Smooth Sailing: What To Wear To A Boat Party

By Charlie Colville

2 years ago

Got a boat to catch? We've got you


Summer’s finally here, lifting the anchor on another sunny party season. While some of us may be celebrating with a picnic in the park, days on the beach or drinks at the pub, others are setting sail in search of a good party – literally. Wondering what to wear to a boat party? Then look no further…

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Do Boat Parties Have A Dress Code?

While there isn’t a concrete dress code for boat parties, the general expectation (if it’s a day party) is to go for something a little more relaxed and casual. Make sure you take the weather into account – a boat party in the UK will likely be very different from one abroad – and pack on the sun cream. If the boat party you’re attending is in the evening, then the dress code may ask you to dress up a little more.

5 Ideas For Boat Party Dressing

1. Swimwear & Cover-Up

Setting sail somewhere nice and hot (with swimmable water)? Then you can’t go wrong with the classic swimsuit and cover-up combo. You can browse through our 2023 swimwear edit here or look up the best sustainable swim brands here.

2. Sundress

The next best thing to a bikini is, of course, a sundress. They’re perfect for when you don’t fancy taking a dip (or for throwing on once you’ve dried off), and can be worn before, during and well after you’ve stepped off the boat. Opt for funky patterns and colours to really channel those ‘summer abroad’ vibes.

3. Nautical Vibes

And then there’s always the more literal approach. Whether or not your boat party is fancy dress themed, you won’t look exceptionally out of place wearing sailor stripes. Pair it with white shorts, a straw hat, a navy cardigan and you’re good to go.

4. Linens

For a more casual affair, opt for linens. Not only will they keep you cool in hot weather, they also look effortlessly chic – and require very little to actually make them look good. We’re loving a linen co-ord this season, but a simple linen trouser or loose shirt on its own will also do the job.

5. Party Dress

And finally, if your boat party is a more dressy occasion, you can’t go wrong with a classic party dress. Dig out your summer glad rags (or borrow something snazzy from one of these rental platforms) and dance the night away – or gently sway, if seasickness is not your thing.

What To Wear To A Boat Party

REISS

Etta Embroidered Cotton-Blend Kaftan, £110

selfridges.com

Woman in white swimsuit and blue cover-up

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Mara Hoffman

Lolita Dress (Size UK 10), rent from £46.40

hurrcollective.com

Woman in colourful print dress

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Fanfare The Label

Beige Linen Lounge Co-Ord Short Set, £175

fanfarelabel.com

Woman in cream co-ord set

Dune London

WF Linnie, £75

fenwick.co.uk

Brown sandals

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Really Wild

Liberty Print Linen Shirt Dress, £395

reallywildclothing.com

Woman in floral dress

The Jacksons

Good Vibes Large, £85

fenwick.co.uk

Green woven bag

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United Colors of Benetton

Pull On Wide Leg Linen Trousers, £79.95

fenwick.co.uk

Woman in white trousers and yellow top

Fairfax & Favor

The Monaco Espadrille Wedge, £155

fairfaxandfavor.com

Blue and white stripe heel wedges

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EVARAE

Beyond One Piece, £275

evarae.com

Purple one-shoulder swimsuit

GANNI

Striped Maxi Dress (Size UK 10), rent from £33.76

hurrcollective.com

Blue and white striped maxi dress

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Stelar

Berawa Phone Pouch, £145

thisisstelar.com

Orange phone pouch

Farm Rio

Magic Forest Maxi Dress (Size UK 12), rent from £34.44

hurrcollective.com

Woman in pink sundress

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Featured image: Luke Bender, Unsplash