As we’re based in Carmel, California, we often enjoy going to local art galleries and festivals. From picturesque sculptures to museum-worthy paintings, beautiful artwork is everywhere we look.

If you’re planning to attend an art gallery party, today’s style guide shares tips and ideas on what to wear.

What To Wear To an Art Gallery Party

Whether you’re hoping to chat with the artist about the inspiration behind their collection, or you’re just going to sip on bubbly while perusing the new pieces, getting dressed up for an art gallery party is always fun.

One thing I’ve learned is that an art gallery party is an opportunity to be creative and express an individualistic sense of style. Whether you’re into feminine, vintage pieces or bold, contemporary apparel, showing your point of view is definitely celebrated at these types of parties.

Similar to attending a fashion show, an art gallery party is a chance to show your personal style in all its glory.

Be Bold & Courageous

Being bold and courageous is often what emblazons confidence and fosters true creativity. Most artists would probably agree with this – as their design ethos often centers around sharing their unique perspective on life. So why not take a style risk and wear something different?!

To me, “taking a risk” is wearing an edgy pair of faux-leather pants. Since this isn’t my “go-to everyday look”, I admittedly love it for special occasions. As comfortable to wear as a pair of jeans, but giving off a cool rocker-girl vibe, faux-leather pants (like this pair by La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni) are fun to wear to an art gallery party.

Express Your Individuality

Since an art gallery party is all about celebrating artwork, it’s a fun time to show your creative side and express your individuality. A perfect example of this is the modern abstract print sweater (from Oscar de la Renta) shown here. Featuring splashes of metallic gold fabric, this unique black-and-white sweater is a true style statement that catches the eye and elicits excitement.

Go For The Gold

Since designer handbags are often a piece of artwork, why not add a sculptural element to your ensemble with a chic gold studded clutch (like this one by Michael Kors)?! The metallic leather material gets a punk-rock flair with high-shine stud detailing. The eye-catching texture of the bag adds a contemporary finish, pulling the whole outfit together in an intentional, bespoke way.

Bottom line – leave your everyday bag at home. An art gallery party is a fun excuse to pull out your favorite purse!

Wear Muse-Worthy Jewelry

There’s something magical about dreamy jewelry that can evoke the imagination. Since artists often need to be inspired to create, fashion lovers often desire muse-worthy jewelry to inspire their outfits.

As one of the brightest accessory trends of the season, celestial or nature-inspired jewelry (like these earrings by Oscar de la Renta) adds a dramatic effect, befitting of an art gallery party outfit. While this particular pair was inspired by a sea urchin, they reminded me of a radiant starburst – a divine explosion of light hailing from the cosmos above. But that’s the interesting thing about art – everyone perceives it differently.

As you can see, dressing for an art gallery party is a fun reason to expand your horizons and wear something you’ve never imagined before. Be bold, unleash your creative side, and make a style statement that’s truly unique!

Shop The Style Guide:

Photography by James Molinaro (JM3)

Fashion Stylists: Tracy Odle (Augustina’s Designer Boutique) & Christina-Lauren Pollack (I&C)