I still remember my first NYFW like it was yesterday: Lincoln Center, September of 2013 for the SS2014 season. Honestly, I don’t recall how I got invited, because I’ve only lived in the city for a few months, and I had barely started my blog as iammanchic.com

Nevertheless, I knew I had to put together a look that might get people’s heads to turn. Ultimately, I think I nailed it since I was asked to pose for street style photographers several times. My first New York Fashion Week ensemble consisted of black jeans and boots, a white shirt with a faux-leather collar accessorized with nipple clamps (yes NIPPLE CLAMPS), a metal bowtie, black puff backpack, and black leather jacket.

After six years and many fashion weeks later, I’m pretty sure I have the whole “what to wear to fashion week” down. Dressing for it should be fun, but you can’t compromise practicality over style. As a blogger, I’m always running between runway shows, designer presentations, breakfasts, dinners, and of course, afterparties. It might sound fabulous (and don’t get me wrong, it’s lit) but a weeklong round of events requires a combination of comfort, versatility, and fierce statement pieces.

I always gravitate toward prints, bold colors, monochromatic looks, and statement items. They get the job done, and they help me stand out in a crowd of dress to kill folks. Seeing that I couldn’t make it to this year’s New York Fashion Week, here are 13 over the top looks I wore to NYFW throughout the years!
1. THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
In 2014, for MAC x The Blonds Fashion Week Afterparty I spiced up my look with something daring: a harness, leather mask, and officer hat. This was the perfect occasion for me to wear something out of the ordinary.

2. PRINTS ON PRINTS ON PRINTS
The head to toe print look is always the talk of the town


3. DRAPE AND LAYER
Wearing my leather jacket draped over the shoulder instantly upped my outfit game – enough to get my picture taken by a street style photographer.

4. THE STATMENT BLAZER
A blazer is exceptionally versatile and a great first step if you’re looking to go adventurous with your NYFW ensemble. The key is to allow the blazer to stand out. I made the ASOS floral and red Tallia Orange blazers the centerpiece and built the rest of my outfit around them.


SHOP: ASOS DESIGN skinny tuxedo blazer with floral jacquard in orange
5. BRIGHT COLORS
With these neon outfits, I instantly stood up in a crowd of celebrities, and stylish guests at New York Fashion Week.


SHOP: Another Influence festival neon rain jacket
6. COLOR-COORDINATED OUTFIT
Assembling a monochromatic look is always a good and head-turning move.


7. WEARING A BOLD SUIT
Stepping out in an eye-catching suit outshone all those cogs wearing black, navy, and grey.


SHOP: Twisted Tailor super skinny suit jacket in dusky pink floral
8. SHOW-STOPING PANTS
Incredibly statement-making pants—upgrade any outfit without requiring much effort.


SHOP: ASOS DESIGN relaxed pants in paisley print with side tape
9. DAPPER STYLE
Sometimes a sharp and classic ensemble works just fine.


SHOP: Ted Baker Swiftie Slim Fit Crewneck Sweater
10. EXPERIMENTING WITH TEXTILES AND TEXTURES
Shape, size, color, and print aren’t the only elements I played with during Fashion Week. Textures, different fabrics, and materials also offer avenues for sartorial play.


11. A COOL HAT
Hats are my go-to accessory to complete any casual or formal outfit.


12. PLAYING WITH TRENDS.
I’m a big fan of researching current trends and applying them to my NYFW looks. For Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2017 show I was all about the futuristic, high-shine trend and for STRUT NYFW party, it was all about the sequins.


13. WHEN IN DOUBT, WEAR BLACK
Effortless. Timeless. Chic. What more can I ask for?

Whick look is your favorite? Comment below
Jorge Gallegos
Not just a pretty face
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