Why do people change after dinner on formal nights?

[2910car]

I never understand why it is acceptable to change into shorts, T shirt and flip flops on formal night as soon as dinner is over. To my way of thinking, you don't see much of a person at a dining room table. If he is wearing jeans or shorts it is hidden by the table.

 

But after dinner I see people in tux or gown sitting next to some guy with hairy legs and torn T shirt. Some people wear their oldest (maybe most comfortable) stuff in the theater, lounges and casino on formal nights and I just don't get it.

 

So many people on this board make a big deal over dress in the dining room but don't seem to care what anyone wears after dinner.

 

I would love to see an answer to this

[sherilyn70]

Because they feel obligated to dress up but aren't comfortable wearing it and want to eat in the MDR. So as soon as dinner (and pictures are taken) is over we change out of the clothes. I know we're guilty of it ourselves. I don't want to keep walking around in a dress and would feel more comfortable with proper shoes on that have a good sole with flexibility and support.

[Keith1010]

It's always hard to figure out why people do what they do.

 

Keith

[Happy ks]

There are also some people who don't attend formal night by choice and go to other venues, such as the buffet or room service. They aren't and should not be confined to their cabin just because of the clothes they are wearing.

 

I no longer worry about what other people are wearing, i just concern myself with myself. If a person changes out of their formal wear, that's their business.

 

It's been a few years since i've seen this topic as a thread on CC, but it used to be a hot topic. This was back in the years when the argument was tux vs. dark suit and long gown vs. short cocktail dress. Times sure have changed over a relatively short span ;)

 

Not so long ago a man would be turned away at the door of the dining room with no jacket. I've noticed since the decline of "dress code" (I hate that term, so junior high school) there has also been a decline of dining room service. I have no idea if there is a correlation between that, or budget cuts.

[sail7seas]

We were on Westerdam for two weeks over Thanksgiving and saw some men refused entry because they were not wearing jacket and tie. HAL is inconsistent about enforcement but from time to time, we do see a Dining Room Manager or Assistant enforce the dress code.

[PurpleHays]

My formal dresses are hemmed to go with 4" heels. I don't wear them more than a few hours.

[arhillbilly]

I will "dress" every night for dinner. If it's a "formal night", then I will wear a long evening dress and if I plan on dancing, will go change and put a shorter dress on because I dance in stocking feet I don't want the long dress getting dirty or tripping me

[lovemylab]

Neither myself or my husband enjoy spending an entire evening in formal clothes. We will dress up for dinner and usually keep the same outfit on for the theatre...but after that we change into something more comfortable such as khakis and polo shirt for DH and a lighter cotton dress for me.

[5326jan]

As Happy KS mentioned, we don't like to dress in formal attire and usually do a specialty restaurant in smart casual attire. Others may want to get pizza and go to MUTS for dinner, then come in and enjoy the show. I've personally never seen anyone ~ on any night ~ in a torn tee shirt, but there is a wide range of attire. Kathy's right, as long as you feel comfortable, don't worry about what others wear. :)

[cb at sea]

If I go to the "trouble" (and it's really no trouble at all!) to dress up and look nice, I ain't changing! The entire evening will be in our "good lookin'" duds!!!

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

I wore my wonderful 100% silk formal gown to early dining on formal night this past Sunday. DH and I wanted to have numerous photos takes after dinner, then decided rather than changing, we'd wear our formal attire to a show. At the final song of the evening's performance, the crowd gave a standing ovation. It was then I knocked over my capuccino onto my gown. I spent the next 45 minutes in my stateroom with a washcloth and towel blotting the mess out of the silk material and from around the extensive beading.

 

I vow to NEVER wear my formal attire beyond the dinner and photographers. :rolleyes:

 

The theater is especially fraught with dangers for the wearers of finery. I have had people spill drinks on me as they passed by me to a seat further in my row of seats. I have had a drink spilled on me that was knocked off the holder in the seats's arm beside me. I have seen a child vomit all over two seats. Luckily I wasn't close when that happened, but saw it.

[Creole Girl]

As the others have said, I believe people change for comfort or they do not even go to the dining room that night. My DH hates to dress up and only does it because I make him. He immediately changes after dinner, but I keep my clothes on because I love dressing up any way and look for any occasion to do it.

[two4me]

I got 2 gowns for formal night on a cruise and the 2nd formal night I wore the gown to diner, but right after had to change.. long story short... I was eating to much the days before and it got a little tight!

Too funny considering I don't gain weight that easy.lol

[Laurie S.]

I never change out of my formal dress after dinner. I enjoy strutting my stuff! We rarely have any interest in the shows, so we end up in a bar, karaoke, or other smaller venue--any place where there won't be many, if any children.

[luvscruising2007]

I generally change when the shoes get uncomfortable.

On our last cruise formal night was the same night as Quest and

I didn't feel comfortable wearing formal wear to the show.

We do keep formal clothing on if the main show is held after

dinner. Not often as we always select traditional late dining.

[LittleMissMagic]

I'm guessing they're uncomfortable. Men, especially, might get hot in their jackets. Women might be sick of prancing around in heels. If they want to do outdoor activities like the deck parties, it can be quite sticky out there in the humidity.

 

On some cruiselines, the evening dress is for the entire ship. But on other cruiselines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, it's really limited to the dining rooms, as they do offer casual eating locations.... if they're allowing people to eat in the buffets in casual attire, it would be really hypocritical for them to restrict them from the main entertainment areas of the ship.

[GORDONCHICK]

Because I would be sorely over dressed in the hot tub if I didn't!

[travlnblueberries]

I never understand why it is acceptable to change into shorts, T shirt and flip flops on formal night as soon as dinner is over. To my way of thinking, you don't see much of a person at a dining room table. If he is wearing jeans or shorts it is hidden by the table.

 

But after dinner I see people in tux or gown sitting next to some guy with hairy legs and torn T shirt. Some people wear their oldest (maybe most comfortable) stuff in the theater, lounges and casino on formal nights and I just don't get it.

 

So many people on this board make a big deal over dress in the dining room but don't seem to care what anyone wears after dinner.

 

I would love to see an answer to this

 

Great Point!

[travlnblueberries]

because i would be sorely over dressed in the hot tub if i didn't!

 

lol

[CowPrincess]

Our favorite time to be out on deck is after dinner (late seating). Have tried a couple of time in "formal" wear and the shoes are a problem, so now we change into casual wear. If we offend a few people as we transit the interior parts of the ship to get outside, we certainly hope we don't ruin their cruise for them ;)

 

That's why we change. If we were to go to a lounge, the show, the casino, etc, we would stay in our dinner clothing.

[OCruisers]

Whatever people want to do isn't a problem for us.

 

:confused: Just wonder WHY folks don't wear formal clothes/shoes that are comfortable and fit correctly?

 

The last thing we want to do is change clothes after dinner. :rolleyes:

 

LuLu

~~~~~

[kitty9]

If I'm going through the trouble of packing the formal clothes and taking the time to do my hair and makeup, I'm not going to change. I can't remember ever changing my clothes after dinner, but I will say that my formal clothes are much more comfortable than casual clothes. Mine are silky and lightweight, even with some beading and sequins, and are very comfortable---and I'm a full time mobility impaired person using a scooter.

[CowPrincess]

Whatever people want to do isn't a problem for us.

 

:confused: Just wonder WHY folks don't wear formal clothes/shoes that are comfortable and fit correctly?

 

The last thing we want to do is change clothes after dinner. :rolleyes:

 

LuLu

~~~~~

 

For me it isn't comfort nearly as much as safety with the shoes. I have a difficult time walking on the decks in high heels. I'm not very coordinated at the best of times. As for the formal clothing mine is comfortable but hemmed for heels, so I can't wear flats without presenting a hazard to myself :) The other issue with being on deck in formal wear is that I've ruined casual clothing in the past by leaning on the rail and getting stains (that don't wash out) on clothing items, and by sitting down and getting "whatever" on an item. IF I'm going to ruin something, I'd far prefer it be a casual top or casual pants than anything else.

[Beejay4016]

Because I would be sorely over dressed in the hot tub if I didn't!

 

Love your sense of humour. Perhaps, like Marilyn, just Chanel No. 5. :)

[Beejay4016]

Whatever people want to do isn't a problem for us.

 

:confused: Just wonder WHY folks don't wear formal clothes/shoes that are comfortable and fit correctly?

 

The last thing we want to do is change clothes after dinner. :rolleyes:

 

LuLu

~~~~~

 

I agree there. I can't understand this assumption that formal clothing, or elegant clothing, is uncomfortable. I've seen so many women say stockings/pantyhose are uncomfortable. What on earth is uncomfortable about them? And if your formal dress makes you feel uncomfortable rather than beautiful it's the wrong dress. I am so looking forward to donning my long evening dresses, putting on glitzy earrings, paying extra attention to my make-up, and enjoying the feeling of a special evening. And I sure can't imagine feeling uncomfortable. Jeans are uncomfortable; a long floaty chiffon dress is anything but uncomfortable.