Kate Upton puts on a low-key display in a flirty skirt and buttoned-up cardigan as she skips star-studded CFDA Fashion Awards

You know you're a good friend when you help someone else get ready for the party you're not attending.

Because despite helping Lily Aldridge glam-up for the CFDA gala on Monday night, Kate Upton obviously had somewhere better to be as she skipped through New York in a low-key ensemble.

The 22-year-old showed off her slender legs as she passed through SoHo, New York that afternoon, donning a simple, summer skirt and heels as opposed to a red-carpet ready ensemble.

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Somewhere better to be? Kate Upton dashed across New York in a flirty low-key ensemble on Monday night, skipping the prestigious CFDA Fashion Awards

Somewhere better to be? Kate Upton dashed across New York in a flirty low-key ensemble on Monday night, skipping the prestigious CFDA Fashion Awards

Swimsuit model Kate covered up her famous frame in a high-buttoned cardigan that skimmed over a flirty knee-length skirt.

In patent heels, the blonde tackled the cobbles with conviction and proceeded to strut as she exited her Manhattan hotel.

Kate, far from her polished evening looks, had her hair pulled back into a low ponytail for a hassle-free image and carried a casual day bag with only a select-few belongings.

Prior engagement: The blonde beauty looked casual in a buttoned up cardigan and pleated skirt

Prior engagement: The blonde beauty looked casual in a buttoned up cardigan and pleated skirt

Add a little flair to your outfit with a fun printed skirt

Sports Illustrated model Kate Upton is very much demure-looking at a recent sighting at LAX. Unlike photos of her modeling, she is very covered up in a black cardigan and printed pleated skirt.

Kate really dug up her closet as the flame print pleated skirt is vintage Prada, part of the Spring Summer 2012 collection. The bold border print is brilliantly designed, giving much flair to her outfit. The skirt is definitely an oldie but a goodie.

The bombshell completes her ladylike airport outfit with black pumps and wayfarers, almost reminiscent of the glamorous Jackie O.

Fun printed pleated skirts are the best way to jazz up an outfit. With fashion being print crazy at the moment, expect anything from marble to portraits to abstract prints to add a little whimsy to the plain-ole pleated skirt. Whatever your print preference is, just remember to have plenty of fun wearing it!

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All smiles: The blonde bombshell wore a hand on one hip and smiled widely
Busy bee: She carried with her only a small handbag

Still high glamour: She didn't skimp on the glamour in heels and a leggy display, nonetheless

Earlier in the day, Kate wished good friend Lily Aldridge a wonderful time at the Council Of Fashion Designers Of America awards as she joined the Victoria Secret model's glam squad.

Kate, who previously attended the CFDAs in 2013, was captured in a Instagram image as she rubbed lotion onto her friend's legs in a hotel room prior to the ceremony.

And Lily captioned the snap: 'This is the meaning of friendship!!! Thanks for Lubing me up @KateUpton!!!'

Touchy feely: Kate's pal Lily Aldridge shared a snap earlier in the day thanking Kate for helping her get ready for the main event

Touchy feely: Kate's pal Lily Aldridge shared a snap earlier in the day thanking Kate for helping her get ready for the main event

Carefree: Kate has recently wrapped on filming for new comedy The Layover in Vancouver, Canada

Carefree: Kate has recently wrapped on filming for new comedy The Layover in Vancouver, Canada

Laidback: She appeared to be taking some time off after shooting the new comedy

Laidback: She appeared to be taking some time off after shooting the new comedy

Model-turned-actress Kate has recently wrapped on filming for new comedy The Layover in Vancouver, Canada.

The Other Women star plays Meg in a story about two friends who take a road trip and also stars William H. Macy.

She appeared to be enjoying some well-earned leisure time when she arrived back in the US capital at the start of the week.

Strut: She showed off her model legs in heels and a knee-length skirt for the daytime

Strut: She showed off her model legs in heels and a knee-length skirt for the daytime

No show? Kate didn't join a host of stars including Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian

No show? Kate didn't join a host of stars including Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian

Much to the contrast, it was business by day and glamour by night for gal pal and fellow model Lily Aldridge.

After a meeting at the offices of Vogue during the day, the 29-year-old supermodel glammed it up at the CFDA Fashion Awards.

The Victoria's Secret Angel showed off her supermodel legs in a slashed sequinned gown, after much care and attention from BFF Kate, adding to her statuesque form in buckled heels.

Lily also showed off a hint of cleavage in the plunging long-sleeved frock and stood tall alongside fashion designer Thakoon Panichgul. 

Dazzling: Lily Aldridge glammed it up at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City later on Monday night

Dazzling: Lily Aldridge glammed it up at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City later on Monday night

Her date: The 29-year-old supermodel was accompanied to the awards ceremony by Thai fashion designer Thakoon Panichgul

Her date: The 29-year-old supermodel was accompanied to the awards ceremony by Thai fashion designer Thakoon Panichgul

She kept her make-up to a bare minimum and styled her hair in long beachy waves around her shoulders to soften her open neckline.

The CFDA - Council of Fashion Designers of America - awards show, honours key players in the fashion industry, with awards ranging from Womenswear Designer of the Year to the Fashion Icon Award. 

It was, as it always is, attended by the biggest names in the fashion world from Victoria Beckham to Kim Kardashian.

Earlier in the day, Lily attended a meeting with Vogue at their offices in the World Trade Center in New York City. 

Taking the plunge! Lily also showed off a hint of cleavage in the plunging long-sleeved frock and stood tall in strappy black pointed-toe pumps
Taking the plunge! Lily also showed off a hint of cleavage in the plunging long-sleeved frock and stood tall in strappy black pointed-toe pumps

Taking the plunge! Lily also showed off a hint of cleavage in the plunging long-sleeved frock and stood tall in strappy black pointed-toe pumps

Leggy lady: The brunette beauty posted this photo on her way to the awards show, writing, 'Sneak peek @ThakoonNY @CFDA'

Leggy lady: The brunette beauty posted this photo on her way to the awards show, writing, 'Sneak peek @ThakoonNY @CFDA'

Dynamic duo: She shared this snap with her date, writing, 'About to hit the red carpet with @ThakoonNY'

Dynamic duo: She shared this snap with her date, writing, 'About to hit the red carpet with @ThakoonNY'

Lovely: Thakoon shared this snap, writing, 'This beauty tho @lilyaldridge #cfda'

Lovely: Thakoon shared this snap, writing, 'This beauty tho @lilyaldridge #cfda'

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