Ladies...I need a little *ahem* help (somewhat sensitive)

[so there]

How ever do you plan your wardrobe for a cruise?? I've been on two, but this one will be 15 days (Hawaii) and honestly, I think I'm going to need 6 suitcases (one just for shoes, I swear!). I'm going to have to spend more than the cost of the cruise on clothes and all the right ropes and pulleys and suck-you-ins to go with! And gowns? I looked at gowns today. You either can't wear *support* with them or they're ......ummm.....matronly. No one suggest strapless bras, please. Gravity will not be trifled with. I'd have to get one in my waist size. :mad:

 

So....any advice? My husband wants to wear a tux on formal nights (I curse the simplicity of men's fashion!), and while I have some nice cocktail dresses, I'm thinking to get at least one real-life grown up gown. Are there any great stores or websites that you're familiar with? I have this notion to order a bunch, try them on, and send back the ones that are ridiculous. I don't live near great shopping, so a trip to some mall would cost me more than the shipping fees.

 

Gawd, in light of the world's problems, this is absurdly shallow, I know. :(

[Sandytoes]

I bought gowns for my first cruise.... Spent so much on them and now they hang in the closet.... What a waste of money. I now wear cocktail dresses that are more comfortable and pleasing to wear...

If you do buy a gown or two, make sure you absolutely love love love it and would wear over and over again....

[mycruz]

Do you recall what everyone on the ship wore on the last formal night on your last cruises or for that matter, the day before? I don't think there is a fashion patrol checking to see what everyone has worn already. I can't give much advice about the shoes because that is an issue I have as well. We did take a whole suitecase once for our Alaska cruise, never again! Think about a nice long black skirt and a couple of different very dressy tops to go with it. I know what you mean about the styles, I just went through that shopping for my son's wedding. As for day to day wear, if you're in a suite, use the complimentary dry cleaning and laundry service, if not, take advantage of the laundry room. It takes about two hours to wash and dry a couple of loads, but I'd rather do that than lug all that luggage and spend money on clothes when I could use it for some spa treatments, excusrsions or having fun in the casino! Besides, I've met some very nice people in the laundry, plus you don't come home with a bunch of laundry to tend to after a nice vacation.

[gooselace]

You might try www.silhouettes.com. Very reasonably priced in a good range of sizes. If you have time to get their catalog, you'll find a wider selection.

 

Also scroll down on the forums box at the bottom of page and you'll find one on cruise fashions. Lots of suggestions and opinions there.

[tvaud]

How ever do you plan your wardrobe for a cruise?? I've been on two, but this one will be 15 days (Hawaii) and honestly, I think I'm going to need 6 suitcases (one just for shoes, I swear!). I'm going to have to spend more than the cost of the cruise on clothes and all the right ropes and pulleys and suck-you-ins to go with! And gowns? I looked at gowns today. You either can't wear *support* with them or they're ......ummm.....matronly. No one suggest strapless bras, please. Gravity will not be trifled with. I'd have to get one in my waist size. :mad:

 

Go to ebay for Spanx to suck you in at reasonable prices. Try JC Penney's website for a good solid and large, if you need one, strapless bra. If you wait for their sales, you will really save. As for gowns that are not matronly, try designer Faviana or Tiffany or Jovani and look through their collections. You can browse them online and find a place to send one to you. They make plus sizes too , if you need that. Also, many ebay sellers are budding designers and will make you a dress to your measurements for a fraction of the cost in a department store. Try alight.com also for great plus sizes. As for shoes, stick with a few basics. Most outfits can be matched up with one or two colors, so try to use a pair of shoes or several outfits. A black, neutral bronze and white are what I am bringing this cruise. Oh, and a pair of casual sandals for daytime. Happy shopping.:)

[4tocruisesoon]

I too was going to suggest Spanx! Heck, mine are on their way to me now from Ebay, hahahaha.

 

I also ordered MANY gowns from ebay, all brand new, and all ranging from $10 to no more than $25! A few aren't going with me on our cruise, they are going to consignment...or back on ebay, and one I already sold to my friend who just got back from a cruise!

 

Anyhow, for shoes, I hit this one place and got exactly what I was looking for...clear shoes with silver accents...will match EVERYTHING, all at the bargain price of $24.99, I was SOOOOOOOO excited!

 

I hope you get everything you want and need! ENJOY!

 

Sharon

[ozland]

so there:

 

I like mycruz' answer. A long, dressy black skirt, a couple of sparkly tops (with perhaps a wrap), nice sparkly jewelry, and you're good to go.

 

I've done the 15 day to Hawaii. We had three formal nights. On the 1st an 3rd nights I wore the same thing, something different on the 2nd night. I doubt my husband even noticed let alone anyone else. Just be comfortable and don't worry. As long as you aren't wearing jeans . . . :eek: you'll do just fine.

 

Have a great time.

[MilliesMom]

http://www.sydneyscloset.com/

 

http://stores.ebay.com/China-Ekt_Prom-Dress-Chinese-Qipao_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZQ2d1QQfsubZ20QQftidZ2QQtZkm

This site has been mentioned many times on the fashion board. They do "custom made" dresses.

 

I've had great luck with Dillards. They also have formals on-line and go from small sizes to plus sizes: http://www.dilliards.com

 

Here's the link to the fashion forum here too:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=182

 

Hope this helps.

 

Mary

[From a land down under]

I liked the idea of the different tops with a staple skirt.

Why not get one fab black dress and dress differently with wraps, brooches under the bustline, scarves etc? You could probably kill at least 4 or 5 nights with different variations of the same if that's your cup of tea.

[frogfuzz]

I have found some great deals at Ross. Don't know if you have one in your area or not. Got great deal on a nice formal. Some Goodwill type stores have some nice stuff too. Worth a shot.

 

I multi function shoes , I take as minimual as possible.

 

I'm not big on wearing clothes twice (cleanliness & smell reasons not vanity), but for a couple hours at dinner then another time for all day ,

I figure it is ok.

A couple nice pair of dress black pants, grey or winter white will go with lots of colors ,for dinner, wear to dinner only, change afterward .

A solid button shirt & a tank top wear together as an outfit with shirt unbuttoned & tank under, another time wear tank alone, another time shirt alone . 3 outfits out of 2 shirts. And I am a big believer in a plain simple type dress can be dressed up with shoes and jewlery to look nice for dinner, then again dressed down with sandals for day wear.

 

Plus if it is a freestyle ship chances are less you would run into seeing people twice if you are worried about that . I wouldn't remember what a tablemate wore 10 days prior

 

Compare cost of 1 on ship cleaning run for a few clothes on the ship to the new clothes you would buy plus have to haul around and maybe not need may be worth it.

 

I have a couple of the thin gauzy wrinkley type shirts, that I wash in the sink and hang to dry. Drives hubs nuts but thin and good for port days that are hot and less to take along

 

If you do order online be sure to google for coupons first . off hand I know couponcabin.com and couponbug.com

I know JC Penney & Macys will occasionally have free shipping or % off.

 

15 days? I'm jealous. Don't stress over clothes, just have fun

[caviargal]

I have several long dresses in matte jersey that are easy to pack, elegant and perfect for travel. David Meister makes a nice collection and you can find them in most better department stores and Nordstroms online.

 

For a 14 night cruise, I would build a wardrobe around basics and mix and match. Two pairs of nice slacks, a great skirt that you can wear with different tops (my favorite is a black matte jersey DKNY that hits just below the knee and has a small border of knife pleats), a wrap skirt or two, and a couple of LBDs. That would get me through 2 weeks just fine.

 

Dry clean as you need to in between and change the look with accessories. For my black skirt, I would wear it one night with a sheer animal print fitted top, one night with an evening cardigan worn as a top, etc. I then wear the cardigan (my favorite one is a black and gold lurex print, fitted and lightweight) over black pants and a black top for another night. And carry it to wear other evenings in case am I am cold.

 

For daytime, I would pack some basic pieces and have them laundered to wear again. It is far easier and more practical than overpacking.

 

For shoes, I would probably pack three pairs for evening, two walking shoes for daytime, flip flops for the pool and spa, running shoes.

 

Are you on Infinity? How nice to have two whole weeks to enjoy!:)

[Bsan1221]

How ever do you plan your wardrobe for a cruise?? I've been on two, but this one will be 15 days (Hawaii) and honestly, I think I'm going to need 6 suitcases (one just for shoes, I swear!). I'm going to have to spend more than the cost of the cruise on clothes and all the right ropes and pulleys and suck-you-ins to go with! And gowns? I looked at gowns today. You either can't wear *support* with them or they're ......ummm.....matronly. No one suggest strapless bras, please. Gravity will not be trifled with. I'd have to get one in my waist size. :mad:

 

So....any advice? My husband wants to wear a tux on formal nights (I curse the simplicity of men's fashion!), and while I have some nice cocktail dresses, I'm thinking to get at least one real-life grown up gown. Are there any great stores or websites that you're familiar with? I have this notion to order a bunch, try them on, and send back the ones that are ridiculous. I don't live near great shopping, so a trip to some mall would cost me more than the shipping fees.

 

Gawd, in light of the world's problems, this is absurdly shallow, I know. :(

 

I've been on a 12 day cruise to Hawaii and my suggestion is to layout everything you want to take and then get rid of half. You should take more shirts instead of pants, shorts, etc.

 

Maybe instead of a gown you could take a nice skirt and blouse. Then you can take two nice blouses and use the same skirt.

 

The shoe dilema I understand. You may need a pair of flip-flops, sandals, sneakers, and dress shoes.

 

SPANX is the way to go!!! Check out their website and see what you want and then get it on ebay :)

 

http://www.spanx.com/pls/enetrixp/!stmenu_template.main

[Happy ks]

Don't pack for 15 days, pack for a week.

 

That's the advice I would normally give, but you will be encountering both cool weather and warm weather. So, pack for cool weather (3 days X 2) for the voyage coming and going and a weeks worth of warm weather clothing. You sea days will be lazy ones, so wear comfortable clothing like yoga pants and T's. I have no idea if you've been to Hawaii yet, but I'm always more comfortable wearing sundresses, rather than shorts over there.

 

You can and will use things more than once, even if you don't plan it that way. I know even when I have clothes along, some things are just more comfortable and I will tend to wear them again and again.

 

I like the advice of an evening skirt and 2 great tops, one being worn the 1st and third formal nights. It not only saves packing space with clothes, you can get away with one pair of formal shoes.

 

Do the same sort of thing for the other nights, if you have informal, the same little black cocktail dress can be worn with different accessories. For casual nights, 2 or 3 pair of nice slacks or a skirt, with mix and match tops. I'd cut waaayyyyy back on the shoes, taking only one formal, one informal and one casual night time shoes. Then, for daytime, your most comfortable sandals, sneakers and one pair of flip flops. You would only be packing 5 pair and wearing one pair.

 

Smart packing is smart organization, you can look like a million bucks without your entire wardrobe along. While I'm not at all fond of doing laundry while on a cruise, you will have so much time on your hands on sea days, it probably won't be a big deal at all (if there are laundry facilities). Otherwise, the cost of laundry/dry cleaning has got to be a huge savings over buying a lot of new clothes.

[CVL105]

I love the website Bluefly.com. It has designer wear for discounted prices.

 

I found some nice dresses that look like you'd be able to wear a bra with them. Keep in mind that some of these dresses are available in different colors.

 

http://www.bluefly.com/pages/products/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=2021590143&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1213&N=1213&Nao=54&Ne=500000&Ns=Popularity%7c0%7c%7cProduct%2bCode%7c1&Nu=Product+ID

 

http://www.bluefly.com/pages/products/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=2034388061&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1213&N=1213&Nao=18&Ne=500000&Ns=Popularity%7c0%7c%7cProduct%2bCode%7c1&Nu=Product+ID

 

http://www.bluefly.com/pages/products/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=2037505721&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1213&N=1213&Nao=36&Ne=500000&Ns=Popularity%7c0%7c%7cProduct%2bCode%7c1&Nu=Product+ID

 

http://www.bluefly.com/pages/products/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=2023591695&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1213&N=1213&Nao=180&Ne=500000&Ns=Popularity%7c0%7c%7cProduct%2bCode%7c1&Nu=Product+ID

 

http://www.bluefly.com/pages/products/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=2006547123&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1213&N=1213&Nao=144&Ne=500000&Ns=Popularity%7c0%7c%7cProduct%2bCode%7c1&Nu=Product+ID

This one you might have to get a bra with clear straps in order for it to work...but I still thought it was a good option.

 

Hope these give you an idea of some non-"matronly" dresses that you can wear a bra with.

[Ula]

So There,

Might I ask which RT Hawaii you are going on? We have 10/18/07 booked on Princess.

My observations on formal night, I find the first one to be most dressy so I go all out on that one. I have found some nice dresses that have built in support to adjust for middle aged sag. The other formal nights I do a nice mix and match.

I know you are cruising on Princess and fortunately they do have a laundry room, with many sea days it is not hard to fit in a load or two of wash. I would not send our underwear to the cleaners. That is just me.

You sound like my mom, she packs a bag for her shoes. Our last flight together was right after the airport event in England. Real tight security out of LAX. Honest mom moved her makeup stuff from her carry on to under the plane and replaced it for weight with her shoes. They were hand searching all carryon and there was mom with a bag full of shoes.

[so there]

It pays to ask the voices of experience.....you guys are great! Love the photos CVL105....those are very similar to what I have in mind.

 

I've decided to raid my closet, see exactly what I have, and decide from there what I might need. I'm all for paring down to the essentials. I'm just concerned that a short cocktail dress might not be formal enough if my husband wears a tux. Any opinions on that? I might buy a gown, but I'm almost certain I'd never wear it again.....until the next cruise, that is. ;) It kind of seems like a waste of money.

 

We're sailing on the Island Princess on 11/20/06, for those that asked....it's a long-overdue, hard-earned vacation.

 

Thanks for all the advice, ladies. I'm sure I'll have more questions!

 

Sandy

[caviargal]

I prefer a gown with a tux; a long skirt would work as well if very dressy. I like some of the dresses CVL105 posted from Bluefly as they are simple and elegant; they also would pack well and not take up a lot of space.

 

I agree about not spending money on something that is just going to sit in your closet. There are often bargains to be had at consignment shops, discounters, etc. Do you have a friend that might have a dress to loan you?

 

I generally opt for short cocktail if my DF wears a dark suit.

 

Good luck!

[CVL105]

If you really want a gown and don't want to spend alot of money, check ebay. They have some great dresses and alot of them aren't even used once. Check it out....most you can get for under $100.

[CVL105]

oops double post

[madhouseinc]

I prefer a gown with a tux; a long skirt would work as well if very dressy. I like some of the dresses CVL105 posted from Bluefly as they are simple and elegant; they also would pack well and not take up a lot of space.

 

I agree about not spending money on something that is just going to sit in your closet. There are often bargains to be had at consignment shops, discounters, etc. Do you have a friend that might have a dress to loan you?

 

I generally opt for short cocktail if my DF wears a dark suit.

 

Good luck!

 

I have a horrible time ordering anything online (I wear a medium on the bottom and a large on top) and discovered high end consignment stores. The one I go to still has price tags on a good number of them. Got a Lilli Rubin gown for $200 and a Jones of New York suit for $45. Love it when these women buy stuff without trying them on. Have no idea why they don't just return them, just enjoying it!!

[carol louise]

I'm just concerned that a short cocktail dress might not be formal enough if my husband wears a tux. Any opinions on that? Sandy

 

I think with the right fabric, such as chiffon or georgette, a cocktail dress can appropriately accompany a tux. Here's an example (from Nordstrom):