A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I am going to an opening of an art exhibition soon. I am not sure what to wear. I have a black dress, a grey dress, and a pink blouse that I could wear with black trousers. I also have a white bolero that I could wear with any of the outfits. Which outfit do you think would be best?. I am also not sure what to talk about there. I don't really know much about art. The artist is also in a band that I like, so I am also interested in seeing the art work because I like to follow the projects that he does. Some of my friends who like the band that he is in are also going to the exhibition. Have you ever been to an art gallery opening before?. It's a private view event. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, CindyCares  +, writes (26 September 2016):
 A private view event means that you have to ritz it up a bit, think : cocktail dress.
I would go with your black dress anyway, because black it's versatile .
If it's a sort of " uptown " opening ( elegant venue, conservative, traditional art and public ) you accessorize it classic, Audrey-Hepburnish : black pumps (not too high heels because you may have to stand for hours ) , string(s) of pearls ( fake it's fine, it's not a jewellers' convention :), velvet headband, stuff like that.
If it's a " downtown " event ( alternative venue, progressive, edgy art, younger crowd ) you accessorize it more boldly : big chandelier earrings... ethnic necklaces and bangles...fancy , patterned pantyhose ... ankle boots in a different colour .. ( not all together ; bold yes, garish no ).
As for the conversation, I concur with what 11muds11 says. Smile,listen carefully , look interested , be appreciative , ... if you honestly can't bring yourself to praise the art , don't force yourself but remark about the success of the evening and the size of the crowd, or the perfect lighting, or the inventiveness of the concept... accentuate the positive :).
Relax though. Nobody expects you to be an art connosseur , same as probably a lot of the other people won't be. As a matter of fact, these kind of things tend to be quite boring but for a bunch of insiders, and the artist knows it well , and he is absolutely elated just that you showed up .
A
male
reader, 11muds11  +, writes (26 September 2016):
I would wear as dressed "up" as you feel comfortable with, as it's never wrong to look classy at these events. It's also a great place to meet well rounded people, so it's good to look "nice". But also wear what makes you feel comfortable.
As to what to talk about, don't even worry. Talk about what you like about the art, your favorite pieces, and how you know the artist. Listen to what other people say for pointers. I've had the best time at art events by admitting I don't know a lot about art so could you "teach me" what you think. I've made life long friends with that line.
Like in most places where you are for the first time, lay back, look around, and observe. People, and your friend will be happy you just came. (really!). Relax. It's all good.
Hope this helps
Good luck
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (24 September 2016): Wear whichever makes you feel the most confident. Personally I wouldn't conform to any kind of 'expected' attire. Do you have an outfit, or a certain dress that makes you feel like a million dollars when you put it on? If so, wear that. If not and you have the budget and it matters to you, then find something. Make sure that it suits you. The colour is very important, hold it up to your face and see if it makes you look better (or worse) for it being there. If you can identify the colour(s) that bring out the colour of your eyes, or make your skin look amazing, then find something in that colour. Could be from a second hand shop, you never know what you're going to find. Look for something that likes you, rather than you liking IT. i.e. something that looks good on you. That's what's important. Wear what looks good and what makes you feel good. Clothes and fashion are one of my passions. Conversation isn't :-) so hopefully someone else can advise you on that. Have fun and smile, that's what's really attractive.
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