Your NYFW Guide To: Skylight Clarkson Square

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So long, Lincoln Center. September 10th marks the official start of the rebranded, less commercialized, and newly sponsored New York Fashion Week, and that comes with two new homes — Skylight at Moynihan Station, the old post office near Penn Station, and Skylight Clarkson Square in Soho.

Even if you're not privy to the front row (or any row, for that matter), showing up around the new venues to people-watch is still a fun New York-exclusive activity to partake in. To get the lay of the land, check out our guide for where to shop, eat, drink, and be seen near Soho's Skylight Clarkson Square.

Where to Eat

Despite Clarkson Square's not-super-accessible location, there are a lot of places for grab-and-go meals: Hale and Hearty and Pret a Manger are both at 350 Hudson Street, and there's a Chipotle at 200 Varick Street (what, you can't eat a burrito on the fly?) A better bet to spot waist-watchers, though, would likely be at Creative Juice inside Equinox (421 Hudson Street), whose menu boasts a variety of smoothies for $8 to $10.

If you've got enough time to sit down, mini-chain Westville has an outpost at 333 Hudson Street with a solid selection of salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Slightly more upscale options within walking distance include Kanas Tapas Bar (324 Spring Street) and Union Bar and Kitchen (300 Spring Street)

Where to Shop

Not surprisingly, your options for shopping — whether you want to pick up a new top to mix up your outfit or relieve your feet from heels with a pair of flats — are nowhere near the vicinity of Skylight Clarkson Square. The closest retail hub is the stretch of higher-end shops along Bleecker Street, but if budgeting is a concern, you'll need to make some time to head over to Soho for the likes of Zara, H&M, & Other Stories, and Forever 21.

Where to Caffeinate

The easy option? Starbucks, at 345 Hudson Street, is pretty easy to get to via West Houston Street (there's a couple of Dunkin Donuts nearby, too, if that's more your speed). But if you're willing to go just a couple blocks further, you'll get to the slightly fancier La Colombe (75 Vandam Street).

Where to Inebriate

You've got a range of choices here, from extensive wine lists at Lelabar (422 Hudson Street) and City Winery (155 Varick Street) to swanky cocktails at Sway (305 Spring Street) and Anchor (310 Spring Street). The most anti-Fashion Week place of all within reach, though, is the beer-filled Houston Hall (222 West Houston Street).

Where to Be Seen

Looking for your Instagram moment without having to fight off the crowds by the main entrance? Head to the water around sunset for irresistible backdrops. Our photographer also caught a lot of stylish people shuffling between shows in this area last season near the tunnel at West Houston and the highway.

Where to Get Pretty

Though Skylight Clarkson Square will have pop-up stations from beauty apps and department stores dotted around doling out mini-makeovers and hair refreshers, you could be facing a long wait for your time in the chair. Your best bet for a blowout nearby is the new Arrojo Studio at 180 Varick Street. Finding a trustworthy manicure, though, is a bit more difficult: Tenoverten's got locations in Soho and Tribeca that are a short cab ride away.

Where to Take a Load Off

If you need a break from the crowds, take a breather with a stroll along the Hudson River. Walk north to find the Leroy Street Dog Run (353 West Street), since there's nothing like blissfully ignorant dogs chasing each other around to make you forget about how much your heels hurt.

When to Go

Here's a rundown of the biggest shows here that are likely to draw stylish crowds:

• Rebecca Minkoff — Saturday, September 12th, 12pm
• Derek Lam — Sunday, September 13th, 12pm
• Alice + Olivia — Tuesday, September 15th, 2pm
• J. Crew — Wednesday, September 16th, 4pm