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If you’re invited to a yacht party, the invitation probably doesn’t include a dress code. But just because there’s no specific dress code doesn’t mean you can wear whatever you want. There are still some general guidelines to follow so you’ll fit in with the rest of the guests and look your best.
If the party is during the day, it’s generally considered appropriate to wear sundresses or skirts and blouses for women and slacks or shorts and polo shirts for men. In the evening, women might choose to wear cocktail dresses or sundresses while men might opt for suits or sports coats and slacks.
It’s always a good idea to avoid wearing anything too casual or too formal – aim for something slightly dressier than what you’d normally wear to the office. No matter how casual or formal your office is, you should aim for “business casual” or just slightly more dressed up than that.
If you’re not sure what kind of yacht party it is – whether it’s a black-tie event or just cocktails and appetizers on deck – err on the side of formality. You can always take off your jacket or shoes if you feel uncomfortable with how dressed up everyone else is, but it’s harder to add a tie at the last minute when you’re in a boat full of people.
If you want to look sophisticated and dressy but don’t have anything appropriate for a yacht party, simply wear a striking dress or skirt with high-end shoes and accessories, like an expensive handbag. No matter where the party takes place, you’ll fit in if you look elegant and glamorous – even if everyone else is wearing shorts and T-shirts.
If you’re looking for specific yacht party attire ideas but don’t know where to find them, consider shopping online. There are a lot of websites that specialize in yacht party attire for men and women – check out your favorite one to see what kind of outfits they have available.
Typical outfit items for women at a yacht party include:
- Cocktail dresses in shades of white, cream or pastel
- Dressy sandals and high heels
- A unique necklace or piece of statement jewelry to add a pop of color
- Typical outfit items for men at a yacht party include:
- Swim trunks in black or navy with a polo shirt or button-down shirt
- Men’s dress shoes like loafers or oxfords
- Slacks, shorts, or swim trunks in solid colors to match the party theme (e.g., white for a seaside summer party; darker colors for nighttime)
It’s important to choose outfits that look good on you and flatter your body type. If you’re not sure what your best colors are, either ask a friend who knows style or look at pictures of how colors work with your skin tone and hair color. Also think about the occasion – when in doubt, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident yet still fits into the general party theme (e.g., fun and flirty for a daytime dance party or elegant and sophisticated for a black-tie event).
Don’t forget about your face! You can accessorize with jewelry, sunglasses and hats – all without taking up too much space in your luggage – to complete your yacht party outfit.
What not to wear at a yacht party
- Uncomfortable shoes and outfits that will leave you miserable, either physically or socially
- Too much bling – many yacht parties are usually classy, so save the chunky necklaces and dangly earrings for another occasion
- Baggy clothes like shorts with extra room (e.g., cargo shorts) – stick to tailored looks that fit well
- Clothes you can’t walk, sit or dance in; no mini-skirts (e.g., too short), baggy pants (e.g., baggy cargo shorts), or wide-legged pants (e.g., like harem pants).
Should you wear a hat to a yacht party?
- Hats are fine to wear for any yacht party, but keep in mind that the size of the hat (small or large) will depend on how formal the occasion is.
- If you’re not sure, err on the more formal side and choose a fitted cap like a fedora; if it’s too small, your outfit won’t look right.
- Avoid wearing a big floppy hat because it can block other people’s views, making them feel left out.
What to bring to a yacht party
- A swimsuit – you never know when you might want to jump overboard! Make sure the swimsuit is easy to put on and take off. If you don’t have a swimsuit, wear a pair of shorts with a bathing suit top. If going topless is OK, then bring a bikini in case you decide to sunbathe on the deck or take a dip in the ocean.
- A cover-up – whether it’s over your swimsuit when you’re headed from the changing room to the pool or when you’re in the dining area trying to find a seat, you’ll want something lightweight and easy to pack.
- An evening or cocktail dress for nighttime events – this is optional but recommended if the party goes on long into the night.
- A pair of earrings (if needed) for any last-minute events that might pop up when you’re already onboard.
- Sunglasses and/or a hat – if you’re planning to be outside the whole time, bring sunglasses that will match your outfit or yacht party swimsuit cover-up. Hats are fine but think about how large they are before bringing one along; wearing it indoors can block other people’s views of the stage or band.
- Sunscreen and any sunscreen-related products (e.g., lip balm; zinc). If you’ll be outdoors for hours, make sure to apply sunscreen regularly throughout the day as well as after getting wet (e.g., from swimming or saltwater).
- A towel – having a fresh towel will help you stay comfortable, dry off after getting wet, and/or freshen up during the day.
- A travel bag – because you’ll be moving from your room to different parts of the yacht every few hours, it’s best to have something to carry all your stuff in so you can stay organized. This will also make it easier for you to find where you left off when it’s time to go back to your room.
Wherever you end up going for a yacht party, the most important thing is that you have fun and stay safe!
If you have any specific questions about what to wear at a yacht party, ask them in the comments section below!
