Can anyone help me put together a wardrobe for a cruise?

[hullaballoonie]

Because I'm getting nowhere! I'm overweight and panicking because everything I see that will fit looks frumpy. I'm a size 16 pear shape, chunky thighs, large upper arms, I'm a bit of a disaster really I never really go anywhere I need to dress up for. I won't need to look evening dress smart but would like to take some flattering combinations of trousers and tops that I can wear for evening meals. I really like the look of layered chiffon tops, batwing or kimono sleeves, loose and floaty, other than that I have no idea.
I'm happy to order online and try on at home. Any ideas or suggestions of where to look very gratefully received.

a top like this with some black trousers maybe?

I like the colour but I think I need it to be a bit longer to cover some of my thunder thighs. Sorry not trying to be difficult, thanks for the link

What will the weather be like? That makes a difference, because if you're somewhere hot then you'll want lighter layers, air con or no air con! I'm just back from a cruise, and I'm also not slim or perfect looking but neither was anyone else, which helped

I got everything in TK Maxx and I wore thigh-length dresses with plain leggings underneath most of the time. Covers the main problem areas nicely! You'll need a cardigan or shawl/warm scarf too for the areas of the ship which are inevitably and inexplicably icy cold at all times. Get pretty patterned tops/dresses and plain leggings/cardigan, then you'll have more combinations to choose from. Asos would be my first choice if I were looking online, and they have a good returns policy. Try the "curves" range from New Look, too, some of their stuff is surprisingly nice.

Thanks easterholidays I hope you had a lovely time. We are cruising round the med in May/June half term so hopefully pleasantly warm. I have several thin cardis and shrugs for the evening if its a bit chilly. Thanks for the ideas I do have a TK Maxx nearby so could have a look there. Leggings don't do much for me unfortunately.

Comfortable shoes/sandals are a must - you can walk long distances around the ship, plus excursions etc.
YouTube have good ideas on what to pack for various cruises and shipping lines. Cruisecritic (google their website) has some advice too

Where are you going on your cruise? What you need for The Fjords is different to the Carribean. Remember that often at sea it can be blustery, especially on the way to the Canaries for example.
I bought a couple of things for cruises, from Roman Originals and an evening bag from a charity shop. Our local Hospice shop often has potential cruise items.

Just dress as you would on any holiday , cruising is very laid back these days

We're cruising round the Med

pelirocco yes I realise but I still need smart ish clothes for dinner and I don't own any!

Kaleidoscope website has a good holiday section - I’ve had a few good quality things very reasonably from them (you have to have a good sift through though) and I got a couple of floaty chiffon tops from Wallis that looked nice with jeans or dressed up with some good trousers and heels.
I also take a couple of jersey maxi dresses - wear with flip flops for day and sparkly sandals and jewellery for evening. Also with a fine knit wrap if chilly/my arms look flabby

How about some jumpsuits? I saw a nice stretchy jersey one in Oasis - v neck, loose elbow length sleeves and below knee? Also saw a couple of nice maxi dresses in Warehouse. Plus I got a very plain navy jumpsuit from New Look - like the oasis one, very easy to get in and out of, and only 12.99. It’s sleeveless, but you could maybe look at a floaty kimono from One Hundred Stars to give you cover? I also have the Bryce culottes from Hush. Unfortunately they are polyester, but they are VERY comfy and floaty.

It took me a minute to work out why you needed help with furniture on a cruise... been a long weekend.

Chesca has some lovely cruise type dresses, but they're not cheap. And the ones with beading weigh a ton!

Shalala
ilovecherries I'm a bit scared of jumpsuits. Maybe I could try some on in the privacy of my own home!!
Fab ideas thank you.

Primark have those finely pleated palazzo pants too - non crease, look good with T-shirt or vest in the day and pretty top for evening

For smart wear there are some lovely dressy maxi dresses in TK Maxx. I am a similar shape and find they work well if they shape under the boobs then float out at the hips hiding all y wobbles.
I tend to go for a light cardi in the evenings or a nice shawl.
I have a couple of jumpsuits which are similar from TKMaxx, which come in under the bust but float over the legs. Great with heels (I am on the shorter side!)

All MY wobbles that should read!

What about something like this m.wallis.co.uk/en/wluk/product/clothing-265973/tops-265992/yellow-asymmetric-embellished-blouse-8700646

Shahlalala that's exactly the sort of thing I need! Thanks, I'll pop in to TKMaxx and have a look.

imnottoofussed ooh I like that! Thank you

MrsDrudge thanks, great idea.

Next have some interesting tops, such as this one
www.next.co.uk/g52152s19#308974

78percentLindt I never even thought of Next. Do you know what their sizing is like?
I like this top although I can't quite work out the sleeves
www.next.co.uk/style/esl92452#l92452

I just bought this dress for my next cruise. It is so flattering and I can't wait to wear it!

www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/clothing/new-arrivals-clothing/briarfield-printed-cotton-floral-dress_deco_gulls_marine.htm

That's lovely Ragamuffincat