Book cover titled 'High society has never gone this low' featuring four young adults dressed in formal attire, with two men in tuxedos and two women in elegant dresses, set in a luxurious setting with ornate paneling.

You are

cordially invited!

A hard-working teen hoping to land a college scholarship and a nepo baby looking to prove herself collide at the world’s most high-profile debutante ball in Paris in this young adult romance perfect for fans of American Royals and Better Than the Movies.

Every year, a hand-selected group of young women travel to Paris to make their debuts into high society at La Danse des Débutantes, the most exclusive debutante ball in the world. Being wealthy, royal, or famous gets you into the pool of potential debutantes, but only La Danse decides who is truly worthy of attending.

Chapin Buckingham, the daughter of two Hollywood legends, is one of the lucky few chosen to attend. Chapin’s not usually a society girl, but she has her reasons for wanting to be crowned Debutante of the Year. Her chances seem good…until a fellow debutante creates a PR nightmare that has the eat-the-rich cohort calling for La Danse’s cancellation.

Enter Piper Woo Collins. As the daughter of an EMT and winner of the International Science Fair Prize with a profile in Teen Vogue, Piper is the perfect, down-to-earth person who could restore La Danse’s reputation. But Piper isn’t interested in becoming a debutante—until they offer her a college scholarship…if she wins Debutante of the Year.

In competition for the crown, Piper and Chapin have every reason to clash. But at La Danse, everyone wants something. Piper and Chapin might just need each other to go from pawns in a game to ruling the board…

Praise for By Invitation Only

  • “Brilliance, wit, and high style abound in By Invitation Only, as we get to know the extraordinary Piper and Chapin and how their contrasting personalities draw them into an unbreakable bond of magnetized opposites. With Paris as its runway, this story soars— dynamic, empowering, and unforgettable.”

    Paul Tazewell, 2025 Academy Award Winner for Best Costume Design for Wicked

  • “This book blew me away! The sumptuous Parisian setting, the glorious fashion, the fish-out-of-water moments; it was utterly unputdownable. Gossip Girl meets The Princess Diaries in this stunning debut, and I already miss Piper and Chapin. An absolute fairy tale!”

    Lynn Painter, New York Times bestselling author of Better Than the Movies and Nothing Like the Movies

  • "This book is pure fashion fantasy: runway-worthy gowns, Parisian glamour, and the kind of high-stakes drama you’d expect backstage at a couture show. But what really stole my heart? A heroine who’s smart, grounded, and unapologetic enough to outshine even the chandeliers at The Ritz. I devoured every stylish, swoony moment."

    Joe Zee, Professor of Fashion, journalist, and celebrity stylist

  • “A funny and fast-paced YA contemporary set against the backdrop of an elite competition, Chapin and Piper redefine what it means to be young ladies of consequence.”

    Krystal Marquis, New York Times bestselling author of The Davenports

  • “I loved spending a week in Paris with these badass debutantes. A modern and empowering spin on a century-old tradition.” 

    Karen McCullah, screenwriter of Legally Blonde, 10 Things I Hate About You,She’s The Man, and author of The Bachelorette Party

  • “An electric blend of humor, heart, and glamour with Paris as the backdrop, By Invitation Only is the perfect fall book for readers craving romance, friendship, and an escape. RSVP now!”

    Emiko Jean, New York Times bestselling author of Tokyo Ever After

  • “Dazzling and cinematic, By Invitation Only offers an exquisitely fun look into the worlds of high society and haute couture. A love letter to fashion, this novel is escapist, witty, and delightful!”

    Christian Siriano, CFDA Designer and Project Runway Mentor

  • “A decadent dessert of a book: frothy and fun, with a heapful of heart. In this zingy, swoony affair, Chang offers a glimpse into the world of the mega-rich and famous with scintillating detail and lancing wit. An exciting new voice to watch in YA.”

    Alexa Donne, author of The Ivies

  • “A dazzling blend of humor, opulence, and heart, following brilliant and beautiful young women as they navigate ambition, romance and family in a high-stakes world—exactly my kind of story.”

    Abigail Hing Wen, New York Times bestselling author of the Loveboat, Taipei series

  • “Alexandra Brown Chang’s By Invitation Only is an instant classic! A fairytale for our modern times, Chang’s debut is a charming coming-of-age story about unexpected friendship, following your dreams, and finding your voice along the way. Escapist, emotive, and exceptionally easy-to-inhale, By Invitation Only is one of those books that’s instantly impossible to put down! Chang’s prose sparkles on the page as she vividly captures her protagonists Piper and Chapin, two debutantes who couldn’t be more different, and takes the reader on a pitch-perfect journey of growth and discovery, all set against a remarkably resplendent Paris. I want to read this again and again.”

    Becky Chalsen, author of Kismet

  • “RSVP immediately to By Invitation Only! Alexandra Brown Chang’s debut novel is teeming with charm, glitz, romance and humor. It is a true confection, but it also has much to say about class structure and privilege.”

    Heather Hach Hearne, screenwriter of Freaky Friday and book writer of Legally Blonde: The Musical

  • “Lights, camera, fashion! By Invitation Only is big screen ready, with its winning combination of irresistible heroines, glittering gems, and iconic style moments, all set against the shimmering backdrop of The City of Lights.”

    Rebecca Selva, Chief Creative Officer of Fred Leighton & Kwiat