All rounder outfit(s) for small but fancy cruise

[DownByTheLakeWhereTheWatermelonsGrow]

I need help!

I'm joining an expedition cruise this summer. It's to a remote adventurous location, but the ship is marketed as boutique with high ticket prices.

The website says smart casual, but all photos are well on the smarter side of what I'm used to. I've also been told from a colleague that it's not jeans and tshirt kind of clothing. There is a cocktail event and a captains dinner.

I am going on board as an invited guest as part of my job. This isn't really my social scene and I want to get it right.

What I'd really like is a couple of smart tops, a pair of trousers, and a skirt that could all be worn with each other or with casual T-shirts to dress down.

I don't want to turn up in a full length ball gown and feel like an idiot if everyone is in a shirt and chinos, and equally nervous about the other way around.

Late 30s, size 10, 5' 8". Square shoulders, flat chested, used to be athletic but now a bit squidgy in the middle. Not got a huge budget, £30-50 per item.

I’d suggest taking a plain midi length or longer dress (black or navy linen perhaps) that would be ok as a smart day dress but do double duty for the captains dinner etc. Do check to see if there’s laundry facilities too as that alters how much you need. Decent walking clothes, waterproofs, boots etc might be needed depending on itinerary.

when I visited Alaska guests definitely were in higher end hiking gear during the day (rab, Patagonia, mountain equipment) mostly with some in more standard brands. Come evening dresses were standard

Ooh, thanks for the suggestions! I'm set for the day wear (we're going somewhere cold and I have a lot of technical gear). It's the smarter stuff I'm worried about.

I love the idea of a linen dress. Wouldn't need it in the day but could definitely be dressed up or down depending on level of formality.

A calf length shift style dress would be brilliant if anyone happens to know of one!

Check to see if you have any formal nights, those are black tie so you’ll want something dressy, cocktail length is fine although many go full length.

Otherwise smart trousers or a long skirt with a few different tops will see you through most evenings. Look on Vinted or EBay, loads of people buy their cruise attire second hand!

A few things jumped out at me on vinted - https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8891978342-for-charity-megan-park-london-vintage-designer-black-cotton-midi-dress-10-embroidered

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8880049197-hm-navy-jersey-maxi-dress-size-small?referrer=catalog

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/6427508601-boden-navy-blue-maxi-dress?referrer=catalog

THe middle one is more formal the third would look great with a small jersy shrug. The first is a bit different (and a designer brand) but could be dressed down more easily. I'd avoid linen for travelling as it creases like hell.

Look for Cos plisse/pleated pieces on Vinted, the fabric travels very well, they are loose and comfortable and can be glammed up or down with chunky jewellery and metallic sandals, or a T-shirt and trainers. I take 2-3 One Hundred Stars kimonos to layer over the top, as they are very lightweight and pack down small and add colour.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8559793624-cos-pleats-maxi-dress this type of of fabric.

I have mesh dress that is good for a mid level or above smart. You may hate it but it’s super nice and easy to pack.

a pair black high waist or barel jersey trousers and a range of tops from t shirt to nice top.

a plain long sleeve dress

nice shoes and short jacket or cardigan.

linen is a day time summer fabric - wouldn’t it look odd in cold place at night?

eta- you can wear the same multiple times. I have three outfits I rotate.

I am VERY jealous!