10 Outfits That Are Perfect for a Day at the Museum

by Avery Matera

Dressing for a day at the museum might not seem daunting until you try to put together an outfit. Or, worse yet, when you think you’ve nailed your art-appreciation look only to find out that your shoes are giving you blisters and your silk camisole isn’t sufficient for the high-blasting AC in the building.

Whether you're spending your day off getting your intake of local culture or you're on vacation with your family, 'tis the season for a schedule packed with museum visits. As such, it's officially time to start planning your wardrobe.

Wondering what to wear to a museum this season? Consider layers and comfortable footwear, but stick to elevated classics. You might be tempted to hit the cultural institution in your most casual outfits, but it's worth paying a little respect to the greats you've gone to visit, dressing in a way that might pay proper homage to the artwork you see on the walls.

No, that doesn't mean you need a Victorian-inspired blouse that would make the most famous of portrait painters proud or a 1950s glamour look of Richard Avedon's prints. However, this is a time to channel your most polished self—even if you're just wearing blue jeans.

In keeping with the elevated take on comfort, we're gravitating toward flat shoes, tailored denim, and jackets designed for transitional weather. We're fans of high-low looks consisting of jeans and blouses, midi skirts and lightweight knits, and other youthful combinations that make us feel like we're on a weekend stroll and ready to be photographed.

Need some inspiration? Keep scrolling to find the 10 stylish women below. You're bound to find your new go-to look—whether you're headed for an afternoon at the museum or beyond this year.

what to wear to a museum: cami and midi skirt

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@camillecharriere

Style Tip: Try a silk camisole and midi skirt with bow-tied flats for a ladylike look.

what to wear to a museum: shirt, miniskirt, and boots

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@yoyokulala

Style Tip: Go edgy with a statement skirt paired with a classic T-shirt.

what to wear to a museum: T-shirt and skinny jeans

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Getty Images

Style Tip: Your go-anywhere uniform of a graphic tee and black skinny jeans won't do you wrong when headed to the museum this year.

what to wear to a museum: white top, skirt, and blazer

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Getty Images

Style Tip: Keep warm from the AC with the addition of a longline blazer. You can throw this over anything.

what to wear to a museum: button-down and jeans

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@natashandlovu

Style Tip: Up the ante on your everyday jeans with a button-down that has a whimsical detail like ruffles.

what to wear to a museum: yellow sweater, pants, and sneakers

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@maria_bernard

Style Tip: Go bold for a day of modern art with a head-to-toe look in a single bright color, such as a yellow sweater and high-waisted pants.

What to wear to a museum: graphic sweater and skirt

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@analapizarro

Style Tip: Dress down a silk midi skirt with a graphic sweater. Pair the look with knee-high boots to dress up the ensemble.

what to wear to a museum: shirt and denim pencil skirt

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@nnennaechem

Style Tip: Headed to brunch after the museum? Go full-on "ladies who lunch" with a top and pencil skirt, even if it's in denim!

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@alyssainthecity

Style Tip: Your throw-on-and-go look is a great option for the museum this season by way of a dress layered over a shirt. Keep the effortless vibe going strong with cool cowboy boots.

what to wear to a museum: bomber and striped skirt

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Style du Monde

Style Tip: Make a pencil skirt a little sportier with a T-shirt, bomber jacket, and bright white kicks.

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