On Instagram, New York Fashion Week is glamorous. Off Instagram, New York Fashion Week has its fair share of struggles.

While I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities to attend fashion week shows and eat my way through New York City, I also want to be honest with you guys. So today I’m sharing:

Behind the Scenes of New York Fashion Week – all the things you DON’T see on Instagram!

Behind the Scenes of NYFW #1: How much you stand in line

While it’s exciting to get tickets to New York Fashion Week, it’s not exciting to stand in line. Most shows recommend you get there 30 min before the shows start to be guaranteed admission. Generally, you stand in line to be let into the venue. Then the people working the shows scan your ticket, you’re let inside, and then you find where you’re supposed to stand in line again. You’ll either stand in “Standing”, “Priority Standing”, and “Seated” if you get a seat assignment.

You can stand up in line for an hour before you’re let into the actual show!

Sometimes you stand in line outside of the venue or stand in line waiting to be admitted into the show INSIDE the venue, and you don’t get in. This happened to me my first NYFW! I was a group of people away from being admitted into the Badgley Mischka venue and the doors closed in front of me! The people working the show told me (and everyone else in line) that they can watch the shows on the TV outside the venues.

Behind the Scenes of NYFW #2: How many shows, venues, and events there are

This year fashion week had so many major events going on: the regular industry shows, Art Hearts Fashion Week, and Style Week. There are also brand events and showrooms happening all over the city. You could literally start your day at 8 or 9am and go to events until midnight.

Behind the Scenes of NYFW #3: It’s IMPOSSIBLE to do every single fashion week thing

Because there is SO MUCH happening during fashion week, it’s literally impossible to attend everything! I’ve learned over these past few fashion weeks that shows, meeting with people, and exploring the city is exhausting. I’ve personally found that attending just a few shows a day is enough for me! It’s also helpful if you pick one full day to sight see – that way you aren’t running from sightseeing to shows!

Behind the Scenes of NYFW #4: How many designers you see per show

While some shows only feature a designated designer, other shows will feature batches of smaller designers within the same hour. Sometimes you see three designers and other times you see 10 designers. So if you only get one or two show invites, don’t sweat it! Chances are you’ll get to see multiple designers!

Behind the Scenes of NYFW #5: How many outfit changes happen during the day

Did you know that some people change multiple times a day? I was so surprised to learn that from Aimee Song last year. She’s talked about how she’s changed 5 times a day to attend different shows and events. Well this is very much true. I saw plenty of girls have wear something to an earlier show and something completely different for another show!

Personally, I packed a roller carryon bag so I only had one outfit per day! But maybe one day I’ll do multiple looks throughout the day!

Behind the Scenes of NYFW #6: You have to refuel and rehydrate throughout the day

I’ve talked about this on the blog before but I’m going to talk about it again because it’s important. You have to give yourself time to eat, drink water, and grab caffeine throughout the day. It’s so easy to get dehydrated as your running from show to show!

My advice would be start your day with brunch or at least a coffee and a bagel. You’ll thank yourself later when you stand in line at 11:30am to be admitted to the noon show!

Behind the Scenes of NYFW #7: The double sided clothing tape, the band aids, and breast petals

If you decide to wear a plunging neckline, you’ll probably need double sided clothing tape. If you’re breaking in a new pair of shoes, you’ll probably need some band aids for your toes or the back of your ankles. If you’re wearing a dress with an open back, you’ll probably need some breast petals.

The girls on Instagram wearing those amazing cut out dresses, low cut blouses, or unique necklines all come prepared! You’ll also feel more comfortable if you come prepared!