Fashion week is a marathon, not a sprint. So, it’s important to focus on the essential items that will help get you to the finish line. Practical footwear is always top of mind. Whether you slip on a pair of ballerina flats or colorful Sambas, your feet will thank you later. (And when they don’t, having bandaids around is always a good idea.) Another clutch move? Always having sunglasses around. The early days of September can bring rain in the morning and sweltering sun in the afternoon, so having a chic pair of sunnies is a must. Preparing for low-battery mode or a sweet tooth craving between shows is also important—you’ll find both candy and portable iPhone chargers in our handbags.
On the beauty front, adding a little color to the lips can change the mood, which is why you’ll find a trusty Aquaphor or gloss (or both!) in almost every bag. For a quick touchup on the go, opt for a multi-purpose stick like the viral Rhode pocket blush or the Olio-E-Osso balm. Of course, having a trusty and stylish tote bag that fits all of your fashion week needs is a must. Consider investing in a timeless, high-end option from Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, or Saint Laurent that will carry you from season to season.
As the spring 2025 collections unfold, rely on our Vogue editor-approved New York Fashion Week survival guide to ensure you’re ready to tackle one of the most hectic weeks of the year.
Nicole Phelps, global director, Vogue Runway and Vogue Business
Flats! I do way too much walking and subway riding during New York Fashion Week for heels. As much as I like the idea of dressing up for the shows, I need to feel comfortable, which means I need good pants. Being hands-free is also important. My bag has to have a shoulder strap so I can post to Vogue’s new app on-the go. And since I barely have time for makeup, I like to carry a balm that works for lips and cheeks. Finally, I’m still keeping it old-school and taking notes at the shows. There aren’t many of us left who do!
Chloe Malle, Vogue.com editor
I have a four-year-old who is obsessed with Band-Aids so I usually have some Star Wars ones in my purse. They tend to come in very handy during fashion week on long crosstown block walks to shows far on the West Side wearing new kitten heels. Smart Sweets are my go-to candy since they make me feel less guilty eating pounds of gummies. I got a Rhode pocket blush when we covered their launch and it’s become a secret weapon that works as lipstick and blush, and while it doesn’t really fit in any pockets I have, it certainly fits in a purse.
Madeline Fass, senior fashion market editor
I keep all of my day-to-day essentials in a nylon pouch which makes switching handbags during fashion week so much easier, and way less likely for me to forget something. A few highlights include black sunglasses that go with everything, my pocket comb from Officine Buly (this one is great for smoothing into a quick bun or taming flyaways!), and AirPods for taking calls on the go. I’ll also be carrying a travel-sized face mist with me. During Copenhagen Fashion Week earlier this month, I started using one again to refresh between shows, and it was such a nice way to keep my skin hydrated and keep myself awake!
Willow Lindley, fashion market and collaborations director
Two things keep me going during fashion week—this amazingly powerful portable charger and the promise of changing into sneakers when the running around starts to hurt!
Talia Abbas, senior shopping editor
When I’m not wearing my actual glasses I’m probably wearing sunglasses—both of which I carry with me at all times. I plan to keep other odds and ends organized in a little L.L. Bean tote that I plan on bringing to the office, including but not limited to an extra handbag, maybe a change of shoes or extra sweater, and my favorite treats—Harmless Harvest coconut water to stay hydrated and pocket-sized Spring & Mulberry dark chocolate bars for sharing with coworkers when the sweet cravings hit.
Kiana Murden, senior beauty commerce writer
I am certain these essentials will be the only things getting me through fashion week in one piece. I am unfortunately someone who refuses to let their phone die, so I will not be leaving the house without this teeny portable charger. Similarly, to keep my immune system at full charge, I’ll be taking my Armra Immune Revival daily. Whenever I drink this elixir, powered by bovine colostrum plus a host of nutrients (think: prebiotics, antiobodies, and amino acids), I swear I’m less likely to get sick. Otherwise, I’ll be relying on my Hourglass pressed powder compact and new Nori steam to keep my makeup and clothes in tip-top shape.
Christian Allaire, senior fashion and style writer
My gray Balenciaga City bag is my go-to during NYFW—it’s just roomy enough to fit all of my chargers, water, wallet, etc. When it comes to fashion week, I like to zero in on a steady uniform, so this season I will be wearing my new Levi’s flares (vintage) and my Bottega square-toe loafers on repeat.
Eliseé Browchuk, events and marketing manager, experiences
During New York Fashion Week, multitasking is key. That’s why I always keep my Caudalie hand cream and Touchland hand sanitizer close by. These Le Specs sunnies complement any outfit and are incredibly lightweight for all-day wear. And when I’m not running around in heels, you’ll find me in these chic loafers for some much-needed comfort.
Irene Kim, production and editorial associate
I swear by these vitamins during fashion month when I’m probably only getting around four hours of sleep for a month straight. And between the lack of sleep and the running around and barely having time to eat, I’m really messing up my immune system, but these vitamins, I swear, are the only reason why I don’t get sick! I always carry one in my bag because it gives me extra energy throughout the day. As for fashion essentials, my Ganni blazer is a good wardrobe staple for those days when I have nothing to wear. It pairs well with just your classic tank (I love the ones from Soldout.nyc) and some baggy jeans. Also, this way, I can immediately take my blazer off when I’m inside, and there is no air conditioning!
José Criales-Unzueta, fashion news writer
There are three things I can’t do Fashion Week without: A do-it-all handbag, a good lip balm that doubles as a gloss, and a pair of sunnies. As for the lip, I’m currently flipping back and forth between my favorite Topicals Slick Salve and my JLo Beauty Beso Balm—both hydrating and glossy. This season my choice of sunnies has to be this pair by Christopher John Rogers, which actually launched this week! I’m thrilled to take them out for a spin. As for the bag, my current top choice is this Helmut Lang travel bag by Peter Do. I love that you can wear the mini or the large ones together separately and that the mini doubles as a travel pillow. It doesn’t matter how tired I am, a good glossy lip and a great pair of sunnies make me feel put together, and with this bag, I’ll have something to rest my neck on while I wait at the shows.
Laia Garcia-Furtado, senior fashion news editor
My favorite pens are the click-ones that every restaurant in the city decided to have personalized with their name in the past five years. There are usually a few floating around my bag from whatever restaurant I last happened to go to. I went to see Oh, Mary! last week and was delighted to find they were selling a set of THE pens in the show’s signature yellow emblazoned with the name of each character in the play (“Mary’s Husband” ” or “Mary’s Husband’s Assistant”) so I’m happy to report I will be doing all my note-taking this season with the most gorgeously dramatic pens.
