.

Emily’s book launch party

The flared jeans and sandals kinda look.

The polo shirt failproof look.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

So there you go – the 15 real-life book launch party and book signing outfit ideas from casual to dressy!

What are your thoughts on that? I hope that gets you inspired and now it’s time to come up with your style!

If you are looking for more fashion inspo, check out these popular posts down below – see you loves!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *