Hi lovelies!

So, it’s been a minute since I’ve ventured up to New York City to do the whole New York Fashion Week thing. There were a few different reasons for this but, mostly, because I had other things going on in my life that took priority and precedence, like living in London, for example. This was the first year that I felt like I wanted to put the energy behind curating a trip and, as exhausted as just a couple of days were, I’m honestly so happy I did! The absolute best part of this industry is the people I have met along the way through it, whether it be you guys, other ladies who I share the title of ‘influencer’ with or the two women I get to spend day in and day out with to make AlysonHaley.com a reality. This was a trip where I felt like I got to celebrate all of those categories, as well as meet with brands I love and believe it, and I had the best time!

Packing for New York Fashion Week, on the other hand, was less than ideal and might have [easily] been classified as the least fun part of the experience! Ha! I shared on IG stories that almost everything I purchased for the trip either didn’t fit or was made so poorly that there was a strong chance it’d fall apart as I was wearing it. It’s a little overwhelming trying to wrap your mind around what to put together because you want your outfit to be a little more elevated and polished than it is on a day-to-day basis on IG stories but also a true representation of your style.

Here are some items that I either packed and wore or tried and loved but wasn’t able to bring because the fit didn’t work for my body type! I wanted to share both sets of items so that y’all could get an idea of what good “Fashion Week” items would be to consider if you’re wanting to go in the future OR if these elevated looks are more your style than ‘everyday casual’.

All in all, I think the safest checklist is:

BLOUSES + CAMISOLES – these are great easy basics to use to build your outfits; layer more creative options on top!

STATEMENT GARMENTS – these are items like a silver studding handbag, large earrings in a bright color or a sequined dress

TROUSERS / PANTS / CULOTTES – these are especially great for those of you who offer feminine chic outfit options to your audience OR tend to gravitate toward that type of style!

PARTY DRESSES – it might be smart to bring a few options in different silhouettes!

HEELS / FLATS / BOOTIES – have fun with the shoe options you bring if a lot of the other pieces are very plain

COMFORT PIECES – you’ll want to give yourself some mornings that are more relaxed so pack a few things for heading out to brunch or to do something fun in the city]

FAUX LEATHER OPTIONS – whether it’s faux leather leggings or a faux leather skirt, these pieces will add a fun edge to your outfits!

BLAZERS + MOTO JACKETS – blazers for meetings and moto jackets to wear over dresses at events

One of my biggest takeaways in regard to packing and what is ‘appropriate’ to wear at NYFW events is that there is so much freedom. The beauty of being a style blogger is that the goal is to dress in a way that is an accurate reflection of who you are. Do I think you should try a little harder than normal? Yes. Being that we work from home, I think we get very comfortable not having to put too much effort and energy into styling outfits that are truly ‘inspirational’ and New York Fashion Week is the place where you should exercise that talent. For me, styling outfits was what motivated this whole thing so I thought it was fun to think a little more outside than box than my normal swing tee and newest softest skinny jean combo! However, make sure you’re not doing it in a way that makes it seem like you are abandoning ‘you’, if that makes sense.

So, yeah, just have fun but be you! xo.