What to Wear on a Boat: 5 Cute Outfit Essentials

With the warm spring and summer months right around the corner, many of us are already looking forward to our next day out on the water.

But in the excitement of planning, it’s easy to forget one critical thing, at least until the day of: what should you actually wear? Channeling the classic nautical style isn’t always hard, but when you’re divided between style and practicality, the options for what to wear on a boat can get harder to narrow down.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered! From a fishing trip to a happy hour boat ride and beyond, here are the five outfit essentials to keep you looking casual but classy on your adventure.

1. Flowy Attire

Being out on a boat lets you catch a nice, constant breeze—and there’s something elegant about wearing fabrics that flow behind you in the wind!

Luckily, there are plenty of options for the perfect flowy boating outfit, regardless of your style. From long maxi skirts to skater dresses and from airy tunics to wide, summery pants, flowy clothes add a fun touch of drama to your overall look.

2. A Straw Hat

Whether you’re headed out on a booze cruise or fishing with a friend, sun damage is no joke! You may imagine the warmth and brilliance of the sunlight hitting the waves, but it may not be as fun if you want to sit out on the deck for several hours.

That’s where a trusty straw hat comes in! Whether you’re toting a raffia fedora or a classic straw boater hat, this accessory does double duty: it protects you from the sun’s glare and adds effortless style to your outfit!

3. Maxi Sunglasses

When it comes to what to wear fishing on a boat and beyond, this isn’t always something we consider, especially if you’re already bringing a hat. But five minutes of the sun reflecting off the water around you, and you may regret it!

Maxi sunglasses are a huge trend right now, and they’re also great for covering the full width of each eye to offer maximum protection from the glare of sunlight.

4. Nautical-Inspired Layers

You’d be surprised how chilly a boat can get as the evening approaches, especially with a biting wind. Your fun, summery look may not cut it in the later hours of your trip, which is why smart layers are a must-have.

Sweaters with nautical stripes of navy and white can add a classic look to your outfit. For colder evenings, oversized jackets—another popular yet practical trend—are a great way to hint at a worker-wear look while keeping you nice and warm.

5. A Slouchy Bag

Casual yet fun is the name of the game on most sailing trips, which is why a cute, slouchy beach bag is a must when you’re wondering what to bring on a boat. To keep your essentials safe from the wind and water, try a practical oversized bag or drawstring backpack! As an added bonus, this bag can house all your extra layers, your swimsuit, and any other clothes for boating when you’re not using them.

Know What to Wear on a Boat

When it comes to the perfect boat clothes, it helps to know before you go! These tips on what to wear on a boat can keep you looking stylish while preparing you for the sun, wind, and waves, plus anything else the day throws at you. Try these tips, and have fun on your boat adventure!

For more of the lifestyle and fashion guides you need, be sure to check out our other posts.