New York Fashion Week might be a short, six-day blip in the grand scheme of things, but it takes a lot longer than that to actually pull it off. For editors, influencers, publicists, and especially designers, there are months of planning and countless late nights involved. And while there are plenty of more pressing aspects of the preparation, picking out what to wear is no small feat for those attending shows, and it's something I, myself, take very seriously.
As always, much of my pre–fashion week shopping happens at Nordstrom (shocker), whether I'm investing in outfit-making designer items or layering essentials that'll keep me warm when I'm embarking on the avenues-long wind tunnel that is the walk between the 23rd Street C station and the Starrett-Lehigh Building, aka NYFW's new official home base. Below, find the 10 items I either already bought or have on my to-do list to buy from Nordstrom for the festivities.
1. Toteme Scarf Jacket
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The second this all-black version of Toteme's viral scarf jacket dropped in a fresh slate of sizes in the fall, I ordered one, knowing full well that if I didn't, in February during fashion week, I'd wish I had. It's super warm, goes with everything, and has, so far, garnered countless compliments.
2. White Tee
I'm a huge layering advocate, which is why I always need a fresh selection of clean and crisp white tees before a big week of dressing like NYFW. I'll probably end up wearing this tee on four of the six days of shows this season in some way, shape, or form.
3. Saint Laurent Belt
In my opinion, you only really need, at max, three belts: two black options and a brown one with a gold or silver buckle. All three made with leather. Because of that, I'm a big advocate of investing in super high-quality and cool belts like this viral Saint Laurent option. It dresses up and stylizes everything it's paired with—be it jeans or a pencil skirt—all the while doing its job of being a practical wardrobe essential.
4. Leather Pencil Skirt
I've been obsessed with pencil skirts lately, but especially leather ones, and can't wait to test this one out during fashion week. I'll be taking plenty of inspiration from Saint Laurent's fall 2023 collection, so expect this skirt to be paired with tights, high-heeled sling backs, and a big blazer. Plus, leather gloves, '80s cuff bracelets, and big earrings.
5. Fishnet Tights
I rarely leave the house without a pair of fishnets on lately, and fashion week will be no different. I just think this cheap and easy accessory makes every outfit feel more interesting, from dresses to skirts to jeans.
6. Bottega Veneta Andiamo Bag
This bag has been my most worn bag of 2024, by far, not to mention the latter half of 2023. I got it right before last fashion week and haven't stopped carrying it since, so I imagine that it'll accompany me to many shows come February. I love that it can be worn three ways—as a top handle, a crossbody, and a shoulder bag—making it feel like three totally different purses. Plus, it goes with everything and fits a shocking amount of stuff (portable chargers, on-the-go snacks, sunglasses, gloves, and more).
7. Long Trench Coat
Though the weather report will almost certainly shift before February 9, right now, it's predicting a good deal of rain during the six days of fashion week, which is why it's paramount to my survival that I find a great trench to wear on those days when it's down pouring but I still need to make it to multiple shows all around the city. This one checks off all of my boxes.
8. Skims Turtleneck Top
The forecast also states that it could dip into the low 30s, which means I have no choice but to turtleneck the week away. I'm pretty much expecting to put this Skims top and fleece-lined tights under everything, that is, when I'm not wearing fishnets.
9. Levi's 501 Jeans
Every fashion week, whether it's September or February, I spend one day wearing jeans, specifically, Levi's. It's usually toward the end of the week after I've worn all of my exciting ensembles and just need something classic and chic to throw on before my last few shows.
10. Comfortable Black Pumps
I usually ignore my feet's request to wear comfortable shoes during fashion week, preferring to suffer in dangerously painful but extremely aesthetically pleasing pairs. My TikTok feed has been full of videos of Anne Klein heels of late and specifically how comfortable they are, so I'm going to give them a chance.
Shop More NYFW-Worthy Nordstrom Items
Adding this color to any outfit will immediately take it up a notch. Plus, the wool-and-cashmere combo is elite for cold weather.
The bigger the coat, the better the February NYFW outfit.
Oh, these would be *so* pretty with tights.
Anytime you don't know what top to wear with a skirt or pair of trousers or jeans, put this one on.
The fit on this blazer is just next-level.
Our EIC, Kat Collings, wore a dress with trousers last season to fashion week and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. This handmade beaded dress kind of gives the same vibe.
Everyone last season wore a version of these drop earrings, and I don't see the trend ending before February 9.
The shoulder pads add some serious drama.
Velvet's having a serious moment right now, as are pencil skirts, making this buy a perfect one for the season's most fashionable event.
Every outfit needs a pair of tights, and after relooking through Ferragamo's fall/winter 2023 show images, opaque ones are seeming more and more like the ideal pick right now.
These might be the prettiest pumps I've seen in 2024 so far. They're so simple and versatile while still being utterly elegant and luxurious.
By the end of the week, your blowout's probably looking a tad limp and the grease has set in. That's where a tight chignon and this headband come in.
Just add jeans and a great pair of pumps.
This wash goes with everything and looks far more formal than a lighter pair.
"This ring adds the perfect pop to any minimal, winter outfit," says Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, who's on my team and owns this ring in gold. "I can throw on a turtleneck and jeans and add the ring, and it makes the combo feel special in a way they wouldn't without it."
Always add leather gloves. Always.
Every time I see someone with this elegant Tory Burch bag, I fall into a very deep jealousy hole.
In New York in February, nothing matters more than a good coat. It's essential to surviving the week.
This navy skirt is warm, soft, and so chic. What more could you ask for?
I'm predicting a *huge* turnout for these on the icy streets of NYC.
This article was originally published on Who What Wear.
