Hi lovelies,
Fashion can be a nice hobby you engage in to have fun, or it can be a full-on lifestyle and career path. Everyone falls somewhere on this spectrum, from feeling comfortable in a new pair of socks, to designing cutting-edge trends.
If you’re into fashion (firstly, you’re in the right place!) but it can also be rewarding to learn more about this vital industry and its beating heart. Heading to fashion shows can be a fantastic way to network and learn more about the creative talent on offer.
But of course, heading to a significant fashion event does take some preparation. In this post we’ll offer some advice to get you started, so you can more easily plan for the event going forward:
Choosing Your Look Without Overthinking It
It’s easy to get wrapped up in what to wear, especially if it’s your first proper fashion event you’re headed to, as there’s pressure to impress, but most of the time, it’s less about following a strict rulebook and more about feeling like yourself. A polished version of yourself is fine of course, but don’t try to be anyone else. That’s not what fashion is about!
As such, leaning into your personal style is often better than trying to second-guess what’s expected. You’re not trying to compete with the runway, and no one’s really judging you against the designers showing their latest collection. If anything, people notice authenticity more than any label or trend. The best-dressed folks tend to be the ones who just look comfortable in their outfit. So don’t think you have to be perfect, just be you!
Managing Time & Staying Comfortable
These events often run longer than expected. There’s the show itself, of course, but then time slips away while you’re exploring installations, chatting with new people, or waiting for things to start. It’s easy to underestimate how much standing and walking there’ll be. Sometimes, a fashion event in a city can even go on for weeks depending on the festival in place, which may make short term rentals as opposed to a hotel booking more appropriate for you, especially if you’re covering the event for a website or blog.
So, while the outfit selection might be priority number one, it’s worth giving some thought to how they’re going to hold up. Shoes, especially, deserve a second look. Even if they’re the perfect match style-wise, it helps to know they won’t leave you limping after an hour.
Making Connections Without Forcing It
Fashion events can be brilliant for meeting people, but that doesn’t mean you need to treat it like a networking drill you need to perfect, as most conversations happen naturally and asking questions will always endear you to people. That might involve admiring a piece, chatting in the lobby, or waiting in line. You don’t have to “have your pitch ready” or run through a list of names you’re supposed to impress at all.
With this advice, you’ll be certain to travel to a fashion event with confidence, and most of all, you’ll have fun!
