cruise wear; what is it and how does one pull it off if you're normally a bit more casual?

[OlafLovesAnna]

DH has a guest speaker type role on a Cunard ship and I'm going along for the ride!

What on earth do I wear and how do I do it without spending a squillion pounds on stuff I won't really re-wear?

I have a couple of cocktail dresses and a couple of black tie full length jobs but not enough for 3 weeks! Also a bit confused about what should be worn during the day (temps of about 25 degrees)

Cunard is at the dressier end of the scale.

Eves:

• find out how many formal nights there are - you'll want a proper posh frock for each
• other nights you either want a regular dress, or trousers & a dressy top are fine too. I'd plan to wear each dress/top twice, maybe a couple 3x
• do you think you'll eat in the main restaurant every night? We do but a lot of people don't & the buffet is casual, wear what you like, stay in your day clothes so you may not need 21 days worth of posh wear.

Day:

• will you be in ports most days? If so, you want sightseeing clothes - your normal stuff, say shorts, t shirt & comfy shoes as there's usually a lot of walking. Maybe the odd sundress, lightweight trousers etc. Even if not in port, I still stick with the shorts/shirt/skirt/sun dress type option, but not the walking shoes!

Have a fab time, lucky you getting 3 weeks complimentary - excellent stuff!

I had an evening dress for the formal night, and a range of Boden type dresses for all other times.

Thanks. I think DH is expected to 'host' tables so I imagine I'll have to eat at the main restaurants.

Glad to hear the Boden type summer dresses will be fine as daywear, I've got quite a few and they're mostly non iron!

Day wear can be casual. Evening should be smart but needn't be dressy and then something for each of the formal nights. Maybe add a sparkly cover up to something plain or some statement jewellery to make it look different?

You won't have space for lots of outfits, so I would suggest just three that are "evening only", then about 10 that are smart casual. You will also need swimwear plus a coverup, and any sporty stuff you think you'll need.

Your DH will probably need a bit more as he won't be wearing his evening wear during the day.

It might be worth finding out how much it will cost to get laundry done.