formal cruise clothing brands?

[KassandraOfSparta]

Help. I am doing some work on a cruise line end of this year and start of this year as an "expert". I will be giving a couple of talks on my specialist subject on "at sea" days, hosting drop in sessions and Q&As, generally being visible around the ship for guests to chat to. This is a formal cruise line with an older demographic, think Viking River, Saga or Fred Olsen rather than the big American brands.

I have never cruised in my life - I don't think the ferry over to Ireland counts. I have been told there is at one formal night per cruise which I am asked to attend. Having looked online the dress code is suits for the men (but not necessarily dinner jackets) and either full length or cocktail dresses for the women.

I am therefore in search - on Vinted - for a dress which will do for this style of event. So much choice - I need to refine. I am in my 50s, size 14. I do not want sleeveless or bodycon or cut outs or anything my 19 years old daughter would wear. Can anyone suggest a few brands to filter my search with? I like the Kemi Telford style, and I have lots of dresses in my wardrobe from Nobody's child and Boden but a bit casual for that sort of event? Argh.

I hired mine from the onboard shop when I went with NCL I would look at Karen Millen, Jigsaw, em and Em , Suzanne depends on your budget

I buy most of my cruise wear both formal and casual from Roman Originals - you can get some lovely stuff in their sales.

Thank you, I think a trawl of the charity shops is also in order.

Honestly I wouldn’t worry too much - even on the formal nights a lot of the women just wear a pretty dress. What would you normally wear for a night out at a restaurant? Maybe a nice wrap dress?

Lots of the cruises I've been have done a "dress to impress" night and cocktail/black tie is so much more optional. I generally do phase eight/roman original dresses as I like them, sometimes maxi. I also quite like a jumpsuit too as I think they can be styled up and down. Plus a pashmina as I find boats blast the air con in the evening!

From what I have read this particular cruise lines tends to the formal. Will keep an eye on Vinted, something will pop up.

I’d look at Phase Eight on Vinted, or Anthropologie for something a bit more interesting? They do a lot of long dresses and have a couple of standard styles they do consistently in different materials and patterns that might work well.

Look on Scarlett and Jo. Some nice wrap dresses and some thin floaty shrugs in clearance atm.

Ghost could be good!

I’ve been on several cruises and got both cocktail and long dresses from a company called Adriaana Papell.
They often have them on eBay at good prices and are also stocked in John Lewis.

Regular cruiser here - phase eight occasion dress is what you need.
they have a sale on just now so worth having a look.