Nearly three years ago, I made the jump and decided to attend NYFW for my blog. I didn’t know anyone, but thankfully I’d joined Style Collective and a group of us were planning to go together. I roomed with someone I’d never met and sent out dozens of emails requesting a seat at some of the shows. At the time I had just over 6K followers. Fast forward to today and I’ve been to five seasons of NYFW. So, when it came time to decide if I’d attend the February edition (AW19 as it’s known in the fashion world), I had to stop and think – was a necessity to keep going?
As I mentioned before, you have to be strategic in order to try to drive ROI for your brand, your blog. The costs rack up quickly, from Ubers to pricey hotels (especially in September). And, you can’t forget the expense for your outfits! So, if you’re a blogger – do you need to go to NYFW? Keep reading to find out.
Shop the Look
Is going to NYFW a necessity for fashion bloggers?
One blogger’s perspective on attending NYFW
So, after purchasing our house in October and needing to fill 3 rooms with furniture, plus some minor renovations – I decided not to go to NYFW. Of course, the FOMO set in and I immediately had regrets as the date loomed closer. I was on old texts and DM’s about tickets for shows. The thought kept running through my head… did I make the right decision? Ugh, I didn’t know. Did I need to be there to keep my blog top of mind with brands I’d met before who were based in NYC? I wasn’t sure. Would I be missing new opportunities to network and drive new connections for future possible collaborations? Maybe.
Jacket: Maje (similar less expensive here)
Bodysuit: Hanky Panky (similar here)
Skirt: Nicole Miller via Rent the Runway
Shoes: Dior
Then, something happened. NYFW came and went.
Sure, I watched longingly as my girlfriends hung out together and I did wish I was there for it all. That’s truly one of the best benefits of attending NYFW – networking with other creatives and entrepreneurs. But, it was like I blinked and it was over. I still saw the collections go down the runways – it just wasn’t in person. Brands that like my style are continuing to reach out and the reality is that many aren’t at NYFW.
What I confirmed is that while NYFW can be fun (and potentially drive business for your blog), it’s not a necessity. The quality of the content you produce day in and day out is far more important. The hustle and outreach you’re doing every week can produce far greater returns as far as revenue for your blog. It’s those connections you’re making with brands who are the best fit for your style and business – those are the most important relationships you need to cultivate (and grow). Maybe they’re at NYFW, but majority are not if you’re a small to mid-size blogger.
In the same sentiment, I do think I’ll attend again. I just won’t put the stress of trying to jam-pack my days with meetings or needing new designer duds on myself the same way I have in the past. After all, fashion is supposed to be fun. Or else, why do it at all?
