Surviving New York Fashion Week: Everything You Need To Know

As I sit here typing this handy little guide, I’m literally BUSTING…I’m SO EXCITED. OMG – I’M GOING TO NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!!

This has been a dream of mine ever since I was a little kid watching Tim Blanks on Fashion File and Jeannie Baker on Fashion TV. I would watch their coverage of the New York shows and be in awe of it all: Betsy Johnson cartwheeling down the runway, Alexander McQueen’s hauntingly beautiful presentations, and seeing my idol, Naomi Campbell strut her stuff down the Versace runway like it was nobody’s business. Wow – I can’t believe I’m actually doing it.

Over the past few months, I’ve been wondering what to expect. I’ve spoken to my fellow bloggers who’ve attended in the past and my stylist friends who’ve worked the shows and they’ve all said the same thing: wear comfy shoes go prepared.

So, if you are attending NYFW SS2020 for the first time like me, here is a little guide you may find helpful:

Bandaids, Girl

You’ll be trotting all over Manhattan getting from this show and that styling suite, and we all know you’ll be rocking those hot shoes that make the outfit. Since wearing you’re comfiest slippers around the city isn’t an option, arm yourself with Bandaids to keep the blisters at bay…or just rock some super hot, comfy trainers. They’re in!!

Water and Snacks

Almost every blogger I’ve spoken too said that it gets so busy, they forget to eat. I do not know how that’s humanly possible as food is always on my mind, but it happens, and it happens a lot. So, make sure you always have water on you to stay hydrated, and some tasty, healthy snacks to keep your power up when you can’t “pop” into Pastis.

Invitations and RSVPs, Of Course!

Almost all shows and events require an invite, so be sure to keep your invites and RSVPs close at hand.

Your On-The-Go Makeup Kit

NYC can be notoriously hot in September, so bring your powder, blotting papers…any cosmetics to keep your look “stylish and cool” and not harried, greasy and stressed. Don’t forget a little powder brush, lipstick, and a little purse-sized perfume. I love my little Charlotte Tilbury kit for this very purpose. It’s small enough to fit into all of my bags, and the Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder, Magic Away Concealer, Red Carpet Red lipsticks and mini powder brush are lifesavers.

Ride Or Die Bestie – Your Beloved Phone

My phone is surgically attached to my hand, so there’s no way I’m forgetting it. You’ll need it at all times for taking quick shots, posting to Instagram, checking your schedule, accessing your invites, communicating with your people, etc. Total necessity!

Portable Charger Is The MVP

I got a Power Juice portable charger for my iPhone and it legit changed my life. This phone addict right here is constantly on the verge of having her phone die, so the portable charger is an everyday must have for me. You;’ll be on your phone tons while at the shows, so this is a total necessity. The Power Juice charger is particularly awesome because it can charge two phones at a time fully, along with having enough guys to charge an iPad to 100%.

Camera – Of Course

Cameras on our phones have gotten so good that you don’t need to lug your DSLR around as much, BUT – I love my DSLR and mirrorless cameras. I will be bringing them with me to capture streetstyle shots and document my week in New York. The photographic quality of my two cameras is stellar, and I want to create the best content possible. Totally worth the hassle of lugging them around.

Business Cards

Arm yourself with as many as possible. I go through hundreds of them every few months, and I’m bringing a ton to NYFW for networking purposes. May be old school, but it’s the best way to connect initially!

A Stylist Kit

I bring my little styling kit on every single trip, and this Fashion Week, I’m sure it will come out super handy. It contains the following:

• lint roller
• safety pins
• double-sided tape
• clips

Confidence

This is my first time going and I am no “big fish”. I am lucky to get a few front row seats at some shows, but I know that I will also be standing at the back in spots where I can barely see, and that’s ok. My end game here is to have a great experience and learn.

Break the rules within reason. Hang out at entrances of shows, it may just get you a spot at the show. This can provide you with unique vantage points for awesome shots that others may not get. You can share them with PR companies and designers, which may just assure you a better spot next season. Remember – think outside of the box!

If you are going to NYFW, I really hope you find this helpful! I will be following up with several posts documenting my experience, so stay tuned!