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Original poster

Cruise formal wear

41 replies

Babysharkdoodoodood · 04/03/2023 00:57

Ugh. Worst part of the cruise is finding something to wear for the 2 formal nights.

It's on a Seabourn ship so a bit posh. It's easy for DH as he just throws on his dinner suit. Me? Size 20 with really dodgy feet so I can't wear heels at all, but equally not too flat because of PF.

My figure is frankly shit. I've had a mastectomy on one side which gives me a bit of a Buddha belly. Cannot wear anything tucked in. I've attached 2 photos to show my usual style. I love colours and I usually wear trainers so I've been toying buying a pair of sparkly Kate Spades https://www.katespade.co.uk/en-gb/shoes/trista-sneakers/K7204.html?dwcolor=ROSE-GOLD.#prefn1=size&prefv1=6+(US+8.5)&srule=priceLowtoHigh&start=1&sz=30&page=1

Daytime is fine as I just throw on a dress, Snag chub rubs and Teva walking sandals. It's the nighttime wardrobe I'm struggling with. I hate sequins and typical cruise wear but don't want to be under/over dressed.

Budget is about £400 for 2 nice outfits as spent most of the holiday money on the actual cruise Grin

Please help.



OP posts:
JewelLane · 04/03/2023 14:26

daisypond · 04/03/2023 14:23

I don’t think either would be right. The top red one is very frumpy and possibly the neckline is too low for someone who’s had a mastectomy -it’s hard to tell. The second one a little better, but the black bow would have to go. Maybe it’s better on.

Well that told me!

Wonder what the OP thinks?

Nat6999 · 04/03/2023 14:27

I did mix & match outfits, had formal trousers & skirts then different tops, 5 tops & 3 different bottoms for a 10 night cruise.

Bookymcbook · 04/03/2023 14:44

I did a Princess cruise last year and was a size 22. Wore a Scarlet and Jo long frock. They have an elastic bandeau on the inside around the waist/midriff which gave me a waist. The one I wore was probably a bit low cut for you, but they have a lot of styles and aren't too expensive.

For shoes or sandals have you tried Hotter?

highfidelity · 04/03/2023 14:44

A few years ago, I had to go to a formal dinner at Mansion House. Many of the men were in white tie and some women in longs gowns, others in standard dinner jackets and dressy dresses. However, the one woman who really stood out to me was wearing a gold kaftan, jewelled low heeled pumps, simple silver jewellery (which juxtaposed beautifully with the kaftan) and immaculate make-up.

Since then, I have thought about this outfit many times as it was just so refreshing and also super stylish.

I think something like this would be perfect for you.

Roystonv · 04/03/2023 14:57

Can I suggest a good pair of black trousers with a couple of tops and some ballet pump style shoes. Less packing than two completely separate outfits. I find dressier dresses quite uncomfortable to wear and I feel self conscious so aim for comfort with a nod to the occasion. Size 20 here.

honeyrider · 04/03/2023 15:41

Bookymcbook · 04/03/2023 14:44

I did a Princess cruise last year and was a size 22. Wore a Scarlet and Jo long frock. They have an elastic bandeau on the inside around the waist/midriff which gave me a waist. The one I wore was probably a bit low cut for you, but they have a lot of styles and aren't too expensive.

For shoes or sandals have you tried Hotter?

How dressy are formal nights on Princess?

I'm trying to limit my packing as we're visiting Las Vegas, flying on to San Diego, then LA before embarking on the Sapphire Princess from LA to Vancouver calling at San Francisco, Astoria in Oregon, Victoria in Vancouver Island and disembarking in Vancouver and spending three nights there before flying back via Seattle so will need both summer and winter clothes.

Bookymcbook · 04/03/2023 16:15

The formal nights on Princess are mixed. You dont need to be too formal if you dont want to. If you really dont want to dress up you can eat in the all-day buffet rather than the more formal dining rooms and you don't have to dress up at all. We're doing an Alaskan cruise in the summer and I have the same issues as you do regarding how much to pack so I may forego the posh long frock this time and go for a dress like the ones the OP was wearing in her lovely photos.

honeyrider · 04/03/2023 16:22

Bookymcbook · 04/03/2023 16:15

The formal nights on Princess are mixed. You dont need to be too formal if you dont want to. If you really dont want to dress up you can eat in the all-day buffet rather than the more formal dining rooms and you don't have to dress up at all. We're doing an Alaskan cruise in the summer and I have the same issues as you do regarding how much to pack so I may forego the posh long frock this time and go for a dress like the ones the OP was wearing in her lovely photos.

At least there's self-service launderettes on most decks of the Princess ships $3 for a wash and $3 to tumble dry or pay more for the crew to do a wash for you.

On previous cruises with MSC I wore dressy trousers with a couple of different dressy tops for the formal nights and slightly more casual for the other nights.

honeyrider · 04/03/2023 16:23

I should have a look in my wardrobe before I go buying something though I know I do need new dressy trousers.

ShutUpBaggyTits · 04/03/2023 17:12

I'm not sure about dresses but for shoes, look at Vionic. They all have instep support for PF but also some nice designs.

Original poster
Babysharkdoodoodood · 04/03/2023 17:43

daisypond · 04/03/2023 14:23

I don’t think either would be right. The top red one is very frumpy and possibly the neckline is too low for someone who’s had a mastectomy -it’s hard to tell. The second one a little better, but the black bow would have to go. Maybe it’s better on.

I quite like the red one but, yes the bow is not me. The Jaqueline vert one is ok but too short and you can't really see what it's like with the jacket off.

OP posts:
Original poster
Babysharkdoodoodood · 04/03/2023 17:45

Bookymcbook · 04/03/2023 14:44

I did a Princess cruise last year and was a size 22. Wore a Scarlet and Jo long frock. They have an elastic bandeau on the inside around the waist/midriff which gave me a waist. The one I wore was probably a bit low cut for you, but they have a lot of styles and aren't too expensive.

For shoes or sandals have you tried Hotter?

Yes. I got some gold Hotter pumps in the sale for £29 and they feel so nice on.

OP posts:
Original poster
Babysharkdoodoodood · 04/03/2023 17:51

Bookymcbook · 04/03/2023 14:44

I did a Princess cruise last year and was a size 22. Wore a Scarlet and Jo long frock. They have an elastic bandeau on the inside around the waist/midriff which gave me a waist. The one I wore was probably a bit low cut for you, but they have a lot of styles and aren't too expensive.

For shoes or sandals have you tried Hotter?

Is it like this? www.vinted.co.uk/women/clothes/dresses/other-dresses/2611893923-scarlett-jo-floral-fit-flare-dress-with-pockets
So pretty that I might buy it anyway

OP posts:
Bookymcbook · 04/03/2023 17:58

Oh that's gorgeous! No it wasn't. I've just tried and failed to do a link. The style I wore is called Kemi.

Original poster
Babysharkdoodoodood · 04/03/2023 18:20

I offered £13 and got it Smile

One down.

I also booked the retreat for our last port day in Naxos. DH wants to go trekking all over the place and I know my back will go into spasm, and he's happy for me to stay behind. Does anyone know what the Retreat exactly entails?

He's said this is our one and only splurge, but I've got £1500 saved already and putting £200 a month away 😉 Plus I found an old pension that I can cash in when I want. Also joined the solo cruise Facebook group.

OP posts:
Original poster
Babysharkdoodoodood · 04/03/2023 21:25

Bought this as well. www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/nl622
I have several weddings next year, so these will serve me well.

OP posts:
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