Your Guide to All Things Fun and Fashion in NYC

Welcome to NYC (a.k.a., the fashion-lover’s playground!) Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned New Yorker, you’re in the perfect place for all things fashion. If you have a love for couture, an eye for style, or are just starting to learn about fashion, these must-visit museums and NYC locations will spark your creativity and deepen your knowledge of this dynamic and iconic industry in the big city.  

New York is home to major corporate fashion headquarters, spectacular flagship stores, loads of designer showrooms, international trade shows, and the world’s most creative people, making it the ideal place to learn about fashion’s past and present. 

Whether you’re pursuing a degree at a school like LIM College, or visiting for a weekend getaway, here are the top ways to dive headfirst into NYC’s fashion scene. 
 

1. The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art is home to one of the world’s most extensive and celebrated apparel collections. With exhibits that span the history of fashion, it offers a rare glimpse into the artistry, culture, and evolution of style. The upcoming spring 2025 exhibit, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style (May 10–October 26), will showcase the intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance of Black tailoring, offering an essential exploration of the intersection between fashion and identity. 

   

    

2. The Brooklyn Museum is a cultural hub that regularly presents groundbreaking fashion exhibitions, including both historical and contemporary showcases. Known for its bold and thought-provoking approach, the museum explores fashion’s role in shaping identity, culture, and society. The upcoming fall 2025 exhibition, Threads of Revolution: Fashion and Change in the Modern World (September 15–December 5), will examine how fashion has been a catalyst for social change, highlighting the ways clothing has empowered movements and reshaped norms. 

    

3. Washington Square Park is a lively hotspot where diverse styles collide. Locals, students, and tourists alike express their individuality through bold, eclectic looks. Vendors sell a mix of vintage finds, handmade pieces, and trendy accessories. It’s the perfect place to people-watch and find inspiration in the unique styles that define an iconic NYC neighborhood. 

   

4. NYC’s flea markets are a thrift and vintage goldmine. The DUMBO Flea Market offers stylish clothing and artisanal goods along a waterfront view, while the Ludlow Flea Market is perfect for retro treasures. The Grand Bazaar Flea Market on the Upper West Side is a favorite for affordable vintage clothing and accessories. For more thrifting opportunities, head to spots like L Train Vintage, Urban Jungle, Beacon’s Closet, and Buffalo Exchange for curated selections of pre-loved gems. 

    

5. Fifth Avenue is the heart of NYC’s luxury shopping scene, where designer boutiques and iconic department stores line the street. Bergdorf Goodman is a must-visit for high-end fashion lovers, offering everything from couture collections to exclusive accessories. Just a few blocks away, Saks Fifth Avenue offers an equally elevated shopping experience, with curated collections of luxury, décor, and beauty. Whether you’re window shopping or indulging in a designer splurge, Fifth Avenue is the ultimate destination for fashion aficionados. 

    

6. Sample sales in NYC are a fashion lover’s dream, offering exclusive access to designer clothing and accessories at a fraction of the retail price. These sales are a must for bargain hunters and trendsetters alike, with brands like Prada, Chanel, and Alexander Wang often featured. One of the best places to catch these deals is at 260 Sample Sale, a renowned destination known for its rotating luxury designer events. Whether you’re after high-end fashion or simply looking for a steal, NYC’s sample sales are the perfect opportunity to score major finds. 

   

7. The Garment District is the heartbeat of NYC’s fashion industry, offering an array of textile stores stocked with luxurious fabrics, unique prints, and vintage materials. Whether you’re a designer or fashion enthusiast, shops like Mood Fabrics and B&J Fabrics provide endless options to bring your fashion vision to life. It’s the perfect spot to explore the world of textiles and creative fashion design. 

All of these iconic sites and activities are near our campus in NYC. Take a virtual tour now.