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.

Thank you. I'm a similar size to you and am quite self conscious, so it is nice to have something to feel good in!

We love cruises! I’ve been on a few now and over the last few years have changed the sort of wardrobe I pack, as it is definitely getting more casual. No need to worry about ball gowns!
I used to take a lot of dresses, cocktail, knee length, full length fancy dresses and got fed up of having to take tights, fancy shoes etc so I’ve streamlined.
For a 7-12 day cruise I take, a black jumpsuit and shrug, 2 pairs of floaty black trousers with about 3/4 tops and rotate them over the evenings. Some nights I just wear my day holiday gear and go to the buffet instead of dressing up. One pair of black heeled shoes and a black clutch and that’s the evenings sorted. Cotton stretchy dresses , cropped trousers and a few t shorts plus trainers and comfy sandals and a lightweight hoodie,and it all fits in one medium suitcase.
Have a lovely time

Ragamuffincat absolutely. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone massively so anything that helps me feel more confident is a huge bonus

storynanny that's very helpful thank you.

Which ship are you going on?

Tui Marella Discovery 2. Its not one of the huge ships which I'm pleased about!

Sorry been away from my phone! That is a Lipsy top so I'm not sure of the sizing. Last year I bought a long linen shirt and a cotton tunic top from the Next outlet store at a shopping village. Both own brand and they were quite generously sized. I lived in them with cropped leggings or trousers last year. Palaźza trousers and tee shirts are great for med cruises but don't forget that you might need to cover up in the sun. (I burn) Comfy shoes are essential.

Thank you Lindt

I've not sailed with Marella but I don't think they are a terribly formal line.
I actually wear smart jeans most evenings with wedge heels and a variety of tops, some from phase 8 for e.g. ships tend to be cold in the evening regardless of destination so don't dress for your location too much.
Daytime I tend to wear either a beach dress and flip flops (sea days) or shorts (from Fat Face), t shirt and comfy sandals (port days).

Check your itinerary, ours said lounge suit but most women were still in evening wear for dinner and many men wore black tie, it varies by cruise line though. Just wear weather appropriate clothes in the daytime, I wore jeans (northern Europe)

Hi OP

I really recommend Roman Originals for cruisewear. I mentioned in another thread that I get my evening dresses from them as they are really nice without the huge price tag (we go with P & O who still have formal nights, so I like to have a couple of long dresses for a 14 day cruise).

Otherwise, like others have said, floaty trousers and tops will be fine. Nice beaded sandals and glittery clutch. I've just had a quick look at Roman's website, purely in the interests of research of course(!), and they've got lots of nice tops, trousers etc. Remember to take a pashmina or light cardi as sometimes the aircon can be a bit fierce. During the day I throw on beach dresses, shorts and tees, etc for onboard ship. Make sure you've got some flats as you do a lot of walking.

And enjoy!

Have you looked at the Lagenlook website? Nicely cut, drapey tunics and dresses in linen or jersey. Very flattering and not expensive.

I'd wear them with tan/pewter gladiator style sandals (but make sure they're comfy so try Clark's Artisan range) and statement earrings.

Make sure you get a good pedicure before you go

Just checked back to see more replies, great ideas thank you. millythepink I was thinking about my awful toenails, I definitely need a pedicure and probably manicure too! Thanks all I will check out all your suggestions.

Trousers pomodoroshop.com/collections/trousers/products/bengalin-3-7-trousers-31810?variant=14089482403892 White 7/8 very versatile

www.gemini-woman.co.uk/item/Robell-Trousers/Bella-09-Ankle-Length-7-8-Cuff-Trouser/EBQV#.XMcXC2T0kfE Blue trousers

Tops

www.gemini-woman.co.uk/item/ICHI/Nella-Floral-Print-Top/EMNH#.XMcXgWT0kfE

lux-fix.com/shop/annabel-wedgwood-cotton-tunic-by-at-last

Shrug www.gemini-woman.co.uk/item/ICHI/Nella-Floral-Print-Top/EMNH#.XMcXgWT0kfE worn with tops or dresses

Dress
pomodoroshop.com/collections/dresses/products/11921-ombre-floral-dress

Jacket
pomodoroshop.com/collections/jackets/products/jacket-with-collar-31905?variant=14100835139636

I love this bag www.ladydesignerwear.co.uk/shop/joseph-ribkoff/joseph-ribkoff-191965-tote-bag/

Slaymill thank you!

We cruised with Marella a couple of years ago, a nice balance of informality and being spoiled a bit in our opinion!
I was a 16 at the time and took things like:
Palazzo trousers (great with heels for dinner, can be pulled on easily for a stroll on deck, elasticated waist for the last few days!).
Stretchy tube skirt- long with a side split (see above)
Capri pants- comfy for walking in ports, keeps the chilly wind at bay.
Thick jumper- it’s cold when sailing st night.
Stretchy dresses- not too bulky, wardrobe space is minimal.
Bikinis
Sarong/ cover up
Knee length shorts- tailored.
Stick to a limited pallet so everything goes with everything else. Book the end of cruise wash and fold service, for about £15 I had no washing to do and minimal ironing as they dry things flat!

Your welcome I stuck to white and blues as it's perfect for cruising.

I also found this pure cotton top which looks so soft and comfy and a bargain at £35 www.patra.com/Products/PCV/cotton-voile-tunic-top I prefer the blue colour.

Perhaps with these magic trousers to allow for all those on board buffets ! www.walkinstyle.co.uk/clothing-c472/trousers-leggings-c474/tummy-control-pull-up-trousers-p4910#attribute%5B3%5D=45

Finally found this wash bag which is brilliant as the clear pouch detaches for flying on the way out bit.ly/2IOH9ad

Life jacket?

@Slaymill that top is lovely, I am going to order. Trousers may well be needed too! You should be a personal stylist (maybe you are already)

I always find Next are generous so where I would need an 16 bottom anywhere else I would get a 14 in there.

Aww thank you @hullaballonie if you need anything else just ask. I found a great travel bag miatui.com/collections/travel-bags I'm going to get a mini jen.

Am alco cruising the Med with Royal Caribbean - what should DH be wearing for dinner and what about kids??

OP I sailed with Marella last year. Definitely not formal.

I have some Fenn Wright Manson floaty silk palazzo trousers and I wore them with a selection of tops in the evening. Pashmina, wrap or cardi for walks on deck in the evening. Very easy!

Daytime, just dress as you would normally. If you might be in swimwear, a coverup you feel comfortable walking around in. It really is very relaxed.

As a size 16 you will not feel self conscious, believe me!

I would advise you to take a pair of shorts and a sleeveless vest top for port days in case it’s very hot - you’ll be miserable if you’re too covered up. Don’t have to be skimpy, Debenhams, M&S, Next etc all have shorts just above the knee.

Good point @CoolShoeshine. I'd also suggest shoes that are not too closed and tight for evening wear. I always find my feet swell slightly and I've learned the hard way to avoid court shoes and instead go for something more open and forgiving. If you feel like treating yourself you could have a pedicure on board!