LucasLounger1 Posted January 24, 2014 #1 Share Posted January 24, 2014 Hi everyone, I have a few gorgeous fancy party tops that look great with black pants. I generally wear them at non-formal nights but I'm beginning to think they might be more elegant than some of my dresses (I have difficulty finding flattering dresses in my budget). Do you think a fancy party top and pants can look as formal as a non-formal dress? Or should I stick to a dress for formal nights, even if it isn't really formal? I might add that I love dressing up but have varying degrees of success putting outfits together. My husband wears his suits well and always looks well attired so I feel the pressure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andee Posted January 25, 2014 #2 Share Posted January 25, 2014 Perhaps you could find a dressy black skirt to pair with your fancy tops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucasLounger1 Posted January 25, 2014 Author #3 Share Posted January 25, 2014 Believe it or not I don't own a black skirt. Not much time for shopping now, maybe I can borrow something from my sister! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hi2you Posted January 25, 2014 #4 Share Posted January 25, 2014 It sounds to me like you are looking for approval with the pants and dressy tops. I say go for it. They sound like terrific outfits. I have seen many women on cruises looking smashing in pants and dressy tops. I once did a dressy capri and dressy top, with strappy heels and jewelry. I had brought a dress to wear for the second dress-up night, but had gotten sunburned and wanted to wear something which covered that up (which my dress would not), so instead of the dress, I wore the other. I felt comfortable and stylish and still dressed up enough. It is really your own personal choice. Have a terrific time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess111 Posted January 25, 2014 #5 Share Posted January 25, 2014 I say go with the party tops and black dress pants. When you are in the dining room, nobody sees your bottom half since it is under the table. And the dress pants will be comfortable, you can pair them with less dressy tops for non-formal nights and even shopping at port. And you can always dress them up with fancy footwear like strappy sandals and do your hair nice. I have done this on cruises and it worked fine. If you think you look great and are happy with your outfit, you will look great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoncom Posted January 27, 2014 #6 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Ladies, sparkly tops look good. Just please do not wear those ancient ones with SHOULDER PADS like the ladies on HAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magandab Posted January 28, 2014 #7 Share Posted January 28, 2014 (edited) Never mind. Edited January 28, 2014 by magandab Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magandab Posted January 28, 2014 #8 Share Posted January 28, 2014 To the OP, sparkly fancy tops with pants or a long skirt are perfectly okay. It's easier to pack and you can mix and match for more looks. I have black and white crepe wide leg pants, and make sure all the tops will go with either one to mix it up a bit. I like to get dressed up for the specialty restaurants too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGirlKS Posted January 28, 2014 #9 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Perhaps you could find a dressy black skirt to pair with your fancy tops. Always a good option. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted January 28, 2014 #10 Share Posted January 28, 2014 I agree with the top and skirt combination too:)...it can be very pretty and in my opinion, is just fine on formal night:) Actually, I just ordered this from QVC and am waiting for it:D I am on a cruise next month and hoping to wear it with either a pair of black slacks or a black skirt:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayehall Posted January 28, 2014 #11 Share Posted January 28, 2014 I will be looking for you in that shirt, Lois!! I am a pant and top kind of girl. Feel so awkward in a dress sometimes. Like something is showing or my stomach is sticking out too much or I have toilet paper hanging from the back...LOL. Just more comfortable in pants Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
We're The Groupnors Posted January 28, 2014 #12 Share Posted January 28, 2014 I agree with the top and skirt combination too:)...it can be verypretty and in my opinion, is just fine on formal night:) Actually, I just ordered this from QVC and am waiting for it:D I am on a cruise next month and hoping to wear it with either a pair of black slacks or a black skirt:) Love the colour!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted January 28, 2014 #13 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Thank you:)...me too;):D...it looks like turquoise but they call it "Marine Blue":D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherlock43031 Posted January 29, 2014 #14 Share Posted January 29, 2014 neither are 'formal' but you can get by with either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebel26 Posted January 29, 2014 #15 Share Posted January 29, 2014 I think "Formal" can be pants as well as a skirt or dress or gown. As someone has already said-if you are confident and comfortable, you:) are fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcur Posted January 29, 2014 #16 Share Posted January 29, 2014 All my formal night clothes are fancy tops and either pants or one of two long georgette skirts. I have the skirts in grey and black. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherlock43031 Posted January 30, 2014 #17 Share Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) I think "Formal" can be pants as well as a skirt or dress or gown. As someone has already said-if you are confident and comfortable, you:) are fine. no 'formal' is formal.. but what you are describing is fine on formal night since it's not enforced. http://www.emilypost.com/everyday-manners/your-personal-image/69-attire-chart Edited January 30, 2014 by Sherlock43031 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted January 31, 2014 #18 Share Posted January 31, 2014 Got my blue top today:D.....fits perfectly and I LOVE the color:D It can definitely be dressed up (or not);)......I am taking it on my upcoming cruise:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted January 31, 2014 #19 Share Posted January 31, 2014 Wear your pretty tops with black pants and enjoy. The times are very different these days. You will be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingera Posted February 7, 2014 #20 Share Posted February 7, 2014 That is a pretty blue top. I say go for the dressy pants if that is what you like. There is nothing like feeling confident in what you are wearing to make you look good. I feel most comfortable when I wear palazzo pants with a dressy top on formal nites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magandab Posted February 7, 2014 #21 Share Posted February 7, 2014 (edited) I agree with the top and skirt combination too:)...it can be verypretty and in my opinion, is just fine on formal night:) Actually, I just ordered this from QVC and am waiting for it:D I am on a cruise next month and hoping to wear it with either a pair of black slacks or a black skirt:) Lois, did you get this top? Does it fit? It is as gorgeous in person? Oops, never mind, I just saw your response. Edited February 7, 2014 by magandab Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slidergirl Posted February 7, 2014 #22 Share Posted February 7, 2014 no 'formal' is formal.. but what you are describing is fine on formal night since it's not enforced. http://www.emilypost.com/everyday-manners/your-personal-image/69-attire-chart The large majority of mass-market Cruise ships aren't "black tie", but "black tie optional" on "formal" night, men ARE allowed in the MDR in dark suits…. So, separates for women would be quite appropriate in my mind, based on Emily… I'd much rather see a woman in a nice pair of black pants and a nice top than some of the women who stuff themselves into a prom dress or a MOB dress and think they are "elegant." Kind of like the bikini issue to me ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted February 8, 2014 #23 Share Posted February 8, 2014 Lois, did you get this top? Does it fit? It is as gorgeous in person? Oops, never mind, I just saw your response. LOL...no problem:D...yes, it fits well, feels good and looks LOVELY in person too;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherlock43031 Posted February 8, 2014 #24 Share Posted February 8, 2014 The large majority of mass-market Cruise ships aren't "black tie", but "black tie optional" on "formal" night, men ARE allowed in the MDR in dark suits…. So, separates for women would be quite appropriate in my mind, based on Emily… I'd much rather see a woman in a nice pair of black pants and a nice top than some of the women who stuff themselves into a prom dress or a MOB dress and think they are "elegant." Kind of like the bikini issue to me ;) where do you find that wording? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jawas Posted February 8, 2014 #25 Share Posted February 8, 2014 The large majority of mass-market Cruise ships aren't "black tie", but "black tie optional" on "formal" night, men ARE allowed in the MDR in dark suits…. So, separates for women would be quite appropriate in my mind, based on Emily… I'd much rather see a woman in a nice pair of black pants and a nice top than some of the women who stuff themselves into a prom dress or a MOB dress and think they are "elegant." Kind of like the bikini issue to me ;) Oh my - you made me laugh! Yeah, formal/elegant nights are very open to interpretation, and it always does look like some recycled a prom dress or bridesmaid dress. Some are very pretty, but others are just not. :rolleyes: Getting ready to go on Carnival, and I feel pretty good about my dressy black pants, dressy tops, sparkly jewelry and sparkly shoes for their "elegant" nights. I think I'm usually more comfortable in this type of outfit than a dress, because I have more control over the end result :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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