For the past 2 years I have made a priority to attend New York Fashion Week at least once a year. Attending for the first time? Check out our article here on everything you need to know to attend here. While I typically attend the Spring/Summer season (taking place in February), this season I am attending the Fall/Winter shows in September. One of the most common questions I receive is “what to wear for NYFW.” I’m sharing my 4 tips for surviving & thriving at New York Fashion Week!
What to Wear to New York Fashion Week Tip #1: Comfortable Shoes (or a change of shoes)
Karya Schanilec Photography 
New York is one of those cities that even if you’re planning to take a taxi everywhere, you’ll still walk a lot. If you’re planning to survive running from show to show in your least comfortable shoes– you need a strategy. My first FW I was in tears because I had worn super uncomfortable shoes.
Either :
- break in your shoes
- bring a change of shoes if your bag is big enough or
- wear comfortable shoes
Note: Celebrity influencers are ushered from their private car into the shows and back into the car. They make quick changes work because they don’t have to carry their things. That’s not as do-able for micro-influencers.
What to Wear to New York Fashion Week Tip #2: Be yourself
Photography by Sarah Wolfe.
There is something exhilarating about photographers wanting to take your photos. And they tend to gravitate towards the brightest, most unique (and sometimes outrageous) looks. This tip I received my first FW from some veterans. They said “have fun, and elevate your look. But don’t do something you’d never ever wear in real life. You can usually tell when people are uncomfortable.” SO TRUE. Create an elevated look, but make sure you feel confident & like yourself!
Note: Thank you JustFab for sponsoring this look head to toe for day 2 of NYFW. My vision for this look was a summer to fall transition with the cream colors and olive green dress.
Shop the look: Dress | Hat | Sunglasses | Shoes | Bag
What to Wear to NYFW Tip #3: Pick a unique piece & center the look around it.
This is actually one of my general fashion tips for creating everyday outfits. I tend to built a full look around 1-2 pieces I absolutely love. Same with NYFW – opt for a really unique piece and build the look around it.
What to Wear to NYFW Tip #4: Pick an outfit that lasts all day
One of the biggest misconceptions I had attending my first time was that I would have time to change outfits between every show. This is do-able if say you have a huge gap between shows. However, depending on where you’re staying it can be a 30+ minute commute each direction. It will also be likely that you have 3-4 shows stacked one after another. Pick an outfit that lasts all day if necessary.
What to Wear to NYFW Tip #5: Go bright!
Lastly, New York Fashion week is your opportunity to wear all the bright colors! They’re fun and eye catching. Leave your neutrals at home. I actually ignored this tip this season, and was “spotted” by photographers a good 70% less than past seasons.
Shop the look: Boiler Suit | Bag | Hat | Shoes
