As the summer sun blazes and the days stretch long, it’s prime time to embark on a sailing adventure. Whether you’re planning a short jaunt to a local beach or a grand tour across Lake Como in the Mediterranean, your attire can make or break your experience. The key to a comfortable yet stylish voyage lies in choosing outfits that blend functionality with fashion.
Unlike airlines; cruises, yachts, and boats offer you more flexibility with your luggage. This means you can pack a variety of your favorite ensembles. However, dressing for the open water requires a bit more thought. The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden gusts of wind or unexpected rain showers. So, while a crop top and jeans might seem fun, they can leave you cold and wet if the weather turns.
Sure, swimwear is a given, but beyond that, how do you strike the perfect balance between practical and chic? Luckily, we’ve got you covered. At YouDoYourWay, we did the research to bring you a guide on boat day dressing. From stylish outfits to essential accessories, these suggestions will help you look and feel your best on the water. Whether you’re joining friends for a weekend at the beach or setting sail on a shorter trip at local beach or to longer at Lake Como in Mediterranean one.
But the golden rule for setting sail even during summers is to have a spare set of extra clothes. Opt for lighter, breathable materials that can handle both the heat and the breezes.
Hence, wrapping up the intro, now that you are highly ambitious about taking a cruise, I and with help of other fashion editors at YDYW, we created a collection of 33 chic boat cruise outfit ideas so that you can make an informed decision about what to wear when going on a voyage.
Outfit #1
Outfit: Black and white gingham bikini top + Yellow and white striped shorts + Straw hat with yellow ribbon + Black sandals
The Notes: Planning a boat or cruise vacation is the perfect excuse to mix and match patterns by opting for a bold bikini top and shorts combo. Whether you’re aiming for a playful look or just want to stay comfortable, consider this your moment to stand out (just be sure to keep the rest of the look simple so you don’t overdo it).
Outfit #2
Outfit: White ruffle crop top + White tiered maxi skirt + Black sunglasses
The Notes: When in doubt, a white tiered maxi skirt will work for a warm day. If you want to make this more “simple” piece shine, add statement accessories such as black sunglasses and a stylish top.
Outfit #3
Outfit: Orange mini dress with spaghetti straps + Orange pointed-toe heels
The Notes: Not all evenings at sea require casual wear. If you’re lucky enough to get invited to a dinner party on a boat, it’s the perfect opportunity to wear something a bit more elegant (like the ‘fit above). A simple mini dress paired with striking heels will not only transition you from day to night but also make you feel like a star.
Outfit #4
Outfit: Light blue mini dress style suit + Straw hat + Pink quilted crossbody bag + White slide sandals
The Notes: If the idea of wearing black on a balmy summer day isn’t appealing, swap it for a light blue mini dress. This type of dress is great because it can be styled for a more casual outing or dressed up with accessories like a straw hat and a quilted crossbody bag.
Outfit #5
Outfit: White crochet cover-up set (crop top and skirt) over a beige bikini
The Notes: What’s another way you can style your trusted cover-up set this summer? Take inspiration from the look above. You can make this staple feel a bit more sophisticated by pairing it with a beige bikini underneath and adding some simple accessories.
Outfit #6
Outfit: White knit crop top + White knit pants + Straw tote bag + Round sunglasses
The Notes: Whether you’re cruising around the beautiful Amalfi Coast or the serene waters of Santorini, you’ll want to choose an outfit that’s both comfortable and stylish. May I suggest my ensemble for inspiration? I can assure you this simple outfit formula will ensure you’re the most fashionable person at sea for the day.
Outfit #7
Outfit: White spaghetti maxi dress + Black sunglasses + Black handbag
The Notes: One of the most sophistication outfit I got to list here.
Outfit #8
Outfit: Black and white one-piece swimsuit + White wide-brim hat + Straw bag with black detailing
The Notes: Just because swimwear isn’t always seen as a complete outfit doesn’t mean it can’t be trend-forward; case in point: the look above. The simplest way to make this ensemble feel fresh is by opting for fashion-forward pieces (like a black and white one-piece swimsuit) and pairing them with accessories like a wide-brim hat and a straw bag with black detailing for the perfect summer outfit on a cruise or yacht vacation.
Outfit #9
Outfit: Light blue bikini top + White mesh pants + Beige woven tote bag + Brown sunglasses
The Notes: While dressing up for a day at sea is fun, practicality is key. If the dress code is casual, you might want to go with an outfit like this. Combining a light blue bikini top with white mesh pants will keep you comfy and effortlessly stylish throughout the day.
Outfit #10
Outfit: Black halter-neck top with white flower detail + White lace maxi skirt
The Notes: Black and white outfits are a staple among the fashion set—and for a good reason! This beloved combination acts as a blank canvas; the styling possibilities are endless, and you can’t go wrong. But should you need somewhere to start, pairing a black halter-neck top with white flower detail and a white lace maxi skirt is a surefire way to look stylish this summer.
Outfit #11
Outfit: Black mini dress with spaghetti straps + Black sunglasses
The Notes: I’ll admit that most mini dresses already err on the luxe side, but when it looks like the outfit above, it screams elegance.
Outfit #12
Outfit: White bikini top with flower detail + White bikini bottom with a sheer sarong + White hair ribbon + Black sunglasses
The Notes: Another simple way to look stylish while spending the day on a boat is to embrace a bolder outfit, like the one above. If you’re going to be by the sea, you might as well wear one or two standout pieces that will make you shine (e.g., a detailed bikini with a sheer sarong).
Outfit #13
Outfit: Orange oversized shirt + White shorts + Straw bucket hat + Black sunglasses
The Notes: This color may often seem bold, but that’s just because you haven’t found a fun way to wear it. I implore anyone hesitant about this hue to test-drive the look above. Try pairing an orange oversized shirt with white shorts, a straw bucket hat, and black sunglasses and see if you feel the same way. (I bet you won’t.)
Outfit #14
Outfit: White sports bra + White high-waisted leggings + Brown oversized jacket + White sneakers + Black sunglasses
The Notes: Are you ready to embrace this hue to the max? Then opting for an all-white ensemble with a touch of contrast is the way to go.
Outfit #15
Outfit: White sleeveless shirt dress + Beige crossbody bag
The Notes: Besides opting for vibrant prints or colors, the next best way to create an outfit that will rock the boat (in a good way) is by paying extra attention to your accessories. Even the simplest white shirt dress can feel bolder with the addition of a stylish crossbody bag.
Outfit #16
Outfit: White spaghetti strap top + White shorts + Brown belt + Brown sandals + Black sunglasses
The Notes: Consider this your public service announcement that there’s possibly no better way to dip your toe into embracing an all-white ensemble this summer than wearing it for a cruise or yacht vacation. You may not be at a beach in the Riviera, but if you wear a head-to-toe white look with a brown belt and sandals, you’ll look like you came fresh off the boat.
Outfit #17
Outfit: White crop top + White high-waisted pants + White blazer + Black sunglasses
The Notes: For those late summer days when temperatures finally begin to drop, you don’t have to ditch this hue immediately. You can transition this tint into the fall by opting for pieces that lend themselves well to transitional outfits (e.g., a white crop top, high-waisted pants, and a blazer that can be worn on cooler evenings). Forget the rules regarding this color and have fun with it.
Outfit #18
Outfit: Gray spaghetti strap top over black bikini top + Gray wide-leg pants + Black and white sneakers
The Notes: If wearing a hat feels a bit too simple, another way you can spice up your outfit for a day by the sea is with stylish accessories. Specifically, you’ll want to add statement jewelry and eye-catching sneakers to give your look a little extra flair.
Outfit #19
Outfit: White wrap crop top + Light blue high-waisted jeans + Beige woven tote bag
The Notes: Reminder: You don’t have to wear head-to-toe white to get the full benefits of wearing this color. Style a white wrap crop top with your go-to pair of light blue high-waisted jeans and a beige woven tote bag. Do this, and you’ll channel that effortlessly stylish aesthetic that everyone loves.
Outfit #20
Outfit: White halter bikini top + White and gray plaid shorts + White flip flops
The Notes: I must admit that anything beachwear-related never falls within my definition of “polished,” but the outfit above scores points with me in a way I never thought possible. Who would have thought a simple white halter bikini top with matching plaid shorts and flip flops could look stylish?
Outfit #21
Outfit: Black and white swirly print crop top with long sleeves + Matching mini skirt + White sunglasses
The Notes: The most important thing to consider when planning a day on a cruise or yacht is what type of coverup you’re going to wear. If you know you don’t want to wear a full maxi dress but still want more coverage than a sarong, consider wearing a shirtdress or oversized button-down shirt. It’s a simple swap for sure, but it always looks so much more stylish than a sarong.
Outfit #22
Outfit: Yellow midi dress with spaghetti straps + Red sandals
The Notes: While midi dresses are seasonless, there’s something to be said about styling this item in a more summer-forward way. Nothing will make you fall in love with this type of dress faster than pairing it with vacation staples such as red sandals, a sun hat, and even a light cover-up.
Outfit #23
Outfit: Beige short-sleeve button-up shirt + Beige mini skirt + Black sunglasses
The Notes: Another way to transition this outfit into the summer cruise or yacht vacation is to style it with seasonal items. Pairing a beige short-sleeve button-up shirt with matching shorts and black sunglasses will make it perfect for enjoying the sun and sea breeze.
Outfit #24
Outfit: White crochet maxi dress with floral details + Blue bikini top + Blue and white hair scarf + Black sunglasses
The Notes: A crochet maxi dress. It’s the perfect way to show off your favorite bikini top while still giving off a bougie vibe.
Outfit #25
Outfit: Pink jumpsuit with short sleeves + White cap + Black sunglasses
The Notes: It’s the kind of timeless combination you could easily overlook, but you’ll never be let down by a bright jumpsuit and matching accessories. Make like a trendsetter and opt for an uplifting palette.
Outfit #26
Outfit: Black hoodie + White shorts + Black sunglasses
The Notes: Where better to start than with staples we stand by all year round? Through summer, many of our outfits will inevitably revolve around comfortable and versatile pieces, so this black hoodie and white shorts pairing is not only easy but perfect for a relaxed vacation vibe. Add sneakers for a laid-back feel, or opt for sandals for a breezy cruise look.
Outfit #27
Outfit: Black bikini top + White crochet wide-leg pants + Black sunglasses
The Notes: If you want a bit more coverage when it comes to your boat outfit, consider opting for a matching set. Whether you opt for a plissé or linen set, a matching button-down and trouser combo will always make you feel comfortable and ensure you look stylish.
Outfit #28
Outfit: White knit long-sleeve crop top + White high-waisted skirt + Straw tote bag + Black sunglasses
The Notes: White knit tops have made a forceful return in recent months. Because we can’t always rely on the weather during a cruise or yacht vacation, this look will be perfect for those breezier days. The high-waisted skirt in a matching hue adds to the overall impact of the entire ‘fit.
Outfit #29
Outfit: Pink tie-dye bikini top + Pink tie-dye trouser + White sunglasses
The Notes: Pink is the color of the season after all.
Outfit #30
Outfit: White crochet long-sleeve cover-up dress + Black sunglasses
The Notes: There are plenty of easy summer looks that start with a simple cover-up dress. Right now, combine it with on-trend black sunglasses for a relaxed and stylish vibe perfect for a cruise or yacht vacation.
Outfit #31
Outfit: Purple and pink striped tank top + White high-waisted shorts + White sandals + Pink sunglasses
The Notes: The humble striped tank top features in all great wardrobes. From grounding casual shorts to adding a pop of color to your vacation look, there are plenty of summer styling options with this top.
Outfit #32
Outfit: Dark brown puff-sleeve crop top + Dark purple maxi skirt + Gold hoop earrings + Beige handbag
The Notes: For me, summer vacation is all about ease. I love a relaxed silhouette or the simplicity of getting dressed in an easy-to-throw-on outfit. A dark purple crop top and maxi skirt combo is the best of both. Plus, you can swap out sandals for heels depending on the occasion.
Outfit #33
Outfit: Pink strapless crop top + Pink ruched mini skirt + White sandals + Silver crossbody bag
The Notes: Hopefully, by now, you have a good grasp on what to wear for a boat trip of any kind. But it’s worth starting with the obvious and that exactly what above outfit is.
