Fashion show etiquette: DOs and absolute DON’Ts (2024)

Until the early twentieth century, the main way people saw new clothes, especially the latest from Paris, was on dolls. Around 1391 Charles VI of France sent Queen Anne of England a “fashion doll” wearing the latest royal court dress – she was the fashion ambassador of French taste.

In the 21st century, technology takes charge of spreading sartorial trends. Through social media like Instagram and Twitter, it’s easy to find out the latest in Paris, New York, London, Milan, Dubai, Kuwait, and Iran. These pictures are seen the whole world over while hundreds of thousands of people, including models, journalists, retailers, celebrities, and executives, participate in events across the globe. So here’s the question: what should – and shouldn’t – you wear to a fashion show?

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While it can sometimes seem that the world has fallen victim to a sort of sartorial globalization, where jeans are welcome anytime, anywhere, the truth is more nuanced. You can wear jeans but you need to spiff them up. Make sure you’re wearing the latest trend – this season’s must-have denim comes with a cropped, slightly flared and frayed hem. And remember, what works in Singapore might be greeted with looks of horror in Paris.

And while you can pile on the gold and jewels in Greece, you’ll be perceived wearing all this jewelry as vulgar in Germany. So here are the rules on looking not just appropriate but actually stylish around the globe, in fashion events.

Simple: think your everyday style but elevated.

DON’T ignore weather conditions – if it’s cold, wear an appropriate outfit and leave your tiny shorts for summer!

DON’T wear shoes you can’t walk in.

Keep it elegantly casual. Unless you feel like you have to wear an outfit worthy of a thousand camera flashes like Lady Gaga or Anna Dello Russo and you’re up to it, then please refrain. Gone are the days when bloggers had to wear weird outfits to be noticed. The name of the game now, is trendy elegance.

I can’t say it enough, your best kept secret for looking like a million bucks is a tailor who knows your figure. Don’t just grab something off the rack and assume it will fall perfectly on you. Make sure the sleeves are not too long before you get to the show, or the hem length won’t be flattering.)

Unless you are a celebrity with some consistent spending means, there is no reason you should drop an entire month’s rent on a new outfit for the show. By all means do buy a beautiful investment piece that stands out and is re-wearable. But I don’t advise to invest in a designer piece just for this one show.

Put on your diva pout and wear your big sunglasses while on your way to the show. But, please, pull them off during the duration of the event. If trying to stay incognito, then stay home.

Most of the time, I’m all for fabulous over functional. And in this particular event it is not the time for ballet flats, unless you opted for those amazing pointed ballerinas by Dior! This is one of the only times your most decadent, beautiful shoes will have a reason to exist besides collecting them in your closet for your own visual pleasure and ego boost!

If you’re new to the fashion scene, I strongly suggest to bring a fashionable friend with whom you can chat and gossip!

Remember when I said earlier don’t go designer? That doesn’t apply to the handbag. I beg you do not carry a faux designer one; the real thing is a must.

If black is your comfort zone, make an effort and think you’ll be mingling with a fun, bright crowd, you don’t want to be singled out. A pop of color never hurts anyone, or simply go for a black and white outfit.

Elegance and refinement are key words in every occasion including fashion events. No need to flash extra flesh.

And remember, in such an egocentric milieu, most people are going to be so focused on catching a celebrity or busy taking selfies that they aren’t going to even notice what you’re wearing, especially if your shoes are from last year’s collection.)

Bad behaviour

Now that we covered your outfits let’s tackle your behavior.

DON’T block the view of everyone around you while you Instagram every look.

DON’T put on heavy perfume in a show, it is unacceptable.

DON’T post hundreds of blurry, horrible photos on Instagram and useless videos of every event you attend just to show how cool you are. I’m so unfollowing!

DON’T wear imposing hair styles or even hats in the front row. Remember there are people behind you…

I always hear fashion people complaining about fashion events: too many, too time consuming… well guess what, it’s part of the job description if you’re in the industry, and getting to meet and speak with some of the leading names in fashion and beauty is a privilege that most don’t get to experience. If you don’t like it, change your job!

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Fashion show etiquette: DOs and absolute DON’Ts (2024)

FAQs

What are the dos and don ts of fashion? ›

Don't wear a casual jacket over a fancy dress. Don't wear anything too tight, too sexy or too see-through. Don't wear uncomfortable shoes. Don't upstage the bride in something that's too attention getting.

What is the 2 to 1 fashion rule? ›

Fashion is also a visual medium, and while we don't divide our outfits in 9 equal sections, applying the Rule of Thirds requires diving our outfit in three equal parts to visually create a ratio of 2:1. This ratio is basically the Golden Mean, simplified.

What is the golden rule in fashion? ›

RESPECT BALANCE

The golden rule of style comes from none other than Coco Chanel: before leaving the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory. This ensures your outfit won't be overstyled.

What are the five most important points when planning a fashion show? ›

5 Key Tips for Planning a Fashion Show
  • Utilise technology as much as possible. It's important for anyone planning a fashion show to embrace technology. ...
  • Choose the right models. ...
  • Make sure the atmosphere is right. ...
  • Schedule in practice runs. ...
  • Make guests feel special.
Jan 16, 2020

What is the 5 outfit rule? ›

The five outfit rule is pretty simple. When you see an item that you just have to have you can only buy it if you can think of five different outfits that you can wear it with. These outfits should come to mind straight away, no having to wrack your brains to desperately come up with things, and no cheating.

What are the rules of fashion show? ›

Vulgarity is strongly prohibited. Any form of obscenity will lead to debarring the team from the contest. Use of cigarettes, alcohol and any unfair means is strongly prohibited. Teams will be judged on costumes, theme, walking stance and attitude.

What is the 3 color rule in fashion? ›

The premise of the 3-color rule is not combine more than three colors in your outfit at any one time. The exceptions are black and white — they don't count, as they aren't technically colors, so they can be intermixed without actually adding a color to your outfit.

What is the rule of 4 in fashion? ›

The goal is to have at least four accessories or points of interest to every outfit. This has been a game changer for me because I tend to be a plain jane, and often I feel like my outfits lack a little something.

What is the rule of 3 in fashion? ›

The idea behind the third piece rule is that for an outfit to go from good to great, it needs three key elements. Your top and bottom (pants or skirt) are your first and second elements. The third piece is that extra something that finishes off the whole look.

What is the most important thing in fashion show? ›

The clothing selection from your line that you want to exhibit is seemingly the most important aspect of the event. Essentially, this is the content you're portraying to the world, so be sure to put some thought into what you want from the collection to be displayed on the runway.

How do you ace a fashion show? ›

In case you're up for some new modeling hacks to try, here are some that might be of help:
  1. Work With Your Body. A model's glory is in their body's beauty. ...
  2. Try 24K Masks. ...
  3. Snack Your Way Through The Runway. ...
  4. Natural Is The Way To Go. ...
  5. Stick To Your Rituals.

How do you stand out in a fashion show? ›

Oh, and, while you read my tips please consider this process an evolution not revolution – it takes a little time but it will happen .
  1. Be a Leader. ...
  2. Engage in Fashion with Add A Twist. ...
  3. Mix Patterns. ...
  4. Think Statement. ...
  5. Layer Creatively. ...
  6. Make the Most of Your Age and Shape. ...
  7. Be a Head of the Rest. ...
  8. Think Body Language.

What is the two finger rule dress code? ›

This rule states that a student should be able to stand straight, arms by their side, and not have their fingertips reach past their shorts. This, on many, measures to about a couple inches above the knee. This rule is emplaced for "modesty" purposes.

What is the 30% rule in fashion? ›

About 30% or less of your wardrobe should be dedicated to those fun and trendy pieces. As a rule, I tend to splurge on my basics and spend as little as I can on the more trendy pieces. I think you should definitely add trendy pieces to your wardrobe from time to time to keep it fresh and up to date.

What is the 30 70 rule in fashion? ›

Basically, your closet should be 70% classic and functional pieces and the remaining 30% are your trendy and fun pieces. The 70/30 rule is hailed as capsule wardrobe law and applying it to the average wardrobe can go miles in creating pure outfit perfection.

What are the four C's dress code? ›

Only this time, it's the four C's: cute, chic, classic and comfortable.

What are the four dress codes? ›

Regardless of whether you are dressing for professional photos, a zoom call, or an actual meeting, it's important to understand the four main classifications of professional workplace attire: business formal, business professional, business casual, and casual.

What is the most dress code? ›

Also known as “full evening dress”, white tie attire is considered the most formal of all dress codes.

What is a code for a fashion show? ›

Code: 4741-6633-3879

Ultimate Fashion/Talent Show is the map for you if you want your game to look like a game show.

What is dress code for fashion show? ›

Dress appropriately: When attending a fashion show, it's important to dress appropriately. You want to look fashionable and stylish, but not overdressed or underdressed. Avoid wearing anything too revealing or too casual. Instead, opt for a chic and sophisticated outfit that shows off your personal style.

What is the number rule in fashion? ›

The eight-point rule is essentially a point system for nailing your outfit. You are going to count each piece and accessory in your look and get a total. The goal is to get between 6 and 8 points. As soon as you get over 8, your outfit may be too much.

What is the 60 30 10 rule? ›

What is the 60-30-10 Rule? It's a classic decor rule that helps create a color palette for a space. It states that 60% of the room should be a dominant color, 30% should be the secondary color or texture and the last 10% should be an accent.

What is fashion the two thirds rule? ›

But it can be helpful to follow the “Rule” of Thirds when putting together outfits. Apparently, clothing ensembles look more well-proportioned when the top takes up one-third of the outfit and the bottom occupies two-thirds of the overall look.

What color order for clothes? ›

"Sort clothing from left to right starting with the basics: white, cream, yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, green, patterned clothes, brown, grey then black. The result is a closet that looks like a rainbow," she says.

What is the sandwich rule fashion? ›

Sandwich dressing is, as the name suggests, the principle of matching the colour of your top half to your shoes, and 'sandwiching' a different shade in the middle. It's a trick stylish women utilise regularly to look put together with minimal effort. While hardly new, it's of course, still relevant.

What is the 333 rule for clothes? ›

The idea behind Project 333 is simple: Wear only 33 articles of clothing for the next 3 months. All clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear, and shoes count towards your number. Exceptions include wedding rings, underwear, sleepwear, in-home loungewear, and workout clothing.

What is the 20 year rule fashion? ›

This rule is known as the '20-year rule', and what it means is that fashion follows cycles that repeat every 20 years. We go from 'love it' to 'hate it' to 'meh', only to end right back at 'love it'. An essential element of this rule is the feeling of nostalgia that these trends stir.

What does 3X mean in women's clothing? ›

All of our brands follow this sizing, except Atrex.
SIZEL3X
BUST37.5" / 95 cm51 - 55" / 135 - 140 cm
WAIST32" / 79 cm46 - 48" / 116 - 122 cm
HIPS39" / 99 cm54 - 57" / 137 - 144 cm

What makes a successful fashion show? ›

The key ingredients to a good fashion show are a general theme, a well-coordinated team, and a well-designed program. It is important that you come up with a plan for your show: theme, location and date, music and decorations.

What is the name of the walk on a fashion show? ›

The term 'catwalk' comes from the walkway, stage platform, or clearing used by models to demonstrate clothing and accessories during a fashion show.

What do you judge in a fashion show? ›

The evaluation criteria are the following.
  • Authenticity and originality.
  • Design concept and quality.
  • Vision and fashion factor.
  • Pattern construction.
  • Creativity and craftsmanship.
  • Potential for commercial production.
  • Overall stylistic concept.
  • Theme.

What makes a good runway walk? ›

When walking, your back should be straight, core tight, and shoulders back and down – but in a relaxed, not a forced, way. As you walk, your arms should swing slightly and you should keep your hands relaxed. This will help you keep a strong pace. Don't move your hips too much, they should stay straight.

What is a cat walk? ›

noun. cat·​walk ˈkat-ˌwȯk. : a narrow walkway (as along a bridge) : a platform along which models walk in a fashion show : runway. A dozen girls spin onto the catwalk at once, all in variations on a theme.

How do you dress differently from the crowd? ›

Try a wide range of prints and patterns to find those you are most comfortable with. For some, plaid or gingham is best, but others might find they prefer Hawaiian or floral prints. It's a matter of personal preference and any addition of a print or pattern will help a person stand out in the crowd.

What are the 5 qualities of a suitable fashion show venue? ›

5 Characteristics a Fashion Show Venue Should Have.
  • An advantageous location :
  • An evocative – and appropriate – backdrop :
  • The right practical amenities :
  • A track record and reputation in fashion :
  • Sufficient capacity for the invitees :
Jan 3, 2019

How do you look different in a crowd? ›

How To Stand Out In A Crowd
  1. Take a stand. There's no better way to feel confident and in control than by standing or sitting up straight. ...
  2. Exude confidence. ...
  3. Get passionate. ...
  4. Dress the part. ...
  5. Be original. ...
  6. Master the balancing act.

What is the biggest fashion mistake? ›

The 8 biggest fashion mistakes you might be making, according to a stylist
  • Not tucking in your shirt.
  • Forgetting to remove the tacking stitch on a coat.
  • Following antiquated fashion rules.
  • Under-dressing for the occasion.
  • Ignoring the wash instructions on your clothes.
  • Washing your jeans too often.
  • Hanging your sweaters.
Mar 13, 2023

What is the negative of fashion? ›

Negative Impacts of Fashion Trends on Society

Such new fashion trends also affect the psychology of younger generations, and hence, if they do not get it, then it badly affects their minds and (likely) they become victims of psychological disorders such as eating disorders, mental illness, stress, etc.

What are three controversial fashion topics? ›

Here's the year 2022 in fashion controversies.
  • Proenza Schouler accused of cultural appropriation. ...
  • Vogue deletes Palestine. ...
  • Dior demands compensation from Valentino. ...
  • Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie exposés. ...
  • The end of Kanye West. ...
  • Banksy vs. ...
  • The great Balenciaga blow-up.
Dec 26, 2022

What could go wrong in a fashion show? ›

7 Things Guaranteed to Ruin Your Next Fashion Show
  • Bad model casting. ...
  • Not scheduling a proper fitting. ...
  • Not having enough dressers back of house. ...
  • Not having a front of house plan for last minute arrivals and key media. ...
  • A bad invite. ...
  • Failing to do a run-through of the show. ...
  • Shoes that don't fit the models.

What is the dark side of fast fashion? ›

The Darker Side of Fast-Fashion

Fast-fashion production is outsourced in countries like India, Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh with cheap labor. This raises other concerns in relation to the exploitation of workers who work in unsafe and inhumane conditions with zero safety net and low wages.

What are some shocking facts about fast fashion? ›

Fast fashion pollution

Fast fashion relies on cheap, disposable clothing that is produced quickly and sold at low prices, encouraging consumers to buy and discard clothing at an alarming rate. As a result, landfills are overflowing with discarded clothing, and textile waste is piling up.

What are 3 negative consequences of fast fashion? ›

Plastic fibres are polluting the oceans, the wastewater, toxic dyes, and the exploitation of underpaid workers. Fast fashion is big business, and while the environmental costs are rising, experts say there is another way: a circular economy for textiles.

What is the 3 word rule fashion? ›

What is the three-word method? The three-word method is as simple as it sounds: identifying your personal style with three adjectives. Maybe your style is cool, elevated, and comfortable, or maybe it's colorful, classic, and bold.

What is the three color rule in fashion? ›

The underlying premise of the three colour rule is to not combine more than three colours in your outfit at any one time. The exception being black and white, which are technically not 'colours' but tones, and can be intermixed as a fourth colour in your outfit.

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