I’m taking a detour from my usual Tuesday Tips trajectory for a special edition post in honor of NYFW. Bags are packed, and I’m ready to hop on a plane first thing tomorrow morning for the Big Apple. I was looking through photos from my first season at NYFW yesterday, and boy WHAT was I thinking? From the outfits, to the hair, and everything in between you could definitely tell I was a newbie at the shows. BUT in my defense I was attending with someone who told me I was expected to dress a certain way, which included blazers with every outfit, and if y’all have followed along for long at all you know that blazers are few and far between on here. So trust me when I say it was tragic. As far as my hair goes, it was in that awkward grow out stage, and I looked equal parts butch-ish lesbian and soccer mom. Needless to say, I’ve learned a lot since then, and I can’t believe this is my third season attending shows. To save you the stumbles, blunders, and faux pas here are some things I’ve gleaned over the last year or so.
Let me preface this by saying that getting into these fashion shows isn’t a walk in the park, and you’ll receive more “no’s” than you’ll receive “yes’s”. You’re vying for a seat amongst 1000s of other bloggers, industry folk, housewives, etc. This is definitely one of those cases that having a solid brand + a good press kit can make you stand out from your peers.
Where To Begin
This is the probably the first question that comes to mind when thinking NYFW, and I don’t blame you. I had no clue how to get started either. If you have worked with brands in the past that show at fashion week, that’s the best place to start. Otherwise, if you’re part of Fohr Card you can register for fashion week when they open registration. Fohr Card then sends out the roster of all their influencers attending shows, and if a brand is interested they will contact you about attending.
Ask, Don’t Tell
When reaching out to PR firms in regards to invitations keep it short and sweet, but most importantly remember you’re requesting an invitation. Don’t make the mistake of RSVPing for a show that you weren’t invited to in the first place. Most of the time you’ll never receive a reply that way, or if you happen across an extra sassy PR girl she’ll reply and ask who invited you.
Plan Ahead
I mean it. Plan out your outfits, PRIOR to packing. Hotel rooms in NYC are tiny as hell, and if you have clothes spread out over your entire room you’re going to give yourself undue anxiety. Plus, baggage fees are a bitch. I’d recommend packing at least one outfit per day, and a few alternates just in case something doesn’t work out quite like you pictured it.
Do You
Speaking of clothes, wear what you’d normally wear. If you have a fashion blog you already have good style – hopefully. Don’t stress over being “on trend” or standing out. If you’ve figured out your own personal style, and stay true to it then you’re guaranteed to stand out from the crowd.
Just Do It
Last, but not least, just do it. Even if you can’t afford it (I max out a credit card every season, but it always works out), or if you have no idea what you’re doing. Consider it an investment in your career, especially if this fashion blogging thing is something you want to pursue full-time. You may not get into the shows that are part of the “official” NYFW, but there’s definitely a show or two to be seen if you’re willing to put in the footwork.
Fun Facts
Most shows start late, always aim to be there 10 minutes early, just in case.
Runway shows last around 8 minutes.