Are you going to the Catalina Wine Mixer soon and haven’t decided what to wear yet? If so, this post is just what you need.
In this guide, I’ll share various practical Catalina Wine Mixer party outfits and styling tips to help you feel comfy and fabulous at the party.
But before that, I’ll briefly introduce what the Catalina Wine Mixer is and how it started, just in case you’re new to the story. (Trust me, once you know, you’ll enjoy the party 200%!!)
Whether you’re attending the actual event on Catalina Island or a themed party elsewhere, dressing it right is halfway to making great memories!
Now, let’s get inspired and rock that party outfit for ultimate fun!
What is the Catalina Wine Mixer and Why Does Your Outfit Matter?
Some people ask, “Is the Catalina Wine Mixer real?” Why would they ask questions like that? Probably because they first heard about it through fiction—novels, TV shows, movies, etc. And yes, that’s exactly how it all started.
The first time I heard about it was in the movie Step Brothers. I’d say the highlight of the film is this big, fancy event: the Catalina Wine Mixer. At the time, I thought it was just part of the movie—nothing more. But what surprised me was finding out that the Catalina Wine Mixer is actually real! (Interestingly, I saw Step Brothers for the first time about a month before I started writing this post, and I just happened to discover that this event actually exists—with no planning on my part at all!)
Turns out, the event was inspired by the 2008 comedy film and brought to life in 2015. (Thank you to the movie crew and party planners for making it happen!)
Held on Catalina Island—just off the coast of Southern California—it’s now an annual festival with live music, dancing, food, and of course, wine tasting. Sounds amazing, right? (I’ve been to Catalina Island once, not for the Catalina Wine Mixer though, but the experience itself was absolutely fantastic! With its picturesque views and chill island vibes, I’d love to visit again! Hopefully next time, it’ll be for the Wine Mixer!)
Now, if you think it’s an upscale wine tasting event… Not quite. While people in the movie wear suits and elegant dresses to the Catalina Wine Mixer, the real-life version is actually much more relaxed—totally in tune with the laid-back island atmosphere and the movie’s comedic tone.
Since it’s rooted in comedy, you’re more than welcome to dress a little wild or quirky. Trust me, nobody’s gonna judge. In fact, people will probably think you’re fun and cool, and you’ll be the one who helps make the party even more exciting! So really, there’s no reason not to dress up for it. (And if you prefer to keep things simple and low-key, that’s totally fine! Just dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather and vibe!)
There are also Catalina Wine Mixer–themed parties held at restaurants, theaters, or even at home. In those cases, it’s best to dress based on the venue or just ask the host, “What would you recommend wearing?” The good thing is, since you’re not on the island, you don’t have to worry about the weather and can choose your outfit more freely.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. I’m here to walk you through a bunch of outfit ideas in the next sections. Pick a few that match your style, and you’ll be ready to have an amazing time!
Ideas for Catalina Wine Mixer Party Outfits
I’ve rounded up the perfect party outfit ideas to help you rock the Catalina Wine Mixer in style. Whether you’re leaning into Step Brothers outfit inspiration or going for a more classic coastal look, these ideas are grouped by theme so you can find your vibe and get creative!
Chic Nautical Attire
If you haven’t seen Step Brothers and aren’t sure what to wear, this is a safe and stylish choice. Nautical-themed party clothing fits perfectly with the Catalina Island setting—and yes, it’s tied to the movie too.
In Step Brothers, there are nautical elements everywhere: Brennan and Dale (the main characters) wear beachy T-shirts, the wine mixer is held on the island, and their dad owns a boat.
That’s probably why this style is so popular at Catalina Wine Mixer. So if you don’t want to overthink it, go with these ideas—you really can’t go wrong.
Blue & White Combo:
A classic color pairing for a nautical look. If you want a classier feel, choose navy blue rather than other blues.
Navy Blazer with Gold Buttons + White Pants:
This outfit reminds me of captains and boat crews. If you wanna look polished, it’s a great one.
Stripes:
Stripes are iconic in sailor-inspired fashion. Choose a comfy striped top or dress, it’s stylish and always on point.
Linen Pieces:
Linen is a natural fabric that has a laid-back vibe, just like Catalina Island. It’s light, breathable, and can keep you cool in hot weather. A linen suit, for example, would be a great alternative to regular suits.
Seersucker Clothing:
Also works in warm weather. It gives off a bit of preppy party wear energy that makes you look smart and chic, whether you’re at the beach or the wine tasting venue. If I had to pick one seersucker piece, I’d go with a seersucker dress—it’s just so lovely.
Captain’s Hat:
Wanna look extra cute? Top off your outfit with a captain’s hat! It’s probably the most popular accessory at the Catalina Wine Mixer!
Boat Shoes:
The perfect blend of casual and dressy. These shoes pair well with pretty much any nautical attire.
Neckerchief:
A simple accessory that brings sailor flair to your outfit. Pair a navy neckerchief with a white top, or you can pick a red one for the accent of your blue-and-white ensemble.
Captain & Crew Group Costumes:
Attending with friends? Try this eye-catching group costume idea: One of you dresses as the captain (white suit, captain’s hat), and the rest go as the crew in matching uniforms—striped shirts, navy shorts, sailor hats, and red neckerchiefs. Your funny group costumes would get tons of love at the party!
Bold Island Styles
Wanna go bolder for the party while soaking in the spirit of Catalina Island? Try bright colors and vibrant prints that channel laid-back island, beachy, or tropical vibes!
Catalina isn’t technically in the tropics, but with its palm trees, warm sun, and clear waters, it totally feels that way. In fact, plenty of people have shown up in tropical-themed outfits at the Catalina Wine Mixer. So don’t stress about whether it’s “correct” or not. Just have fun with it!
Here are some island party fashion ideas to give you an amazing look on Catalina Island:
Vivid or Pastel Colors:
Party on an island? It’s the perfect excuse to get colorful! Vivid colors scream tropical energy, while pastels feel soft and dreamy. I recommend coral and turquoise tones — they are especially stunning!
Tropical Prints:
Think plants like palm trees, hibiscus, and big leaves, along with fruits like bananas, pineapples, and animals like toucans and flamingos. These prints are very attractive and look great on dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, and co-ord sets. Some fashion pieces with tropical prints are so adorable that you’ll have a charming, likable look when you wear them! Even watermelon prints work, despite not being a tropical fruit—they still have that summery, beachy feel!
Hawaiian Shirt:
A classic, fashionable piece that gets you relaxed and ready to party. I have a Hawaiian shirt and I love the look when I pair it with a denim skirt.
Surf Tee:
There are many surf tees with cool beach-inspired designs. You can also just wear regular t-shirts with similar designs. Either way, you’ll stay comfy throughout the day.
Tie-dye Clothes:
They feel natural and chill, sometimes even artistic. Common choices are t-shirts and dresses. There are t-shirt dresses (the longer version of a t-shirt) on the market too. I would choose pastel tones (the pink one is really cute), and I think they’ll pair well with flat sandals and sneakers.
Printed Silk Scarf as a Top:
This is actually an excellent outfit idea for traveling to Catalina Island. Not only will you look super stylish, but you also won’t need to bring extra tops if you stay overnight. There are various ways to style a silk scarf as a top. That means you can dress differently with the same silk scarf on different days. How convenient! Even if you pair it with basic jeans, denim shorts, or denim skirts, you’ll look gorgeous!
Flowy Sundress:
It’s breathable, feminine, and absolutely beautiful. Opt for midi or maxi length so that it flows with the wind (you’ll get stunning pictures!). Maybe you can pair it with a denim jacket, a cute sunhat, and espadrilles or wedge sandals, which are comfier than other types of heels and give perfect beach vibes.
Vibrant Tank Dress:
Tank dresses have a slim fit and are also a trendy option for beach settings. There are many basic styles, but if you wear one with vivid colors and prints, I’m sure you’ll instantly stand out.
Cut-Out Dress:
You may not wear a cut-out dress in everyday life because it’s not appropriate for some occasions. But you can always wear it at the beach. It’s well-suited and incredibly fashionable.
One Shoulder Top or Dress:
It gives you an edgy look and sometimes a free-spirited vibe.
Off-the-shoulder Ruffle Top or Dress:
This is a very romantic and dreamy piece. You can casually pair it with jeans or denim skirts. A flowy dress with an off-the-shoulder ruffle design is also a great option for the beach setting.
Halter Top or Dress:
It’s a great one to wear when you go on vacation or take a short trip somewhere hot, like tropical islands. But it works perfectly for Catalina Island too!
Gradient Dress:
They are gorgeous and fascinating. For an event at Catalina Island, I recommend sunset colors like orange or purple (gotta match the theme!). No print is needed on your gradient dress because the color alone is beautiful enough.
Kimono Robe:
This is quite practical because it can protect you from sunburn and also work as a cover-up if you wear a swimsuit (you may have the chance to swim in the Catalina sea). Needless to say, it’s a chic fashion item!
Knit or Crochet Cover-up:
This is pretty much a beachwear essential. There are so many cute designs, and even if you’re not going to swim that day, you can still have a chic beach look with one.
Straw or Rattan Bag:
When it comes to beachwear, straw and rattan bags are often the go-tos. Their colors are neutral, so you can pretty much pair them with any beach outfit.
Tropical Clutch with Simple Outfit:
If you think wearing tropical prints all over is a bit too much, you can wear a simple outfit and carry a tropical printed clutch (or other bags) instead. You’ll still look fabulous.
Hibiscus Hair Clip:
I highly recommend wearing a floral hair clip, especially a hibiscus design. It’s so lovely and this is literally the perfect occasion to wear it!
Tassel or Bohemian Style Earrings:
You can elevate your look with these earrings while keeping the vibe. An easy way is to match the color of the earrings with your outfit.
Shell Jewelry:
Another piece I highly recommend is shell jewelry. How can you not fall in love with these (super) cute little things?
Wine Lover Outfits
Wine is a theme we can get creative with. And when we rock the outfit right, that’s when people get impressed!
Wine Color Palette Looks:
For a classy wine-inspired look, dress in burgundy, rosé pink, champagne gold, or deep plum—think the color of your favorite bottle. You can also coordinate with your group. For example, each person dresses as a different type of wine: rosé (blush pink), chardonnay (light gold), merlot (deep burgundy), cabernet (dark purple), or champagne (shimmery champagne color because it sparkles!). This is optional but you can put some wine label stickers on your outfits, that would be so fun!
Wine & Cheese Outfits:
For couples or duos, try wearing purple and yellow—a classic combo representing wine and cheese. If you want a funnier look, wear a yellow T-shirt (or other clothing) and cut some holes in it so people instantly know you’re dressed like a real piece of cheese.
Grape-Inspired Outfit:
You can go for the obvious version by wearing something with grape prints or be subtle by wearing purple and green. If you dress in the right ratio (more purple than green), or maybe add a green accent on the upper part like a green hair accessory or earrings, that would be excellent!
Wine Stain Clothes:
Wear something with a “wine stain” design so you don’t have to worry about getting your clothes dirty while drinking. In fact, it’s actually a high-fashion look (check out “The Spilled Wine Gown” from Robert Wun’s Spring/Summer 2023 Couture Collection), so you’ll be very fashion-forward—even if it’s kind of a joke. Plus, it’s easy to DIY.
Cork Clutch:
It’s unique and stylish. I wanted to buy one when I saw it at a store a long time ago, but I missed the chance—and I still remember that clutch! Even though it’s a small accessory, it can still make a big impact.
Charcuterie Board or Cheese Board Tote Bag:
Wine lovers adore pairing wine with charcuterie boards or cheese boards—not only tasty but visually pleasing too. You probably can’t bring an actual board to a wine mixer, but you can definitely bring the vibes through your tote bag! Bonus idea: Put some real snacks into the bag for extra fun!
Wine-Themed Jewelry:
It’s not a bad idea to wear jewelry like grape cluster earrings or pieces featuring wine bottles or cheese cubes, so people can start conversations about them. There are so many cute ones on the market!
Wine-Themed Pin or Brooch:
Besides jewelry, a wine-themed pin or brooch can add extra flair to your outfit.
Rose Gold Accessories:
If you choose a rosé wine theme, I highly recommend rose gold accessories—jewelry, bags, shoes, you name it. It’ll match perfectly! (Tip: Mix different pink shades throughout your outfit for a much better look than wearing the same tone head to toe.)
Matching Makeup & Nails:
If you’re dressing in wine shades like burgundy or champagne, try burgundy lipstick or glitter eyeshadow to tie your whole look together!
Step Brothers & Movie-Inspired Looks
Now, let’s talk about what true fans do. Whether you love the Step Brothers’ vibes or want to hype up the party mood with your boo or friends, here are some ridiculous and oddly stylish Catalina Wine Mixer costume ideas that’ll bring you so much fun!
Alright, let’s start with Brennan and Dale’s iconic looks. (For those who haven’t seen the movie yet, Brennan & Dale are the step brothers—the main characters—and I highly recommend watching the movie first so you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about here.)
Tuxedo T-shirt:
While you can wear a real tuxedo like Brennan and Dale did at their job interview, it might be a little too hot for Catalina Island. Instead, rock a tuxedo t-shirt—it’s comfy while keeping the hilarious vibes. If you can find someone to wear it with you, that would be awesome! And don’t forget to wear sneakers for this look—that’s how the step brothers roll!
Ruffle Shirt & Bowtie:
Another way to represent the tuxedo outfit is by wearing a ruffle shirt with a bowtie. And it doesn’t have to look exactly like the movie—twist it with your personal touch!
Boats ’N Hoes Look:
In their iconic “Boats ‘N Hoes” music video, they wore white suits, nautical T-shirts, showy jewelry (especially gold necklaces), and sunglasses. I’ve seen people rock this look in lots of fun ways for the Catalina Wine Mixer. Feel free to recreate your own!
Ridiculous T-shirt:
That’s what Brennan and Dale, 39-year-old and 40-year-old men, often wore. The t-shirt can be playful, childish, or geeky. The funnier, the better!
Sweatbands:
Want some Dale Doback outfit ideas? Dale wears colorful striped sweatbands sometimes. If you pair them with a ridiculous t-shirt, you get the classic Dale look!
The Movie Poster Look:
Wear a light blue shirt and a gray (Brennan) or burgundy (Dale) argyle sweater vest to look like you just burst out of the movie poster. Or remix it with different colors or similar styles for a fresh twist. Tip: A sweater vest can get hot, so pairing it with a short-sleeve collared shirt (instead of a long-sleeve one) will help keep you cool.
The Sleepwalker Look:
Brennan and Dale sleepwalk, so you can pretend you’re sleepwalking too! Wear something that looks like sleepwear but is stylish enough for outside—some designs have a resort vibe that’s a great fit for Catalina Island.
‘Prestige Worldwide’ Logo or Custom Design:
“Prestige Worldwide” is the entertainment company Brennan and Dale created. You can wear a T-shirt, hat, or other pop culture party wear featuring their logo or a cool custom slogan!
T-shirt with Brennan & Dale Photo or Illustration:
Whether it’s a real photo or a quirky cartoon illustration, a T-shirt featuring the step brothers will definitely make the crowd smile.
Dinosaur Outfit:
There’s the classic scene where Dale’s dad talks about his childhood dream of being a dinosaur—specifically a T-rex. Rock clothes with dinosaurs on them! Fans will get it immediately, and if they don’t, you’ll have a great conversation starter. If it’s a T-rex, even better!
The Uptown Girl:
In the movie, there’s a woman dressed like the girl from Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” music video, performing onstage at the Catalina Wine Mixer. I think this retro party fashion would work well at the actual event too, even if you’re not performing.
Business Look with a Fun Twist:
Here’s an idea of festival meets formal wear. You can dress like Brennan’s mom, Derek’s wife Alice (her first outfit in the movie), Denise the female therapist, or a posh woman who could lease a helicopter at the Catalina Wine Mixer. The base is simple: a business suit paired with a shirt. What I may do is swap the plain shirt for a fun printed one and keep the suit classic. With this small change, the outfit is completely party-ready!
Checklist (Must-Haves & Optional Pieces)
Wait, before you go, here’s a checklist! It includes what you really need for the Catalina Wine Mixer party, helping you avoid sunburn, aching feet from dancing, feeling cold at night, and more.
Make sure you have everything prepared so you’ll look perfect and feel comfortable throughout the event. I’ve also listed optional pieces just in case you might need them.
Now, let’s take a look:
Must-Haves:
- Light Jacket:
It could be a linen or denim jacket—both are great for the Catalina Island vibes. Of course, you can bring your preferred jacket if you like. It’s always a safe bet to have one on hand for when it gets chilly at night. - Sunglasses:
Don’t torture your eyes by skipping sunglasses. Catalina Island is usually pretty sunny. Even if you’re not wearing them all the time, have a pair in your bag just in case. And if you can bring stylish ones—like tinted, oversized, or unique frames—you’ll be on point for the party vibes! - Hat:
Baseball caps, bucket hats, straw hats, visors, fedoras—you name it. Hats will not only protect you from the sun but also keep your hairstyle neat (if that’s important to you). While you can choose any hat you like, the best option is one that matches your outfit. If you can’t decide, I highly recommend captain hats—they’re a hit at the Catalina Wine Mixer! - Bag:
This depends on your schedule and the activities you’ll be doing. If you plan to change clothes or shoes during the day, a larger bag like a beach tote will work. But if you want to keep things light, consider smaller options like crossbody bags, fanny packs, mini backpacks, or clutches. They’ll also help you dance more freely at night. - Comfy Shoes:
You’ll probably be stepping on sand and grass and dancing to live music. Instead of heels or fancy shoes, it’s best to go with comfy options like sneakers, flats, boat shoes, or sandals. You can wear them the whole time or at least pack them in your bag and switch when needed. - Sunscreen:
Absolutely a must-have. Unless you want to end up sunburned and regretting it!
Optional Pieces:
- Scrunchie or Hair Claw:
When it’s hot, I prefer tying my long hair up or using a hair claw instead of letting it hang down and getting all sweaty. That’s why I often carry one just in case. Or you can go for an updo to elevate your look beautifully. - Swimsuit:
If you plan to go into the sea. (Why not? It’s Catalina Island!) - Setting Spray:
The last thing you want is your makeup melting off during the party. Setting spray can help keep your makeup flawless for hours, even in hot weather—perfect for an event like the Catalina Wine Mixer. - Wine Wipe or Stain Remover Pen:
Sometimes, “Oops” happens. That’s when these come in handy. Wine wipes will keep your teeth white after sipping wine, and stain remover pens can save your clothes from any spills. Best part? They are small enough to carry in your bag! - Temporary Tattoo:
The Catalina Wine Mixer is the perfect time to show off your temporary tattoos. They add an extra flair to your outfit. If not now, when? - Foldable or Mini Electric Fan:
While it’s likely to be breezy on the island, if you’re worried about the heat, carrying a fan is a good idea. Mini electric fans are convenient, and foldable fans can double as fashionable accessories. - Charged Phone with Space:
If you use your phone a lot and don’t have enough space, be sure to clear some space and get your phone charged up before the party. You’ll want to take lots of pictures!
Conclusion
Imagine everyone else showing up in astonishing outfits—except you. You’ll be like, “I wish I’d worn something more fun or fashionable…” Let’s not let that happen!
Remember, this is not a normal, boring (cough) wine tasting event—it’s the f**king Catalina Wine Mixer! (Quote from the movie) This is your chance to make a fashion statement in a wild, bold, and ridiculous way (just like the Step Brothers). And everybody’s gonna love that!
Whether you go for a chic nautical look or bring the comedy vibes by yourself, with your partner, or friends, make sure to have fun dressing up, feel fabulous in your outfit, and get ready to shine and spark some conversations at the party. You’ll have no regrets!
It’s really not that hard. Pick an outfit or style from this post, add your personal touch, and you’ll be ready to party!
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