is velvet ok in the carribean

[joie de vivre]

I say no velvet. Period. It's just not a fabric that is worn in the tropics. I don't care what sentimental value the dress has or how pretty it looks don't wear it. Find somewhere to wear it next fall and winter.

To prevent getting cold find some nice wraps or shrugs. I found a nice cashmere shrug at nordstrom.com. I also own several wraps in the basic colors. I tend to always be cold in AC but found on the ship it wasn't too bad, because of the humidity.

Heres another reason to not wear velvet, you'd have to wear hose. Who wants to wear hose on vacation or let alone in the Caribbean. Yikes....

JMO,

[momofmeg]

In all honesty, I don't really make an issue of what people wear unless they ask me.

 

 

 

MomofMeg, if it helps you with the white after Labor Day issue, in resort towns, and that would include a cruise ship in warm weather, the no white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day is thrown out the window.

 

I personally think the rule is arcaic. It made back when central AC wasn't commonplace, women didn't wear two piece bathing suits, fabric choices were limited, yadda, yadda. White reflects the sun and it was cooler tempurature wise than denim or other fabric.

 

Look at Jackie O one of the leading style icons of the 20th Century. White jeans were her signature look year round.

 

Anyway, my two cents.

 

I brought that up because I am one that comes to this board a lot and have been for over 2 years. We get the these same quests. over and over. Velvet in the carb./ velvet after New Years and Can I wear white in the carb. in the wintertime?To me both are silly. Those old rules no longer apply and most of us go by comfort don't we? I do not want to be too hot or too cold and I dress accordingly. So if I have on velvet on a cool spring day-I see no reason why that upsets any one. The same goes for white-in Oct. or April when we sometimes have a 90 degree day and I want to wear white shorts and white sandals-I see no reason it should upset anyone-that is what is comfortable for the temps and who enjoys being overheated. I don't. On the other hand if it is 50 degrees the next day (and believe me that happens where I live) I am not going to wear those shorts. Chances are I will have on pants of a darker color,long sleeved blouse and jacket because I want to be comfortable-not cold.

[Jane110]

>>>>>>>>Jane110, Im originally from Brooklyn N.Y., My family still lives there, My buddy mike will be taking his first cruise on the Legend leaving out of NYC in June.

 

My question to you Jane hows the weather?<<<<<<<<<<<<

 

 

Fred,

 

I'm assuming you mean how's the weather in June, right? Well, it could be in the 70's, 80's or even 90's, one never knows. Also, late June will be warmer than early June.

If your buddy is cruising to the Bahama's or the Carribbean, it'll probably be hot. However, if his ship is heading north through New England to perhaps Maine or Canada, he might get some very chilly evenings.

 

June is generally a most pleasant month in NY weatherwise. It's the awful "dog days of August" that are usually the hot and sticky ones. However, late June can get a heatwave. You friend has to stayed tuned to weather.com as he gets closer to date.

 

Jane

[Jane110]

>>>Jane-you have a right to your opinion and you do know a lot about fashion but you need to realize we are all different- we come from all over the US and some even from other countries-and we all are not going to agree with you. We still like you- we enjoy your posts-don't take it so personal.<<<<

 

MomofMeg,

 

I understand and I always state that something is my personal opinion and ultimately people do what they want. When have I ever given the impression otherwise? I have never said, "This is fashion law" or "You should not wear....yadda yadda yadda". There are facts and there are opinions and I've never claimed that any of my opinions are cold hard facts. Most of my posts are opinion and I clearly represent them that way because fashion is generally opinion.

 

I also never thought that anyone *should* agree with me - I just hope they value my comments. If they don't, they don't. There are some people here who's opinion I value and some that I don't, it's very simple. There are some looks I like and some I hate - that's opinion. Then there are some things are are "out" and that's fact - if people still want to wear them, that's opinion. I wear some things that might be "out" because I personally like them. I don't ask opinions here about them because I don't need any - I'm comfortable with my choice.

 

People ask opinions of others when they're unsure so it's not in anyone's best interest to lie. Then there are times not to voice an opinion because it's innappropriate. For example, sometimes people will post a photo of a few dresses and ask which one we like better. Well, sometimes I just don't like any of them, so I simply don't comment. Why would I? I'm not looking to hurt someone's feelings. Or sometimes, someone comes on and boasts about the new dress they just bought for their cruise and shows us a photo of it. Again, sometimes I just don't like the dress, but it would be very rude of me to say so. *They* like it, that's all that matters and I'm glad it makes them feel special.

 

I never confuse fact with opinion and I never comment negatively on a person's choice - though I have had negative comments made to me on some of my choices.

 

But back to the issue at hand - Kellig asked our opinions and we gave them. Seems our board is split pretty evenly about the velvet in tropical climate issue. Perhaps she'll read them and then she'll decide. Makes no difference to me either way, nor do I take anything personally.

 

The only thing I take issue with are a few people here who feel that those of us who give our opinions (whether they be yeah or nay) feel we shouldn't. Duh....isn't that the purpose of this board? To those not interested in what to wear, why would you even visit here? I have no interest in snorkeling, so I wouldn't go to that forum and post opinions to criticize others for doing so!

 

Jane

[momofmeg]

Well it is just like what several posted here. Some people ask these quests. because they are uncomfortable with their choice. I agree and if a person is uncomfortable with their choice (that it doesn't feel "right") then no they probally should not wear that velvet dress as they will be worring about what everyone else thinks.

 

Others ask because this is their first cruise and they are afraid of making a faux-paux. They do not want to stand out as different from the crowd. That is why I always say you see plenty of velvet in the caribbean. I HOPE nobody takes it I am telling them what to wear-because I really do not care-as long as they are clean and presentable. ( I had a person even debate me on that-that people should be allowed to come to dinner sweaty and dirty)

 

You are right Jane- this board is SUPPOSED to be about opinions-I guess some of us though-the way we express ourselves-gets under some people's skins or something. I try hard to reread several times what I have written before I post things but I still seem to irritate alot of people. Then I turn around and try to "explain" what I was trying to say. It never works. Hey one poor guy kept "arguing" with me and we were saying basially the same thing.

 

I was only trying to offer you an olive branch. So please do be offended at anything I say. This goes for all not just Jane.

[Jane110]

>>>>>>>I was only trying to offer you an olive branch. So please do be offended at anything I say. This goes for all not just Jane<<<<<<<

 

Momofmeg,

 

I don't see where I said anything wrong, nor do I see anything that you said wrong. You and I have different opinions about wearing velvet in a tropical climate and that's fine. We're both entitled to our opinions and I never made you wrong when you espressed yours.

 

So I'm not quite sure why there are olive branches being offered. I don't have any hurt feelings and I can't think of anything I've said that would hurt yours.

 

No offense taken at anything you've said in this thread or in others.

 

Think Kellig will ever come back and look at the opinions? She's created quite a stir!

 

Jane

[Trevoli]

why a person would be afraid/reluctant to wear velvet in the dining room and/or other common areas of the ship, no matter what time of year it is.

 

The fact is, the ship is its own eco-system. Who cares what's happening, weather-wise, outside?

 

You're getting dressed in your cabin, walking down a corridor to the dining room, then going to a show, then going to the casino, then going to the disco, then going back to your cabin (or some combination of these).

 

You're not lounging by the pool, you're not hitting the gym, you're going to eat, for heaven's sake!!

 

If you have velvet clothes that fit well, and that you feel special in, then by all means, go for it.

 

T

[kellig]

I was quite surprised by all the feedback on this post. Thanks for all your input. I am still undecided about the issue. I have decided to bring the velvet dress as a backup or last minute decision. Are you sure I can't wear it to the gym? He He.

 

Today I found a cute white knee length coctail dress for $20 today at marshals that I can wear to the formal nights. I have another fashion question though. I have a silver shall, a black shall, and a white sweater. What do you all think about wearing the different colored shalls with the white dress, or should I play it safe with the white sweater? Hopefully this won't be as contriversial, but something tells me there is little hope for that. Thanks again for all of your great advice.

[joie de vivre]

I say go with the black shawl, I am a great fan of black and white. I tend to wear more black and white than anything else. I'm wearing a black dress with a white shawl on one of my formal nights.

[Jane110]

I would say to bring the shawl (or sweater) that goes best with the most outfits so you help to limit the packing a bit.

 

Jane

[Lois R]

Hi:) I have 2 velvet dresses and a long velvet skirt. I have worn all 3~one dress is a tank style and so being sleeveless I wear a pretty shawl. It is a v-neck with a ruffle going around the v.

The 2nd dress is a beautiful irrodescent (sp) green. Long, tank style too with a bolero style jacket.

I wore the velvet skirt with a red silk tank that has a red satin long sleeved top to go with it.

Check out my photos below.

 

OK.....I have NEVER felt out of place wearing any of the above outfits. I felt pretty and of course, that old saying holds true.....if you are feeling good in your outfit, it usually reflects your attitude too. Looking good and feeling good = a wonderful cruise:D

[Happy ks]

I have to address the getting sick because of the cold thing. People get sick from virus and germs, the weather has nothing to do with it. Well, it sort of does, because when the weather is cold, people don't let fresh air into their houses, offices, stores and it makes for more of a chance for virus and germs to spread and grow. So, you can wear that sleeveless dress and not catch a cold from having chilled shoulders. You could be dressed like an Eskimo and still catch a cold from, say, the doorknob you just touched.

 

To those who object to fashion discussion, I find it amusing that you are here reading this stuff. You are absolutely contradicting yourself saying you just don't care by even coming here. So, deep down, you do care what your clothes look like, you just perhaps don't like some of the opinions expressed here.

 

I highly doubt too many of us spend much time checking out what others are wearing on a cruise, unless you do something very eyecatching. There is always the woman in the beautiful black evening gown, with the dirty white utility bra sticking out the back (I have seen this). There are also some, who stick out like a sore thumb on formal nights because they wear sloppy jeans, because, after all, it is their cruise and they can do as they wish. I'm usually having too much of a good time and enjoying my own family to notice whther the woman at the next table has on velvet. You have to dress to please yourself.

[RumRunner01]

I have velvet jeans, velvet tops (long sleeve and short sleeve), velvet blazers, even velvet panties. I guess I really love the stuff. I wear it moreso in the winter but do wear my velvet year round. I will wear velvet jeans in the summer in the evening to dinner but match it with lighter fabrics on the top. Same for the velvet tops. I match them with lighter fabrics. I also keep it more for evening time and not so much in the day during spring and summer.

[BlueHerons]

Kellig, I say go with the silver shawl because it sounds like it will match more things.

[Ehpride]

I like the silver too, just for something different. No need to play it safe :)

[momofmeg]

I have a silvery-grey satin shawl which I love because it looks good with black but also with pastels- so it works with a lot.

 

Probally the best thing you can do is try on your dress and look at yourself in the mirror-trying both-and then you decide which is the most attractive. Heck even ask your hubby, a girlfriend, sister etc. for their opinions if you are undecided- after all someone who sees your attire and not reading a description can give you better advice. From your description though I would think either might work.

 

I figure also you may decide to wear that velvet dress (your back up) the second formal night once you see the other gals wearing their velvet the first night. That too is probally the best decsion you could make. Take it for just in case.

 

Sorry Jane but if you go back and read your posts here at this thread and others you will see why I felt I had offended you.

[Soxfan05]

I think there's a double standard. Men, are expected to wear a "dark" suit which in my opinion is not appropriate for a tropical climate. Think Casablanca- Humphrey Bogart in a white dinner jacket and dark pants- that's more appropriate for a tropical climate than a dark suit and is still very formal. Even a darker beige linen suit would be more appropriate than the wool blends that most men wear.

 

If velvet is inappropriate just because it's not a "tropical fabric" then black dresses and dark suits aren't appropriate because they're not "tropical colors."

 

I just think many women live under the delusion that if it's black, it's formal and slimming. Neither is ALWAYS the case.

 

I think the cut, color and style is as important as the fabric choice in ascertaining if something is appropriate or not.

[lakelodge]

I am planning to wear my gorgeous Victor Costa dress on formal night in early April in the Caribbean-- it's a light color brown (mocha) panne velvet stretch fabric upon which are embroidered hundreds of beige and turquoise sequins and beads. I've worn this dress on three cruises (one in July in Alaska, twice in the winter in the Caribbean) and felt perfectly fine. One-- it doesn't look Christmassy in the least Two--it's sleeveless, plunging v neck, and slit up to HERE (lots of leg showing), so it's not wintery in feel and Three--my husband bought it for me as a surprise and it pleases him for me to wear it. I've literally had dozens of compliments on this dress and if somebody even notices the velvet part and thinks I'm breaking the rules, I say, Who Cares?-- I'm not planning to see those people again anytime soon!! Wear what you feel makes you look great, and are comfortable in. Martha

[alylee777]

Girls,

Not only will I be wearing a black velvet duster in May in the Carribean...it also has feathers completely encircling the neck and front chest area. My Mother who is very fashion conscious hates it!! When I wear it with my BCBG black flare leg trousers, stilletto heels and lace camisole I feel like a rockstar!! Did I mention in the heels I am 6 feet tall! It is my cruise and I just want to have fun! Enjoy your clothes, be comfortable and just know that they are staring because you are just soooo hot!!!

A:D

[queeng]

Girls,

 

Not only will I be wearing a black velvet duster in May in the Carribean...it also has feathers completely encircling the neck and front chest area. My Mother who is very fashion conscious hates it!! When I wear it with my BCBG black flare leg trousers, stilletto heels and lace camisole I feel like a rockstar!! Did I mention in the heels I am 6 feet tall! It is my cruise and I just want to have fun! Enjoy your clothes, be comfortable and just know that they are staring because you are just soooo hot!!!

 

A:D

 

You go girl!!! :D I like that attitude!

Aloha,

Ginger

[Ehpride]

Girls,

 

Not only will I be wearing a black velvet duster in May in the Carribean...it also has feathers completely encircling the neck and front chest area. My Mother who is very fashion conscious hates it!! When I wear it with my BCBG black flare leg trousers, stilletto heels and lace camisole I feel like a rockstar!! Did I mention in the heels I am 6 feet tall! It is my cruise and I just want to have fun! Enjoy your clothes, be comfortable and just know that they are staring because you are just soooo hot!!!

 

A:D

 

I love it!

[BlueHerons]

Would someone please tell me when colors became seasonal or geographical?

 

I don't count white as a color.

[Ehpride]

White is "all" colors so I think it should "always" be appropriate!!

 

Beats me...I'm the type to wear what I feel good in and am comfortable in. If I like it, that's all that matters.

[momofmeg]

White is "all" colors so I think it should "always" be appropriate!!

 

Beats me...I'm the type to wear what I feel good in and am comfortable in. If I like it, that's all that matters.

 

Ehpride that is because you are young like my daughter, Meg. You girls have never known life withou air conditioning and so were never taught all those silly rules -ettiquite on what is proper to wear. Those reules are really archaic.

 

My Meg has a pair of velvet jeans style pants-actually she has had several pairs over the years and she always take these on cruises-this is her uniform along with a tank top and shrug type sweather/jacket for the disco and is often her dinner wear. Until I read how Jane feels about velvet I never thought anything of it.

 

White you were not to wear after labor day or before Memorial day unless it was "winter white" which is an off-white or ecru. Living in the south where it often hits 90 in Oct. and April, I always thought that was a "dumb" rule.

 

I read the funniest "Dear Abby" not too long back. I felt someone may have been "pulling Dear Abby's leg". This young woman was getting married in Dec. and asked should she wear ivory because it was after labor day instead of white. I could not help but think of all our posts here on cruisecritic when I read that. So funny-but Abby set her straight and said white was proper for a bride's first marriage any time of the year. Heck even back when I was a kid brides wore white to winter weddings-so funny.

 

One thing I thought of too-is velvet of today is not the vlevet I wore as a child back in the sixties-it is much lighter. That old velvet was stiff, heavy and wrinkled very easy and really was not an attractive fabric. You would burn up in that stuff if the temp went above 50. What makes today's velvet so attractive to me for cruises is the fact it does not wrinkle-it can be wadded in your suitcase and all you do is shake it out and it looks great.

[Soxfan05]

Would someone please tell me when colors became seasonal or geographical?

 

I don't count white as a color.

 

 

My point was if people are going to totally discount a fabric because it's not "tropical" perhaps we should examine "tropical vs. non-tropical" colors.

 

Momofmeg I totally agree with you.