Style

How to Dress for a Yacht Party

You're on a boat. Look the part.

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The first and most difficult step to stunting at a yacht party is to score an invite. But once that's out of the way, you better come correct in proper nautical attire that both evokes a dude that's familiar with the high seas and with looking classy as shit on a boat.

Think Paul Newman, JFK, or DJ Khaled—their boating attire was so on fire it was lucky they were on the water. Whether it's classic sailor gear, or re-interpretations of the timeless pieces worn by men of the sea, your outfit at this summer's boat bash should blow the competition out of the water. If you want to stunt on land-dwellers, this is How to Dress for a Yacht Party.

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A double breasted blazer will make you look like you were born on a yacht

Buy It Now at Brooks Brothers, $798

The classic double breasted sport coat has been dominating country clubs and yachts since the notion of classy drinking was invented. The made in the USA navy blazer with gold buttons comes with an American flag pin, because what's more American than flaunting your patriotism while getting hammered on the water?

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Perfect for yacht parties, summer weddings, and committing large-scale drug deals in a classy manner

Buy It Now at J. Crew, $218

Another blazer option is this linen joint from J. Crew will keep you cool in the midday sun, and rocking a cream colored jacket on a giant boat is always a boss move. If class is your thing, then this is the jump-off.

This dip-dyed sweater would blow Jacque Cousteau's mind

Buy It Now at Brooklyn We Go Hard, $185

If timeless sea-faring sweaters aren't really your thing, then wear this Brooklyn We Go Hard joint to your floating party and watch old white men spit out their martinis in shock (and probably envy). The dip-dye job on this cable-knit sweater will be the standout piece of the day, and will definitely flex on conservative dressers.

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A breezy linen shirt will do the trick every time

Buy It Now at Lands' End, $39

Like Jay-Z said, "Linen shorts so my balls don't get hot." We won't meditate too long on the temps of your testies, but rocking a linen shirt is always a smart move when you're drinking heavily under the sun. Even if you're shipping off from the port of San Diego, rocking a linen shirt like this will make it look like you're setting sail from Saint Barthélemy.

When in doubt, go anchor print

Buy It Now at Tommy Hilfiger, $78

A simple white shirt is totally acceptable at a yacht party, but if you want to rock a more interesting option, then this anchor print shirt is the move. The nautical print from the modern prep brand would be perfect beneath either blazer option, and will make people think that you're an expert at this yachting shit. You might even walk away from the party with a newly acquired "Cap'n" nickname. Just don't go down with the ship.

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Wear white denim and stay away from red wine

Buy It Now at Barneys, $245

If you're attending a yacht party, then without question you have to wear white pants. Take it a step beyond the usual and rock white denim on the yacht. The Simon Miller option is made from Japanese fabric, and is the breeziest choice for seaside partying.

Navy scarves always look good on boats

Buy It Now at Asos, $33

Ask any boat captain or pirate—no seafaring look would be complete without a nautical-themed navy blue scarf. Scarves in the spring and summertime are an iffy move, but for some reason they always look dope when you're on a boat.

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Fight off the ocean breeze and pirates in this lightweight duffle coat

Buy It Now at Gloverall, $295

When the sun sets and the party's still raging on, you'll need something to throw over your shoulders. The water will get chilly quick, so make sure you have this Gloverall duffle coat at the ready. If it's good enough for the British Navy to wear while battling Nazis during WWII, it'll probably fend off the brisk breeze you'll be complaining about.

They're not called car shoes for a reason

Buy It Now at Sperry, $80

Sometimes dressing well is incredibly simple. You're on a boat, so wear boat shoes.

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A yacht party is the only time you can wear this hat and not look like a dick

Buy It Now at J Hat, $9

Partying on a boat gives you several opportunities to act and behave in ways that aren't acceptable in a normal social setting. The most obvious of these ocean-approved acts is wearing a yacht captain's hat. The classic sign of authority, wealth, and being a party animal only works while you're floating away into the sunset on a giant yacht. If you're ever caught wearing this on land, people will correctly assume you're an asshole.

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