6 Outfits to Wear for Boat Adventures This Summer

All aboard!

Summer is so close we can practically taste the salt water and caprese. This year, we’re gearing up to embrace the European summer lifestyle and spend as many days out on the boat as possible, sipping chardonnay and catching some sun.

Wherever your adventures take you, be sure to have a cute outfit on deck. In a time when there are so many aesthetics to choose from – Yacht Girl, Garden Girl, Polo Club vibes—the options are limitless, making picking your outfit that much harder. Not to mention, practicality comes into play when sailing on the ocean blue. The summer heat sun calls for cover-ups like caftans and slippery deck floors that need practical yet chic summer sandals and shoes. Do I need to go on?

“Whether you’re on the French Riviera or Nantucket, there are a couple of key wardrobe pieces that are boat essentials,” says stylist and creative director Lex Alexandris. “A crisp white button-down is my go-to. I love having it be a little oversized, which pairs beautifully open over a bathing suit and equally so with a sarong or relaxed pants. And leave the wedges at home—barefoot on a boat is the ultimate cool girl move.” Indeed, adding touches of nautical whimsy is not only welcome for sailing or strolling seaside, but it also offers countless styling options that are equally cute as they are practical.

Above all else, embracing personal style is key, so we spoke with expert stylists to break down some warm-weather fits for all your boating needs. Read on for inspiration!

Love Affair With Stripes

There’s just something so nautical about stripes. Boats and a striped tee are a fabulous fashion combo that has withstood the sartorial tests of time. Stripes of any sort—whether you’re rocking a Jean Paul Gaultier-inspired tee or a knitwear sweater for nighttime sailing—give an effortless but polished look for a day spent at sea. The classic pairing is the iconic black and white duo, but try stepping outside the box with a pop of color or pair with bold, chunky jewelry to give a bit of modern edge to your fit.

Free & Flowing Button Down

You might have seen this style before, and that’s for good reason—it's effortlessly elegant and cool, and an oversized button-down is as elegant as it is practical. Whether you opt for a single color or want to add a bit of flair with a fun pattern, button-downs have become synonymous with a sleek boating aesthetic. All you need to do is throw it on over your bathing suit of choice or even pair it with an on-trend pair of jeans for an elevated style.

Bermudas are Best

Is there anything that gives model-off-duty more than Bermuda shorts? The ultimate it-girl style, these baggy shorts add an element of edge and laissez-faire that just can’t be replicated. Take it from Irina Shayk, who pairs her white and blue Bermudas with a lace bralette, oversized button-down, and chunky black sandals—truly the definition of summer style goals.

Try for Knitwear

Knitwear may not be your first thought when shopping for warm-weather pieces, but trust us, it makes for the chicest pairing with nautical backgrounds. Whether you’re looking for a bathing suit cover-up, a short and flirtatious dress, or a chunky sweater for staying warm when the sun sets, knitwear is just as versatile in the summer as it is in winter. Style up with a slicked-back bun and on-trend sunnies, and you’re good to go!

Linen Pants

Looking for something light and flowy? Linen pants are a classic summer pairing with bathing suits, tube tops, and fitted tanks for a balanced silhouette. Best yet, linen is super fast to dry, so you can jump in and out of the ocean without worry.

All About Hats

Arguably one of the most necessary yet underrated accessories, hats can make the outfit when styling for summer fun. Pair the classic sun hat with a flowy dress, or try something out of your comfort zone with a boater or bucket hat and coordinated set.

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