Fashion's Night Out is only three years old and already the annual celebration has gone from good old fashion fun to straight up madness. To ensure that we all make it out alive, follow these 5 survival tips:

1. DRESS WEATHER-APPROPRIATELY
Labor Day has come and gone and with it went the summer weather. According to the forecast, the chilly temperatures and rain showers show no sign of letting up in time for Thursday night. So, it might be time to re-think the outfit. The first thing that's got to go are the heels, ladies. Instead, pair a feminine dress with combat boots or knee-high wellies and layer with a blazer or light trench coat. Choose a bright or dramatic lip color, put your hair in a ballerina bun or a side braid, and voila -- a stylish, rainproof look.
 
2. INVESTIGATE ALTERNATIVE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
Thanks to the crowds mixed with precipitation, forget finding a taxi. Why not trade in wasted time and frustration for a more interesting travel experience? Ever take a ride in a pedicab? Neither have we, but what better time than FNO? Not only will you whiz by the desperate souls attempting to hail a cab, but you'll also get to take in the sights under the protection of a canopy. Also, remember that the subway is your friend. Last year, we hopped on the 6 train and made it from the Lanvin boutique on the Upper East Side to OAK down on Bond Street in 20 minutes flat!
 
3. MAYBE SKIP SOME OF THE THE SUPER-BIG NAMES
We love Nicki Minaj, Drake and Beth Ditto, we really do. In fact we told you to brave the throngs to see them yesterday. But we're allowed to change our minds, right? Because if you're not on a VIP list, the lines to their FNO events will be truly and utterly bananas. Catch lesser-known but equally fabulous bands -- like Tanlines at Theory or James Murphy at VPL's Mercer Street block party -- and avoid getting trampled.

4. HAVE HOES IN DIFFERENT AREA CODES
If you really can't decide on one neighborhood or group of stores to stick to, get a big group of friends together and split up. Keep each other updated on crowd density and celeb appearances... or start following a slew of fashion world peeps (Lucky recently posted an amazing "Twitter Fashion Directory") on Twitter, so you can monitor the insanity on your iPhone.
 
5. STAY BUZZED
Nothing will get you through the night quite like a little buzz. Luckily, the complimentary cocktails will be flowing wherever you go. In SoHo, Phillip Lim will take a turn behind a bar at his Mercer St. shop serving signature cocktails. Down the street, enjoy Death + Company's famed concoctions at Helmut Lang. Sip on Svedka drinks at Rebecca Taylor's new Meatpacking flagship, and if tequila is your drink of choice, stop by Lacoste on Madison Avenue for Patron beverages and popsicles. Finally, hit up any of Rag & Bone's locations for a nice cold Heineken Light.

PAPERMAG's Complete Spring 2012 Fashion Coverage