Hello, I’m Artsy-Fartsy

Dressing up for events can be both equally enjoyable and tedious. Most of us can handle the more than apparent smart-casual dresscode (reads: if you’re wearing jeans, top it off with a blazer). Let’s say you receive an invite to the opening reception of an art exhibition, and it calls for the dreaded smart-casual once again, how do you interpret that?

The tip is to blend in with the artsy, indie crowd and not stick out like a sore thumb. You’re basically dealing with a group that prides on individualism. With their distinct styles and clothes so amazingly out of this world, from your artists, designers, curators, gallery owners, potential art buyers – you can pick them out just from the clothes on their back. Don’t panic, it isn’t as complicated. Inhale, exhale and rummage through your wardrobe – it’s easy being artsy-fartsy!

Let’s start off with the ladies (sorry guys, next post will be for the dudes!). To the opening reception at an alternative/underground art space, start with these five tips:

1. Plain white tops are a real gem. It gives you the opportunity to dress up/down, layer and accessorise.
2. Pick a signature bottom. With a simple top, you’re allowed to go avant-garde down below. In this case, grey harem pants! Look for a bottom with interesting detail, architectural structure and something that’s a little more complicated than your top.
3. Shades/specs – designers love upping the geek factor with them. Wayfarers are usually favoured.
4. Accessorise! Pick something chunky, cos’ skinny sterling silver necklaces/bracelets just won’t cut it. A personal preference – match your accesories with your shoes. For example, if your shoes have hints of red, throw on that flashy red necklace you never thought you’d wear!
5. The artsy folks love their sneakers. Perhaps it’s the sheer convenience of it all, from Vans, Converses, Toms – androgy is key. If you’re afraid of colour, stick to the monotones because they match everything!

Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy! Although, here’s a word of caution from a dear friend, “in desperate situations, wrapping a watercolour painting around you is a no-no”.