A visit to the museum on a chilly day is among the more classic winter activities. You can escape the cold and mentally adventure off to different parts of the world by passing through rows of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. While choosing your museum is the most important choice, selecting your museum day outfit comes in at a close second. Picking out a look for a trip to your favorite gallery or museum surprisingly takes more brain power than you'd think. You'll be walking around for a few hours, so comfort is key. But, naturally, you'll want whatever you're wearing to be as expressive as the works of art you're strolling beside. You don't want to overthink it — but it still warrants a wee bit of effort.
While you could easily take a cue from a street style outfit or influencer look on Instagram for your ensemble, these are the arts — why not think outside of the box? Below, take in nine exquisite, inspiring paintings from some of the world's most famous artists and shop the pieces that subtly reference the work. From Basquiat to van Gogh, abstract expressionism to pop art, there's enough here to last you well into spring. A final note: Since museum visits are a socially distant experience these days, make sure to pack an artsy mask too.
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Museum Day Outfit: Vincent Van Gogh
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Van Gogh's "Wheat Field With Cypresses" is less popular than his self portrait or "Starry Night", but it serves as an idyllic work of art to mirror your outfit after. Thanks to the swirling hues of green and blue, it makes channeling the aesthetic colorful and whimsical.
Museum Day Outfit: Keith Haring
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Keith Haring's "We The Youth" gives off an optimistic point of view with colorful dancing figures scattered across the mural. A patterned dress with similar outlines is a fine way to achieve a Haring-influenced look. Toss a coat on top and comfortable sneakers to finish.
Museum Day Outfit: Johannes Vermeer
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One of the most recognized paintings, "Girl With a Pearl Earring" also happens to speak to a museum day outfit vibe that feels just right. Accessorize with a (duh) pearl earring and wrap a silk scarf in your hair.
Museum Day Outfit: Odilon Redon
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This early 20th-century painting by Odilon Redon (titled "Butterflies") is an invigorating work of art that translates to wardrobe beautifully thanks to all of the color and texture. Grab a piece with butterfly embroidery and pair it with a colorful layer or two.
Museum Day Outfit: Chris Ofili
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Chris Ofili's "The Holy Virgin Mary" is something to behold. Coming in at eight feet high and six feet wide, the colorful mixed media painting is best observed in person. Channel his aesthetic with a piece from another inspired artist like Pyer Moss. His recent collection included printed pieces with original artwork by Richard Phillips (seen below).
Museum Day Outfit: Édouard Manet
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"A Bar at the Folies-Bergère" was painted in 1882 and satiates all the turn-of-the-century vibes you could ever dream of. Make this your outfit look by wearing a puff-sleeve blouse with a ribbon choker.
Museum Day Outfit: Hilma af Klint
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Although they appear far more modern, Hilma af Klint began creating her mystical, bright works of art in 1906. Her distinct use of color and pattern (among several other reasons) makes her worthy of a museum outfit recreation. Stick with her palette (lavender and pale blue) for a nuanced look.
Museum Day Outfit: Gustav Klimt
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Who doesn't love "The Kiss?" Its gorgeous use of gold leaf and intricate brush strokes are a winning combination for a museum day look. Pair printed pants with a simple tee and flats.
Museum Day Outfit: Jean-Michel Basquiat
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Basquiat's neo-expressionist works of art translate to wearable works of art thanks to New York designers like Collina Strada, whose exciting collections always feel like a nod to the art world.
Are you planning to spend your Saturday soaking up the latest exhibitions at your favorite museum? Then you’ll definitely need to dress appropriately to withstand all the walking around in a highly air-conditioned environment. It’s also important to bring a bag to stuff with all the interesting pamphlets you collect. Of course, style is of the
essence as well. You’ll need to project your fine aesthetic sensibility through your choice of clothing and accessories, right?
Here’s how you can balance fashion and comfort for a rewarding day at the museum.
Sturdy Footwear
Museums inevitably involve a lot of walking, sometimes for hours, and you’ll need to wear comfortable slip-on shoes like loafers, mules, or fashion sneakers. Don’t go so far as to wear flip-flops, though. They might not be appropriate in such a formal setting. Avoid high heels as well. Not only are they uncomfortable, but the sound could also distract other visitors and cause them to stare.
Clever Layers
A museum is a destination of high art and culture, and it might seem tempting to dress up in your best culotte pants and camisole, or perhaps a flowing, ivory dress. And there’s no harm in doing so, as long as you throw on a stylish blazer or cardigan over your outfit. Layering is the key to acing style as well as comfort in the chilly environs of a museum. Feel free to wear something that reflects the spirit of the exhibition you’re visiting. Consider a retro outfit or a T-shirt with artistic prints.
A Tote That Won’t Be in the Way
Large backpacks are a no-no while visiting a museum because you’ll be subject to intense security checks. On the other hand, a small purse or tote will look chic and be large enough to hold essentials like a notebook, digital camera, phone, and lip gloss. A cross-body sling or satchel would do the job perfectly. The mini backpacks that are in vogue these days would be a great choice as well. If you plan to museum-hop for an entire day, make sure you’re carrying a bottle of water and some dry snacks.
An Artsy Accessory
You do need that one statement piece that completes your entire look. Make it a chic scarf, an elegant watch, or perhaps a statement pair of drop earrings. A necklace with an artsy pendant that complements the exhibition’s theme would also be a good idea. Just make sure you don’t wear too much metal jewelry; they might set the metal detectors off and catch light from artwork in the museum.
Whether you’re traveling to a culturally rich city like Paris or Berlin or seeking to rediscover your own hometown, visiting a museum can be a wonderful way to experience the evolution of human art and civilization. And when you’re dressed right, you won’t have to cut your day of exploration short just because your feet hurt or you feel too cold. So, go ahead, plan that date with history and come back richer for it.