The Classic Novels Inspiring Our New Bookish Arrivals

Here at Joanie, we love to wear our love of literature on our sleeve! From Austen to Alcott and Brontë to Dickens, read on to discover the classic novels that inspired our new bookish arrivals...

Pride and Prejudice

I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!

Pride and Prejudice

First up is Pride and Prejudice, top on our list of classic novels to read. It is a truth universally acknowledged that this story of love, family, and social class is one of classic literature’s greatest works. Mrs Bennet, the wife of a country gentleman has only one aim in life, to find each of her five daughters a suitable husband. Austen tells the story of Mrs Bennet’s second-eldest daughter, Elizabeth as she must overcome pride and prejudice in order to marry aristocratic landowner, Mr Darcy through humour, wit and cutting social commentary.

This literary classic is one of the many inspirations behind our favourite wardrobe classic, Althea! Made from a super-soft conscious yarn blend in an all-over bookshelf print, this cosy bestseller makes for perfect reading attire...

Another one for all the Austen acolytes is our tried and tested Andi Book Print Dress. Featuring the same bookshelf print in a classic shirt dress shape, this easy-going dress makes for effortless dark academia chic! Pair with our favourite Lyon Shoes for easy bookish style, or layer under a cosy knit for best in class style.

Wuthering Heights

'No books!' I exclaimed. 'How do you contrive to live here without them? if I may take the liberty to inquire. Though provided with a large library, I'm frequently very dull at the Grange; take my books away, and I should be desperate!'

Wuthering Heights

Emily Brontë’s story set in the Yorkshire countryside uses the wiley, windy moors to represent the love between Cathy and Heathcliff. Following the death of Mr Earnshaw, Heathcliff leaves for London, believing his love for Cathy to be unrequited. He returns years later as a wealthy gentleman with the intention of revenge. This classic novel is filled with suspense, romance, and gothic horror, making it an absolute must-read for every self-respecting bookworm!

Certified bookworm? Say it with your chest in Toby! This comfy oversized sweatshirt is here to be your new go-to for everything from chilly library runs to curling up at home with a good book. This jumper was created in collaboration with World Book Day, and we're donating £5 from every sale to help aid their mission to help children become life-long readers for pleasure, committing to a minimum donation of £5000.

Little Women

She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain.

Little Women

Little Women tells the story of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth. Simultaneously heartbreaking and inspiring, Alcott's portrayal of the sisters growing up as their father is away fighting in the American Civil War is timeless. We challenge any reader not to find something of themselves in at least one of the March sisters!

Cosy and cute! Alcott, the easy-going jumper named after one of our favourite authors, says it all. The slouchy oversized fit and collegiate burgundy background make this an instant modern wardrobe classic! Pair with jeans for easy back-to-school style, or layer over your favourite slouchy PJs for a cosy reading day in bed...

The Great Gatsby

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel epitomises the American Dream. Set in New York in the 1920s, The Great Gatsby is a rags to riches tale of love, loss, the opulence of the Jazz age. Often hailed 'the great American novel', this modern classic is definitely one to add to your reading lists!

Hello, old sport! Jay (neé James) is a book lover's dream sweatshirt. Made from a super-cosy organic cotton blend, this oversized jumper is perfect for whatever literary activities you have planned...

Looking for further reading? Discover our Book Lovers edit and expand your style library now!