Dressing for Fashion Week is a particular kind of challenge. It typically involves perusing your closet for oft-overlooked showstopping pieces and throwing them together until you’ve created a look that’s as fashionable as it is eye-catching. But dressing for an NYFW afterparty requires a different kind of calculus—one that favors your sleekest head-turning pieces, rather than your strangest.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 06: Jasmine Sanders is seen in SoHo on September 6, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
While the streets of Manhattan are filled with bright colors, embroidered fabrics and clunky footwear during the days of Fashion Week, the nights offer a different sartorial landscape: chic silhouettes, short hemlines and intimidatingly high heels. The former is a maximalist’s dream; the latter drips with chic sophistication.
2018 is no exception to this rule. And this year’s afterparty looks are rife with inspiration. The next time you catch yourself without a thing to wear on a Saturday night, consult these 12 going-out looks—surely one of them will breathe new life into one of the pieces hanging in your closet.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 06: Jasmine Sanders is seen in SoHo on September 6, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
Gotham/Getty Images.
Model Jasmine Sanders‘ slinky chartreuse mini dress is the kind of luxurious night-out look no wardrobe is complete without.
Model Mariah Strongin knows full well that a transparent top is the only solution for a night out in late summer heat.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 06: Mariah Strongin is seen in SoHo on September 6, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
Model Mariah Strongin knows full well that a transparent top is the only solution for a night out in late summer heat.
Model Devon Windsor offers an expert lesson in how to wear goldenrod velour with sleek black accessories—without looking like a bumblebee.
Model Devon Windsor offers an expert lesson in how to wear goldenrod velour with sleek black accessories—without looking like a bumblebee.Model Devon Windsor offers an expert lesson in how to wear goldenrod velour with sleek black accessories—without looking like a bumblebee.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 06: Devon Windsor is seen in SoHo on September 6, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
Model Devon Windsor offers an expert lesson in how to wear goldenrod velour with sleek black accessories—without looking like a bumblebee.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 06: Caroline Lowe is seen in SoHo on September 6, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)