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Bazaar Editors on the 30 Fashion Week Items They Can’t Live Without
From workhorse bags to comfy-yet stylish shoes—these are the key essentials that make up our fashion week survival guide.
Fashion month has begun, which means Bazaar editors are off to the races to see the next season's collections—starting first with New York, and then to London, Milan, and Paris.
As we’re making our way across the city, going from appointment to runway show to essential coffee pitstops, it’s always a balancing act to find ways to look and feel our best while staying warm and comfortable. There are workhorse bags that our editors love not only because they are lightweight and easy to carry, but can also comfortably fit a laptop while trekking across town. Then there are the essential sneakers and flats that our team relies on time and again for ultimate comfort.
Ahead, see and shop the key items that get us through fashion week.
“This is truly the only thing that keeps me from losing my AirPods. I love to clip them onto my jean loops or on the strap of one of my bags while I’m on the go. And yes, some people have stopped me to ask if it’s a pager, which I kind of love. Call me Kim Possible!” —Alexandra Delifer, Executive Assistant to the EIC
“Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Glow Cream is my ultimate secret weapon for surviving fashion month! It’s super nourishing and the perfect glow up my skin needs in the cold winter days of February.” —Nicole Fritton, Executive Fashion Director
“Since I’m always on the go during fashion week, I need a bag that’s going to keep up with me and hold all of my essentials while looking chic and clean. This is Phillip Lim’s version of a "tote bag", but can I just say it’s the most tasteful tote bag I’ve ever owned? This bag just goes with any outfit and the studs along the handles give it that extra “oomph”. It also holds an impressive amount of stuff including, but not limited to my 13-inch Macbook, phone, and computer chargers, notebook, and more.” —Kristina Ang, Social Video Coordinator
“When I’m stomping around the city or scurrying around backstage, I like to be comfortable, but still cool. I am loyal to my Chuck Taylor’s, and I feel like the platform adds a little element of fun to an otherwise closet staple. Plus, these look cooler the more beat-up and dirty they get!” —Jenna Rosenstein, Beauty Director
“If you want to feel like you’re walking on a cloud, then these are your go-to sneakers— which is a must during NYFW. They also come in a multitude of colorways, ready for any outfit!” —A.D.
“I’ve had this backpack for years and it’s gotten me through many chaotic fashion weeks. It’s the best, most durable bag, one that holds my laptop and all my chargers without ever feeling bulky.” —Brooke Bobb, Fashion News Director
“I ALWAYS need battery during fashion week. I am constantly the person asking for a charger and this season, things are going to change. I am armoring up with a power bank from Apple that is portable, cordless and long lasting.” —Lynette Nylander, Executive Digital Director
“My Comme des Garçons pouch is a godsend when it comes to keeping me sane during fashion week as I’m constantly switching out bags, depending on the day and what shows and events are on my calendar that day. I tend to pack all of my key essentials inside this lightweight clutch: lipstick, compact mirror, mints, pen, and wallet— you name it. All I need to do is zip it up and throw it inside my bag of the day and I’m ready to head out without ever worrying if I left something behind.” —Julie Tong, Senior Commerce Content Lead
“I usually like to take notes while I’m at shows and Smythson’s Panama notebook is the perfect size to fit inside my bag or coat pocket. The luxurious croc-embossed exterior in a bright shade of crimson red makes it a real treat for when I need to jot down some thoughts.” —J.T.
“Fashion week would not be complete without my favorite Miu Miu boat shoes. I’m someone who always prioritizes comfor, especially when trekking across New York city. They’re a stylish alternative to sneakers and pair just as well with a chic midi skirt as they do with a pair of jeans.” —J.T.
“As temperatures have taken a serious nose dive this month, my skin is drier than ever. I always keep a tube of Byredo’s Mojave Ghost hand cream in my bag for a quick olfactory pick me up between shows, and to keep scaly skin at bay after washing my hands.” —Tiffany Dodson Davis, Beauty Commerce Editor
“My rose gold Oura Ring not only makes a great accessory perched on my pointer finger, but also helps me keep tabs on my vitals, which is key during a highly stressful time like Fashion Week.” —T.D.D.
“Flats are non-negotiable when you’re commuting across the city by train or on foot. I usually go for a simple black style, but am looking forward to taking Vince’s shimmery flats out for several spins.” —Michella Oré, Fashion Commerce Editor
“When I want a little color, I grab YSL’s gloss stick in Candy Glaze. The blushy nude adds the perfect amount of warmth while the hyaluronic-infused formula keeps my lips soft and silky.” —M.O.
“Aquaphor day and night, all year-round.” —M.O.
“Comfortable shoes are a must during NYFW, as I’m constantly running around. I get endless compliments on these studded ballet flats from Maje, and they are just as easy to walk in as they are cute.” —Katie Intner, Beauty Market and Commerce Editor
“One of my biggest pet peeves is having dry, cracked hands, so I have a hand cream with me at all times–especially during New York winters. This Sol de Janeiro one is compact enough to fit in any bag (even my micro ones) and it boasts the brand’s signature scent with vanilla, caramel, and floral notes. Every time I apply it, I’m instantly transported to a beach, even though I’m walking the streets of New York City.” —K.I.
“Blush tends to peform a disappearing act on my cheeks shortly afting applying it. On days, like during NYFW, when I don’t have time to constantly reapply, I rely on this cheek and lip stain from Milk Makeup. The formula stays put through anything (think sweat, rain, snow) and imparts subtle yet buildable color that brings life back into my complexion, even when I’m running low on sleep.” —K.I.
“I don’t like to do super busy jewelry during NYFW because I know I’m going to be running around and don’t want to risk anything getting lost in transit (I speak from experience). I’m sticking to these sleek and simple silver hoops from Black Suede Studio that will go with anything I decide to wear for the week.” —Bianca Betancourt, Culture Editor
“Just in case the sun decides to pay us a visit even during this brisk winter, I always keep a pair of minimal sunnies in my bag. My favorite pair from Krewe helps elevate any outfit.” —B.B.
