When you think of the Orient Express, a legendary luxury train service that connects major European cities with elegance and history. Also known as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, it’s not just a ride—it’s a time capsule of 1920s glamour, where every detail, from the polished silver to the velvet curtains, demands a certain kind of respect. The dress code isn’t about rules for rules’ sake. It’s about matching the experience. You’re not just boarding a train. You’re stepping into a living museum of old-world travel, where dinner is served by waiters in tailcoats and the clink of crystal glasses echoes through wooden-paneled cabins.
Most people assume the dress code is strict, but it’s actually more about evening attire, the formal clothing worn during dinner service on luxury trains than a full tuxedo mandate. For men, a dark suit with a tie is perfectly acceptable. A blazer and dress pants work too. You don’t need a tuxedo unless you want to. Women often wear cocktail dresses, elegant separates, or smart trousers with a silk top. No jeans, no sneakers, no hoodies. The train doesn’t ban them—it just makes you feel out of place if you wear them. The real trick? Pack light but smart. One formal outfit for dinner, one smart-casual look for daytime sightseeing, and a light wrap for chilly evenings. The luxury train dress code, a set of unwritten social expectations for passengers on high-end rail journeys isn’t about showing off wealth. It’s about showing up with awareness.
What you wear also affects how you experience the journey. People who dress up notice more. They get invited to conversations. They share stories over dessert. They remember the trip not just for the views, but for the moments—like when a stranger at dinner tells you about their grandmother’s trip on the same route in 1952. That’s the magic. The dress code isn’t a barrier. It’s a key. It opens doors to a deeper kind of travel. Below, you’ll find real stories, packing tips, and what to expect on the train—no fluff, no guesswork. Just what works.
Discover what women actually wear on the Orient Express today-no jeans, no sneakers, just timeless elegance. A practical guide to dressing for luxury train travel with real examples and packing tips.