Photography by Ally Merchant
So let me start by saying I’m writing this post out of the need for information on the internet to explain the idea of someone experiencing New York Fashion Week (NYFW) for the very first time. When I had the invitation come my way, I spent time doing my research of what to expect. However, there was not much out there for us first-timers. With that said, here is my version of what you need to know for your 1st trip to NYFW.
Deciding on your outfits can be a real struggle. On the one hand you want to consider if you should wear a piece from the designer’s collection. For some shows, this was not realistic for me. It’s a given. My shopping budget couldn’t afford it. Although you could possibly have the opportunity to be “dressed” by a designer or a specific brand (and for sure do not pass this opportunity up), the main thing to think about is the weather.
If you attend NYFW in the fall (September), the opportunities for your style are endless. But if you attend in the spring (February), which I did for this first trip, beware…it is freezing! On one hand, I wanted to dress for spring since the collections of each show were showcasing the spring designs. But once I got realistic I knew I could not manage wearing a pink sleeveless dress while walking around New York City.
Finally, pack your tennis shoes and carry a big bag. I wore tennis shoes everywhere, but carried my heels in my bag. Before entering the show I would switch shoes and then switch them back when we left. This totally saved my feet. Plus you will be wearing a huge coat so you don’t freeze so the look doesn’t matter. Remember, any street style goes in NYC!
This is important for any show you attend. The crowds are huge and everyone wants a front row seat. My friend and photographer, Ally Merchant of Fitzography, went with me for this trip. We were able to score media passes, which you should totally pursue if you are a blogger or any type of media outlet. This was a benefit especially for Ally. She was able to stand on the risers that face the runway to get some of the best pictures. However, we both had to push our way through crowds and show our media passes in order to get in. We were pushed many times, and people tried to demand our seat, but being aggressive got us to our spot and kept us there. Wear that Red Dress!
I made it a point to talk to a lot of people, especially those I was around, and I shared my blog. Make sure you carry a lot of business cards so you have these ready and close by to hand out. My personality is not pushy so this was a stretch for me, but after an initial conversation and casually sharing what the other person does, I would make a point to address any way we could collaborate. In the end, not everyone will follow up with you, so make sure you follow up at least a week or two after returning from NYFW.
Overall, the biggest thing to remember is to make this trip about you and make it a memory. If this is your 1st trip to NYC then make time to see the city and do the things you want. We spent time shopping, visiting Central Park,and The Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center), and eating lots of food. It was definitely a memory and I am excited to go back (hopefully in September next time) and do it again. This time knowing what to expect!
Comment below or ask questions about your 1st trip to NYFW. I would love to know your tips and how you survived!
Items in this post are brought to you by Shopstyle. All editorial reviews and opinions are solely my own.
