Black dress for a cruise!

[familyissues12345]

Hi all

We’re going on a cruise in a few months, so mid summer, Northern Europe. I’m starting to look at what I could wear for the formal evening (we’ll have 4), and my Mum has suggested why don’t I look for a black dress that I could get a selection of accessories for, so I could wear it on 2 nights.

Im size 20-22, 5ft 7, pretty big boobs and not a fan of my stomach. I’d prefer a midi or full length. I don’t mind my arms, but would favour covering the top than not - but it’s not a deal breaker!

I could also really do with some help with shoes, in some ways this is why I struggle with dress wearing as I’m not confident in shoe buying - I have wideish size 7 feet, due to joint issues I can’t walk on heels, I also struggle in shoes that aren’t “full” or don’t have an ankle strap. I think I have quite a narrow heel so they just slop about!

Id really love some help with where to start? Thank you!

ps - wanted to add, the dress doesn’t have to be black. Im not sure that colour is quite right for me, so maybe navy, but I’m open to options!

Missed off budget! Probably up to £100? But could afford more for something special

Are you going for just one dress for budget reasons?

Ah. Cross posted.

Not really! More because I’m not generally much of a dress wearer (although I do feel nice wearing them..!), so I’d rather buy less than have 4 dresses left at the end that won’t get worn often

I always start with TKMaxx for these sorts of occasions

DKNY midi

Not all black but given the price might be ok for another night
Isabel London black & white

There are quite a few in other colours too.

Which cruise line? Don’t overthink the formality, anything goes. I usually wear a maxi so I can wear flat sparkly sandals.

Maybe consider other colours eg Scarlett& Jo have lovely colours.

My 25 year old daughter has painful plantar fascilitis and buys her shoes from Simply Feet (mostly) - they are good about returns, of which there are very many - lots of width's and styles - some old fashioned but also modern ones and most very comfy
https://www.simplyfeet.co.uk/women-s-footwear.html?cat=569&product_list_order=price

This site has a range of budget formal dresses
https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/dresses/plus-size-occasion-dresses/colour-black?page=1
A couple of nice dresses on Next site:

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su597867/f03410#f03410

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su670466/f77471#f77471

Which cruise line & where are you sailing from?

I find sailing from Southampton dressier say than Europe. Honestly for some nights I’ve worn dressy top and evening trousers. Others a maxi or midi dress.

I can’t wear heels so often wear dressy flats. Paradox have some nice ones. I second simply feet.

Ooh some fab ideas, thanks so much!!

for those asking, we’re sailing on Britannia (P&O) and from Southampton

Think that will be dressy so I’d go for something you can dress up and wear again. Last cruise 12 nights I had one black pair of trousers with various tops and 3 dresses. They were washed alternately if needed and recycled throughout the cruise.

I wear trousers and a nice top for formal nights on cruises, I am also not a dress person, it's fine if you would be more comfy in that.

I cruise and agree with peeps who wear trousers and a pretty top. Mint Velvet does super tops (which are all people will see when you're actually sitting at the table.) Glam it up with accessories and nails and stuff.

I'm also really interested in the Simply Feet recommendations, but as someone with wide size 8 feet, I can certainly recommend Hotter shoes for comfort. https://www.hotter.com/

Have a great holiday.

Hi OP

Another cruiser here, and I agree with other posts that you will see a variation of long dresses, cocktail dresses, trousers with smart tops on formal nights. We're cruising next week, have two formal nights, and I have got a long black evening dress (picked up in the charity shop!) which I'll use for both, one night with gold accessories and the other with silver.

My preference is for a long dress, but in the past I have worn a black jumpsuit with blingy accessories - I'm taking a jumpsuit with me in case I fancy a formal night change - and also worn black floaty trousers with a sequinned top. Is this something that you might be happier with? I agree there's no point in spending money on a dress if you're not going to use it again. As for shoes, I love a blingy heel it has to be said, but a few years ago I broke my foot just before we went so wore some sparkly low wedge sandals and also some glittery flats.

TK Maxx is a good place to start. Quiz also do good evening wear as do Roman.

A few suggestions if you want cocktail/midi length: https://www.roman.co.uk/ombre-shimmer-plisse-midi-dress-14732060
or
https://www.roman.co.uk/curve-metallic-plisse-frill-hem-dress-14177713
or this
https://www.roman.co.uk/curve-plisse-wrap-midi-dress-14177880

If you want long then:

https://www.quizclothing.co.uk/en-GB/navy-curve-navy-sequin-maxi-dress-p-278818
or
https://www.quizclothing.co.uk/en-GB/black-curve-black-satin-off-the-shoulder-maxi-dress-p-274501
or
https://www.quizclothing.co.uk/en-GB/red-curve-red-bardot-wrap-maxi-dress-p-283272

Have a fabulous time OP!

Vinted is a good place to look for barely worn occasion wear. Search for brands such as Adrianna Papell, Phase 8 etc. I find it can be a little cool so like to have a matching wrap or something to cover my shoulders.

Thanks @NeedWineNow for reminding me to pack my black jumpsuit which will be perfect for upcoming formal nights :))

Have a look on Scarlett and Jo - I got my dress for a formal night on there and I’m a similar size to you.

I love that red one! It’s very not me, but maybe I need to push the boat out (pardon the pun 😂) and go for something a bit out of my comfort zone

Thanks all so much!

@familyissues12345 Go for it!

Formal Nights can be anything from full on sequinned evening gown to jeans .
There isn't a dress code but most people do like to make an effort and push the boat out .

I bought a gorgeous long sequinned navy Monsoon dress ( washable on a delicate cycle in a net bag) which has accompanied me on many cruises .
Bought on eBay
Also a floral Phase Eight ( eBay bargain)

If you want sequins and sparkle you'll be right at home !

We went on a Christmas Cruise with one formal night , my DD wore a long black plisse dress and said she felt a bit underdressed compared to others .

I bought most of my eveningwear on eBay as I wasn't sure I wanted to invest ££ but got some really nice clothes some BNWT

This is really lovely in real life. Looks way more expensive. With your budget you could accessories too. Suggest sizing up though due to the bodice feeling snug.

That is indeed very nice my DD would suit that ( she is the tall slim type who'd look great in a bin liner) . M&S are all over the place with sizing though , I bought a top in my usual size but it was like a tent . I returned it and did think about re- ordering but I'd have to size down at least two sizes. It is stupid vanity sizing and puts me off

Popsy. Their clothes are so comfortable. They have a lovely black sparkly stretchy one that I’ve ordered.
Its currently out of stock but the Facebook preloved page may find one for you.