10 Sophisticated Outfits I Have in My "What to Wear to a Museum" Folder

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 portrait painters proud or a 1950s-glamour look reminiscent 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.

Style Tip: You can never go wrong relying on tailored classics like a great pantsuit to look polished. The matching set does all the styling work for you—just add sophisticated shoes like a pair of point-toe pumps.

Style Tip: Be a work of art yourself when you wear a statement piece like a skirt with a large-scale print. To ensure the piece stands in the spotlight, pair it with basics like a simple strapless top and streamlined sandals.

Style Tip: Since there's something academic about a day at an art museum, lean into the vibe through school uniform–inspired pieces like socks and loafers and a pleated miniskirt.

Style Tip: Highlight an artsy accessory like an on-trend pendant necklace by wearing it against a canvas of relaxed neutrals like Frann Fyne did here with a boxy T-shirt layered over an A-line skirt. It's easy but cool.

Style Tip: Jeans can still look sophisticated—just as long as your marry them to streamlined classics like a turtleneck and tailored coat and finish it off with a great belt.

Style Tip: When in doubt, a pretty dress will always do the trick. Try a long slip dress with ballet flats to tap into your artful, soft side.

Style Tip: Another foolproof way to make jeans look polished is through a vintage-inspired blazer.

Style Tip: If a full-on suit isn't your style, try tailored shorts that make even a plain white tank feel elevated.

Style Tip: Tap into Parisian energy through a structured jacket, slim-fit trousers, and a beret-esque topper.

Style Tip: Keep things easy and comfortable for a long museum visit with a trench, trousers, and sneakers. A sweater draped over the shoulder adds a dash of polish to an otherwise casual outfit.