Fashion Week 101: All you Need to Know about New York Fashion Week

Hey!
So Fashion Week starts tomorrow, and I am super busy preparing for a week full of parties, shows, and people watching!
With every Fashion Week, I get a slew of e-mails from readers who are wondering how it all goes down. I've answered these questions before, but today I'm going to give you a Definitive Guide to New York Fashion Week, based on your questions.
The First Question I always get:

How do I get into Fashion Week???

Last February, I gave you guys the scoop! I said, "Shows are invitation only and open to celebrities, editors, buyers, socialites, and other forms of new media (now bloggers). A month before the shows, you can apply for fashion week credentials; once approved, you're given contacts for each show. Invites are at the discretion of the PR firm, and basically only Anna Wintour has access to everything. Unfortunately those not in the industry (unless you're friends with the designer) don't get a chance to make it in. A bit of a bummer, but I'm sure as with anything, if you really want to make it happen, you can!" The same holds true now. Usually shows are reserved for members of the press, or those directly involved in fashion: People who work for the brand in any capacity (designers, publicists), and of course celebrities who buy the clothes right off the catwalk!
Next, many people want to know

"What do I wear????"

Reader Joi said, "I'm so excited to have just learned that I will be getting a press pass for Fashion Week, the very first thought I had was oh my god what am I going to wear!?!? Any insight would be great, please keep in mind that it's a whole week and I don't have too much money to spend on the event."

Well, if you're a celebrity, chances are you were specifically invited by the designer, so you'll be sitting front row in the designer's frocks:

Socialites stick to black or white with a saucy shoe and clutch...

...but if you take cues from any of my Real Style subjects, you'll see the oufits range from the classic...

...to the over the top!

Basically, Do you! Look sophisticated yet saucy...don't spend a lot on new snazzy outfits. Stick to neutrals like black, white, and beige, but make it all pop with fabulous accessories!
The next question I get:

I don't work in Fashion: Can I work the tents???

Cynthia says, "I'm a young NYC public school teacher. Since I work full time, I can't really go into the fashion industry, but I'm always looking for Fashion Week gigs. Do you by any chance know of any usher or assistant positions currently available?"
If you want to get the feeling of Fashion Week, but don't have an 'in', I suggest you check out the Ground Crew. Started by Audrey Smalz...
...the Ground Crew has provided backstage dressers, tailors, stylists, and pressers for Fashion Week for the past thirty years to names like Gucci, Prada, Michael Kors, Donna Karen and Diesel. Fierce! From laying out outfits, to working directly with the models, the Ground Crew is the definitive go-to if you want to get a 'behind the scenes' look. Find out more and apply for next season here.
I hope I answered all your questions!
I'm off to prepare for Fashion Week...and my 2nd Anniversary Party tomorrow!
Remember to RSVP.
Smootches!