What is cruise wear?
Cruise wear encompasses a specific type of fashion designed specifically for voyages. While it may seem straightforward, this category extends beyond just casual attire for sailing. Traditionally, designers release smaller collections between their main seasonal lines, which are now more accessible than ever before. As a result, cruise wear is no longer exclusive to high-end designer labels; instead, people of all backgrounds can choose from various brands.
Moreover, the formality of cruises has evolved, with some destinations calling for attire that’s decidedly less formal than in the past. Regardless of the destination, three fundamental types of cruise wear remain essential: pieces for on-board relaxation, evening wear, and excursions-friendly outfits.
Cruise wear for on board
When preparing for a cruise, it’s essential to strike the right balance between comfort and style. The type of attire you pack will depend on your planned activities onboard. Are you looking forward to soaking up the sun on deck or keeping fit at the gym? Take note of the ship’s facilities and tailor your packing list accordingly.
For instance, if you plan to spend time outdoors, consider lightweight, breathable pieces like tailored white shorts or a colorful maxi skirt that can keep up with tropical weather conditions. Remember to prioritize comfort and avoid restrictive clothing that might hinder your enjoyment of onboard activities.
Evening cruise wear
The traditional formality of cruise dinners has given way to a more relaxed atmosphere. While your specific cruise may still include one or two formal events, you’ll likely want to dress up for the evenings regardless. To achieve a stylish yet comfortable look, consider opting for a flowy maxi dress or a fitted shift dress that exudes elegance.
If you’re concerned about packing limitations, choose a versatile plain dress and elevate it with different accessories each time you wear it, maximizing your wardrobe’s potential without sacrificing style.
Excursion outfits
When venturing onto land from your cruise, consider the differences in weather, activities, and cultural expectations. For instance, a summer cruise can lead to scorching temperatures inland, so it’s crucial to pack accordingly. Think about the types of activities you’ll be doing – hiking requires different attire than browsing a bazaar. Additionally, when visiting religious sites, dress modestly as many places, including Catholic churches, require visitors to cover up.
This means avoiding revealing tops and shorts that are more suitable for shipboard casual attire.
Where to buy cruise wear
When it comes to assembling a comprehensive cruise wardrobe, many retailers offer suitable pieces. Nevertheless, for the convenience of buying everything at once, certain stores stand out as exceptional options.
Macy’s
Discover the essence of elegance with these exquisite dresses from renowned online shops. Adrianna Papell, Bar III, Betsy & Adam, Jessica Simpson, and Xscape are just a few notable brands that offer stunning designs to make you feel like a princess.
The collection includes belted chiffon halter dresses, sleeveless scoop-neck floral-print dresses, satin-stripe illusion lace dresses, metallic dresses, beaded blouson gowns, velvet embroidered gowns, contrast-lace illusion mermaid gowns, and cap-sleeve beaded ruched gowns. Each dress is a masterpiece that exudes sophistication and glamour. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your everyday style, these dresses are sure to impress.
Patchington
This online retailer offers a comprehensive range of cruise wear, catering to both formal and casual occasions. With a carefully curated selection of clothing, you can effortlessly build a wardrobe that’s perfectly suited to your specific cruise itinerary and schedule. To complete your look, they also provide an array of accessories and shoes. Whether you’re heading to the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, this one-stop-shop has got you covered for all your cruise wear needs.
Soft Surroundings
This fashion website boasts an impressive range of ladies’ clothing. However, what sets them apart is their dedicated ‘Resort’ section, which serves as the perfect starting point for curating a stylish cruise wear collection. The brand’s pieces exude comfort and sophistication, featuring a variety of vibrant summer fabrics and striking prints – ideal for a tropical getaway.
With these essentials, you’ll be well-equipped to create a wardrobe that perfectly captures the laid-back essence of island life.
Simply dresses
This online retailer is dedicated to providing the perfect dress for every occasion. Their extensive collection features a variety of stylish options, including a unique section dedicated to cruise wear. Whether you’re looking for something casual or formal, they have an impressive range of dresses to help you create a stunning cruise wardrobe. With a focus on outfit versatility, this website is a treasure trove for dress enthusiasts.
Boston Proper
While Boston Proper’s collection may not be specifically designed with cruise wear in mind, its vibrant colors and laid-back silhouettes make it an excellent match for a stylish vacation wardrobe. For those who adore bold prints and patterns, this brand is sure to delight. Additionally, their international shipping options ensure that you can enjoy their products no matter where your travels take you.
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope, a fashion and lifestyle website, boasts an extensive cruise section that caters to various needs. One of its standout features is the curated collection of cruise wear dresses, offering a one-stop-shop for passengers seeking versatile attire for lounging on board, exploring on-shore attractions, and dressing up for formal events.
Promgirl
When it comes to finding the perfect dresses for a cruise, Promgirl is the ultimate destination. Their dedicated cruise wear section is a treasure trove of stunning dresses, ranging from glamorous maxi dresses and sleek sheath dresses to stylish bikini cover-ups. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or something more understated, Promgirl has an impressive collection that’s sure to meet all your needs and exceed your expectations.
Designer cruise wear collections
While luxurious designer cruise wear might not be feasible for most people’s budgets, those who do have the means to invest may find it worthwhile to opt for high-end, original pieces rather than settling for knockoffs or lower-quality alternatives. Many renowned designers offer distinct cruise collections that feature a diverse range of items specifically designed with the unique demands of a cruise vacation in mind.
From stylish swimwear to elegant evening attire, these curated collections cater to various aspects of your cruise experience, ensuring you look and feel your absolute best while on board.
Louis Vuitton Cruise Collection
The Louis Vuitton Cruise collections of 2012 and 2015 showcased the iconic fashion brand’s ability to blend tradition with innovation. The runway shows featured a mix of classic and modern designs, reflecting the brand’s commitment to evolution while staying true to its heritage. A key highlight was the incorporation of bold colors and patterns, which added a fresh touch to the timeless LV aesthetic.
Ralph Lauren Cruise Collection
The Ralph Lauren Cruise 2015 collection exudes a sense of sophistication and refinement, as evident in the carefully curated ensemble of pieces. Building upon the success of previous seasons, this latest offering from the iconic fashion brand is poised to make a lasting impression on the fashion world. With its characteristic blend of elegance, luxury, and whimsy, the Cruise 2015 collection is set to delight fans of Ralph Lauren’s signature style.
The photo, courtesy of Ralph Lauren, provides a glimpse into the stunning array of pieces that comprise this latest masterpiece.
Cristian Dior Cruise Collection
Chanel Cruise Collection
Celine Cruise Collection
The Celine Resort collection is a stunning showcase of the brand’s ability to craft elegant, sophisticated pieces that exude effortless luxury. The 2013-2014 lookbook features a range of styles, from crisp white shirts with subtle pattern mixing to bold, statement-making dresses. The inclusion of rich fabrics like silk and cashmere adds depth and texture to each outfit, while the overall aesthetic is refined and polished.
Cruise wear outfit ideas
When you’re all set with your cruise wardrobe essentials, it’s time to turn to fashion inspiration. With so many options available from various cruise wear companies, deciding on a look can be daunting. To help spark your creativity, I’ve put together some suggested outfit combinations that showcase different styles and ideas for your cruise attire.
Feel free to pick and choose the pieces and looks that resonate with you the most, and use them as a starting point to create your own unique wardrobe for your cruise adventure.
