What should I wear to a Sip and Paint class?
- Art Play London
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
What should I wear to a sip and paint class? It sounds like a simple question… until you actually have one booked and suddenly you’re standing in front of your wardrobe overthinking everything. Too dressed up? Too casual? What if you spill paint? What if everyone else looks amazing and you look like you’ve come straight from a school art lesson?
I’ve been there.
Whether it’s your first class or you’ve got a few under your belt, what you wear can affect how comfortable and confident you feel. And the whole point of a sip and paint is to relax, have fun and maybe get a few cute photos along the way.
So here’s exactly what I’d wear, what I’d avoid and how to strike that balance between practical and still looking like you’ve made an effort.
First things first… there isn’t really a dress code
Let’s get this out of the way. There’s no strict dress code for a sip and paint class. You won’t get turned away for wearing jeans or trainers, and no one is expecting black tie energy.
That said, there is an unspoken vibe. Most people lean towards casual but put together. Think “I look nice but I can still move my arms freely and not panic if a tiny bit of paint lands on me”.
It’s less about rules and more about feeling comfortable in your own skin. If you feel good, you’ll enjoy it more. Simple as that.
Comfort is everything (more than you think)
You’ll be sitting for a while, leaning forward, reaching across a canvas and occasionally stepping back to admire your work. It’s surprisingly active in a very low key way.
Tight clothes that restrict your movement can get annoying quickly. Anything you have to constantly adjust or worry about just takes you out of the moment.
A good rule is this. If you can sit, stretch and twist a bit without thinking about your outfit, you’re on the right track.
Soft fabrics, relaxed fits and breathable materials are your best friend here. You want to forget about what you’re wearing once you arrive.
The paint question… will it ruin my outfit?
This is the part everyone worries about.
Realistically, most sip and paint studios are set up to minimise mess. You’re not going to leave covered head to toe in paint. But small splashes can happen, especially if you get a bit enthusiastic or accidentally flick a brush.
That’s where Art Play London really shines. They provide aprons, and not the flimsy kind. Proper, good quality aprons that actually cover you where it matters.
They’re designed to protect your clothes while still looking nice enough for photos, which is ideal because let’s be honest, you will take pictures.
The apron takes a lot of the stress away. You don’t have to dress like you’re decorating a house, but maybe don’t wear your most precious silk top either.
Outfit ideas that always work
If you’re stuck, these are easy combinations that tick all the boxes.
A nice pair of jeans and a relaxed top is probably the safest option. It looks put together without trying too hard, and you won’t feel restricted.
A casual dress is also a good shout, especially something floaty or loose fitting. Just make sure it’s not too short or something you’ll be adjusting every two minutes while sitting.
Co-ord sets are having a moment and actually work really well for this kind of thing. They look styled but feel like loungewear.
And then there’s the classic oversized shirt or blouse. Comfortable, slightly elevated and easy to layer if you’re not sure about the temperature.
Shoes… don’t overthink it
You’ll mostly be sitting or standing in one spot, so this isn’t the time for dramatic heels.
Trainers, flats or low boots are perfect. Something you can stand in comfortably without thinking about it.
It’s one of those situations where practical really does win. No one is looking at your shoes while you’re painting anyway.
Hair and makeup… keep it effortless
This is where people either go full glam or completely skip it. The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle.
You want to feel nice, especially if you’re going with friends or on a date, but you also don’t want to be worried about getting paint in your hair or smudging your makeup every time you touch your face.
A natural makeup look works best. Think fresh skin, a bit of mascara and something on your lips. Enough to feel put together without feeling overdone.
Hair wise, anything that keeps it out of your face is ideal. Loose waves, a low bun, a claw clip… all good options.
And if you want to lean into the whole creative vibe, this is where accessories come in.
The fun part… Art Play berets
At Art Play London, the berets are kind of iconic.
They add that slightly Parisian, artsy feel without you having to think too hard about styling. You can throw one on and instantly look like you belong there, even if your painting skills say otherwise.
They’re also perfect for photos. It’s one of those small details that makes the whole experience feel a bit more special and a bit more “occasion worthy”.
You don’t have to wear one, obviously, but it’s a fun touch if you want to get into the spirit of it.
How to stay paint safe and still look good in photos
This is the balance everyone is trying to strike.
The apron does most of the heavy lifting, but there are a few extra things you can do.
Avoid overly long sleeves that might drag through paint. If you are wearing them, just roll them up slightly. It looks more relaxed anyway.
Skip anything too delicate or high maintenance. If you’re constantly worrying about your outfit, it shows.
Choose colours and fabrics that you feel confident in. When you’re relaxed, it comes across in photos far more than the outfit itself.
And don’t be afraid to embrace the setting. A tiny bit of paint on your hands or apron actually adds to the vibe. It makes the photos feel real rather than staged.
What I would personally wear
If I had a sip and paint booked tomorrow, I’d probably go for straight leg jeans, a soft knit or loose blouse and trainers.
Something I can sit in comfortably, something I won’t worry about and something that still looks nice if we decide to go somewhere after.
I’d keep my makeup natural, maybe add a bit more blush than usual, and tie my hair back loosely or clip it up halfway through if it gets annoying.
And yes, I’d absolutely wear the beret.
Final thoughts
What you wear to a sip and paint class doesn’t need to be complicated. There’s no perfect outfit and no one is judging you as much as you think they are.
The goal is to feel comfortable, a bit put together and ready to enjoy yourself.
With places like Art Play London providing aprons and those little touches like berets, most of the pressure is taken off anyway. You can relax knowing you won’t ruin your outfit and still leave with cute photos.
So wear something you like, don’t overthink it and just enjoy the experience. That’s kind of the whole point.



