Jeanne-Louise-Henriette de Campan, Memoirs of Madame Campan (1823)—The author of this collection of reminiscences long served as a member of Queen Marie-Antoinette's private circle. Her memoirs provide an unparalleled insight into the court and the world of aristocratic fashion during the final years of the Old Regime.

Louis de Rouvroy, Duke of Saint-Simon, Memoirs (1691–1723)—This extraordinary collection of reminiscences is particularly insightful about the world of fashion and style in the time of Louis XIV. Saint-Simon's work is also one of the greatest personal journals of the early-modern age.

Marie de Rabutin Chantal, Marquise de Sévigné, Letters of Madame de Sévigné (c. 1660–1696)—This collection of more than 1,500 letters was written by one of the greatest female writers of the age. Madame de Sévigné kept her correspondents up-to-date on the latest happenings in French aristocratic society, sometimes informing them about...