Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Capsule wardrobe help please.

3 replies

WhiteWidowWithAttitude · 13/05/2025 15:45

Hi! I need help with a capsule wardrobe for not only me, but my two youngest sons, 12&13yo for a four night, five day cruise that we will be going on in January 26. I am recently widowed, so this will be the first substantial holiday I’ll have taken them on since my DH died suddenly.

I’m 42, 5’1, 60kgs, large boobs, slim but not particularly toned body, blonde hair (mid length) and fair tanned skin if that matters.

Eldest sons (20&21) will also be attending with their partners although will be responsible for their own clothes obviously. Attempting to keep it to one regular hard suitcase each.

Weather will range from 30 to low 40’s every day, although much cooler at night. Cruise consists of bar pools, family pools, sports and games, family bars, theatre and music shows, casual and formal dining, and “nightclub” type nights. There will be one day exploring an island with kayaking, quad biking, helo rides, parasailing, snorkelling and hiking (all optional but hoping to fit one or two in).

im a horrible over packer - talking 4 pairs of boots and 6 pairs of jeans for an autumn weekend, along with my entire first aid kit (im a paramedic 🙄), and unnecessary wet weather gear etc (not to mention 3 sets of underwear per day, like I’m gonna shit my pants at least twice a day 🤦🏼‍♀️).

I’d just love someone to give me a decent idea of what would be sensible but stylish and practical for the type of holiday and timescale I’m going on. Same for my boys.

im up on sunscreen, meds, toiletries etc, but id just love to look stylish but casual, while being ready for the swim up bars etc, and also scrub up nicely for evening time. Same really for the boys, without spending $$$$$$$. I do have 7ish mths to prepare all this, but I’ve never had to do it alone (or on one budget), so really want to get a head start - maybe buying 3/4 things per fortnight pay.

Sorry for the essay, I’m a naturally extremely anxious person and to top it off I’m in the midst of treatment for severe work acquired PTSD so my critical thinking skills aren’t all they should be. Any help would be most appreciated ❤️

lists and links will be most helpful. Thanks in advance. (Also to note, it’s bed time where I am so if I disappear for a while I’m just asleep for work and will check in in a few hours)

OP posts:
NavigatingMyLife · 14/05/2025 07:10

I would recommend looking on Instagram for someone who is your size & following their tips. Sorry not very helpful but it’s been a game changer for me. Find someone who has your shape, whose clothes you like then follow them & ask for links. Many have links to more budget items such as supermarket / H&M. Enjoy your well deserved holiday.

Poobs2022 · 14/05/2025 07:35

Firstly, I'm so sorry for your loss. That must be so hard for you but well done on booking a trip. There are lots of nice co ords around at the moment - shirts and matching trousers. I would take 2 sets and a pair of linens and smart t shirt and then maybe a dress. Evenings covered. Is daytime just around the pool? I'd take 2 sets of swimwear and 2 coverups so you can mix and match.

CrepuscularCritter · 14/05/2025 08:17

First up, I am sorry for your loss, and glad that you are getting support from work.

Cruise lines vary a bit, so could you give me an idea who you are going with? I can then give you a better idea if I have travelled on that line before. Daytime would just be what you would normally wear in those sorts of temperatures, and you would see everything from shorts and tees to cotton dresses.

Evenings depend more on how formal the cruise lines is. Most cruises that you might fly to will be pretty casual. You could also look on the Cruise Critic forums for some ideas, but take a deep breath as it can be overwhelming.

I will be off in August for a fortnight, and am hoping to fit everything into one hard shell, so I will have a packing list then.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page