Luxe List: Dress codes and event ensembles

Aspen fashion is experiencing a bit of whiplash this week, going straight from Art Week to the inaugural Up In the Sky music festival. 

Art Week — which was once primarily the lead-up to the Aspen Art Museum’s biggest gala of the year, ArtCrush — is now a full week of events that also encompasses two unrelated art fairs. It was a chance for both novices and the knowledgeable to dive into all things artistic and cerebral. It also seemed to be a great excuse for everyone to get out of their workout gear and into something with buttons and zippers — even during the day! A true Aspen miracle. It seems that the town has collectively agreed that Alo leggings and contemporary art don’t go together. Brava!

In the interest of full disclosure, I have always pondered what the right outfit for an art event is. It feels like something that combines avant-garde with elegance is the right call, but what that means is anyone’s guess. For the opening night of the art festivals, I opted for La Veste pants (an Italian brand I’m truly obsessed with) and my go-to topper, much to my mother’s chagrin: an overpriced, white tee. I capped it off with the Juju Vera shell necklace that’s following all the fashion girls around the internet until we inevitably break down and buy it. 

It is also anyone’s guess as to what ArtCrush’s dress code meant: “Celestial Nights.” I didn’t attend this year, and maybe that’s a good thing because I truly have no idea what clothing qualifies as “celestial” short of something with stars on it, which is too on the nose, and also … no. I don’t think I’m alone in thinking dress codes have become far more vague and ethereal. I was recently invited to a party where the dress code was “Come As Your Most Magnetic Self.” I was so stumped I almost wore magnets taped to a shirt.

One dress code I can get on board with, though, is music-festival dressing. In my humble opinion, it calls for easy, ’70s-inspired garb where fringe rules and comfortable shoes are required. And, because we’re in Aspen and summer is starting to wane (Sorry, but it is), multiple layers are also a must. Denim is the way to go in my opinion (dealer’s choice: jeans, a denim button-down, or even a skirt — all are fair game). 

I know it’s tempting for many to go full-bore Western for a concert, but — and I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating  — please try to refrain from this impulse. There will be sick beats and questionable substances but not a horse in sight. 

My go-to look for shows is an unoriginal, but tried-and-true combo of jeans, a white T-shirt, a statement belt, and a low cowboy boot. Layer-wise, I like a cropped denim shirt (no one supports a denim-on-denim look more than this gal) or a chic flannel for warmth. I may add in a vintage fringe jacket, as well. Now, while I know some of my ensemble choices may lean Western, I choose to see some of them as more ’70s than Western. It’s all in the eye of the beholder, right? (Except for the woman I recently saw at a restaurant in town donning a cowboy boot, cowboy hat, Navajo-inspired sweater, and squash blossom. It’s not in the eye of the beholder for her. That’s just too much.)

My point is, wear what you feel good in and feel comfortable in. Tap into your inner Kate Moss at Glastonbury (I see you, short shorts and wellies), go full rock-and-roll with a vintage band tee and studded accessories, or do what I always do: all things denim. Whatever it is, a good outfit can make a music festival all the more enjoyable. The music sounds better if you look cute. Fact. Don’t fact-check me on that, but it’s a fact. 

In luxury news, Oscar De La Renta is holding a pop-up at — you guessed it — the Hotel Jerome from Aug. 14-16. The short-term boutique will feature the legacy brand’s ready-to-wear, eveningwear, handbags, and jewelry. On Thursday, those who prefer their purses one-of-a-kind can have an artist personalize an Oscar bag with hand-painted art, featuring Aspen-exclusive floral motifs and custom designs. 

See you all at the music festival! I’ll be the one in denim — should be easy to spot.