Have you caught up on your sleep? You still have a few days – London Fashion Week is all but upon us. Expect the global fashion crowd to surge on the capital, outfits to get a lot louder, and Soho House’s capacity to spike. However, unless you’re planning on donning a new, mysterious designer identity å la Oobah and Georgio Peviani, getting an invite to the shows, parties and general happenings of fashion week can be quite the challenge. But what’s stopping you from dressing the part?
Perhaps as important as the Lewks being photographed on the runway, are the Lewks being photographed off the runway. London is known for its iconic street style, with fashion fans travelling from far and wide to linger outside show locations and flex their fit. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a guide of what to wear to both blend in and stand out at fashion week, as well as the essentials you’ll need to get you through the week.
SHADES
Ah, sunglasses. The undisputed king of accessories for fashion fans and sunbathers alike – except in fashion week, it doesn’t matter the weather. You’ll rarely see a fashion-week-goer without a pair of shades, whether they’re inside or outdoors, and may be wondering whether they’re hungover or just a bit of a wanker. Well, the answer is probably a bit of both – catch everyone who thinks they’re a little bit too important wearing them in all weather, and marvel at their ability to mask the dark circles created by having a mere three hours of sleep the night before. Versatile and practical, they really are that girl. Cop one of these pairs, from minimal to extravagant, and you’ll fit right in.
BAGS
Look, we all need a bag. However, attendees of fashion week have mastered the ability to bring a weirdly small, and thus relatively pointless bag to events that don’t even fit the invite in. You can’t have everything. The most practical option is definitely the crossbody bag, a fashion fan favourite which leaves your hands free for all the filming and apathetic clapping you’ll be expected to do this week. However, bags are the perfect opportunity to style up a minimal fit, so get experimenting with styles, textures and sizes: nothing’s off-limits, just ask Balenciaga (or IKEA).
BOTTEGA VENETA CASSETTE MINI INTRECCIATO LEATHER CROSS-BODY BAG – £710 / US $961
SHOES
Sitting on the FROW before a show starts is much like sitting on the tube. You can’t stare at people directly, as that’s weird, and there’s nothing else to look at yet, so all eyes go to shoes – make sure you have a good pair. I found out the hard way. If you’re travelling around to multiple places in the same day, sneakers would probably be a good option, but for those of us who forsake practicality for #fashun, there are an amazing array of heels, boots and shoes that will elevate even the simplest of fits. Bonus points if they’re Tabis.
STATEMENT JACKETS
Let’s face it, it’s February and no one will be taking their coats and jackets off for longer than it takes to snap the perfect off-the-cuff fit pic. I.e, 20 minutes, multiple locations and a midpoint breakdown on a good day. Although this is undoubtedly the priciest category in the guide, to save you from the icy (and wet) conditions, it’s probably best to make your jacket or coat the main event of your look – especially if you’re planning on hanging around outside venues hoping for the PR girl to take pity on you and let you in. We’ve all been there.
ESSENTIALS
It’s all good and well sorting a fire outfit (or three) for fashion week, but without these essentials, it will be a lot less enjoyable and a lot more stressful. In this miscellaneous section, find everything you’ll need to get through the week – from blister plasters to alleviate the shoes you haven’t yet broken in, to multifunctional makeup to help you bridge day to evening events, to the coffee subscription that will keep you caffeinated for free throughout the city. Don’t say we don’t try!
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See also: THE SLIP-ON: WHERE IT CAME FROM & HOW WE’D STYLE IT
