What to Wear to a Boat Party: 12 Tips + Cute Outfit Ideas
Got a boat party on your calendar and no clue what to wear? You want to look cute and pulled together, but you also need to be comfortable—and let’s be honest, wind, water, and wobbly heels don’t mix.Whether it’s a sunset sail, a fancy yacht event, or something more low-key, I’ve got a few easy tips and outfit suggestions to help you feel confident and cruise-ready.
Here are 12 boat party style tips and outfit ideas to keep you looking chic, feeling comfortable, and ready to enjoy your day on the water—without worrying about flying skirts or sinking stilettos.
striped midi dress | sandals | bag
What To Wear To A Boat Party: Tips & Looks for Smooth Sailing
1. Wear Nautical Colors to Fit the Vibe
Whether you’re going for a slow sailboat ride or a quick motorboat cruise, you can’t go wrong wearing traditional sailing flag colors. Blue, white, tan, and black—those classic neutrals—with dashes of red, yellow, or green always feel right at home on the water. It’s a subtle way to say, “Yes, I know my port from my starboard,” even if you don’t.
Outfit idea: Try a crisp navy-and-white striped tee with white ankle pants, tan espadrilles, and a red clutch or bandana. Just enough pop to say “nautical chic” without going full costume
yellow linen shirt | cropped jeggings | woven sandals
2. Keep Your Clothing Basic—But Not Boring
You’ll be climbing in and out of the boat, shifting seats, and maybe even balancing on a wobbly dock. This is not the time for frilly tops or delicate fabrics that catch the breeze (or snag on ropes). Opt for comfortable, sturdy basics that still feel pulled together—but with a hint of personality. Think textures, cuts, or fun accessories.
Outfit idea: A soft off-the-shoulder sweater with khaki shorts, tassel earrings, and lace-up flat sandals. Add a bright yellow tote for a cheerful punch of color.
3. You Can’t Go Wrong with Stripes
Stripes are a sailing staple. You see them everywhere for a reason—they just work. Whether it’s a blue-and-white Breton tee or a red-striped button-down, stripes instantly give your outfit that laid-back, nautical flair. And they mix beautifully with denim, linen, or crisp white pants.
Outfit idea: Style a red-and-white striped button-down with white jeans, gold hoop earrings, and espadrilles for a polished, easygoing look. Add a bold red lip for a little French-girl flair.
striped maxi | straw tote
4. Carry a Big Straw Tote—It’s More Practical
This is not the place for your structured city bag. A big straw or rope tote just feels more relaxed—and it’s roomy enough to hold everything you might need: sunhat, sunglasses, towel, sunscreen, and maybe a lightweight change of clothes. Plus, it looks effortlessly summery.
Outfit idea: A flowy midi dress paired with a big straw tote, raffia slides, and a wide-brim sunhat. You’ll look like you stepped straight off a resort catalog cover.
linen top | linen shorts | straw bag | sandals (similar)
5. Opt for Linen to Stay Easy Breezy
Linen is your best friend on a hot, sunny day. It breathes, it looks upscale even when it’s wrinkled, and it always has that “relaxed but refined” vibe. I especially love linen shirts and shorts for a boat party—you’ll look fresh, stay cool, and still feel polished.
Outfit idea: A crisp white linen shirt tucked into paper bag-waist shorts, tan leather slides, and a little gold jewelry. Easy, breezy, and totally boat-appropriate.
Skort | chambray top | sneakers | straw bag
6. Wear Comfy Shoes that Don’t Slip
There’s no need to suffer in heels—trust me, nobody wants to be tottering around on a moving boat. Stick with flats that won’t slip: espadrilles, sandals, boat shoes, or even white sneakers. Bonus tip: Avoid black soles—they can leave scuff marks on the deck, and that’s a boating no-no.
Outfit idea: White leather sneakers with cropped jeans and a striped sleeveless tank. Toss a denim jacket over your shoulders for when it gets breezy.
7. Arrive Already Wearing Your Swimsuit
If there’s a chance of swimming—or even just sunbathing—it’s smart to arrive with your swimsuit already on. It’s so much easier than squeezing into one later. Just layer a pair of drawstring shorts or a breezy cover-up over it, and don’t forget to toss a pair of panties in your tote for after you dry off.
Outfit idea: A classic black one-piece under a loose linen shirt and striped drawstring shorts. Add mirrored sunnies and slide sandals, and you’re good to go.
8. Think About Bringing a Windbreaker
Even the warmest day can turn breezy fast once you’re out on the water. I always recommend packing a lightweight windbreaker or a sporty zip-up—something you can easily roll up and stash in your tote. Bonus points if it’s colorful. It adds a sporty, fun vibe and keeps you warm without bulk.
Outfit idea: Toss a coral windbreaker over a striped tee and white Bermuda shorts. Finish with deck shoes or grip-sole sandals.
9. A Hat is a Must
The sun is strong on the water, so don’t forget a hat! Wide-brim straw hats are my favorite—not only for the protection but also for the statement they make. Just make sure it’s secure enough not to blow away with the first gust of wind. Pack one that can take a little salt and sand without falling apart.
Outfit idea: A floppy straw hat paired with a striped tee and high-rise shorts. Add round sunnies for a bit of retro glam.
10. Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen and Sunnies
Between the breeze and the reflection off the water, it’s easy to underestimate how much sun you’re getting. I prefer a tinted sunscreen for a natural glow—but opt for a waterproof formula if you’ll be swimming. And sunglasses? Yes. Just maybe not your designer pair. Boats are notorious for eating sunglasses. Polarized lenses will cut the glare and keep you from squinting in every photo.
Outfit idea: A lightweight maxi dress with mirrored sunnies, a straw crossbody, and a glow-y SPF. Easy, elegant, and low-effort chic.
11. Be Smart about Jewelry
Boats and big jewelry don’t mix. One wrong wave and your chandelier earrings are somewhere at the bottom of the bay. Stick to small, close-to-the-body pieces—like gold hoops, layered chains, or a cute cuff. It’s safer. If you love big, colorful jewelry for a tropical look, make sure it’s costume jewelry, so if you break or lose it, it’s not a big deal.
Outfit idea: A fitted tank top with linen trousers, small gold hoop earrings, and a dainty chain bracelet. You’ll feel polished but not overdressed.
12. Follow the Dress Code
The style of your outfit depends on the type of boat party you’re attending. For a casual lake day, go with a cover-up and sandals. If you’re boarding a yacht for sunset cocktails, lean into something a little more elegant, like a jumpsuit or breezy maxi dress. Just don’t overdo it—a cocktail dress might feel too formal for a relaxed cruise.
Outfit idea: A printed sundress for brunch or a sleeveless jumpsuit with espadrille wedges for evening cocktails. You’ll be stylish, comfortable, and photo-ready.
Ready to Sail?
Getting dressed for a boat party doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to breathable fabrics, secure shoes, and easy layers—and you’ll feel confident, comfortable, and chic. Whether you’re headed on a sailing excursion, a brunch cruise, or a sunset cocktail hour, these boat party outfit ideas will help you look your best from dock to deck.
Want More Summer Style Ideas?
- Ways to Wear Nautical Style This Summer
- Stylish Ideas for What to Wear on a Cruise
- How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe for Travel
Be sure to visit my LTK storefront for outfit ideas I’m loving right now. And if you’d like to chat with other fabulous women in a style-focused group, join my private Facebook group—the Fabulous After 40 Dressing Room. Are you going casual and relaxed or going for an upscale and refined look? I’d love to hear how you’re dressing for your next day on the water!
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I like your suggestion to ensure the hat we bring won’t easily blow away since it can be pretty windy out on the water in a boat. My husband and I think it would be a fun adventure to book a charter boat rental for our anniversary coming up at the start of next month. Since this will be a new experience for me, your tips about what to wear are much appreciated!
Great Tips! Thank you.
I appreciate your tips on what to wear to a boating party. I like how you said that you need clothes that have more substantial fabric. My friends are thinking of going on a boating activity sometime soon. Having suitable clothing for the occasion should like a good idea.
Awesome collections!