What to Wear to an ABBA Boat Party

The honest answer first: there is no dress code on the Disco Wonderland ABBA Boat Party. Plenty of people go full seventies, plenty turn up in jeans, and nobody is judged either way. But there are three things about a boat that change how you should dress: the deck moves, the river is breezier than the street, and you will be standing and dancing for the whole sailing.

So here’s how to look good and still be comfortable at the end of it.

The disco brief, if you want to lean in

You don’t need a costume shop. Three or four details read instantly as seventies disco:

• Something that catches light. Sequins, lamé, metallic, satin, glitter. On a day sailing the sun does the work; in the evening the disco ball does.
• Flares or a wide leg. The single most effective silhouette cue, and genuinely comfortable to dance in.
• A print with confidence. Bold florals, big collars, halternecks, jumpsuits.
• Accessories over outfits. Round sunglasses, a headband, gold hoops, a feather boa, a bit of face glitter. Cheap, packable, and photographs brilliantly.
• Colour. Gold, white, orange, teal. Save the all-black nightclub look for a nightclub.

Groups often pick one shared element (all gold, all flares, all white) rather than matching outfits. It looks better in photos and nobody has to buy something they hate.

Footwear: the one thing worth taking seriously

A boat deck moves, and you’ll be on your feet for hours. We genuinely recommend comfortable shoes over your best heels. Platform trainers, block heels, chunky boots and flat sandals with a strap all work and stay on your foot. Stilettos and loose backless mules are the two things people regret. If you can’t be talked out of heels, bring flats in a bag for the second half.

Layers for the river breeze

Even in a heatwave, the Thames is a few degrees cooler than the pavement and there is wind on the open-air upper deck, especially on evening sailings as the sun drops. Bring one light layer you don’t mind carrying: a denim jacket, a shirt over a top, a shawl. Inside the boat it’s warm and busy, so you’ll want something you can take off as easily as you put on.

Day sailing vs evening sailing

Day sailings are a disco in daylight: sunglasses, sun cream, lighter fabrics, and remember there’s glare off the water. Evening sailings start in the sunset and finish under the city lights, so metallics and sparkle read better, and that extra layer matters more. Check which slot you’ve booked on the dates page before you plan the outfit.

Hair, glitter and make-up

Wind is the main variable. Anything loosely pinned will not survive the upper deck: go for a style you’re happy to let move, or tie it properly. Biodegradable glitter only, please: the river doesn’t need microplastics. Set your make-up if you’re dancing for a few hours, and bring a small blotting option if you care about photos late in the sailing.

What to bring

• Your ticket (on your phone is fine) and photo ID: sailings are 18+.
• A small crossbody bag that stays on you while you dance.
• Card or phone for the bars onboard.
• A light layer, and sunglasses for day sailings.
• A phone charger or small power bank if you plan to film all of it.

What to leave at home

• Big bags and rucksacks: space is for dancing, not luggage.
• Anything you’d be devastated to lose or get a drink spilled on.
• Your own drinks: there are bars onboard.
• Full costume props you’ll be carrying by song four.
• Stilettos. We did warn you twice.

The one-line version

Dress like you’re going to a disco you’ll be dancing at for hours, with shoes that agree with you and one layer for the breeze. Want to know what the sailing itself is actually like? Read the experience, then pick a date.