What do you wear to a Fashion Week Fashion Show?
I’ve been asked this question for years and most recently by readers (and friends) who were attending Fashion Week for the first time or who were merely curious.
So, what does one wear to a Fashion Week runway show? While good manners and a healthy fashion budget dictate that you wear something from the designer whose show you are attending, this is not always possible, especially on an editor’s salary and when you’re running from show to show. (Some A-listers receive not only invitations from designers but clothing as well, knowing that they’ll be photographed attending the show.) I opt for something stylish yet comfortable. And I dress up a little bit more than usual. I also don’t dress particularly trendy. It’s a personal choice; if trends are your choice and you have an outfit that makes you feel beautiful when you wear it, go for it. I’m comfortable in a dress or black pants that I cover with a great coat and accessorize with a fabulous handbag, shoes and accessories. I also carry a tote for my camera, a notepad or iPad, a pair of flats and whatever paperwork I need (my invitation, directions, show sheets, etc.)
My philosophy is that it’s not about me; it’s about the designs and the designer yet I still want to look stylish. While some people, especially those who know they’ll be the focus of the photographers’ lenses, go all out planning their wardrobe, getting hair and makeup done, I do it myself. I make sure my nails are done because my hands are always in focus as I take notes and photos and hand out business cards. Preparing to attend a fashion show can take as much time as getting ready for any other major event. It’s exhausting but it’s also fun.
Once again, be yourself. Dress in clothing that makes you feel beautiful. It is a fashion event so you want to look appropriately fashionable. Don’t worry if your outfit is not from the designer who’s show you’ll be attending or if it’s not up-to-the-minute-trendy. If you feel comfortable in your clothes and you know you look good, you can relax, stop fretting about what you’re going to wear and enjoy the show.
Related Post:
Everything (or almost everything) you wanted to know about Fashion Week
hmm, I see you got the memo that it is best to wear BLACK & BLACK! 🙂
Haha! I am always in black, regardless of the event. Stems from my early days of working at fashion magazines. I even dressed my babies in black! I do pop the black with color or different textures. So you can see shiny things in my closet too. But, yeah, mostly black.
I love this article and the pictures. I also know the scene of clothes everywhere and how many times you change before picking the outfit that will make it out the door.
Yes, you do. But with a little planning and editing down of wardrobe choices, that scene can be avoided. Because I carefully chose my wardrobe beforehand – and was brutally sparse with my packing – dressing was relatively easy. Sticking to one color (black) also eliminated the decision of which handbag/shoes to wear. Easy peasy!