Crack open the bubbly and get your chic on! Have you just been invited to a lavish yacht party and have no idea what to wear? Then carry on reading, so that you can steal the show in style and never be worried again about how you should dress for a boat party.

What to wear to a yacht party: Most yacht parties will be smart affairs and traditional attire can include jacket and tie for men and stunning dresses for women. However, it depends on the invite and the occasion, so make sure you ask the party organizer if in doubt. 

What do you wear for dinner on a yacht?

Maybe this is your first yacht party or dinner and you’re worried about looking like a fashion disaster. You might have images of scantily clad women in bikinis, or men with beers in hand, putting on their boardshorts. But traditionally, this type of attire is not recommended for a yacht party.

Make sure to read your invitation, they might have a dress code printed on the invite.

Once you’re sure about the correct attire you then could have the daunting situation of trying to find the perfect outfit.

The first thing you need to remember, when dressing for a yacht party, is to ask yourself when will the party be?

What do you wear to a yacht winter party or summer party?

Is the party during summer or winter?

Is the party at night or will it be held during the day?

When dressing for a yacht party, you want to wear outfits that look preppy, smart casual and stylish. You would never want to look sloppy or untidy.

Most yacht parties are held during summer. If you know which context the party will be, then this will also help you decide on how to put a smashing outfit together.

What not to wear to a yacht party at night

It will be easier to choose an outfit if you know what not to wear. Remember, you also want to look classy.

Avoid things like denim, wrinkled or creased clothes, baggy T-shirts, super short miniskirts, and flip flops. As a woman, you also wouldn’t want to wear clothes that are too revealing, or uncomfortable. Stilettos are a definite no-no, as you wouldn’t want to lose your balance and fall over in front of everyone.

When you’re thinking of a yacht party, think country club casual for day dress and classic cocktail wear for an evening party.

What should women wear to a yacht party during the day?

If your party is during the day, opt for clothing that is casual but classy. Polo shirts and tailored slacks are a great option for day wear.

If you would prefer to wear a skirt, then wear a knee length skirt with a tailored blouse, if you would like to look extra classic.

Avoid wearing a captains hat! It’s can look a little bit tacky.

You can also wear a flowy, long, summer dress. A shirt dress is also a sexy but classy outfit to wear as well.

A wide brim hat will also look stylish and it will also protect you from the sun.

Sunglasses are also a must as the glare on the water can be quite bright. It’s also important to remember to bring a sweater or cardigan with. Your sweater should be classy too, think cashmere or knitted.

I’d always recommend taking a sweater with you, because it can get cool and cold when you’re out on the water.

When it comes to wearing shoes, do not wear flip flops, high heels or high wedges. Ballet pumps are perfect to wear on a yacht. Try to find shoes that don’t have black soles, as this could leave scuff marks on the deck.

If your invitation states that there will be swimming, remember that your bathing suit should also be classy

What should women wear to a yacht party at night?

When it comes to wearing cocktail attire to a yacht party, remember your dress shouldn’t  be crazy short. Leave your clubbing dress at home!

Your cocktail dress should be mid length or knee length. A solid colour for your dress would be a good idea and if you’re unsure of what colour to choose, you can choose a sensual “little black dress.”

Dark and jewel colours are also a good choice for cocktail wear.

Try to stay away from bright and flashy colours. Remember class is key. Every woman should own that one little black dress that they can also rely on to make them look and feel gorgeous!

When it comes to shoes, don’t wear crazy high heels. A heel that is comfy and easy to walk in would be a better idea, or ballet pumps. You could even wear a dress sandals that matches your outfit.

When it comes to your hair, you could have a soft updo, or romantic windswept waves.

Another tip is to not wear tons of jewelry. Less is more. Rather choose one item, that makes a bold statement, instead of a few little things that get lost on your body. If you are also wondering what type of handbag to use, rather use a clutch.

What should men wear to a yacht party during the day?

As mentioned before you wouldn’t want to wear jeans and t-shirts or boardshorts. You    want to make a statement with what you wear.

You should also aim for country club casual, so it would be a great idea to wear Polo and Oxford shirts. Remember to have your shirts ironed and they should always be clean and neat. You can also wear tailored slacks in either black, grey or khaki.

White is also a popular colour for yacht parties. If it gets cold make sure to take a blazer or sweater with. Many men tie their knit sweaters around their shoulders, to give their outfits a smart-casual look.

As mentioned before, when it comes to footwear, stay away from flip flops or sneakers, you can wear brown or black loafers, if you can try to find shoes that don’t have black soles, as this can leave scuff marks on the deck. For accessories, a wrist watch will do the trick.

What should men wear to an evening event yacht party?

If you have been invited to an evening event, you need to look handsome and debonair.  You wouldn’t dress as formal as you would during a black-tie event, but you also wouldn’t dress as casual as you would for a day event.

You could opt for a full suite, or dress slacks with a blazer and a tie. Rather than wearing bright and flashy colours, rather choose neutral colours, like beige, grey, white and khaki.

For an evening event you can also wear loafers, and always match your belt with your shoes.

The last word…

You could also always go with a nautical theme. Navy stripes are always acceptable, as well as white crisp shirts and capri slacks. Cotton and linen fabrics look also fantastic for day wear.

It’s also a great idea to come prepared.

Bring along sunscreen, motion sickness medication (just in case) lip balm and a hair tie (for women). The weather can change suddenly at sea, so it would be a great idea to bring extra sweaters or another shirt, just in case you spill your cocktail on yourself (because the water could become choppy from out of nowhere.)

Pack your extra essentials in a stylish tote bag.

And always remember that class is key. Accessories should be minimal and stay away from the sailor hat!