flj picks · chosen by the Fashion Law Journal editors. As an Amazon Associate, Fashion Law Journal earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and stock change on Amazon, so check the listing before you buy.
Fashion parties have a dress code nobody writes down. Too formal and you look like you came from a wedding. Too casual and the door person looks at you twice. The sweet spot is one interesting piece, everything else simple, and shoes you can stand in for three hours.
Our editors have done a lot of fashion week drinks, brand launches and showroom evenings. This is the edit we’d send a friend who just got her first invite.
start with a slip, then toughen it up
photo: unsplash
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A satin slip dress is the easiest fashion party outfit there is, because it looks considered with almost no effort. The trick is not to wear it the way you would to a wedding. Put something with an edge over it: a leather jacket, a sharp blazer, a chunky boot.
- 01
Satin midi
Cowl Neck Satin Slip Dress
Bias cut, cowl neck, midi length, over a thousand reviews. Black or a deep jewel tone is what you’ll see most at events.
shop on amazon → - 02
BLANKNYC
Vegan Leather Moto Jacket
The jacket fashion people actually wear over a slip dress. Semi-fitted, cropped at the waist, and it makes anything feel cooler.
shop on amazon → - 03
Calvin Klein
Two Button Lux Blazer (as a tux layer)
Prefer something sharper than leather? Throw a black blazer over the slip, sleeves pushed up. Instant downtown.
shop on amazon →
or go sparkle, but only one piece
photo: unsplash
Sequins at a fashion party work best as one statement, not a full look. A sequin skirt with a plain black knit or a white shirt reads far more stylish than head-to-toe shine.
- 04
Anna-Kaci
High Waist Sequin Midi Skirt
A pencil-ish midi in sequins, heavily reviewed, in black, silver and gold. Pair with a fitted black top and you’re done.
shop on amazon →
shoes you can stand in, and a bag that holds a phone
photo: unsplash
There is a lot of standing at fashion events. Pick a heel with a strap so your foot doesn’t slide, and a clutch or mini bag that fits a phone, a card, a lipstick and a key. That’s all you need.
- 05
Steve Madden
Tracie Heeled Sandal
A strappy heel that keeps your foot locked in. Works with the slip, the sequins and jeans.
shop on amazon → - 06
Steve Madden
Palomaa Pleated Clutch
A pleated raffia clutch with enough texture to look interesting in photos, small enough to hold while you hold a drink.
shop on amazon →
finish: one earring, one lip
If the outfit is simple, let the face and ears do something. A bold lip is the oldest fashion party trick for a reason: it photographs well under any lighting.
- 07
Kendra Scott
Josie Huggie Earrings
Small, chunky, gold. They look good in every photo and don’t get caught in your hair when you hug people hello.
shop on amazon → - 08
MAC
Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
The cult blue-red. It flatters almost every skin tone and stays on through a few glasses of champagne.
shop on amazon →
the legal bit
Buying a ‘designer’ piece online? Check who’s actually selling it
Counterfeit and grey-market goods turn up on every big marketplace, and fashion is the most counterfeited category there is. On Amazon, look at the ‘Ships from’ and ‘Sold by’ lines next to the buy button. ‘Sold by Amazon’ or the brand’s own store is the safest. A brand name with a random third-party seller and a price far below retail is the classic warning sign.
If something arrives fake, US buyers can use Amazon’s A-to-z Guarantee for a refund, and selling counterfeits is trademark infringement under the Lanham Act, so brands do chase these sellers. We wrote the full guide in Counterfeits on Amazon: your refund rights.
The formula: one interesting piece, everything else quiet, a shoe with a strap and a red lip. Arrive a little late, leave before the lights come on.
quick answers
What is the dress code for a fashion week party?
Usually ‘fashion casual’: elevated, not formal. Think slip dress and leather jacket, tailored trousers and a silk top, or a statement skirt with a simple knit.
Can I wear jeans to a fashion party?
Yes, at most launches and afterparties, if they’re dark, well cut and paired with a sharp top, heel and jewellery. Avoid ripped or faded denim.
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