How to Dress for Fashion Week

If you are lucky enough to be invited to attend Fashion Week in a key fashion industry city (New York City, London, Milan and Paris are the ones where the true trends are set), you will want to take great care in dressing yourself for this special occasion.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fashion magazines
• Dress
• Shoes
• Necklace
• Big ring
• High heels
• Sneakers
• Big purse

1. Determine which designer shows you will be attending, since many people choose to wear something from the designer's own line as a sign of support and respect for his or her work. Just keep in mind that if you plan to take in multiple shows, it could mean you need to coordinate some quick outfit changes in the bathroom between shows.

2. Look for pieces that are a mix of being fashion forward (with extra special details or embellishments that are a bit out of the ordinary) and also classic and well-made. Browse through some of the high-end department stores and boutiques to find items that achieve this blend.

3. Consider the time and formality of the show or shows you will be attending. Couture shows and those held in the evening are likely to be dressier than day-time ready-to-wear exhibits, so plan accordingly.

4. Look for dresses that are very stylish and also comfortable, since you can expect to be running around and fighting for space in some very crowded areas. If you can afford a designer dress, this is a good time to splurge on one. If not, look for an inexpensive one with very classic lines that will fool people into thinking it cost more than it did.

5. Plan to wear high heels if possible, or a great pair of boots. But also bring sneakers or comfortable flats with you if you will need to walk a lot between shows.

6. Carry a large bag or purse that can hold a notebook, mints and a camera. Make sure there's some extra room for any give-aways that are distributed during the show.

7. Accessorize. Even the most basic dress can be eye-catching with a beautiful scarf, big ring, layered necklaces or a statement pin to make it pop.

Tips & Warnings

• Match your outfit to the style of the designer whose work you will view. For instance, if the designer is known for ultra-trendy casual wear, you may want to wear premium jeans with a great top and shoes, while for a high-end designer who does more conservative formal wear, you would likely choose an elegant dress or a pair of dressy pants.
• Look online for photos of the designer's previous shows and try to see what others in the audience were wearing to give you an idea of what to expect.
• Don't get too hung up on your outfit, since it's really only celebrities and big fashion editors in the coveted front row seats who are under intense sctrutiny.
• Avoid trying too hard to impress. The key, no matter what you wear, is to feel great and enjoy the show.

Resources

• Couture Fashion Week
• Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (NYC)
• London Fashion Week
• Milan Fashion Week
• Paris Fashion Week

[Faye-Faye]

on 11/24/2009 Love the article. I am startinga fashion blog, and this is great work. 5*s