How to Dress for the Monaco Yacht Show

Where style meets sophistication on the sun-drenched shores of the Riviera.

Each September, the glamorous port of Monte Carlo transforms into a floating runway of opulence as the Monaco Yacht Show sets sail. This isn’t just an event—it’s the global stage for luxury yachting, private previews, and chic soirées attended by industry insiders, A-listers, and the effortlessly stylish elite.

If you’ve secured an invite (or plan to blend seamlessly into the ultra-luxe scene), your wardrobe needs to match the setting: refined, confident, and yacht-ready from sunrise to midnight.

Here’s your Maxine Yachtwear guide to dressing for every moment of the Monaco Yacht Show.

1. Daytime on the Docks: Breezy Elegance

The Monaco Yacht Show by day is a spectacle of sun-kissed yachts, polished teak decks, and stylish industry elites gliding from one vessel to another. While the atmosphere is relaxed, the fashion is anything but careless. Think effortless Riviera polish with a functional twist. You'll be navigating showgrounds, private invitations, and shaded cocktail lounges—so your outfit must breathe, flatter, and photograph beautifully under the sharp Mediterranean light.

What to Wear:

• Start with a structured white or ivory one-piece swimsuit, preferably from Maxine's signature collection. It doubles as a sleek bodysuit and offers instant polish with minimal effort.

• Layer with tailored high-waisted linen shorts for a clean silhouette or opt for a flowing wrap skirt that adds softness and elegance as you move along the marina.

• Add a crisp oversized cotton or linen shirt, worn open over your suit or knotted at the waist. Roll the sleeves, let it billow in the breeze—effortless styling is key.

• For footwear, choose flat espadrilles or minimalist leather slides—refined yet practical for yacht steps and cobblestone strolls.

• Complete the look with oversized sunglasses, delicate layered gold necklaces, and a structured straw tote big enough to carry sunscreen, a silk scarf, and a phone charger (you'll need it).

This is quiet luxury in motion—subtle, considered, and completely unforgettable.

2. On-Deck Aperitifs: From Swimwear to Sophistication

One of the defining charms of the Monaco Yacht Show is its spontaneity. One minute you’re touring a superyacht, the next you’re being offered a chilled glass of rosé on the upper deck as the sun begins to dip behind the hills. For these moments, your outfit needs to transition seamlessly from seaside to social—elevated yet breezy, sensual yet refined.

What to Wear:

• Begin with a Maxine bikini or one-piece in a rich, editorial tone like Espresso Bronze, Solar Amber, or Jetset Coral. These shades flatter all skin tones and look radiant in golden hour light.

• Layer a semi-sheer kaftan over your swimwear, or slip into a silk skirt or linen wrap dress that flows with every step. These fabrics catch the wind, the light, and everyone's attention.

• Swap your daytime flats for wedge espadrilles or embellished leather sandals to instantly add polish without compromising on comfort.

• Accessorize with intention: a statement cuff, bold drop earrings, and a compact clutch that adds texture—think raffia, satin, or metallic accents.

• Beauty should look fresh, not fussy—tousled beach hair, a bronzed glow, and a nude gloss or coral tint are all you need. And don’t forget the most radiant accessory of all: a confident smile.

These are the moments Yachtcore was made for—refined, radiant, and ready for champagne.

3. Evening Events & Yacht Parties: Riviera Glamour

As twilight descends over Monte Carlo and the harbor lights flicker to life, the scene shifts from nautical chic to after-dark allure. This is the time when the real show begins—private dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants, champagne-fueled yacht parties, and exclusive gatherings beneath a canopy of stars.

Your evening look should reflect the moment: polished, poised, and dripping in effortless glamour.

What to Wear:

• Reach for a silky maxi dress that skims the body with fluid elegance, or opt for a tailored jumpsuit that balances power and poise. For a more sensual silhouette, choose a bias-cut slip dress—classic, unfussy, and always striking.

• Colors like Jetset Coral and Sunbleached Lilac are made for evening light. They pop under low lighting and carry that soft, high-summer sophistication the Monaco crowd adores.

• Finish with strappy heels or heirloom-inspired metallic sandals, and accessories that shimmer subtly—think fine-gold hoops, a vintage cuff, or a statement clutch in satin or mother-of-pearl.

• The nights can cool down along the coast, so be sure to pack a cropped blazer, a light cashmere wrap, or even a silk trench to layer over your dress as the temperature dips.

Maxine Tip: This isn't the place for over-the-top glamour—less is luxury. Choose fluid fabrics, soft skin, and confident simplicity. The right look should feel as natural as the sea breeze—and just as unforgettable.

4. What to Avoid

Navigating the Monaco Yacht Show’s social calendar is just as much about knowing what not to wear as it is about curating the perfect look. This is a crowd that appreciates refined restraint—where the emphasis is on tailoring, textiles, and tone over trends.

Steer Clear Of:

• Loud logos or overt branding: This is a quiet luxury environment. Subtle design and impeccable craftsmanship win over head-to-toe monograms every time.

• Overly casual or revealing outfits: While you're surrounded by sun and sea, this is still a high-profile, high-society event. Save the string bikinis and micro minis for the beach club.

• Uncomfortable or impractical shoes: Between yacht steps, cobblestones, and cocktail mingling, form must meet function. Choose shoes that support as well as style.

Remember: the Monaco Yacht Show isn’t about standing out loudly—it’s about standing out gracefully.

Final Word

The Monaco Yacht Show is more than just a gathering of the world’s most spectacular vessels—it’s a living runway of luxury, a celebration of refinement, and a showcase of style as a form of presence. In a place where every detail matters—every accessory, every hemline, every moment—your wardrobe becomes part of the experience.

Whether you're mingling with industry titans, attending an exclusive soirée, or simply soaking in the Riviera magic, your look should embody the perfect balance of ease and elegance. It’s about quiet confidence, curated textures, and silhouettes that move with you—not against you.

At Maxine Yachtwear, we design for this exact moment. For women who don’t just wear luxury—they live it. Our pieces are crafted to complement the rhythm of your day, transition effortlessly from sun to spotlight, and leave a lasting impression wherever the tide takes you.