What to Wear on the Orient Express: Outfits, Style, and Fashion Tips for Women
Jul, 19 2025
When it comes to the Orient Express, glam is the price of entry. You don't just book a ticket; you take on a legendary role. Think of stepping aboard not as travel, but as walking onto the set of your own classic film. Eyes flicker to sparkle on wrists, jackets are pressed sharp, lipstick and posture at the ready. The right outfit does more than match the grandeur—it becomes part of it. And, wow, the stakes are higher than any average holiday. The train isn’t just about where you go. It's about how you arrive—in style, attitude, and full vintage-inspired flair. Clothes do more than cover; here, they whisper a kind of secret club. Want to fit in? Dress like you know it’s special.
The History and Dress Code of the Orient Express
Decades pass, but the air on the Orient Express stays rich with tradition. The original service, launched in 1883, rewrote what train travel could mean: velvet armchairs, white-glove service, and so many layers of etiquette it could make Downton Abbey blush. Ladies in that golden era wouldn’t be seen in anything but their best. Heels, gloves, pearls—that was minimum. By the Roaring Twenties, the train hit its style stride. Coco Chanel said simplicity is the keynote of true elegance, but women here doubled down: beaded gowns after dusk, sleek cloches by day, fur stoles in cold weather. Edith Wharton herself might have felt at home strolling the corridors.
Fast-forward, and the spirit hasn’t faded. The modern Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the luxury version most know today, officially requests smart attire. That means: no jeans, no casual t-shirts, no trainers. Their language: “a sense of occasion.” For dinner, eveningwear is standard—think cocktail dress or even full-length gowns. For lunch or afternoon tea, dressy daywear is fine: a crisp dress or a tailored pantsuit. Even breakfast keeps it smart.
What about recent trends? As travel influencers have shown, guests now mix vintage inspiration with comfort. Decade dresses, statement headbands, block heels, elegant shawls—anything that gives a nod to history. Most guests bring a dedicated dinner look, and some even change clothes two or three times a day, matching the old tradition. If you don’t dress up, you’ll stick out (and not in a flattering way). Remember: this train has seen royalty, movie stars, and even James Bond. No one expects you to rival Audrey Hepburn—but you definitely don’t want to look like you missed the memo.
| Time of Day | Recommended Attire for Women | Common Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Smart dress, blouse/skirt, or tailored trousers | Neck scarf, simple jewelry |
| Lunch/Afternoon Tea | Dressy daywear, chic dress, tailored pantsuit | Dress hat, statement earrings |
| Dinner | Cocktail dress, full-length gown | Clutch bag, evening shawl, gloves |
Signature Outfits and Statement Pieces
The real magic happens when women step out in clothes that reflect both old-school glam and a bit of modern edge. If you’re wondering where to start, think about what makes you feel unshakeably confident. Traditionally, it’s all about the little black dress, silk blouses, pencil skirts, or a pantsuit (if tailored to perfection). A simple fit-and-flare dress with a decorative brooch is hard to beat; it nods to the past without feeling like costume. If you’re into historical vibes, nod to the 1920s or 1930s: fringe, art deco beads, and even a feathered headband look right at home for dinner.
Jewelry makes the outfit. Pearl necklaces are seen often, as are chandelier earrings and delicate bracelets. And while you could splurge on new designer pieces, plenty just raid their grandmother’s box for something that actually lived through the heyday. Shoes? Comfort first, but not sneakers. Low-heeled pumps or ballet flats get you through the long dining hours and narrow train aisles. If you love heels, keep them modest—four-inch spikes wobble on a gently swaying carriage. Gloves, either wrist-length lace or classic satin for evenings, give you instant movie star aura. If it’s chilly, try a faux-fur wrap or a velvet shawl; old radiators aren’t always reliable on historic trains.
Bags are tiny—think clutch or small crossbody with a chain strap. There’s simply not much room on the train (or at your table), and anything bigger looks odd. Hats see a comeback on the Orient Express, especially at teatime: pillbox, fascinator, or wide-brimmed for the bold. You don’t need to spend a fortune; vintage stores are treasure troves. Some women bring an entire outfit just for the platform photo opportunities, then something else for actual dinner. It’s not unusual to spot a row of evening dresses hanging from the luggage rack by sunset.
- Day outfit ideas: midi-length dress, colorful shawl, simple kitten-heel shoes
- Dinner outfit ideas: black velvet dress, art deco clutch, drop earrings, satin gloves
- Layer for weather: lightweight trench or wrap for spring/fall, faux-fur cape for winter departures
- If traveling with friends, coordinate: matching hats or color themes are common for group photos
Fabric Choices, Color Palettes, and Packing Tips
Now comes the trickiest part: fitting all this glam into a suitcase that also handles three days of train life. The Orient Express cabins aren’t exactly sprawling, so versatile and wrinkle-resistant fabrics are your best friend. Silk, crepe, and wool blends look polished but avoid anything you know creases if you so much as look at it. Those pressed-pleat pants sound great until you realize the only iron on board is rolling down the track, two carriages away, and very much off limits.
Color sets the tone. You can never go wrong with black, navy, deep jewel tones (emerald, ruby, sapphire), or creams with a nod to ‘30s Riviera chic. Paler pastels are perfect for springtime journeys, especially paired with pearl jewelry. If you’ve got a favorite color, use it for a scarf or bag—a little pop stands out in the sea of neutrals. Don’t forget: the train is famous for its polished wooden interiors and deep blue velvet dining chairs. Outfits that complement the setting photograph best.
Because space is tight, most women pack one suitcase (about the size accepted for typical airline hand luggage) with extra room in a garment bag for delicate dresses. Organizers, packing cubes, or even simple dry-cleaner bags help keep gowns from wrinkling. Smart packers plan each outfit by the hour. Pairing one skirt with two tops, or using a bold necklace to shift from day to evening, saves a ton of space. Shoes are heavy, so most go for two pairs (one flats, one heels) and wear the bulkier ones on boarding.
- Stick to wrinkle-free, lightweight fabrics
- Pack a garment steamer or an anti-crease spray for emergencies
- Limit shoes—one flat, one heel is usually enough
- Bring a dressy coat if traveling in winter
- Zip each delicate item in its own bag to avoid snags
- Avoid heavy handbags—there’s no closet space on the train
And here’s a pro tip: snap a few outfit selfies before you travel, so you aren’t stuck choosing in cramped quarters. Packing smarter means more time to enjoy cocktail hour, not wrestling with zippers and hangers amid vintage suitcases.
Real-Life Experiences: Women’s Voices From the Train
Real women’s stories from the Orient Express prove no two style approaches are the same—but confidence always seals the look. British travel journalist Georgina Lawton wrote in 2023 that she packed a midnight blue silk dress and red lipstick, earning compliments from both the staff and fellow guests. Instagram is full of bold modern takes: Parisian influencer Camille Charriere once wore a vintage Chanel skirt suit, while an Australian guest documented changing from silk pyjamas in her cabin to a full evening gown for dinner, saying, “I felt like Daisy Buchanan hiding from Gatsby.”
And it’s not just about appearances. Every year, fashion lovers organize themed groups for special departures—think Roaring Twenties Night or Venetian Masquerade—where feather boas, sequined flapper dresses, and ornate headbands come out in force. For these, the classics rule but playful details—fringe, velvet gloves, bold slippers—shine. It’s worth noting that the staff, themselves dressed to the nines, don’t just enforce the dress code. They gush over standout choices, offer extra pillows for keeping crinolines crisp, and even snap group pictures when you coordinate with friends.
One relatable tale: Kiwi traveler Jess T. packed all her must-haves and still spent half an hour ironing a jumpsuit before tea, only to decide the old-school dress she’d doubted made her feel right at home in the bar car. There’s a lesson—pack what you love and trust you’ll know what fits the mood once you see that blue-and-gold carriage in real life. No need for grand gestures. Stand tall, smile, and enjoy the performance. This isn’t just fashion; it’s the most glamorous dress-up game you’ll ever play.
Final Tips for Modern Travelers Aboard the Orient Express
If you’re still unsure what to pack, take a moment to look through photos on the Orient Express dress code. It’s a good way to see how guests blend classic and new, and it shows just how creative—a bit daring, even—modern women are with style. The train journey lasts from one to several days. One outfit per meal is ideal, but don’t stress—simple knots and statement earrings go far. Pack a few pieces that you’ll love revisiting in photos, but don’t force yourself into something that hurts. If you’re a suit woman, bring the suit. Prefer a slinky slip dress and large sunglasses? You’ve got the green light.
Have a backup for changing weather (light sweater or scarf), and remember, most of the trip is about lounging in wood-paneled carriages, sipping champagne, nibbling canapés, and chatting. Avoid anything stiff or that requires too much tugging and tucking. Dining cars do get warm with all those lamps and laughter, so leave your heavy layers in your bag when the main meal starts.
Don’t forget the fun of it. The Orient Express runs on tradition but thrives because people keep making those traditions their own. If you love a big entrance, save your best dress for the last night. If subtlety is your style, pick a simple cut and let the scenery do the talking. Either way, every woman steps off that train feeling like she’s just played a starring role in her own adventure—dress and all.