A Guide to Art Auctions: Where to Go,
What to See, and What to Wear

Shuffling between Peggy Guggenheim’s famous modern art collection, raising a prosecco to its seventy-fifth anniversary alfresco at Gritti Palace (overlooking the Grand Canal), and exploring every cathedral, museum, and hidden piazza of this labyrinthine city—it all blends into one immersive fine art experience. All you need are pretty details, like Capri-style sandals, a glimmering necklace, and a dash of creativity with a Pucci-patterned wrap (head, neck, waist). A breezy tunic and Bermuda shorts are ready for anything, like when a day at the museum turns into a night on the town.

When the focus is on the art, keeping your own look monochromatic and streamlined is an exercise in quiet elegance. There’s no chicer way to stroll around Randall’s Island than in neutral basics with a sculptural pendant and an arresting wristlet bag—whether you’re looking to make a cool statement tent-side or at the Peter Marino–designed Lobster Club. When you’ve had your fill of galleries and stalls, a good pair of comfortable slides will take you back over the river. (If you’re in town early, don’t miss the mystical, psychedelic works of Swedish painter Hilma af Klint’s Painting for the Future, at the Guggenheim through April 23.)

With no shortage of blue-chip players at Art Basel Hong Kong (David Zwirner, Gavin Brown, Gagosian, Perrotin, Skarstedt), it’ll be tempting to go big in terms of getting dressed. But keeping it simple, with poplin and bright sneakers, is your best bet here. It will serve you well next to Kaws’s larger-than-life sculptures at the HOCA’s opening reception. Calder-esque earrings and a slick updo play up the femininity of a khaki pencil skirt. Before you leave, round out the day with oysters, frites, and martinis at the museum-worthy Bibo.