Written by Menswear Style in Travel on the 31st August 2023

In the words of the iconic designer Tommy Hilfiger; “New York Fashion Week comes only twice a year. Make it count.” This is a one-of-a-kind event and is world-renowned as an extraordinary fusion of art and creativity. This event offers visitors an unparalleled experience of global fashion trends, including the legendary stripes of 2017 that we covered at Menswear Style, and the iconic landmarks of New York City. Beyond its reputation as a showcase for cutting-edge fashion, Fashion Week is a cultural phenomenon that embraces the ambitious, aspiring essence of the city itself. The event transforms city spaces, art studios, and event halls into vibrant hubs of innovation. It’s no surprise that it draws fashion enthusiasts, designers, celebrities, and industry insiders from around the globe. Fashionista calculated that it draws more than 100,000 visitors each season, including industry professionals and media representatives. Attending the week can come in many different formats, but each provides attendees with the unique opportunity to witness the birthplace of new trends, the evolution of style, and the convergence of ideas. Oh, and a lot of very cool parties. As your guide to making the most out of your week there, let’s start with bookings and arrivals.

Arriving to NYC 

New York attracts approximately 60 million tourists a year, according to the city's comptroller! That’s why queues and busy streets are almost guaranteed. On top of that, the cost of travel and tickets around major events like Fashion Week are naturally driven up by demand. The average ticket price for an NYFW runway show ranges from $100 to $1,000, or more! As such, you’ve got to be smart if you want to find good deals and save money for the shows and events you want to see. We’ve pulled together a few tips for your Fashion Week to avoid congestion and delays, including in the lead-up to your arrival:

Book a Package Deal: In this digital era, it's easier than ever to book both your accommodation and flights in one fell swoop. With only a few essential details like your departure airport, the number of passengers/beds, and the duration of the trip, AI-powered search engines can do the brunt of the work and pull together any appropriate findings. Naturally, this saves you a lot of time. Plus, not only are you offsetting booking fees across two tickets, but you also can find additional customer discounts when booking both flights and hotels with eDreams. This is a popular and trusted platform to check out for these kinds of multi-ticket bundles. Customers can book quickly, with plenty of flexibility, and even save up to 40% on certain packages. It's a no-brainer to consider bundling your flight and hotel bookings. 

Choose Off-Peak Hours: Opt for flights that arrive or depart during off-peak hours. Early-morning + late-night flights often experience less traffic at the airport and in the skies. 

Look at Midweek Departures: With the week occurring in both February and October, you'll need to dress either for the winter or that strange time between summer and fall. FYI, as we've covered here at Menswear Style before, there are a number of ensembles that are just perfect for that awkward 'summer to fall' transitional season. We'd recommend that you try and plan your departure for a midweek day like Tuesday or Wednesday, regardless of when you visit. These days tend to see fewer travelers, resulting in smoother security lines and shorter wait times. 

Try and Find Direct Flights: Whenever possible, choose direct flights to NYC, which minimize the chances of layovers and potential delays caused by connecting flights. 

Use Alternate Airports: If feasible, explore flights to alternate airports near New York City, like Newark Liberty International Airport and Westchester County Airport. These airports might have fewer incoming flights, reducing the likelihood of delays. 

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay during New York Fashion Week, your main aim is convenience. Opt for accommodations in Midtown Manhattan, which will put you in the heart of where much of Fashion Week happens. Midtown is not only home to many of the event venues but also offers easy access to the best-known shopping districts and popular dining spots. Hotels like The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, The St. Regis New York, and The Peninsula New York offer luxurious stays with proximity to NYFW events. These hotels also often have partnerships and amenities that cater to fashion enthusiasts attending the week-long festivities.

Strategic and Budget-Friendly Planning 

Once you’ve got tickets and accommodation booked, plus some rough plans on what you want to see, consider these strategies to enhance your experience without breaking the bank: 

Location Matters: Opt for accommodations in central locations, such as Midtown Manhattan, which provides easy access to NYFW venues. This strategic choice ensures a seamless and convenient experience. 

Sensible Dining Choices: New York City's dining scene is diverse, but costs can add up. Research budget-friendly eateries near your hotel or event locations to savor delicious meals without overspending. 

Public Transportation: Utilize the city's efficient public transportation system to get around. This is not only cost-effective but also offers a glimpse into the vibrant life of the city. As G2 identifies in their review, Citymapper is a great app for finding your way around the city with accurate travel times, including walking between platforms and transferring on the subway. 

Endless Options 

From runway shows to exclusive after-parties that celebrate the fusion of art and music, New York Fashion Week aims to hit all the notes of exclusivity and style in its organization. As a visitor to the city for the week, you’re not going to be able to see everything, for obvious reasons. With that in mind, planning and proactivity are an absolute must for those hoping to get a well-rounded experience or attend certain events. Due to the exclusivity factor, a lot of your success will be based on whether you’re simply in the right place at the right time. However, in other circumstances, being quick on the draw when tickets are released or knowing who to contact can be the difference between you catching up on the latest via social media or being on the front row yourself as the magic happens.

Past The Velvet Ropes 

NYFW invitations may often be quite exclusive, but there are strategic ways to secure attendance at coveted events and afterparties. 

Join Waiting Lists: Numerous NYFW events have waiting lists you can register for ahead of time. By being on these lists, you increase your chances of snagging an invitation to sought-after parties and shows. 

Network and Collaborate: Leverage your skills and connections if you're a freelance makeup artist or an influencer. Collaborate with designers, brands, and PR agencies to potentially score invites to their events. Meetup is a good platform for finding upcoming NYC fashion networking events hosted around the time you're visiting. 

Visit Iconic Clothing Stores in NYC: Simply being in the sorts of spaces where designers exhibit is a top tip, as many smaller designers value your presence as much as a journalist or a critic. 

Industry Participation: Attending pre-NYFW trade shows and fashion conferences provides ample networking opportunities. These connections might just land you those coveted invitations. 

Research Private Shows: Some emerging designers host private shows that often have less stringent guest lists. Research and discover up-and-coming designers who might welcome your attendance. 

We can’t guarantee that you’ll certainly be able to see everything you want to. You're in luck, however, in that NYC doesn’t stop for Fashion Week. If you miss out on a ticket and have a few spare hours, you can still experience a huge amount of what the city has to offer, without being at an official event. 

Fashion Week’s Most Iconic Districts 

Beyond the runway shows, New York City boasts an array of shopping districts and iconic clothing stores to explore. 

Fashion Mecca, aka SoHo: Wander through SoHo's trendy boutiques and upscale retailers. From well-known brands to independent shops, you'll find unique pieces that embody New York's chic style all over the place. 

Luxury Along Fifth Avenue: Indulge your love for luxury shopping on Fifth Avenue, where renowned brands like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co. await. This street is a paradise for high-end fashion aficionados and is close to many of the best hotels NYC has to offer. We recommend accessorizing if you're going to strut your stuff in this upmarket district. 

Unveil Chelsea Market: Venture to Chelsea Market, a captivating indoor marketplace blending artisanal shops, boutiques, and delightful eateries. It's a must-visit destination for both foodies and fashion enthusiasts. 

Designer Showrooms: Some designers open their showrooms during NYFW, allowing visitors to experience their collections up close. Look out for these opportunities to engage with fashion on a personal level. 

Explore The Lower East Side: Dive into the Lower East Side's vibrant scene, known for its independent boutiques, vintage stores, and contemporary fashion outlets. Unearth distinctive styles and support local designers. 

Vibrant Williamsburg: Refer to Trip Advisor's detailed breakdown of the often-overlooked Williamsburg neighborhood. Brimming with hip boutiques, vintage shops, and local designers' studios, it's a real hotbed for emerging fashion trends and innovative styles.

Your dream Fashion Week experience awaits, and with some budget-conscious planning, you can build an experience that’s got all the style in the world and is truly memorable. With some savvy planning and careful budgeting, you don’t have to be a designer to enjoy the spirit of the week. Through proactively joining waiting lists and networking, knowing where to find the most iconic clothing stores, and trying out budget-friendly dining options, you can enjoy the experience without burning through the cash. We hope you have an amazing time in NYC! Make the most of your time in the fashion capital of the world, and savor one of the world’s most famous fashion events. Remember, it’s only on twice a year; better make it count!

Arriving to NYC, Strategic and Budget-Friendly Planning, Endless Options, Past The Velvet Ropes, and Fashion Week’s Most Iconic Districts.