Where to shop

Downtown denizens (aka models, stylists and designers) depend on Soho’s OAK to take them from casting to shoot and back again. The brand specialises in a minimal and fashion-forward aesthetic, with asymmetric hemlines, leather and an all-black palette.

A short walk away in Chinatown, designer Lindsey Thornburg has opened a shop on ultra-hip Orchard Street. Be sure to pick up one of her signature tie-waist dresses or patterned cloaks.

Brooklyn residents credit their hippy-love meets metropolitan look to Bird (above). The boutique boasts smaller local labels such as Ace & Jig, Rachel Comey and Loeffler Randall. Treat yourself to a Ulla Johnson smock dress or handmade clogs by No.6.

Where to get groomed

For New York’s coolest mani, head to Vanity Projects in Chinatown, which specialises in custom nail art and hosts guest manicurists each month.

Afterwards, enjoy a blow-out at Manhattan stalwart Dry Bar. Prices start at $45 (£30), and the chain, with salons all over the city, also offers braiding and up-do services.

For serious relaxation, head to Korean day spa Premier 57 (above). Just $65 (£43) gets you a day pass with unlimited access to saunas and  hydrotherapy pools in the heart of Manhattan.

Where to be seen

The Empire Hotel (above) is where fashion editors head for a post-show cocktail – the rooftop has stunning views across the city.

As for the models? They go to the industrial-chic Brooklyn neighbourhood of Bushwick. After checking out the studios, vintage stores and galleries, have dinner at Montana’s Trail House for farm-to-table food and expertly mixed drinks.

Where to learn more

For a crash course in fashion history, head to The Met before 21 February to see The Art of Style, an exhibition of the wardrobe of style icon Countess Jacqueline de Ribes (pictured). For an extra dose of fantasy, check out The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s new show Fairy Tale Fashion. It uses archival pieces from Alexander McQueen, Rodarte and Dolce & Gabbana, among others, to illustrate more than 12 fairy tales.

Who to follow

Leandra Medine’s blog The Man Repeller hosts hundreds of high-fashion outfit ideas for the city dweller, and hilarious commentary on many a sartorial quandary. For major outfit envy, check out the Instagram feed (above) of Brianna Lance, design editor of So It Goes magazine. For beauty trends, visit blog Into The Gloss and the Instagram feed of its founder, NYC It-Girl, Emily Weiss.