How would you describe "smart casual"?

[Saucy]

The last time we took a cruise was 3 years ago and it was on Celebrity--where they did Casual, Informal and Formal nights. I see talk of HAL eliminating informal nights for "Smart Casual". What do men and women generally wear for "Smart Casual" nights?

Also we are bringing our 3.5 year old son. Would you recommend leaving him with a sitter on formal nights?

Thank you for any advice you can offer!

Stephanie

[Boytjie]

From the HAL website:
Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

[CowPrincess]

Most often I'm in silk pants and a silk shell or long sleeved shirt, sometimes more casual, sometimes a dress. DH wears Docker-type pants and a golf shirt or sports shirt.

[dandro]

On smart casual night I wore nice slacks and a blouse or nice pullover sweater. DH wore dockers and sports shirt or polo shirt.

It would be ok to bring your toddler to formal night if he is well behaved.

[mek]

The last time we took a cruise was 3 years ago and it was on Celebrity--where they did Casual, Informal and Formal nights. I see talk of HAL eliminating informal nights for "Smart Casual". What do men and women generally wear for "Smart Casual" nights?

Also we are bringing our 3.5 year old son. Would you recommend leaving him with a sitter on formal nights?

Thank you for any advice you can offer!

Stephanie

Smart Casual - IMO, It's most of the stuff available at Coldwater Creek, Chico's, etc. if you're looking at mainstream, moderately priced clothing for women.

[CDRMark]

For gentlemen, long trousers, preferably non-denim, and a collared shirt. Not too restrictive.
And as Boytjie says, there are only two categories now, Formal and Smart Casual.
FWIW Cunard still has three categories and ALL require a jacket for gentlemen. HAL is positively laid back in comparison. :)
Cheers
Mark

[RMLincoln]

Sometimes what one wears on Smart Casual nights depends on the region. I have said here in other places that we have worn jeans or khakis, especially in Alaska, coming in from a day in port. In warm climates you may find the wardrobes to be lighter. Usually I wear slacks with sandals, and a dressy top. Sometimes the MDR or other public areas are cool in the evenings, even in warm climates. Ofter a shell with an overblouse is a good plan. I brings a small purse with a shoulder strap for my room key and 1 or 2 items because most womens clothes don't have pockets; the shoulder strap is handy to hang the purse over the dining room chair back.

My husband always wears a long sleeve collared shirt to dinner, usually with chinos, maybe a cardigan if we have a chilly zone in the dining room.

Leaving your son with a sitter is a call you have to make based on your priorities and his disposition. Formal night in the dining room is very special for most folks, and you and they would like to enjoy it with minimal interruptions.

[Krazy Kruizers]

No matter the region we are in -- niether of us ever wear jeans -- just not our style.

On smart casual nights DH wears slacks and either a sports shirt or Hawaiian shirt (if we are in the Caribbean) or a dress shirt.

I wear either a skirtand blouse or a dress. Once in a while I will wear slacks and a top.

[suse]

I usually wear a skirt and nice top. That way I look both smart and casual.:) It's fun to fool people.

[CJcruzer]

I think the main difference from deleting "semi-formal" and going to Smart Casual is that men are not required to wear a jacket or tie --- although if you are in a "colder" region on the sailing, many men will wear a sports jacket (open shirt, no tie) just for warmth.....

For women I guess the difference would mean that Smart Casual could now include a nice pair of casual and/or dress slacks - whereas "Semi-formal" would probably have meant to be a little dressier in slacks or skirts....

Some cruiselines only have Smart Casual - Oceania and Azamara for instance.

You will see the whole gamut from "A" to "Z" in the Smart Casual mode - but blue jeans (although my friend wore "dress" black jeans), tank tops and flip flops are not acceptable.... nice strappy sandals would be acceptable.

[esther e]

I still like to see men in blazers regardless of the "code." And I also like to "dress" for dinner. I can wear my casual clothes here at home. Cruising is special. JMHO

[bonsat]

nice capris with a top and sandals are perfectly acceptable as smart casual. i think smart casual is exactly the same as business casual.

[Opinions]

You will see the whole gamut from "A" to "Z" in the Smart Casual mode - but blue jeans (although my friend wore "dress" black jeans), tank tops and flip flops are not acceptable.... nice strappy sandals would be acceptable.

Blue jeans are "acceptable" by HAL on Smart Casual nights.

[Solo Cruiser]

I wear tailored capri pants or nice slacks with a great top for smart casual nights. Think of what you might wear to a dinner at the local country club (not a special dinner just a week night thing).

You may enjoy the romantic aspects of the formal dinner more without your child but that's strictly up to you.

Have a super cruise!!

[dandro]

nice capris with a top and sandals are perfectly acceptable as smart casual. i think smart casual is exactly the same as business casual.

I don't think capris and sandals would be acceptable attire to wear to one's place of business. JMHO.

[CowPrincess]

I don't think capris and sandals would be acceptable attire to wear to one's place of business. JMHO.

It really depends on one's workplace. My last real job was "business casual" and capris and sandals would have been acceptable. Shorts were not acceptable. Jeans were. Anything too nice, and you got pulled into the boss' office, and asked if you were going on an interview. I used to wear a suit a few times a month, just to scare 'em :)

[taxmantoo]

I don't think capris and sandals would be acceptable attire to wear to one's place of business. JMHO.

That would depend on your place of business :rolleyes: In some places of business, it may even be considered over-dressed :eek:

[cb at sea]

"Smart Casual" is just a step above "casual"...maybe a bit more jewelry, or nice heels, a better shirt...whatever you'd wear to a nice restaurant or nightclub.

[lorekauf]

I used to wear a suit a few times a month, just to scare 'em :)
I like to do that too:D...but it's hard here since we have a formal office. Usually people do dress down on Friday's...still not jeans. Sometimes I like to scare my boss and wear a blazer on Friday's.

[lorekauf]

That would depend on your place of business :rolleyes: In some places of business, it may even be considered over-dressed :eek:
You mean like a strip joint:D?

[TJEvans72]

I (male) brought two blazers with me for 7 days to Alaska, but found I only needed one. I guess if we had more evening excursions in fancier places I might have used the other, but onboard one was plenty and only used it on the formal nights.

[RuthC]

I would describe "Smart Casual" as a step or two above daytime casual. It's a "put together", coordinated outfit, where the top and bottom are of the mix & match type, or a slightly dressy dress.
In daytime casual, the top and bottom frequently don't have anything to do with each other. :rolleyes:

[RuthC]

Blue jeans are "acceptable" by HAL on Smart Casual nights.
Really? I'm not seeing that in the HAL description. I see where jeans are no longer forbidden, but I don't see any approval.

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

I still like to see men in blazers regardless of the "code." And I also like to "dress" for dinner. I can wear my casual clothes here at home. Cruising is special. JMHO

I couldn't agree with you more! :)

[buckirj1]

My definition of smart casual seems to be the version accepted by HAL: jeans with no holes, fraying, or excessive fade worn with a nice sweater/blouse/shirt/tunic/top that isn't a t-shirt (even a nice t-shirt), and with shoes/sandals instead of sneakers. This is the lowest common denominator you can get away with and still have the maitre'd (whose opinion is the only one that really matters) admit you to the main dining room. As I understand it, this attire will also get you into the Lido on formal night, though not much else if that matters to you. I don't mind missing out on ship activities 2 nights out of 7, but YMMV.

You can certainly dress up from there if you wish, and still be considered smart casual. As an example, the photos from Rev. Neal on another thread shows what I'd consider the upper spectrum of smart casual. They all looked very nice, but that's about as dressy as I'd ever care to get.

[buckirj1]

I don't think capris and sandals would be acceptable attire to wear to one's place of business. JMHO.

I wore 'em all summer long:D

I did the yuppified business look in the eighties; thank goodness times have changed and my employer changed along with them. 27 years and counting...

[RevNeal]

Really? I'm not seeing that in the HAL description. I see where jeans are no longer forbidden, but I don't see any approval.

Omission from the forbidden list -- having once been in that list -- is taken by many to indicate that they are now acceptable. And, quite frankly, depending upon the "put-together" look, one must admit that jeans CAN be part of a smart-casual ensemble that qualifies. It DOES take a little effort, however, to make them part of such an ensemble. One can't just throw on any ol' pair of Levis and a ratty plaid shirt and call it "smart casual." I wish more people who want to wear jeans would realize this (and would stop wearing for the evening what they wore on shore excursion that day!).

Witness this photo:

http://homepage.mac.com/revneal/.Pictures/noordam2007/ccgroup/noordamgroup2.jpg

Look at Brian on this Smart Casual Night, where he is pictured in very dark designer jeans, a dark silk or print shirt, and a lovely white sport jacket. The entire look was (as one would expect from Brian) fabulous and very much "put together" ... certainly several notches above daytime casual, and the way jeans can be done "right" on such a night.

Now, I'm not a jeans wearer. However, if guys are going to wear jeans on Smart Casual Night they should accessorize it in an ensemble with a nice shirt and a jacket ... the result can be quite nice.

[Opinions]

Really? I'm not seeing that in the HAL description. I see where jeans are no longer forbidden, but I don't see any approval.

I said "acceptable"...I did not use the word "approval"...Whether you or HAL approves of blue jeans do you deny that HAL now accepts jeans in the dining room on smart casual nights.

[RevNeal]

In my opinion, "Smart Causal" means:


Nicer than "day-time" or "ordinary" casual.
Similar to "business casual," but with a bit of flair that otherwise might not make it into "business" attire (depending upon the business).
Paying attention to what you're wearing and making sure that it's a put-together, "smart," clean, and yet also relaxed look.
NOT wearing the same thing you wore for your shore excursion, EVEN IF what you wore would pass also for Smart Casual Evening ... part of getting ready for the evening includes washing off the effort of the day and making oneself presentable for the evening. Remember, you may not be able to smell yourself, but we can smell you.
NOT wearing the same thing you wore around the ship all day long, EVEN IF what you wore would pass also for Smart Causal Evening. It does NOT hurt to change your clothing if for no other reason than to mark the difference between daytime and nighttime. And, yes, you can wear the same thing you wore on a previous smart casual evening ... our memories are not that good (HAL is often labeled an "old fogey" cruise Line, remember?? ;)).
Informal, as in "tie not required" but jacket appreciated if the "ensemble-look" or one's preference call for it


I wear slacks (either kaki or dark grey or black) with a print or solid silk shirt or a button down knit shirt, often with a jacket. If it's dinner in the Pinnacle or a Sunday evening, I always include the jacket and will also wear either a tie or clerics.

[momatibm]

I like to do that too:D...but it's hard here since we have a formal office. Usually people do dress down on Friday's...still not jeans. Sometimes I like to scare my boss and wear a blazer on Friday's.

I used to work for that company in Armonk NY -- ie, big blue. Casual friday meant sports jackets, collared shirts, slacks, socks and NOT sneakers for men, women could do jackets, blouses, slacks(although they preferred skirts) and short high heels -no SANDALS. GIVE me SMART CASUAL any day.

[docksider21]

Smart Casual -- Brainiacs in bermudas?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/2076433519_110d8a66d7.jpg

[jcrandle]

15 years ago, when the company I worked for was beginning to accept less formal dress for internal events that did not involve external customer contact, we received an email from a meeting organizer that the meeting would be "business casual". His advice was, "if you don't know what business casual is, wear a suit and tie!"

That advice still stands, for those of us who don't want to allow our dress to create problems. Every authority I've read says that you are far better to be slightly overdressed, than to be underdressed.

Also, IMO, while I only wear ties to weddings, funerals (much to frequently lately) and formal nights, I find no personal discomfort with a pair of slacks and a collared shirt, and if the temperature in the venue is reasonable, I'll wear a sport coat over my open necked shirt.

[nchank]

My observation on the Ryndam in March was that smart and casual was any long pants, including jeans:D, and a shirt or blouse and shoes.
It was very casual.

[RuthC]

Smart Casual -- Brainiacs in bermudas?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/2076433519_110d8a66d7.jpg
Ouch! :eek:
Where's my can of "Image-B-Gone"?

[RuthC]

Whether you or HAL approves of blue jeans do you deny that HAL now accepts jeans in the dining room on smart casual nights.
Failure to prohibit does not equal acceptance. HAL is silent on the issue of jeans.

[PatsyAnne]

I used to work for that company in Armonk NY -- ie, big blue. Casual friday meant sports jackets, collared shirts, slacks, socks and NOT sneakers for men, women could do jackets, blouses, slacks(although they preferred skirts) and short high heels -no SANDALS. GIVE me SMART CASUAL any day.

I retired from the consulting end of the same big blue company a couple of years ago, and we had "business casual" defined pretty much the same as described here. Collars, no sneakers, socks, no denim, etc. That's the way I think of "smart casual" but with sandals :D. *I like sandals.*

[iancal]

HAL certainly seems to have it share of fashion divas and fashion experts. Or is it only on the board. I am confused so I think I will just wear what I was going to in the first place....even if HAL is silent on the style, material, color, or co-ordination. Oops, those socks should be navy blue not medium blue. Or are they really teal?

[Zappa Fan]

HAL certainly seems to have it share of fashion divas and fashion experts. Or is it only on the board. I am confused so I think I will just wear what I was going to in the first place....even if HAL is silent on the style, material, color, or co-ordination. Oops, those socks should be navy blue not medium blue. Or are they really teal?
Actually, the HAL CC members seem to think themselves as fashion experts. After multiple Holland America cruises, I haven't found the same mentality on board. Thankfully.

[buckirj1]

[quote=RevNeal;21463818]In my opinion, "Smart Causal" means:

NOT wearing the same thing you wore for your shore excursion, EVEN IF what you wore would pass also for Smart Casual Evening ... part of getting ready for the evening includes washing off the effort of the day and making oneself presentable for the evening. Remember, you may not be able to smell yourself, but we can smell you.

Uh-oh. I can't say I've ever encountered anybody who actally smelled bad on any of my cruises. I don't care what anybody wears, but I dang sure object to body funk. I might have to re-think this whole thing if folks who sail HAL stink, no matter how loudly the Maadsam is calling my name. Which I'm sure will be a relief to many of you dress-up fans.

Somehow, though, I suspect the good reverend is exaggerating a tad in order to make his point;)

[usha]

Actually, the HAL CC members seem to think themselves as fashion experts. After multiple Holland America cruises, I haven't found the same mentality on board. Thankfully.
Yup, Stacy & Clinton would have a field day on HAL ships!:D
http://cdn-write.demandstudios.com/upload//1000/400/90/4/1494.jpg