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Discover how to dress as an artist
If you’re an artist, you’ve already mastered the art of dressing the part. There’s no single 'style' for artists, but there are key wardrobe choices that can ensure you’re prepared for creative work, help you express your talents, and make a strong impression in professional settings. Alternatively, if you prefer to adopt the typical 'artist' stereotype, it's a stylish and easy look to achieve.
What do artists wear?
When creating art, wear something that’s comfortable and doesn’t mind getting a little messy. To dress like an artist, try making your own clothes, screen printing t-shirts, and adding quirky accessories to your outfits. Choose clothing that reflects your personal flair and creative spirit.
Steps
Staying Practical
Opt for comfort while you work. As an artist, you’ll be spending many hours perfecting your craft. Whether you're painting at an easel or working on a digital project, comfort should be your priority.
- If you’re working with a messy medium like paint, avoid wearing overly loose clothing, especially with sleeves. Even if you don't mind getting dirty, loose clothes may inadvertently smear your work.
Keep your clothes protected. If you’re using materials that can stain, such as paint or ink, it’s essential to protect your clothing. Cover up with an apron or painting smock that is made from thick enough fabric to prevent any media from soaking through too quickly.
Don't wear clothing you care about ruining. Despite taking precautions like wearing an apron, you’ll likely end up with the occasional paint splatter. Immediate washing can often remove most stains, but some might stay permanently. Reserve your best clothing for other occasions and avoid wearing them in the studio.
Make the most of what you have. As a young artist, your budget may be tight. Instead of longing for designer clothes, focus on building a stylish wardrobe within your means.
- Take care of your clothes to make them last longer, which will save you money in the long run.
- T-shirts and jeans can seem basic, but with your personal touch, they can make a strong statement. Design your own T-shirts or choose unique ones. Try wearing jeans in different colors beyond the typical blue denim.
- Get creative with your wardrobe by "mixing and matching" different pieces to create fresh looks. For example, swapping jackets between suits gives you two entirely new outfits.
Shop at thrift stores. Thrift shops are the perfect place to maximize your clothing budget. Not only can you find basic essentials and everyday items, but you’ll also stumble upon unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that suit your style. Look for quirky, standout items that reflect your personality and make you unique.
- You can discover both retro and contemporary styles and easily combine them to create fresh looks.
- Many thrift stores feature display cases showcasing higher-end items like jewelry. While these may be pricier than the rest of the store’s offerings, they’ll still be far more affordable than buying new. It's a goldmine for finding unusual and interesting pieces.
Forget about brand names. Although certain brands may indicate quality, more often than not, you're paying a premium for the name itself. As an artist, that’s a luxury you likely can’t afford. Plus, how artistic can you look if you're dressing just like everyone else?
- The exception is when a brand genuinely offers durable, high-quality clothing. These items may cost a bit more upfront but will save you money in the long run. Keep an eye out for such brands when thrifting or browsing online auctions.
Be true to your own style. Above all else, to look like an artist, dress in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether you prefer bold, eye-catching outfits that challenge the norm, or a more laid-back and monochromatic vibe, it’s all about what feels right. You may even switch it up depending on the day of the week. The choice is entirely yours.
Getting Creative
Make your own clothes. You don’t need to be a professional designer to create your own wardrobe. Using patterns, it’s fairly easy to sew your own clothes. Check out local fabric stores for eccentric, off-the-beaten-path patterns you won’t find in ready-made garments. As you grow more skilled, you may even choose to create original designs from scratch, without relying on a pattern at all.
Screen print your own T-shirts. Tired of the same old T-shirt designs? Create custom shirts that no one else can own.
- If you run a business or studio, design T-shirts featuring your brand name and logo. Catchy shirts can attract attention from strangers who may be interested in your art.
- To make a basic T-shirt, use a cotton or poly blend fabric with some stretch.
- Use an old T-shirt as a template, cutting the shape with a half-inch allowance.
- Sew the shoulder and side seams, then finish it with a contrasting ribbed neckline.
Design your own accessories. Get creative with unique buttons or add faux gems to your clothes. Experiment with simple jewelry making to craft accessories that complement your personal style. Recycle any quirky items you have into something wearable for your wardrobe.
Dressing Like a Professional Artist
Opt for uncommon yet elegant colors. When attending semi-formal business or social events, aim for a look that’s both creative and polished. These events are perfect opportunities for networking, and you never know who might be interested in buying your work or offering you a new project. Stand out in a sophisticated way with a dark green or brown suit or dress.
Accessorize with a belt. A belt can elevate the style of any outfit. If your look is simple, a decorative belt and/or a unique buckle can make you stand out. Show off your personal style and artistic tastes with this small but significant detail.
- Tooled leather belts are rare nowadays, so wearing one can give your look a distinctive touch.
- Choose a belt buckle that reflects your art or personal interests. For example, if your work often features ocean themes, a buckle with a jellyfish or shark design might be perfect.
- If you work with metal or leather, your belt can be a great way to showcase your craft.
Find unique jewelry that completes your look. Seek out jewelry that is quirky, exotic, high-quality, or handcrafted. Pieces with intricate details or vintage 80s styles are excellent artistic choices. If you find something particularly large or bold, it’s probably best saved for casual outfits rather than more formal occasions like an art opening.
- Similar to your belt buckle, your jewelry can reflect your passions and artistic themes. For instance, if you're passionate about astronomy or often incorporate space imagery, look for jewelry that features planets or galaxies.
- Avoid jewelry that seems excessively luxurious or flashy, even if it wasn’t expensive. Over-the-top gold or diamond pieces might make it harder for potential buyers to take your art seriously.
Dress casually, but with purpose. Artists are often known for their laid-back style, but you don’t want to appear messy or uninspired. If you don’t show thoughtfulness in your clothing choices, people might question the level of creativity you invest in your work. Instead, choose to dress casually with intention—don’t just grab a T-shirt and jeans. Make sure your clothes are clean and fit well, showing that you care about your appearance.
Dressing Like a Stereotypical Artist
Change your hairstyle. Pick a look that helps you stand out from the crowd. Here are some ways to create a distinctive, artsy appearance:
- Ask your stylist for a blunt cut and add bangs for a bold look.
- If your hair type allows, try creating dreadlocks.
- Experiment with bold hair color—if you’re unsure about a permanent change, use temporary dye. A streak of bright color near your face can really make an impact, especially on braids or dreadlocks.
- For added volume, back comb or tease your hair with hairspray, allowing the texture to show as part of your look.
- Stop using straighteners or curling irons and let your hair return to its natural texture.
- Challenge gender norms with your hairstyle—if you're a woman, try an extremely short cut, or if you're a man, let your hair grow long.
Get piercings. Eyebrow, lip, or nose piercings can add dramatic flair to your look. Gauged earlobes are also a popular choice. Keep in mind that stretching your earlobes is a permanent modification. For something subtler, consider cartilage piercings instead.
Think about getting a tattoo. Tattoos are a form of art, and having one (or a few) can showcase your creative side. If you view your body as a canvas, you might want to choose tattoos that have personal significance. But make sure to put thought into your decision—getting a tattoo you regret isn't ideal.
- If you're a visual artist, consider creating your own design to give to your tattoo artist.
- The typical artist look often includes full sleeve tattoos and sometimes even neck tattoos.
- If you're hesitant to commit to permanent ink, consider trying temporary tattoos instead.
Let your facial hair grow. Whether you want to grow a beard or let your stubble flourish, embrace the look that feels right for you. Don’t give in to societal expectations—shaving is a personal choice. Some artists prefer to stay clean-shaven, while others sport facial hair. However, the iconic artist image usually includes at least a bit of facial hair.
Choose stylish jeans. While skinny jeans are a popular trend, remember that as an artist, you should aim to stand out. Your jeans can be torn or faded, but avoid wearing poorly fitting or damaged dress pants if you want to maintain an artsy vibe.
Embrace black clothing. The classic all-black artist look is a stereotype for a reason. Not only does black complement any body type, but it also hides dirt and stains better than other colors. For artists on a budget, black clothes help reduce the need for frequent cleaning or replacing items. Plus, artists often wear black to events where they showcase their work—it keeps the attention focused on their art instead of themselves.
Wear a beret. The black beret is a quintessential artist fashion statement. Thankfully, it’s not just a cliché—it’s stylish too. Berets work well for both men and women and can be styled in multiple ways. If you're aiming for that perfect artistic look, get yourself a beret to complete the ensemble.
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Dress for creativity. Choose leggings that give you freedom of movement, or opt for shirts that can easily be splattered with paint or charcoal.
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View the world, including your wardrobe, as a canvas for self-expression. Find what makes you feel joyful or alive, rather than conforming to trends. When you wear what resonates with you, and do so with confidence, you’ll be able to rock any look. Trust that you look amazing and wear what truly speaks to you.
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Ink and paint stains on your hands and clothes are often the signature mark of many young artists. If you want to be recognized as one, let those marks remain—they’re part of your artistic identity.
