What to wear to a gallery opening

A gallery opening is a strange brief: it is an evening event that pretends it isn't one. The dress code says smart-casual, the lighting is gallery-white, and the crowd runs from the artist's college friends in denim to collectors in tailoring. You want to look considered without looking like you tried to outdress the art.

The reliable answer is one strong piece and quiet everything else. An ivory or column dress, clean lines, one sculptural bag or one piece of jewellery that can hold a conversation. If you lean trousers, make the fabric do the work: structured, matte, no shine.

Base: a dress or tailored trousers in a single calm colour. White walls flatter ivory, black, deep olive and rust; they fight loud prints.

Finish: one deliberate accent. A crystal mesh bag, red flats, a strong frame of sunglasses pushed up for the walk over. One accent, not three: the art is the loud one tonight.

Feet: you will stand for two hours on concrete. Elegant flats or a low block heel beat anything you have to think about.

The worst version of this evening starts at 18:40 in front of a mirror. The best version was decided on Tuesday: options rendered, one look chosen, done.

This is exactly what Sleqk is for. Add the opening to your planner, let the stylist assemble options from pieces you already own, and see each one rendered on your own photo. If you can't choose, send the link to your group chat and let them vote.