What To Wear During Fashion Week: A Cheat Sheet

By susan_grace on August 28, 2012 • ( 0 )

I found out last week that I will be covering Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York this September for All Things Fashion DC!! It’s been quite a long time since I’ve been this excited about an event, and quite a bit of research has gone in to what le wardrobe will be. Poor mon bel homme has had to listen to me praddling on about which items I’m planning to wear, which he has put up with admirably. Below, She Finds gives some tried-and-true tips about what to wear to the shows:

Photo Credit: Wear This Now, by SHEfinds Founder and CEO Michelle Madhok and SHEfinds Senior Editor, Eileen Conlan

(She Finds) We’re so excited about our book WEAR THIS NOW: Your Style Solution for Every Season and Any Occasion, published by Harlequin. And since we can’t wait for you to check it out in print at your nearest bookstore (next week!), we’re presenting our favorite bits to keep you stylishly satisfied. The average woman spends a whopping two years of her life standing in front of her closet, wondering why she can’t find a single thing to wear, so our book is a reference to keep on hand during those epic closet stares.

Here’s an excerpt, especially for you:

Despite its name, Fashion Week actually goes on for several weeks, and the biggest, most hyped blocks of shows happen in New York City, Milan and Paris, the fashion capitals of the world. If you score an invitation, you’ll find yourself in the same room as the most renowned designers, models and editors from around the world.

There’s no need to buy a designer item to wear to Fashion Week just because you have an invitation. It’s all about the way you put your clothes together, and the more confident you appear during the shows and at the parties that surround them, the better.

If you’re going to attend shows at Fashion Week, be aware that you will be judged, so make sure to edit your wardrobe accordingly. Pay close attention to fabrics, first of all. Go for gorgeous fabrics, a mix of textures and finishes (satin, patent, metallic, etc).

Most importantly, interpret the trends for your body, not just because they’re “in” right now. It’s always better to dress for your body than follow the latest fad any day. Throw on your leather jacket over a dress in a luxe fabric, whether it’s silk, chiffon, or brocade, push up the sleeves, add a belt that pops and a pair of sky high pumps and you’ll fit right in. As a general rule, wear your most spectacular accessories: camel coat, brightly colored leather handbag and chicest heels, and one impressive jewelry piece—extra points if it’s vintage. If you’re sitting front row and you own something the designer has created, by all means, wear it, and garner some fashion brownie points. You never know where it could get you.

Below, are three easy outfits for Fashion Week in three easy steps. (You probably already have them in your closet!)

Easy As 1,2,3:
1. Leather jacket + silk printed dress + booties
2. Vintage statement necklace + bold colorful dress + strappy stilettos
3. Brocade skirt + silk top + over the knee leather boots