There are few summer invitations more exciting, or more likely to send you into a wardrobe spiral, than a boat party. The good news is you probably already own most of what you need. It’s also one of the few occasions on the social calendar where more is more. Sunglasses too big? Never. Hat too wide? The wider the better.
With a few simple tweaks your summer clothes can handle the season’s boatload of invitations in style. From work cruises to birthday charters, we’ve got your boat party outfits covered. These are our favourite looks curated for sun, salt spray, strong winds, and a floor with a little sway.
What should you wear to a boat party?
Your look depends on whether the group you’re going with plan to chill and soak up the sun or whether it’s more of a day party. For a daytime boat where you plan to swim, a printed sarong or a great pair of shorts, an oversized linen shirt, and sandals you can actually walk in. SPF and a great pair of sunglasses go without saying. Your swimwear is the main character the moment the anchor drops, so start there and build around it.
We’re loving texture this season. Try Bond-Eye's signature crinkle for an easy touch of retro glamour. If you’re diving in, make it a Seafolly one-piece. More support, less adjusting.
You can’t go wrong with a chocolate-brown one-piece and a printed sarong worn low on the hips. Or try a scoop-neck bikini with loose drawstring shorts and an oversized striped shirt worn open. For a brighter take, trade the brown for summer’s turquoise. For more of a party boat situation, a cute bikini worn with a sheer dress on top or a crochet dress is the perfect match.
Which dresses work best for a boat party?
The perfect boat-party dress moves with you. Think a breezy linen dresses, a sleek column midi, or a crochet cover-up you can toss over your bikini. It's cool enough for the sun, and it won't take off the second the wind picks up.
Avoid anything too fussy or floaty unless you’re prepared to spend the arvo wrestling your outfit. A simple tie waist can be a gamechanger.
For colour, try butter yellow, summer’s new neutral. Keeping it swim-first? Pull a crochet dress over a bright bikini for some free-spirited 70s nostalgia.
Good news for the monochrome girls: the little white dress is back, and it's had a glow-up. Grab a crisp mini from Shona Joy and offset all that white with a sculptural raffia bag.
Not a dress person? A boxy linen shirt with matching shorts is the answer. It feels polished without trying too hard and means you can actually move.
What shoes should you wear on a boat?
Heels and wet decks are a bad combo, so keep things flat. Your shoes will probably spend half the day in a pile by the gangway, make sure they’re easy to slip off, but sleek enough to wear to dinner once you’re back on shore.
The humble thong is having its moment and gives a linen dress an easy, relaxed feel, while a wider slide works well with an oversized shirt and shorts. Billini has plenty of both, from pared-back sandals to pairs you’ll wear well beyond the boat.
For a sunset cruise, a flat from Alias Mae with a flash of metallic hardware adds enough polish for dinner without sending you skidding across the deck. Check the grip, leave the wedges on shore.
What accessories do you need for a boat party?
Start with the practicals: a hat that can handle a breeze, sunglasses, SPF and a roomy beach bag for a towel and the extra layer you’ll want later.
Let the hat do the heavy lifting. A woven hat from Lack of Color adds some fun, keeps the sun off and, with a chin cord, won’t disappear the moment the wind picks up. Add classic tortoiseshell frames or lean into the ’90s with a slim oval pair from Le Specs.
For the bag, choose something generous enough to be genuinely useful. A silk scarf tied around the handles of a roomy raffia beach bag is an easy way to add a timeless Euro finish and can double worn as a headscarf once your hair gets wet. Don’t forget your SPF and summer skincare essentials. Explore our beauty and skincare range before you head out.
What should you wear to a boat party at night?
A black midi dress is a strong starting point, but style it with chunky gold earrings or a sculptural gold choker for the perfect yacht party outfit. After dark, leave the obvious resort dressing behind.
If black feels too expected, opt for high shine textures and shimmer to catch the golden hour light or try a bias-cut midi in dusty blue, chocolate brown or deep red. Want more drama? Go for a Camilla silk in a scarf print, and let it do the talking. Matching sets are perfect for evening boat parties. (could link to sets) Don’t forget to pack the cardigan before you leave; the temperature always drops faster than expected once the sun goes down.
Ready to board?
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