Classic Aesthetic

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THE COSTUME: Closet Staples You Might Already Have

• Start with dramatic pieces or anything that feels deliberately styled—even if it’s mismatched, the goal is to look like you meant it. Artists may wear oversized paint-stained shirts, asymmetrical sweaters, dramatic scarves, and old boots or canvas sneakers. A beret or wide-brimmed hat can push things into comedy territory, if that’s your angle.

• Designers and gallerists often wear sleek, curated outfits: think black turtlenecks, stylish blazers, slacks, statement dresses, or jumpsuits. Monochrome with a bold accessory or architectural silhouette will sell the designer look. Bonus points for glasses that are purely aesthetic.

• Art dealers might be a little flashier—wearing patterned suits, gold chains, and polished loafers—especially if they’re shady.

 

HAIR & MAKEUP:

• Artists often lean toward expressive, undone, or wildly stylized looks. A messy bun with paintbrushes stuck inside? Perfect. Colored streaks? Yes. Smudged eyeliner or dramatic eye shadow adds to the tortured soul vibe.

• Designers and gallerists tend to be more polished: slick ponytails, tidy bobs, precision makeup with bold lipstick or minimalistic glam. Critics might wear pince-nez or tiny wire glasses low on the nose for maximum condescension.

• Restoration experts or dealers might have faint dust on their sleeves or gloves tucked into their belts.

 

ACCESSORIES: 

It’s all about the personal statement:

• A paintbrush tucked behind the ear or a palette in hand

• Oversized sketchbooks, measuring tape, or mood boards

• Sunglasses worn indoors (because art is blinding, obviously)

• Portfolio cases, vintage cameras, or auction catalogs

• Eccentric jewelry made of random objects (gears, rulers, doll parts)

• A “gallery name tag” or VIP lanyard that reads:
  “ArtHaus Collective – Curator of Vision” (Or whatever gallery your character works at.)

• A travel coffee mug that says “Warhol Wouldn’t Approve”

• Color swatches, a tape measure, or architectural miniatures

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CHARACTER & ROLEPLAYING TIPS

Voice & Speech

• Artists might speak with dramatic pauses, metaphors, or sudden bursts of inspiration. “Do you feel that energy shift in the hallway? That’s where the murder aura clings.”

• Designers often speak with authority and veiled judgment. “This lighting is criminal. Literally, now.”

• Critics speak with smug restraint: “It’s... ambitious. But uninspired.”

• Dealers may be fast-talking smooth operators: “I’ve got a guy who knows a guy who saw that statue before it went missing.”

Behavioral Quirks

• Constantly sketching people or taking “inspiration” photos

• Making cryptic statements like “Art always demands a price”

• Stroking an imaginary beard or chin while observing the scene

• Rearranging furniture or props to improve the space’s “flow”

• Acting overly emotional at mundane things—like “the tragedy of these drapes”

• Talking to objects (“This piece knows something. I can feel it.”)

• Correcting other people’s fashion, posture, or color choices

 Bonus Touches

• Carry a prop labeled “Untitled #23” and treat it as a sacred artifact.

• Claim your entire outfit is an art piece called "Descent Into Madness via Textiles."

• Scribble suspicious notes or sketches throughout the party and refuse to explain them.

• Interrupt conversations to loudly describe your latest installation: “It’s a room full of fog and broken umbrellas. It explores loss.”

• Bring a fake auction paddle and raise it occasionally for no reason.

In the art world, drama is currency, and everyone’s a masterpiece or a forgery.