Formal Dress Code for Children

[mrszuhwiggins]

Hi -
Just wanted to get a few opinions.... What is appropriate dress code for children (specifically boys) on a formal evening. My son is 10 years old and the last time we sailed the Noordam, he had two suits that fit him (one from communion and one from my brother's wedding). He has just tried on the only suit he owns and it is about 2 inches too short!! He does have nice dress pants, and long sleeve collared shirts that he can wear, but no jacket. I'd really rather not buy a new suit for a few evenings on the ship,but will if he will not be dressed to "code". My daughter should be fine as she has quite a number of dresses that fit the bill.
Thanks!

[sail7seas]

I see it as a wonderful teaching opportunity. How great to teach the children that certain places/events require different responsibility from each of us. Certain things are expected of us in life and we show respect to those around us and self-respect to abide by what is requested of us.

I'm sure you can find a moderately priced blazer sort of jacket...... maybe even borrow from a friend or relative.

Have a fantastic family vacationl.

[RuthC]

You could try a second-hand clothing store for a suit or jacket for your son. Frequently you can pick up great clothes for just a few dollars.
You might even be able to resell it later! :D

[Jemima]

He will be fine with the dress pants and shirt. It doesn't make sense to buy a suit or jacket for just the two formal nights.

[kaiiak]

I agree with the previous poster. It's nice for the kids to learn about dressing up. Besides, you'd be surprised how much boys LOVE to look good!! They don't get to dress up often like girls who can wear dresses all the time. Last year I bought a Calvin Klein suit on sale at Macy's for around $50. Plus, they always have great coupons with their sales for kids. Look around. Check ebay too. Sears also has affordable suits for boys (quality isn't as great but you get what you pay for).

[mrszuhwiggins]

I see it as a wonderful teaching opportunity. How great to teach the children that certain places/events require different responsibility from each of us.


I completely agree with you, and with the number of formal events that they have attended in the past, this is a lesson already learned numerous times over. If there was another event in close proximity to the cruise where he would be using the suit, I wouldn't hesitate, but he's growing like a weed, and within a few months will most likely grow out of whatever I purchase for him. (That added to the fact that he literally has the suit on for an hour and a half in the dining room as he changes to go to kids club right afterwards..)In any event, I will scour friends closets, and other possible avenues to see if at the least, I can find a sport coat for him. Thanks for the input!

[twotogo]

Hi -
Just wanted to get a few opinions.... What is appropriate dress code for children (specifically boys) on a formal evening. My son is 10 years old and the last time we sailed the Noordam, he had two suits that fit him (one from communion and one from my brother's wedding). He has just tried on the only suit he owns and it is about 2 inches too short!! He does have nice dress pants, and long sleeve collared shirts that he can wear, but no jacket. I'd really rather not buy a new suit for a few evenings on the ship,but will if he will not be dressed to "code". My daughter should be fine as she has quite a number of dresses that fit the bill.
Thanks!

We have taken our grandson(about the same age as your son) on a couple of cruises and have gone two ways with a tux(if you wanted to go with a tux). On one, we rented from Sears and took it and on another we rented from the formal wear that rents for cruise ships. Both times we have been happy and he was so handsome! Got a great picture of he and grampa getting their ties on.They may even have suits to rent. But, if not a tux, I would try the thrift stores. Got a very nice dress for the granddaughter to take on her first cruise in December. Pants and a shirt and tie would be fine also. He doesn't need a jacket. I'm sure whatever you find for him he will look great. Have a great cruise! With the fares on luggage, it wouldn't be surprising if formal wear is on the wain. My hasband is seriously considering not taking his this on our next cruises.

[Taxguy7]

I completely agree with you, and with the number of formal events that they have attended in the past, this is a lesson already learned numerous times over. If there was another event in close proximity to the cruise where he would be using the suit, I wouldn't hesitate, but he's growing like a weed, and within a few months will most likely grow out of whatever I purchase for him. (That added to the fact that he literally has the suit on for an hour and a half in the dining room as he changes to go to kids club right afterwards..)In any event, I will scour friends closets, and other possible avenues to see if at the least, I can find a sport coat for him. Thanks for the input!
I agree with this poster.
Boys at certain ages (different for each of us) will grow at an unbelievable rate!:eek: Boys of 10 look very neat in a shirt and tie.:) He may well go directly to the kids club, lose the tie and have a good time after dinner.
The main thing is to teach the children proper table ettiquete (sp?) which I'm sure they know, but need to practice from time to time.

[cruisencrazy]

My kids love to cruise. My son, who couldn't be more casual really enjoys dressing up for special occasions. However, he keeps growing!!! Now he's 16 and we are cruising for Christmas. I will either rent a tux for him or buy him an inexpensive suit.

[cccole]

We have been cruising with our kids since the youngest was 3. We have always had at least a jacket and tie for formal nights for the boys. Girls are so easy aren't they? I can't even get the girls to just take one outfit for formal nights and change it with accessories.

On our last cruise we purchased a tux for our 16year old because he will be able to wear it for proms and other events. And....we live in L.A. where you can go to the garment district and have things tailor made.

I think thrift stores offer great things, and another suggestion I have heard is Burlington Coat Factory for inexpensive evening wear for boys.

Of course, I would also think a long sleeve shirt with a tie would be fine and there are few that will give you the stink eye.

Have fun, Cherie

[pipedreams62]

http://strawberryfieldsforever.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/munchkins2.jpg

[mrszuhwiggins]

We have been cruising with our kids since the youngest was 3. We have always had at least a jacket and tie for formal nights for the boys. Girls are so easy aren't they? I can't even get the girls to just take one outfit for formal nights and change it with accessories.



Yes, they are - my daughter probably has 6 or 7 dresses to choose from.. I will be on the lookout this weekend to see if I can "scare up" a suit for the Halloween cruise. And as for the picture above, that's about how his current suit fits him!!

[usha]

one word: eBay :D

[Maritime Mom]

I picked up my son a beautiful Talbot's blazer at Goodwill for around $2 and spent another $5-6 on dry cleaning. It went from a wrinkled mess to looking new! I think slacks and a blazer would be fine for him. Good luck!

[goforfun]

I really like the thrift shop idea that others have mentioned, but if that doesn't work, try Target--or Tarzhay, as some say. My daughter recently went this route to attire her 9 and 7-year-old boys for a cruise and bought them blazers to go with collared shirts and ties. Compliments were in abundance for the handsome boys who dressed for the occasion!