Two times a year during New York Fashion Week (NYFW), Manhattan’s sidewalks turn into catwalks. This September, if you strut the streets outside Tribeca or SoHo, you may bump into supermodels like Gisele Bündchen or Gigi Hadid.

Some of the hottest tickets this year include high-end fashion designers like Cynthia Rowley, Elie Tahari, Helmut Lang Rebecca Minkoff and Phillip Lim. For these highly coveted, industry-only shows, it can be hard for fashion fans to get in without “knowing someone who knows someone.” But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Fashion Week without being a fashion insider when you visit YOTEL New York.

JOIN FASHION WEEK ONLINE

You may not know that NYFW has a number of open-to-the-public shows from top designers. Fashion Week Online has all the best deals and opportunities to score discount tickets and prizes at free and open-to-the-public events. These are given out to subscribers — but a yearlong subscription is only $10; quite the bargain. Best of all, this subscription takes you further than just NYFW: access to other Fashion Weeks is included, in case you just happen to be in Paris or Milan for their shows. And if you’re worried about missing a show, you can even indulge in Fashion Week without leaving your YOTEL cabin, as the subscription allows you to stream shows from the biggest names some of the biggest names right from your laptop. Once you’re a member, there are dozens of opportunities to score a seat close to the runway at shows like Quad, Ashley Rose Couture & Ryan Matthew Cohn, and Rubin & Chapelle. Just be sure to buy tickets in advance.

ATTEND MORE THAN JUST THE SHOWS:

Some of the best events at Fashion Week aren’t shows from individual labels, but mixers and showcases from industry insiders. These are perfect if you’re a fashion fan hoping to meet like-minded people, or if you’re looking to trend-spot hot looks and accessories for upcoming seasons. A few of these events are below:

• VFILES Runway x Depop: Barclays Center; 5 September, 7 pm

VFILES is a Soho store known for launching and supporting young designers, often graduates of NYC’s many fashion schools. After a contest reviewing many rising fashion stars, VFILES will take over Brooklyn’s Barclays Center for a showcase of the winners, alongside performances by Rico Nasty, Brooke Candy and A-Trak.

• Carol Galvin Foundation Presents: Who’s Haute, Featuring Designer Auneya; 6 September, 6 pm

Celebrities and fashion media will get together at the iconic Playboy Club to support women fighting cancer on 6 September from 6-10pm. Designers like Auneya and Kimi Swimwear will be there, as will some very special celebrity guests like The Wire’s Felicia Pearson. General Admission tickets start at $125 USD. Playboy Club is located mere steps from YOTEL New York at W 42nd Street.

• Street Fashion Week; 12 September, 3pm

Maybe your taste is less haute couture and more down to earth. If that’s the case, Street Fashion Week is the event for you. This season, Street Fashion Week returns with installation-style presentations that walks guests through the minds of selected designers for the season, with a focus on international brands and up-and-coming talent. Check out the colourful event at Street Society — only blocks from YOTEL NY!

GO SHOPPING

Fashion Week in New York City means everyone is on their A-game. From Fifth Avenue to SoHo select stores will have fantastic deals and incredible new collections. During the weekend, some high-end brands and boutiques will throw parties open to the public with drinks, DJs and giveaways. So get dolled up and explore the stores with your friends for some of the year’s best shopping.

Photo credit: Pop sugar

PEOPLE WATCH

Of course, the who’s who of the fashion industry will be out in full force. Celebrities, influencers and editors will have on their most expensive, over the top outfits for a chance to get photographed. If you have a free afternoon, bring your camera and grab a bench near Spring Studios, or White Space Chelsea, where many major fashion shows are scheduled to take place. Good luck and happy hunting!

ROOFTOP VIBES

When reviving your weary Fashion Week toes, take a break on one of New York City’s most prized jewels – open air rooftops. YOTEL New York boasts one of the largest rooftops in the city where guests can soak up the last few days of summer on The Terrace by Social Drink & Food, open daily from 11:30am to 11pm.