Transform Into a Fashion Week Influencer With These 4 Simple Wardrobe Hacks

The saying "dress to impress" is a huge part of the secret sauce to transforming into a fashion week influencer. In other words, it's an effective tool I like to follow to grab the attention of press and perhaps gain a few street style photographs to build my portfolio and credibility. Even if you're not able to attend an actual show, I don't care what others think, it's still fun to play dress up and feed off the energy around you! Although sometimes fashion week can be a tad overrated, I believe it's a great opportunity for fashion enthusiasts to network with one another, put our best selves out there and shine. If it makes you feel good about yourself, I'm all for it.

With eight years of fashion experience - from New York Fashion Week, to celebrity styling, public relations, design, editorial, branding, manufacturing, social media, and photography - I have a pretty good sense of how the industry works. Although I'm still trying to crack the code behind the art of influencing and what is necessary to make it a full-time money-making career, everyone starts somewhere. And so can you.

1). First things first. In my opinion, a fashion week worthy outfit calls for chic outerwear and a head- turning accessory. I'm wearing a fun color block coat I bought from some Instagram sponsored post over the holidays and my Grip Handbag in Yellow Print from my latest collection. For the remainder of the look, you can pull from your favorite timeless pieces that you have already in your closet. The balance between the expected and unexpected is what achieves the "Oh, that's bold. Who is she? And I like what's she's wearing!" impression. Everyone wants to be noticed, especially during fashion week. 

2). Know your body type and style your look to flatter your best features. Sometimes I will style my look around a color that looks good on me, or I'll choose to wear something that will accentuate my figure (I like high-rise jeans to make my legs look longer and model-y). In this case, I styled my favorite black high-rise Citizens of Humanity jeans and paired my white Gucci belt to create definition. 

3). Don't forget that your beauty regimen also plays a huge factor in how your look is delivered. It doesn't have to be high maintenance but its important not to neglect it. My makeup routine is pretty basic: concealer, CC cream, brown eye shadow, eyebrow pencil, bronzer, blush and a lipstick. I spray on some dry shampoo onto the roots of my hair to give it some life, and then I like to spray a nice perfume to make myself feel fancy. 

4). Layer up and tell a story. Make each piece interesting and make sure everything works together well. One of may favorite things to do as a designer is discover pieces that appear as though they were made to be worn with my handbags. That's really how I put together my looks. At my day-time corporate job, I work with a lot of luxury items and I always come across fabulous pieces I'd totally see myself wearing with my bags. But you don't have to go shopping every time you're planning to impress. If you're a fashionista, chances are you have a closet full of amazing clothes. Take a look at what you have from a different point of view. Pull clothes with similar colors, or categorize by silhouette and then pieces together accessories to complete the look.

Keep in mind the occasion, where you will be going, how you want others to perceive you and have fun with it! And don't forget to smile! The fashion industry can be so serious and defeating. Ruffle some feathers with a little positivity. Trust me, people find it so refreshing. I have personally been told that numerous times. If it works for me, it will work for you, too. Happy fashion week!