Front and centre

I loathe fashion rules. I know, I'm a fashion writer so I'm meant to be all about the rules, trends and how to wear things "properly". But my attitude to fashion is simple: if you like something, wear it. Who cares if four designers did bike pants this season or if a fashion writer decides to declare that red is the new black?

Yes, it's good to have an appreciation of what is new, what fashion designers are doing and what the key looks are, but just because it's "in" doesn't mean you have to wear it.

However Fashion Week is a little different. It's like the Olympics for the fashion pack, the pinnacle of the fashion year. So do you want to look like you're destined for the front row, even if you're not? Here are some quick tips.

Who cares?

Well, I do actually. But the key to looking like you're meant to be front row is to look like you couldn't care less about being there and what you're wearing - even if you have spent the entire morning putting together your outfit. Everyone does care of course, but being a try hard is so passe. Almost as passe as wearing the designer's clothes to their show. Which conveniently brings me to my next point...

Play dress-ups

A lot of people think it's a massive faux pas to wear the designer's clothes to their show, but I think there are some exceptions to that rule. If you're being dressed or sponsored by said designer, then you obviously have to wear their designs. If you're a very good friend of the designer, it's rude not to wear their clothes. And if the designer has made you something especially, well, you should feel privileged and wear it with pride - and try to get photographed by the social photographers as much as you can.

Get inspired

In all honesty, the ANZFW front row can sometimes be a bit, um, boring. There are, of course, those who dress up and make an effort and look incredible - and there are also those who just look effortlessly stylish. But let's just say that compared to international fashion weeks - Paris, New York, even Australia - our own is relatively low key. If you want some hardcore Fashion Week inspiration, check out one of my favourite street style blogs, JakAndJil.com/blog. Photographer Tommy Ton shoots the likes of French Vogue's Carine Roitfeld, Taylor Tomasi of Teen Vogue and Elle's Kate Lanphear as they make their way into shows. Can someone set up a website like that here please?

A shaded view

Are you Anna Wintour? No. So don't try and be the Vogue editor by wearing your sunglasses inside and in the front row.

Number one shoes

Fashion people love shoes, and at Fashion Week they're an essential part of an outfit - not just because they're the only part of you that actually shows up in runway photos, but because if they're uncomfortable they'll turn you into a stereotypical fashion cow. So if you want to "look fashion" then wear a pair of the craziest shoes you can find. They don't necessarily have to be designer or super high either, just make sure they're comfortable. We're a friendly bunch at ANZFW; fashion bitches aren't welcome.

Whatever you like

Don't wear sunglasses, wear good shoes, try but don't be a try hard fashion sycophant - all valid points, but if you're lucky enough to be heading to Fashion Week, really you should just wear what you like and have fun. Because at the end of the day, it's really only the clothes on the runway that matter isn't it?