What to Wear On The Orient Express

Topic	What To Wear On The Orient Express
Read Time	5 Minutes
Author	Paul Tavener, Owner Marvellous Escapes

The legendary Orient Express feels like travelling through time to an era of unmatched elegance and sophistication. 

This iconic train journey enforces a smart-casual dress code during daytime hours, elevating to formal attire expectations for evening dining service. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express specifically requires guests to maintain refined standards throughout their journey, with jeans, shorts, and athletic wear strictly prohibited in all public areas. 

Evening dress code calls for the elegance of cocktail attire or formal wear, with gentlemen expected to wear jackets and ties for dinner service. Understanding these specific requirements ensures you'll meet the train's refined standards while fully embracing this extraordinary luxury experience.

WHY DOES YOUR OUTFIT MATTER ON THIS HISTORIC JOURNEY?

The Orient Express enforces its dress code rigorously, with staff authorised to deny boarding or dining access to improperly dressed passengers. Passengers wearing prohibited items like sneakers, flip-flops, ripped clothing, or athletic wear will be asked to change or face dining restrictions.

When considering what to wear on the Orient Express, understand that these rules exist to preserve the authentic luxury atmosphere that defines this iconic journey. The dress code policy applies to all passengers regardless of cabin class, ensuring elegance throughout the train. Compliance with these standards demonstrates respect for fellow travellers and maintains the prestigious environment that justifies the premium pricing.

DAYTIME TRAVEL

 The Orient Express has a strict daytime dress code, with expectations outlined by Belmond management. Acceptable women's daytime wear includes tailored trousers with collared blouses, knee-length or longer dresses, and blazers or cardigans. Midi skirts paired with quality tops meet the requirements perfectly for lunch service and cabin relaxation.

Footwear must be closed-toe during daytime hours, with leather loafers, ballet flats, or low heels meeting the acceptable standards. Sandals, flip-flops, and athletic shoes violate the dress code policy and may result in restrictions. The train specifically prohibits revealing clothing, including shorts, tank tops, and anything showing your midriff.

Quality fabrics elevate your look while ensuring compliance with the smart casual requirements. Linen, cotton blends, and wool pieces demonstrate the refinement expected aboard this prestigious service. Accessories, scarves, watches, and jewelry add a sophisticated flair to your daytime atmosphere.

EVENING ATTIRE

Evening dining aboard the Orient Express enforces a formal dress code that requires cocktail attire as the minimum standard. Women must wear dresses or elegant separates that cover shoulders and sit below the knee, with evening gowns being the preferred choice for most formal dining experiences. The dress code explicitly prohibits casual dresses, sundresses, and anything considered daywear.

Men face mandatory jacket and tie requirements for all evening dining service, with suits strongly recommended over sports coats. The train's policy requires dress shirts with proper collars, and polo shirts or casual button-downs face automatic rejection. 

Dress shoes remain non-negotiable, with leather oxfords or formal loafers being the classic choices.

Black tie events occur on special occasions and longer journeys, requiring tuxedos for gentlemen and formal evening gowns for ladies. The train provides advanced notice of these requirements, allowing passengers to pack accordingly. Failure to meet evening dress standards results in alternative dining arrangements or room service rather than access to the main dining car.

WHICH PRACTICAL ITEMS ENHANCE COMFORT?

Understanding what to wear on the Orient Express involves considering practical elements alongside style requirements. 

The key to mastering what to wear on the Orient Express lies in selecting pieces that feel as good as they look. Natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and silk provide comfort while maintaining the refined appearance expected aboard this prestigious train. Avoid synthetic materials that might feel uncomfortable during extended wear.

Choose clothing with some stretch or relaxed fits that allow comfortable movement through narrow spaces while maintaining your polished appearance. Well-tailored pieces will always appear more expensive and appropriate than off-the-rack formal wear.

Investment pieces work better than trendy items for this type of journey. Classic styles that won't look dated in photographs years later prove most satisfying for such a memorable experience.

• Layering pieces prove invaluable since train temperatures can vary throughout different cars and times of day. A quality pashmina or lightweight wrap serves multiple purposes while maintaining elegance.
• A classic trench coat or wool overcoat provides sophistication while protecting against unexpected weather changes, ensuring you're prepared for station stops or brief excursions.
• Comfortable sleepwear becomes important for overnight journeys, though it should remain tasteful since you might encounter other passengers in corridor areas. 

FINAL TOUCHES

Attention to grooming details elevates your entire Orient Express experience. Plan your hairstyle to work well with the train's vintage atmosphere while remaining practical for the journey's duration. Simple, elegant styles often photograph beautifully against the ornate interior backgrounds.

Fragrance should remain subtle and pleasant in the close quarters of train travel. A light application of quality perfume or cologne adds to your personal sophistication without overwhelming fellow passengers in shared spaces.

Remember also that confidence in your choices makes the biggest difference. Select items that make you feel comfortable and appropriately dressed for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Europe's most beautiful landscapes.

The right attire transforms good travel into extraordinary memories that last forever.

Book your journey and begin curating your elegant travel outfits today by selecting timeless pieces that honour this legendary train's sophisticated heritage.