I need a whole new wardrobe…!
Once a cruise has been booked, for me a next exciting part is planning outfits and what to pack – my mum is a dress maker so I design them and she kindly makes them, I like to have things that no one else would have and to be different – and Its even better if there is a formal night on board we can get even more creative!!
However for some people this can be a part they worry about and they have no idea what sort of thing to take! Is there any formal nights on board? What do you wear on a formal night? What does smart casual mean?
Lets have a look at these attires and see what they really mean!
Casual
To most people (except me!), casual means – jeans!
The good news is that denim in the form of jeans, jackets, shorts and skirts is generally a perfectly acceptable daytime casual cruise look, often combined with a T-shirt but check before you go for lunch – those designer jeans may cut it for a buffet style restaurant but some lines don’t allow jeans in their restaurants!
Fitness go-ers can feel free to lounge around in lycra during the day, of course no cruise suitcase is packed until it contains some swimwear and cover ups (bear in mind swimwear and flip flops are almost always a big no no at mealtimes).
For him: A casual polo shirt – a freshly pressed pair of lightweight trousers – and deck shoes. Nautical and nice!
For her: A maxi dress is your perfect casual cruise companion as it looks good with flip flops by the pool!
Smart Casual
Now this is where it gets tricky. Whenever I see this I am automatically confused – After all, don’t the two phrases contradict each other?
When choosing a dress, a good thing to think about is if you were going to a posh lunch or afternoon tea with the girls. If you can’t imagine ever wearing it during the day, it’s probably too dressy for a Smart Casual night at sea. Tea dresses, simple shifts, wrap dresses and maxis all say stylish and smart (but casual!!). Whereas sequins, ball gowns, mini dresses or slinky bodycon styles all scream ‘wow you are over dressed!’
For him: A long-sleeved shirt with trousers and smart shoes is a great look. Add a smart v-neck sweater or blazer if temperatures drop.
For her: Now the blouse is back, why not add a couple to your collection to alternate with your dresses with a skirt or tailored trousers? A cigarette trouser is a great option too!
Formal
Go all out I say…when do you get the chance to find a gorgeous dress, dress up and enjoy yourself….AT SEA?!
For men it’s easy – time to dig out the dickie bow and the penguin suit for the ultimate in black tie glamour. That said, and formal suit with ties are also acceptable on most formal nights!
For ladies, formal nights are the night we look forward to – and if you want to its time to break out that knock ‘em dead floor-skimming showstopper or for an equally glam look, a shorter cocktail dress is equally acceptable.
For him: The classic tuxedo. Why not?
For her: You’ll know your perfect dress when you find it, and with so many options out there, there’s something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to throw a little sparkle at it – now’s the time to shine in a red carpet-worthy outfit.
Do you feel more prepared to go and pack your suitcase now?!!
17 Comments on “I need a whole new wardrobe…!”
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About Me
I have been in the travel industry for 12 years now and a lot of this time I have been specialising in Cruise. It is just a brilliant job and industry, no two days are the same, no two customers are the same and this is what I love. There…
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john and June, I think your comments are hurtful and abusive. Style is an individual choice and if Millie is happy with her clothes then so be it, you have no right to judge anothers dress sense.
Its a shame that people feel the need to write comments like that but thank you for your nice comment!
How rude are some people if they can’t say anything nice then don’t say anything at all , I see they haven’t posted there photos for people to see and comment. You look stunning
Everyone is very different. I am a lot older than you people. My style is black after six. Do not worry about me. You younger people look great. However, shorts, trainers, t shirts on formal nights are in my language beyond the pall. That means not acceptable at all. The waiters etc. change uniform. As respect passengers should do so aswell
Hi I’m also of an age where dressing for dinner was a must, I love dressing up for dinner on my cruise this is one of my favourite things all glamed up my husband is of the polo shirt brigade but out of respect for the other passengers who make the effort on formal nights cuts a dashing sigh.
Millie we need more people like you to remind us of what the dress code is.
You look lovely in your choices of dress ?
I forgot to say in his dicky bow and formal suit
But TUI relax the dress code for their prime restaurant, and tee shirts and shorts were seen, three girls seem to think that dress code includes very short shorts with arse cheeks hanging out. This is no form of dress code, disgraceful TUI on Celebration.
I’m very sorry I even bothered to look at this …
How horrible some people can be! It really shows atrocious bad manners and I for one thing Millie looks great. Please, those writing such nasty posts should learn some manners before judging others.
Thank you Sandy 🙂
With fly cruises being so popular, the limit on luggage does make it more difficult to decide on what clothes to take.It also depends on which cruise company you are sailing with.P&O still have quite explicit rules on what the attire is in their dining rooms.Best to check with the company you are travelling with.I agree with the comment about American passengers, they are most certainly more casual than any other nation with their dress codes.My husband and I have done several legs of World cruises, which have always involved flying .We always pack our shoes in our hand baggage, which always takes up a lot of your checked baggage allowance
Millie’s suggestions are very helpful on what to wear.
Thank you for reading my blog Mandy – glad you found it helpful!
It’s a pity some of the people who made such ridiculously rude comments on this page are not up to your standard of dress Millie. These people are probably the boring farts that I hate sitting next to at dinner, pompous and so up themselves. It’s a big world with loads of diversity in everything
Appalled by the comments on your personal style choice, but I do object to “dickie bow” and “penguin suit”. Why not just say bow tie and evening suit?
Your pictures are absolutely fine and appropriate.
As a regular Cunarder, my wife and I have no problem sticking to the traditional codes.
Just one wee comment: a “penguin suit” usually refers to top hat and tails, not a dinner suit/tuxedo.
How very rude people are! I think you look very nice, and for others to make personal comments on your choices show they have no manners at all!
How rude can people be. My husband and I have cruised for many years and sometimes with our children and young grandchildren and feel that you should dress up for your evening meals on board. Day to day life is so casual so I think it’s nice to make an effort on your holidays. Our children and grandchildren follow our example and love making an effort and it’s makes us very proud to see them looking lovely. It’s a shame lots of peso pile don’t make the effort
It would be helpful if cruise lines published photo examples of what is acceptable for evening wear or for formal nights,because the descriptions in dress attire in cruise itineraries is very vague.