What to pack for Fashion week

Whether you're a blogger, an exclusive VIP, purchased tickets, or a volunteer, there are definitely a couple of things to think about before dressing up and heading out to Fashion Week. I've attended Fashion Week events since 2014 in Australia, and here are my tips so far for being prepared!

1. Camera

You are definitely going to be taking photos! I can 110% guarantee you will take some, if not hundreds of snaps at the events. It's almost a natural reaction. At some stage, everyone in the room will have their phone up in the air during the shows, snapping away at the models in the bright lights.

If you're after clear and crisp images, an iPhone isn't always the best option. I'd say using it for quick content on Snapchat or InstaStories is probably the only thing it's good for. Lighting will be bright and focused on the runway while the audience and photographer pit sit in the dark. The contrast in lighting seems to confuse the iPhone camera, and the models walking speed definitely doesn't do it any favours!

Use camera with manual settings to adjust the aperture and shutter speed. This way you can perfect the focus points and capture a still image instead of a blurred one. I always test my settings while people are finding their seats and on the first model.

If you're looking to take exceptional photographs, applying for media accreditation for the event could score you a spot in the photographers "pit" at the end of the runway. Bloggers normally get first, the second or third row which still works okay! Keeping in mind that jumping into an aisle for that perfect snap is almost always worth it too.

2. What to Wear?

Imagine stepping out of the uber dressed head to toe in your favourite outfit... Is this a scene from Sex and the City? Am I at New York Fashion Week? I think that having moments like these are always a bit of fun!

Purchasing the dress of your dreams isn't always the smartest investment to make, especially if you're buying a few at once and paying for travel costs! If you're looking to splurge and treat yo' self for fashion week, I find that spreading my purchases throughout the month or beforehand makes a huge difference. This also makes me feel super organised.

Planning outfits in advance is a huge stress relief. Having your clothes steamed, accessories allocated and shoes cleaned and prepared makes Fashion Week run just that little bit smoother. For MBFWA 2016 I only packed my Fashion Week outfits, shoes and basics for hanging around the Airbnb. My suitcase still ended up being completely packed! I had a transit guard help me with my two bags at the train station because they were so heavy, I was embarrassed but so grateful!

If you're not up for spending your whole weeks pay on a designer dress, hiring a dress for the events is something I LOVE doing! Rental boutiques are popping up all over Instagram, and some walk in stores are available to try the garments before deciding! Maddi from Last minute Apparel lent me two gorgeous dresses from her extensive collection. I also wore LMA last year in this post. Hiring allows you to wear that dress you've been eyeing off - without the cash commitment.

Something I love about hiring is that you can step outside of your comfort zone, wear something you wouldn't purchase and use it to experiment with your personal style. You can definitely do this without hiring - Fashion Week is always a fantastic time to experiment! There are so many inspirational outfits swirling around at events, it's hard not to go a little bit outfit crazy at times.

Taking note of current trends and applying them to your looks for the week can complete an outfit, develop an existing trend, it can even get you papped by the Fashion Week photographers! (They're a little scary to start with!)

3. What to take with you daily

Camera Memory cards
Purse and spending money - Cabs, food etc
Portable phone charger and cord
Travel- size perfume, powder and mirror for touch-ups
Chewing gum/mints
Notebook and pen if you're writing about the show later, taking notes helps a lot! Some writers will take small laptops too
Organiser - If you're super busy! I always have my organiser sorted with the week's events but I don't normally take it with me to the shows.

4. Makeup

Similar to risky styling for the week, it's a great excuse to mix up your makeup looks and try out something complimentary of the designer's runway style - Or something completely new for you!

I normally wear bronze or rust eyeshadows, this Fashion Festival I'm working with plum undertones and testing it out with my skin tone.

A natural or dewy look is beautiful on and off the runway. It can be the perfect match for an experimental outfit.

5. Accessories

I always wish I had a Mary Poppins bags around this time of the year. Cameras, purses, and perfume take up so much room! I'm always left searching the bottom of my bag for my event ticket.

Taking a smaller bag or a clutch is easier to handle and it prevents you from taking anything excessive! I wear my camera over my shoulder by its neck strap, probably not a great look but it's what I found works for me in the 'moment'.

An essential accessory for Fashion week is definitely a smartphone for Snapchat and Instagram updates from your favourite bloggers and celebrities, and so you can update too!

Lastly, enjoy and embrace the craziness and the excitement of Fashion Week, completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere and support the designers!

5 Steps to Prepare for Fashion Week