WHAT TO WEAR TO A BOAT PARTY | TIDE UP BOAT RENTALS
👗 Style Guide
What to Wear to a Boat Party
Your complete guide to boat party outfits – from casual lake days to elegant yacht nights. Look amazing on the water!
Wondering what to wear to a boat party? Whether you’re headed to a casual day on the lake, a bachelorette cruise, or an evening yacht party, choosing the right outfit makes all the difference. This guide covers everything from swimwear to shoes, so you’ll look great and feel comfortable on the water.
The key to nailing boat party fashion is balancing style with practicality. You want to look good in photos (and trust us, there will be lots of photos), but you also need to account for sun, wind, water splashes, and potentially slippery decks. Let’s break down how to dress for a boat party for every occasion.
Boat Party Outfit Basics
Before we dive into specific occasions, here are the fundamental rules for what to wear in a boat party setting:
✓ Do Wear
- ✓ Swimsuit as your base layer
- ✓ Light, breathable fabrics
- ✓ Slip-on shoes or boat shoes
- ✓ Layers for wind and AC
- ✓ Waterproof accessories
- ✓ Sun protection (hat, sunglasses)
- ✓ Light colors to stay cool
- ✓ Quick-dry materials
✗ Avoid
- ✗ High heels (safety hazard)
- ✗ All black (too hot)
- ✗ Expensive jewelry
- ✗ Heavy denim
- ✗ Loose items that can blow away
- ✗ White swimsuits (become see-through)
- ✗ Non-waterproof electronics
- ✗ Strong perfume (nauseating on water)
What to Wear for Different Boat Party Occasions
Casual Day Boat Party
The most common type of boat party – a fun day on the lake with friends. Here’s what to wear on a party boat for casual day outings:
Casual Lake Day Outfit Guide
Relaxed, comfortable, swim-ready
👙 Women’s Outfit
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Base: Comfortable swimsuit (bikini, one-piece, or tankini)
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Cover-up: Flowy coverup dress, romper, or kimono
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Shoes: Sandals with strap or cute flip flops
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Accessories: Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, beach bag
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Layer: Denim jacket or light cardigan for the ride back
🩳 Men’s Outfit
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Base: Quick-dry swim trunks (7-9″ inseam is versatile)
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Top: Breathable t-shirt, tank top, or go shirtless
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Shoes: Boat shoes, Sperry’s, or sport sandals
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Accessories: Baseball cap or bucket hat, polarized sunglasses
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Layer: Lightweight hoodie or button-down (unbuttoned)
💡 Pro Tip
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you’re always ready to jump in. Changing on a boat is awkward, and you don’t want to miss out on a spontaneous swim stop!
What to Wear to a Yacht Party at Night
Evening yacht parties call for a more polished look. Here’s what to wear on a yacht party at night while still being boat-appropriate:
Evening Yacht Party Outfit Guide
Elevated casual, sophisticated but comfortable
👗 Women’s Outfit
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Dress: Flowy maxi dress, midi dress, or elegant jumpsuit
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Alt Option: Dressy shorts or linen pants with a nice blouse
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Shoes: Wedge sandals, espadrilles, or dressy flats (NO stilettos)
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Accessories: Statement earrings, delicate necklace, small clutch
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Layer: Light blazer, pashmina, or elegant cardigan
👔 Men’s Outfit
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Bottoms: Chinos, linen pants, or tailored shorts
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Top: Button-down shirt (linen is perfect) or nice polo
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Shoes: Loafers, boat shoes, or clean white sneakers
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Accessories: Nice watch, leather belt, sunglasses
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Layer: Lightweight blazer or linen jacket
⚠️ Important: No High Heels
Even for dressy yacht parties, avoid high heels. Boat decks can be slippery, stairs are narrow, and heels can damage the deck. Wedges with rubber soles or elegant flats are always the better choice. Most women end up barefoot anyway!
Bachelorette Boat Party Outfits
Planning a bachelorette party on a boat? Here’s how to dress the bride-to-be and her crew:
The Bride
Stand out as the star of the show!
- ✨ White swimsuit or cover-up
- ✨ “Bride” sash or captain’s hat
- ✨ White flowy dress or romper
- ✨ Statement sunglasses
- ✨ Bridal accessories (veil, tiara)
The Bridesmaids
Coordinate without being matchy-matchy!
- 💕 Matching color swimsuits (pink, coral, or blue)
- 💕 “Bride Tribe” or themed tees
- 💕 Coordinating cover-ups
- 💕 Fun matching sunglasses
- 💕 Themed accessories
Planning a Boat Party?
Now that you know what to wear, it’s time to book your boat! Tide Up offers captained party boats perfect for bachelorettes, birthdays, and celebrations.
Bachelor Party Boat Attire
Guys, keep it simple for your bachelor party boat day:
🎉 The Groom
Stand out with a “Groom” tank, captain’s hat, or custom shirt. Solid swim trunks in a standout color work great. Consider matching the crew’s color scheme but in a different style.
👥 The Crew
Matching custom tanks or tees are always a hit. Coordinate swim trunk colors for epic group photos. Bring backup shirts – someone’s getting pushed in.
📸 Photo Ready
Polarized sunglasses photograph better. Avoid logos on shirts. Bring a nice button-down for any post-boat dinner plans.
Best Colors for Boat Party Outfits
The right colors make a huge difference in photos and how you feel on the water. Here are the best colors to wear on a boat:
Photograph-Perfect Colors
Navy Blue
Crisp White
Coral
Turquoise
Yellow/Gold
Hot Pink
Mint Green
Lavender
💡 Color Tips
Nautical stripes never go out of style on boats. Avoid all-black outfits (they absorb heat). If wearing white swimsuits, opt for lined styles that won’t become see-through when wet. Bright colors pop beautifully against the blue water in photos!
Boat Party Footwear Guide
The right shoes can make or break your boat party experience. Boat decks get wet and slippery, and safety should always come first.
👟 Boat Shoes / Deck Shoes
The classic choice for a reason. Sperry’s, Sebago, and similar styles have non-marking rubber soles designed for wet decks. Stylish and functional.
👡 Wedge Sandals
For dressier occasions, wedges with rubber soles offer height safely. Espadrilles are particularly boat-friendly. Avoid thin straps that might break.
🩴 Sport Sandals
Teva-style sandals with secure straps are perfect for active boat days. They stay on during swimming and dry quickly. Not the most stylish but very practical.
🦶 Bare Feet
Many people prefer to go barefoot on boats, and that’s totally fine! Just watch for hot decks on sunny days and be careful on stairs.
What to Bring to a Boat Party
Beyond your outfit, here’s what you should pack for a day on the water:
Essential Boat Party Packing List
Hair and Makeup Tips for Boat Parties
Wind, water, and humidity can wreak havoc on your look. Here’s how to stay fresh:
💇♀️ Hairstyles
Braids, low buns, ponytails, and beach waves all work perfectly. Avoid elaborate updos that will fall apart in the wind. Bring extra hair ties!
💄 Makeup
Go minimal with waterproof mascara and tinted moisturizer with SPF. Save the full glam for the after-party. Waterproof setting spray helps if you want to do more.
💅 Nails
Get your mani-pedi before the boat day! Bright colors look amazing against the water. Gel or dip powder lasts better than regular polish around water.
Boat Party Outfit FAQs
For a casual boat party, wear your swimsuit as a base layer with a comfortable coverup, romper, or casual dress. Men can wear swim trunks with a breathable t-shirt or tank. Bring a light layer for wind and always wear shoes you can slip on and off easily – boat decks can get slippery.
Evening yacht parties call for elevated casual attire. Women can wear a chic maxi dress, jumpsuit, or dressy shorts with a blouse. Men should opt for chinos or linen pants with a button-down shirt. Stick to wedges or boat shoes – high heels are dangerous on boats. Bring a light jacket for cooler evening air.
High heels are not recommended on boats for safety reasons. Boat decks can be slippery and uneven, and heels can damage the deck surface. Instead, opt for wedge sandals with rubber soles, boat shoes, stylish flats, or espadrilles. Many women go barefoot once on board.
Classic nautical colors like navy, white, coral, and turquoise photograph beautifully against the water. Bright colors and bold patterns also work well. Avoid all-black (too hot in the sun) and be mindful that white swimsuits can become see-through when wet. Light colors help you stay cooler.
Essential boat party items include: high SPF sunscreen, quality sunglasses with a strap, a hat for sun protection, a waterproof phone case, hair ties, a small waterproof bag for valuables, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim. Also bring any personal medications and a light jacket for the ride back.
Ready to Hit the Water?
Now that you’re dressed for success, book your boat party on Lake Travis or Lake Austin. Captained boats mean you can focus on having fun!
Now that you know exactly what to wear to a boat party, it’s time to book your adventure! Whether you’re planning a casual lake day or an elegant sunset cruise, Tide Up Boat Rentals has the perfect vessel for your celebration.