Fashion Week Etiquette: An Outsider's Guide to Being An Insider

Blair Waldorf said it best:

"The most important parties to attend are the ones you're not invited to."

Being invited to a Fashion Week after party is an honor some B-list, and all C-list, celebs would kill for. If your name isn't on the golden list, don't get mad. Get in. [Photo via] There are guidelines, though. Do some research to figure out when and where the parties are. Our calendar is a great resource! In this case, "go big or go home" doesn't apply, because, as an outsider, your chances of getting into the big Marc Jacobs after-party are grim. Try the smaller parties, or parties where you know people working at the venue (i.e. the doorman, a bartender, etc). Everybody's got to start somewhere. When you arrive, look AND act the part. Proudly state your name. If a friend is on the list, say you're with them. If not, take your chances. If you get in, it's likely because you're hot and/or the party is lame and needs more filler bodies. [Photo via] Most importantly, do not make a scene if you're denied access! After all, you're not really on the list. Be polite and courteous. Simply say, "Huh, that's strange. Alright, thank you." Leave gracefully and try your luck elsewhere. There are plenty of parties. Besides, nobody ever gets in by going all Jersey Shore--they get escorted to the curb.