Attending a fashion show is an exciting opportunity to see the latest trends and designs from major fashion houses or independent designers. With stylish attendees and models to scope out, you’ll want to look your best when picking an outfit. But with so many options, what exactly should you wear?
This definitive guide covers 30 stylish looks to inspire your fashion show ensemble. We’ll explore what to wear to a fashion show. Whether watching from the front row or attending an after-party, these fashion-forward suggestions will ensure you look like you just stepped off the runway.
Dresses Wear to a Fashion Show
A cute dress is one of the most accessible items to build an outfit for a fashion show. From glitzy minis to elegant maxis, here are ten dress styles that will have you looking like a style star:
1. Little Black Dress
A little black dress is a classic choice for a fashion show. Opt for a trendy silhouette like a wrap dress, off-the-shoulder style, or midi length. Stay clear of anything too revealing or overly embellished. Keep accessories minimal, and let the LBD be the star.
2. Metallic Minidress
Make a shining statement in a metallic mini dress in silver, gold, rose gold, or another on-trend tone. Look for exciting details like cutouts, asymmetric hems, or shoulder pads to amp up the style factor. Keep the rest of your look sleek with simple pumps and jewelry.
3. Slip Dress
Try a sultry slip dress, preferably in a bright, bold shade, for an effortlessly chic vibe. Pair with a chunky sweater or leather jacket to offset the feminine silhouette. Make sure undergarments aren’t visible for a perfectly polished finish.
4. Sequin Dress
Don’t be afraid to sparkle a little when heading to a fashion show! A sequin dress offers just the right amount of glam. Look for all-over embellishment in a bodycon silhouette. Keep accessories minimal and let the glistening Dress be the focal point.
5. Wrap Dress
A wrap dress is universally flattering and stylish. Look for one in a bold print or color to stand out. Cinch it in at your waist to show off your figure. Complete the look with strappy heels and a clutch.
6. Mesh Dress
Sheer mesh dresses are sexy and on-trend. Search for one with strategically placed solid fabric underneath to keep it sophisticated. Pair with sleek nude heels and loose beachy waves for the perfect bombshell style.
7. Maxi Dress
For fashion shows in warmer months, a breezy maxi dress is ideal. Look for floral prints, peasant or tie-dye styles inspired by the 70s. Finish with tan wedge sandals and a crossbody bag for an effortlessly stylish hippie vibe.
8. Midi Dress
The midi dress length, which falls below the knee but above the ankle, is universally stylish. Look for figure-hugging silhouettes in bright colors or graphic prints. Finish the look with strappy heels and a clutch for cocktail-ready style.
9. Bodycon Dress
Daring fashionistas should consider a curve-hugging bodycon dress. Look for textured fabrics like scuba or bandage material. Pair with sky-high heels, sleek hair, and makeup for a seriously sexy style.
10. Shift Dress
For a retro mod 60s vibe, opt for a short, loose-shift dress. Look for playful prints and pair them with go-go boots. Finish with a fur coat or collared cape to lean into the theme.
Separates Wear to a Fashion Show
Dresses aren’t the only stylish option for a fashion show. Mixing and matching separates like skirts, blouses, pants, and blazers allows you to create a customized look. Here are ten winning combinations:
11. Crop Top and Maxi Skirt
Show a sliver of midriff in a cropped blouse or bralette paired with a flowy maxi skirt. Look for peasant, tiered, or high-waisted styles. Finish with wedges or flat sandals.
12. Blazer and Trousers
Project power in a strong-shouldered blazer and wide-legged trousers. Look for pieces in complementary bold colors and fabrics like velvet. Add a silky cami underneath and simple pumps.
13. Mini Skirt and Blouse
Flaunt those legs in a mini skirt paired with a silky blouse. Look for an on-trend mini like denim, leather, suede, or vinyl. Finish with knee-high boots for leggy style.
14. Culottes and Crop Top
Culottes, the wide-legged cropped pant style, is perfectly on-trend. Pair it with an off-the-shoulder, lacy, or graphic crop top. Complete the outfit with strappy sandals or heels.
15. Statement Top and Skinny Jeans
Make a bold top the focal point by pairing it with basic skinny jeans. Look for eye-catching cold shoulder, off-the-shoulder, or dramatically ruffled blouses. Keep footwear simple with ankle boots.
16. Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit is an easy yet sophisticated outfit choice. Look for tailored styles with wide legs, zipper detailing, or cap sleeves. Add some height with block heels and choose a box clutch.
17. Matching Set
Go matchy-matchy in a coordinating top and bottom set. Look for attention-grabbing details like puff sleeves, ruffles, or delicate laces. Add simple pumps and jewelry to complete the monochromatic look.
18. Pencil Skirt and Sweater
Pair a figure-hugging pencil skirt with a slim turtleneck or cropped sweater for colder-weather fashion shows. Look for autumnal colors and rich fabrics. Finish with knee boots and a structured tote.
19. Leather Leggings and Oversized Top
Leather or faux leather leggings are edgy yet polished for fashion shows. Balance the close-fitting bottom with an oversized, billowy blouse or top. Finish with booties and a sleek clutch.
20. Ruffled Skirt and Graphic Tee
Add some whimsy to your look with a voluminous ruffled skirt and a simple graphic tee. Keep the skirt midi or maxi length. Ground the look with sneakers or flats and minimal accessories.
Footwear Wear to a Fashion Show
The right shoes can take an outfit to the next level. Here are five footwear styles to consider for fashion shows:
21. Pointy Pumps
Pointy-toed pumps elongate your legs and immediately pull together any look. They work with everything from dresses to trousers. Look for hot hues like red or metallics or neutrals like black and nude.
22. Thigh-High Boots
Make a dramatic entrance in a pair of over-the-knee boots. Pair with mini skirts, short dresses, or even wide-legged jumpsuits. Go for leather or suede in black or tan. Heels or flats both work.
23. Clear Heels
Clear vinyl heels are significant in fashion right now. They lend a futuristic vibe and elongate your legs while allowing your shoes to remain the center of attention. Look for mules, pumps, or sandal styles.
24. Snakeskin Print Boots
Snakeskin is a trending print that adds exotic flair to any look. Knee or thigh-high boots in a snakeskin print make a style statement. Pair them with mini dresses or skirts and a simple top.
25. Metallic Sandals
Metallics add glam to any outfit. Look for strappy flat, block, or stiletto sandals in silver, gold, or rose gold hues. They work with everything from cocktail dresses to dressy separates.
Accessories Wear to a Fashion Show
It’s often the accessories that take a look to the next level. Here are five styling tips for accessorizing fashion show outfits:
26. Statement Earrings
Make them big, bold, and colorful! Statement earrings are an easy way to elevate basic outfits. Avoid necklaces and let the attention-grabbing earrings be the focal point.
27. Wide-Brim Hat
Hats are back in a big way. A wide-brim felt, or straw hat adds retro flair. Look for contrasting hat-dress pairings, like red with black. Skip the necklaces and let the hat accessorize.
28. Sunglasses
Even if it’s not sunny, wear oversized, bold sunglasses. They instantly add mystery and movie star glamour to any look. Go for an on-trend shield style in colors that pop against your outfit.
29. Belt
Cinch in your waist with a wide corset-style belt with grommets, chains, or other embellishments. This styling trick defines your figure and breaks up Dress or top silhouettes.
30. Structured Box Clutch
A box clutch adds polish and carries all your fashion show essentials. Look for ones with incredible architectural details like sharp angles, faceted gems, or metallic hardware. Keep the rest of your accessories minimal.
FAQs
What is appropriate to wear to a fashion show?
The most important thing is looking pulled together and stylish. For women, opt for a chic dress, intelligent separates, or a matching outfit in an on-trend color or print. Stay away from looks that are overly revealing, casual, or sloppy. Most fashion shows have cocktail attire dress codes.
What shoes should you wear to a fashion show?
Heels that elongate your legs and complement your outfit are best, like pumps, heeled booties, or strappy sandals. Flats can also work if they are sleek and polished. Avoid towering high heels if you’ll be walking a lot or spending time standing.
What kind of makeup is best for a fashion show?
It’s a great place to play up bold lip or graphic eyeliner trends. Just keep makeup looking fresh and modern, not overdone. Hair should be clean and styled in an on-trend look, like soft waves or a sleek high pony.
How formal should your outfit be?
Most fashion shows call for cocktail attire or formal business dress codes. That means structured dresses, dressy separates, heels, and polished accessories. Stay away from casual items like jeans, sneakers, miniskirts, or flip-flops unless expressly permitted.
What if you’re attending an after-party?
After-parties tend to be more relaxed so that you can get a little sexy or edgy. Cutout or mesh dresses, leather pieces, miniskirts, and statement shoes work. Just don’t look sloppy. Keep hair and makeup party perfect!
Last Words
Attending a fashion show is a glamorous occasion that calls for equally stylish attire. When deciding what to wear, opt for on-trend pieces in colors, fabrics, and silhouettes that feel modern and chic. To seamlessly transition your wardrobe into fall, start by slowly integrating autumnal materials into your outfits; dresses or well-matched separates paired with the right shoes, hair, makeup, and accessories will make you look as though you’ve just stepped off the catwalk. Use this guide to inspire your head-to-toe fashion show ensemble!
