Heading to a yacht club for lunch can be an exciting experience, offering you the chance to relax and dine in an exquisite setting.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular attendee, choosing the proper attire is essential to ensure you fit in and feel comfortable.
This article will explore some of the best apparel choices to keep you looking stylish and appropriate for lunch at a yacht club.
Yacht clubs often uphold a certain level of elegance, but there’s no need to feel intimidated when selecting your outfit.
The key is to find a balance between being well-dressed and enjoying the casual ambiance. So here we go; below, you’ll find everything you need to know on what to wear at a yacht club for lunch.
Yacht Club Dress Codes
Understanding Dress Codes
When attending a lunch at a yacht club, it’s essential to understand the dress code beforehand. Yacht clubs typically have varying dress requirements depending on the event and time of day.
For a lunch event, you’ll most likely encounter a more casual dress code. It’s best to familiarize yourself with the club’s specific guidelines and adhere to them.
Common Yacht Club Dress Codes
At most yacht clubs, there are a few general rules to follow when dressing for lunch:
Men:
- Shirts: Opt for collared shirts like a classic polo or button-down. Avoid wearing tank tops or T-shirts.
- Bottoms: Choose comfortable and well-tailored pants, such as chinos or slacks. Shorts may be acceptable, but ensure they are a reasonable length and not too casual or distressed.
- Footwear: Wear closed-toe shoes like loafers or boat shoes. Don’t wear flip-flops. Yacht clubs don’t allow it.
Women:
- Tops: Select a blouse or a nice polished yet comfortable top. Avoid wearing strapless, revealing, or overly casual tops.
- Bottoms: Choose tailored pants, skirts, or dresses that are appropriate in length and style. Shorts are generally discouraged, although some yacht clubs may permit them if they are dressy and tailored.
- Footwear: Opt for comfortable and stylish footwear like flats, wedges, or sandals. The same as men, don’t wear flip-flops.
Lunch Clothing Options for Men
Formal Attire
When attending a yacht club for lunch and dressing in formal attire, opt for a classic combination of a crisp collared shirt, slacks, or chinos.
Ties are typically not necessary, but if you want to elevate your look, feel free to include one.
Light colors like white or pale blues are perfect for a summery vibe. Finish your outfit with comfortable loafers or boating shoes for a polished appearance.
Casual Attire
If you prefer a more casual approach, your options expand to include versatile pieces like polo shirts, t-shirts, or even tank tops, as long as they’re not too skimpy. Pair your top with boat shorts or loose pants to ensure comfort and a laid-back aesthetic.
Footwear-wise, swap the loafers for a pair of sandals or boat shoes that are easy to slip on and off at the dock.
When dressing for a yacht club lunch, keep it simple and remember that your comfort is key.
Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen, to ensure you remain cool and stylish while enjoying the sea breeze.
Lunch Clothing Options for Women
Dresses and Skirts
When choosing a dress or skirt for lunch at a yacht club, opt for lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton. Go for knee-length or midi dresses in soft, flowy fabrics that provide comfort and style. A linen dress is a classic option. If you’re leaning more toward skirts, choose one that matches the dress code of the yacht club while still making you feel fashionable and comfortable.
Blouses and Pants
Lunch at a yacht club gives you the opportunity to experiment with different styles of blouses. Cotton and linen are the perfect materials for a summer blouse, providing a casual yet sophisticated look.
Pair your blouse with pants that are comfortable for the yacht setting, like tailored linen pants. Avoid overly tight or restrictive clothing. If you prefer jeans, opt for a dark wash to maintain a polished appearance.
Footwear Suggestions
Men’s Footwear
When it comes to men’s footwear at a yacht club for lunch, you’ll want to focus on practicality and style.
It’s important to wear non-slip and non-marking outsole shoes to avoid slipping or marking the deck in case you get on board a boat.
Boat shoes are a popular and comfortable choice, offering a fashionable look while being yacht-appropriate.
If you prefer sandals, opt for sturdy ones that provide support and grip. Just remember, some boat owners may require you to leave your shoes on the dock before getting on board a yacht.
So you might want to have an alternative footwear option handy. Lastly, look for shoes with white outsoles, as they don’t mark the deck, keeping the yacht clean and pristine.
Women’s Footwear
For women, the same basic principles apply. Make sure you choose shoes with a non-slip and non-marking outsole to avoid any accidents. Boat shoes and sturdy sandals are both fantastic options for combining style and practicality.
If your lunch takes place on a boat, don’t wear high heels, as they can be dangerous and may damage the deck. As mentioned above, you might be asked to leave your shoes on the dock, so having a backup pair is a good idea.
As with men’s footwear, opting for white outsoles ensures you won’t leave any marks on the boat, allowing you to focus on enjoying your lunch at the yacht club.
Accessorizing Your Outfit
Jewelry
When choosing jewelry for a yacht club lunch, aim for elegant but understated pieces. Stick to delicate necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, avoiding anything too flashy or clunky. For example, a simple gold or silver pendant can add the right touch of class without being over the top. Remember, you’re attending a lunch event, so keep your choices on the more casual side.
Hats and Sunglasses
Something that most yacht clubs forbid is wearing a hat inside the building.
This rule applies to both men and women. So if you plan to have lunch at the yacht club’s restaurant, you can’t wear a hat unless you sit on the yacht deck or on a balcony.
However, suppose you are allowed to wear one outside; opt for hats with wide brims or classic Panama hats to shield your face from the sun’s rays.
Sunglasses are another essential for a daytime event like a yacht club lunch. Look for pairs that offer full UV protection and complement your outfit. Classic shapes like aviators or wayfarers are versatile and timeless choices.
Just make sure your sunglasses don’t clash with your hat, and you’ll be well on your way to a perfectly accessorized outfit for a yacht club lunch.
Considering the Weather
When planning your outfit for a yacht club lunch, it’s important to consider the weather. In warmer temperatures, opt for light, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton.
A short-sleeved polo shirt or a blouse is an excellent choice for staying cool and comfortable. Women can also wear light sundresses or shorts with a tank top that isn’t too revealing.
In cooler or unpredictable weather, layering is key. Start with a collared shirt or a light blouse, and add a sweater or light jacket if needed.
Don’t forget to bring an umbrella or a water-resistant coat if there’s a chance of rain, and always have a pair of sunglasses on hand for those unexpectedly sunny moments.
When choosing your footwear, remember that you may be walking on wet surfaces or spending time outside. Avoid flip-flops and opt for non-slipping boating shoes, like Sperry, that offer both style and functionality. These shoes come in numerous styles, making it easy to find the perfect match for your outfit.
What to Avoid Wearing
When heading to a yacht club for lunch, there are a few fashion faux pas you should be mindful of. Remember, yacht clubs have a certain level of sophistication, and dressing appropriately is crucial.
First and foremost, avoid wearing any torn, stained, or worn clothing. Clothes with rips, holes, missing buttons, and stubborn stains are not suitable for the yacht club setting. Your outfit should be clean, well-maintained, and presentable.
As tempting as it may be to flaunt your summer style, steer clear of revealing clothing. Avoid items like denim shorts, tank tops, mini skirts, and cut-off shirts. Instead, opt for more modest attire that allows you to stay cool and look chic.
While you may love your comfortable flip-flops or sneakers, it’s not allowed to wear them to a yacht club lunch. These casual footwear options can come across as too casual and out of place. Instead, choose shoes that are stylish and comfortable but more refined.
Additionally, leave your baseball caps and other hats at home. Most yacht clubs prefer that men remove their caps when inside the venue, so it’s best to stick to this etiquette and keep the caps for actual sailing excursions.
Lastly, avoid dressing too casually with clothing like wrinkled or sloppy attire. Yacht club lunches often have a semi-formal or smart casual dress code, so make sure your outfit is polished and well-balanced between casual and formal elements.
Questions People Forten Ask
Q: What is the typical dress code for a yacht club lunch?
Yacht clubs often have a more relaxed dress code during lunchtime. Stylish casual wear, including clean, neat jeans and shorts, is usually acceptable. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the specific yacht club for their dress code guidelines.
Q: How formal should my attire be for a yacht club lunch?
Although the attire for a yacht club lunch is less formal than dinner, you should still aim to look polished and presentable. Opt for refined and comfortable clothing, such as dressy shorts, skirts, or pants paired with an elegant top. You may also want to consider wearing a light blazer to elevate your look.
Q: Are there any specific clothing items to avoid at a yacht club?
When attending a yacht club event, it is best to avoid overly casual clothing items, such as flip-flops, athletic wear, or torn clothing. It’s also recommended to leave the denim at home when attending a yacht club dinner, as mentioned in The Sailor‘s Style Guide: How to Dress at a Yacht Club. Different areas of the club may have specific dress rules, so it’s always good to inquire ahead of time.
Q: How does a daytime yacht club event differ in dress code?
Daytime events at yacht clubs tend to have a more relaxed dress code compared to evening events. For day events, it is appropriate to wear casual yet polished clothing like shorts, skirts, and light dresses. However, as the sun sets and nighttime events begin, expect the dress code to become more formal, often requiring sports coats or cocktail attire.
Q: Do yacht clubs have a specific dress code to follow when dining?
Yacht clubs usually have a more formal dress code for dining, especially during dinner. In most cases, sports coats are expected, and denim should be avoided. For ladies, sophisticated dresses or skirts with elegant tops are appropriate. Check with the yacht club you are attending to ensure you follow their specific rules and guidelines for dining attire.
Final Words!
Now that you have an idea of the appropriate attire, you’re set to enjoy a delightful lunch at the yacht club. Dress to impress, adhere to the dress code, and don’t forget to indulge in the delicious food and beautiful views the club has to offer.
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Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
Loved your article. It’s very well put together and will be really helpful to someone who will be attending a lunch as a guest at a yacht club. Even though many clubs have relaxed their dress code, it’s so much nicer to dress well for lunch at such a nice venue. Your article will make sure that a new visitor to the yacht club doesn’t make an error and inadvertently break the dress code.
Hi Ruth,
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad to hear that you found my article helpful and informative. I completely agree that dressing well for lunch at a yacht club is a great way to show respect for the venue and the occasion. While some clubs have relaxed their dress codes, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and dress appropriately. I’m happy to hear that my article will help new visitors avoid any potential dress code mishaps. Thank you again for your feedback, and I wish you all the best in your future yacht club visits!
What a beautiful website! This “how-to” type post was very informative about how to dress if you are having lunch at a yacht club. There are many practical suggestions that will make a first time visitor feel comfortable.This article provides all one needs to know about proper dress etiquette for yacht clubs in general. Yacht clubs promote boating and cruising, and provide social meeting place for the boating community. Do you have to own a boat or sea vessel to join a yacht club? Do yacht clubs screen potential members financial standing or backgrounds before they are accepted? Do potential members have to be sponsored by a member of the yacht club to join? All I need now is to be invited to lunch at our local yacht club. I know just what to wear. Thanks.
Hi Delois,
Thank you for your comment! I am glad to hear that you found my website beautiful and informative, particularly the “how-to” post on dressing for lunch at a yacht club. I strive to provide practical suggestions that will make first-time visitors feel comfortable and confident in any setting. As for your questions about yacht clubs, boat owners are not always required to join, and some clubs do screen potential members based on financial standing or background. Additionally, some clubs may require sponsorship from a current member in order to join. I hope that this information is helpful, and I wish you the best of luck in being invited to lunch at your local yacht club!