Orient Express Dress Code: Can You Wear Jeans Onboard?

If you picture yourself boarding the Orient Express in head-to-toe denim, you might want to hit pause. There’s something about certain places—those once-in-a-lifetime spots—where what you wear feels like it matters more. The Orient Express isn’t just a train; it’s a moving bite of Europe’s golden age of glamour, running since 1883. Travelers on this storied line are still drawn to nostalgia and luxury, whispering with the clink of crystal and the soft echo of piano notes in the lounge. So, do you really have the freedom to wear your favorite blue jeans here? Or is that the one thing you’d regret packing? Let’s unravel what actually happens when fashion meets history–on tracks.

The Legacy of Style: Why Dress Codes Still Matter on the Orient Express

Name one other train where James Bond and Hercule Poirot felt right at home—tuxedos and all. There’s a reason the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express remains the holy grail of luxury train journeys. The tradition stretches back to 1920s Europe; when men in tailcoats mingled with fearless women sporting feathers. People didn’t just travel; they celebrated the journey itself. Fast forward to 2025, and the romance is alive, carefully curated by Belmond, the company guiding this legend on its European adventures, from London to Venice and Paris to Istanbul.

Dress codes on the Orient Express aren’t about snobbery—they’re about protecting what makes this place magical. When you sip cocktails beneath Lalique glasswork, everything around you (from waiters in crisp uniforms to fellow guests in black tie) creates an atmosphere you literally can’t find anywhere else. The staff will even gently nudge you to step up your game. The magic works because you feel worlds away from daily life; it’s intentional escapism by design.

Formal dress is still a nightly event. Unlike most forms of modern travel, the VSOE isn’t about comfort-over-all. It wants passengers to step into a role—the dashing spy, the elegant heiress, the cosmopolitan adventurer. This means eveningwear that matches the gilded train cars and sparkly glassware: think dinner jackets, gowns, smart blouses, and yes, absolutely zero jeans in sight after 6:30 PM. The staff don’t have to hover. The space itself does most of the persuading. Most guests actually relish the excuse to dress up—finding a sequined dress or bow tie for the trip months ahead.

Of course, the world has changed. Dress codes are now looser than in the past, but the Orient Express still expects you to look presentable, to pay a nod to history but with your own spin. The actual guidance? It’s clear: jeans, flip-flops, or sportswear are not allowed in public areas in the evenings. Daytime is more relaxed, but that relaxation stops short of ripped or baggy denim. So, could you get away with neat, dark jeans during breakfast? Maybe. Should you try? That’s another matter.

What the Official Dress Code Says: Fact vs. Fiction

Belmond, the company behind the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, is up front about what works and what doesn’t. Their official line is this: "Smart daywear is appropriate throughout the day; an elegant jacket or dress for lunch and tea is recommended. For dinner, guests are requested to wear formal evening attire—black tie or dark suit for gentlemen; cocktail dress or evening gown for ladies. Jeans, flip-flops, or casual sportswear are not permitted in public areas at any time." Sum it up? Jeans are more or less a no-go zone.

This isn’t just tradition—it’s enforced. The staff aren’t shy about turning away guests who try to push the rules too far, especially at dinner. There are stories of dapper travelers forced to change before stepping into the dining car. And no, they don’t keep a rack of spare tuxedos on hand for underdressed hopefuls.

But what if you’re on a longer journey, maybe a three-day trip or one of the Istanbul runs that stretch across half a continent? Some travelers, trying to pack light, squeeze smart-casual pieces into their suitcases: chinos, blazers, knitted polos. That’s allowed—just keep the denim and sneakers packed away for the ride home.

Still, visitors sometimes tap online forums—like TripAdvisor, where thousands share dress code horror stories or tales of leniency. From what I’ve seen, the consensus is nearly bulletproof: if you love your jeans, leave them in your suitcase (or at least out of the dining car). If you show up in something borderline, expect a polite but firm reminder.

Orient Express dress code exists to preserve the fantasy, not to spoil the trip. A 2023 survey of VSOE passengers even showed that 92% of guests preferred having a formal dress code as part of the experience—claiming it made memories more special. So, it’s not just the staff standing guard at the wardrobe door—it’s your fellow travelers, too.

Behind the Glamour: How Passengers Really Dress Onboard

If you think everyone rocks up to the platform in a tux, think again. Part of the Orient Express charm right now is how people interpret the guidelines. Instagram and travel blogs are flooded with photos: one minute you see a couple in vintage velvet, the next it’s a group of friends pulling off sharp modern blazers, feather-trimmed cocktail dresses, or pearl-studded jumpsuits. The train attracts a mix: honeymooners, die-hard train buffs, families celebrating milestones, first-timers, and old hands chasing repeat luxury.

During the day, you’ll see people “dressing down” by Orient Express standards: chinos, smart slacks, tailored skirts, simple blouses, maybe lightweight knitwear. The key is looking pulled together and put-together. Bags and backpacks are stowed neatly out of sight. Travelers often pack for weather (the route sometimes winds through Alpine cold or Italian heat), but never at the expense of style. Accessories like scarves, cufflinks, and brooches show up everywhere—you might even spot someone jazzing up their look with a vintage pocket watch for fun.

Evening is when things get serious. The train buzzes with anticipation; you can feel people sizing up each other’s looks as they gather for drinks before dinner. Gowns sweep the floors, dinner jackets are pressed to perfection, and more than one dandy sports a bow tie with a story behind it. Some go all out, channeling 1920s or Art Deco flair, while others aim for understated modern elegance with a sharp, dark suit and crisp white shirt. Genuine mistakes—think a pair of sneakers peeking under an elegant suit—tend to stand out.

Travelers with mobility issues or special needs can request help; the stewards are famous for making everyone feel like they belong, dress code or not. But the backbone of the code remains: the jeans stay packed. Many guests even have fun swapping style tips, helping each other with tie knots, or sharing a spritz of perfume—it's a ritual that unites everyone, whatever their travel story.

Tips for Packing: How to Nail the Orient Express Look (Without Overpacking)

No one wants to juggle a trunk the size of a refrigerator on a luxury train. But, packing for the Orient Express isn't the time to throw in just anything. Here’s how to strike that tricky balance between style and comfort, and make sure you’re not stressing about what you wore in every picture for decades to come:

• Daytime: Think city break, not lazy Sunday. Stick with slacks or chinos, skirts or day dresses, and a crisp shirt or chic knit top. Light layers for changing weather work best. Throw in a couple of smart blazers or cardigans for flexibility.
• Evenings: Pull out the stops. For men, either a tuxedo or a dark suit with a tie/bowtie. For women, an evening gown or cocktail dress (knee-length or longer), paired with elegant shoes. Sequins, silk, velvet, or smart tailoring all work. Gentlemen: a pocket square never hurts.
• Shoes matter. Daytime can be comfortable (think loafers or nice boots), but don’t skimp on evening shoes. Ladies often swap into heels for dinner, men go for shiny dress shoes. Leave athletic trainers at home.
• Accessories and extras. Statement jewelry, vintage brooches, silk scarves, and pocket watches all fit the train’s vibe. Don’t forget a neat bag or clutch for evenings.
• Trouser choices. If desperate for denim, go for very dark, almost trouser-style jeans with no distressing—still, the safer bet is classic dress pants.
• Packing for weather. The train’s air conditioning is strong, and the weather can swing from Alpine chill to Riviera heat. A lightweight coat or shawl is handy for stepping out at stops.
• Hats and gloves. Optional, but they’re a fun nod to vintage style, especially for formal dinners if you want to lean in to the theme.
• Luggage limits. Each passenger is allowed one suitcase and one carry-on for the cabin; oversized bags may have to be checked in the baggage car, so keep that in mind.

The common misstep is overpacking or underdressing. Steer clear of jeans (even designer), hoodies, tees, or anything that looks like gymwear, and you'll be golden. It pays to check your itinerary for special stops or themed nights (like black-and-white dinners or jazz nights). Sometimes, guests are even sent small reminders or tips ahead of time by the train’s staff.

Why Embrace Dressing Up? The Unexpected Joys of Train Glamour

If you ever thought the idea of a dress code was straight out of your grandmother's playbook, the Orient Express flips that idea upside down. Getting dressed up for dinner doesn’t just mark you out for selfies—it sets a tone. Surrounded by glossy woodwork, Art Deco lamps, and champagne toasts, everyone feels part of one big, memorable story. That’s a huge part of the Orient Express’s allure—shared, unapologetic glamour that breaks up life’s usual dress-down monotony.

Regulars often say that the anticipation in the air before dinner is like a backstage theatre hush. Strangers start swapping styling tips, checking cufflinks, or buckling shiny shoes. The staff doesn’t just enforce the ritual—they live it, gliding through the carriages in their own impeccable get-ups. The formality brings out an unexpected camaraderie between guests—conversation flows, people relax into their roles, and suddenly, those nerves about packing the right thing evaporate.

For those who’ve never dined on white linen while traversing the Alps or waltzed through a lounge car in heels, the experience feels like stepping into a movie. Even if you’re not usually a ‘dress up’ person, the magic here has a habit of pulling you in. At breakfast, the rules relax again—guests in perfectly pressed shirts sip espresso while staring at Swiss peaks, plotting out their next Instagram shots (sans jeans, of course).

But, for all the romance and glitz, there’s also room for a little personal flair: a shirt with wild cufflinks, a vibrant silk scarf. The Orient Express isn’t about being stiff—it’s about marking out the hours as something worth celebrating. If your jeans are your safety net, consider this your best excuse ever to leave them behind. The stories you'll bring home are worth it.