How Yacht Fashion Became the Eccentric Cure for Post-Pandemic Blues
In a surprising move, The Wall Street Journal stirred the pot with a whimsical article on the style of yacht-goers, triggering a wave of sarcastic comments like, "Feasting during the plague." And honestly, it does feel like a “let-them-eat-cake” moment. But behind the outrage lies a fascinating trend: a loud, vibrant, and unapologetically extravagant yacht fashion culture.
Jeff Bezos and the Rise of the Midlife Crisis Shirt
The poster child for this trend? None other than Jeff Bezos, who has singlehandedly propelled Parisian brand Casablanca into the yachtwear spotlight. Known for its silk shirts adorned with wild, eye-popping prints, Casablanca’s pieces scream "midlife crisis" when paired with fitted trousers. Yet, the brand remains a favorite of celebrities like the Kardashians and P. Diddy, turning this “yacht uniform” into a unisex fashion statement. It’s fun, breezy, and far more exciting than a plain white tee.
Shop Till You Dock: The Rise of Luxury Marina Boutiques
For those lucky enough to lounge on a yacht, dressing to impress is practically a competitive sport. Even though yacht-goers often arrive with entire wardrobes, the constant need for new looks (because "friends must be wowed") has led to the rise of high-end multi-brand boutiques located right in the marina. These shops cater to yacht enthusiasts, offering bespoke services like Zoom fittings and on-deck deliveries for those who find it "too hot to leave the boat."
A boutique buyer from Capri shares that yacht clients are notorious for their hurried shopping sprees, dashing off to glamorous lunches or dinners where new outfits are required nightly. Brands like Daniela Gregis and Mimi Liberté are particularly in demand, with their vibrant, oversized dresses that look utterly ridiculous in the city but perfectly at home on deck.
Barefoot Chic: Navigating Fashion Sans Shoes
A quirk of yacht life that heavily influences fashion? The no-shoes rule. Costume designer Andrea Flesch, who worked on Triangle of Sadness, expressed her frustration at dressing characters for scenes on yachts, where barefoot elegance is the norm. Even in shows like Succession, yachting scenes strategically avoid showing characters’ feet. The solution? For Triangle’s infamous dinner scene, the cast broke the rules and wore shoes – a rare exception in the yachting world.
No Yacht? No Problem.
Want to dress like a yacht-goer without chartering a vessel? The good news is you don’t need a yacht to rock the style. According to locals in Monaco, plenty of people fake it by snapping photos near someone else’s yacht, pretending they’re “just about to board.” As they say, fake it till you make it!