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Caribbean-Cruising Fashonista


indiana71
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No, I don't consider myself a "fashionista" BUT - I love planning every detail of every outfit. When all the work is done before SailAway, so much time is saved onboard. I would LOVE to hear what other like-minded clothes-lovers have to say!

Surely, there are others out there who love the tropical clothes and enjoy the process of planning and the comfort of knowing each outfit will be interesting, fun and appropriate???

It has nothing to do with pleasing strangers on a cruise ship, but rather the same kind of self-pampering one gets from having a really good mani-pedi or massage.

In a spare bedroom I assemble every possible clothing item, shoes, jewelry, accessory; then start to build outfits for each occasion. The first is for travel to the ship and (usually) SailAway the same day. We've been leaving out of Baltimore recently so there's no overnight stay in Florida.

Every outfit gets tried on - under garments to accessories - assessed, tweeked and put into a spreadsheet for each occasion. Sometimes DH is consulted - "Which shoes (earrings, top, etc.) looks better?

When it's time to pack, every item gets ironed the day before and layered in the suitcase(s) with tissue paper.

Surprisingly, I only take 1 big suitcase + a carry-on - and a big purse.

Edited by indiana71
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I agree! We don't sail until 4/17, but I have been having the time of my life picking out what to wear and putting outfits together. I think it actually makes you pack less, because you've already picked out what to wear for each day. I think planning is half the fun of cruising!

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I try on things, too...just to make sure they still look like I remember them looking, and to make sure they still fit!!! (Assuming it's not something I'm wearing for the season we're in!)

 

I don't actually pack the stuff into the suitcase until the night before we leave!

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I stopped buying "cruise clothes" after our second cruise. That's when I realized that I didn't wear any of those clothes except on a cruise and then, after a couple of years in my closet, I didn't even want to wear them on a cruise again. The only clothes I buy specifically for a cruise any longer would be a new cocktail dress for "formal" nights.

 

When I go clothes shopping, I do give some consideration to how well pieces will travel. When getting ready to go on a cruise or any other vacation I simply go to my closet and choose what I'd like to take along. I do this about 4-7 days ahead of the cruise and hang it on a rolling rack out of the bedroom. I do try things on and select accessories. That way I'm able to see what I have and can mix and match better, I don't take as many shoes that way and the big plus is I don't pack extra outfits "just in case". We travel home with only dirty clothes.

Edited by Happy ks
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I did what you are doing the first couple cruises and it was stressful, so I don't do that anymore. I just figure out how many days I need and how many nites I need to dress up...from there, I put my outfits together right before I wear them and depending on my mood.

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I buy things for the cruise to supplement my spring and summer wardrobe. I usually buy things on sale or clearance and build outfits from there. Right now I've purchased 6 pair of shorts, 3 skirts, 7 tops, 1 dress, and 2 pair of shoes for probably less than $150.

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I usually pick up a few new things but nothing that would be considered cruise only wear...whatever that may be. What I buy are things that I would normally wear at home. Some of my sundresses are even tropical but they were not bought for a cruise.:)

 

I do put outfits together beforehand to see if I can mix and match a few things and I also decide what jewelry I will wear with each outfit. I try to cut down on shoes but so far have been failing in that area.:o

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I have all of my clothes in my spare bedroom sorted by outfit. I also love shoes, so it is very hard for me to downsize that portion of my wardrobe. I usually end up bringing 2 flip flops (bronze and black), 3 sandals (brown, black, white), and 2 wedges (black and white).

 

These are just the outfits I've put together so far (no pics, sorry). We are going to be traveling for 10 days total including our 7-day cruise, so I have a few more outfits to pick out.

 

Black sateen cuffed shorts + silk sleeveless multi-color U-neck top + black wedges (or purple/black sequin sleeveless top)

 

White sateen cuffed shorts + red one-shoulder top + white wedges (or yellow lace tank)

 

Dark rinse denim shorts (dressier) + fuschia sleeveless top + black wedges (or draped teal sleeveless top)

 

Fuschia ruffle tiered skirt + strapless black top + black wedges or sandals

 

Purple twirly-style skirt + lilac tank + black or silver sandals

 

Blue twirly-style skirt + white lace tank + white sandals

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I have all of my clothes in my spare bedroom sorted by outfit. I also love shoes, so it is very hard for me to downsize that portion of my wardrobe. I usually end up bringing 2 flip flops (bronze and black), 3 sandals (brown, black, white), and 2 wedges (black and white).

 

These are just the outfits I've put together so far (no pics, sorry). We are going to be traveling for 10 days total including our 7-day cruise, so I have a few more outfits to pick out.

 

Black sateen cuffed shorts + silk sleeveless multi-color U-neck top + black wedges (or purple/black sequin sleeveless top)

 

White sateen cuffed shorts + red one-shoulder top + white wedges (or yellow lace tank)

 

Dark rinse denim shorts (dressier) + fuschia sleeveless top + black wedges (or draped teal sleeveless top)

 

Fuschia ruffle tiered skirt + strapless black top + black wedges or sandals

 

Purple twirly-style skirt + lilac tank + black or silver sandals

 

Blue twirly-style skirt + white lace tank + white sandals

Your outfits sound very nice!

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I put off starting this thread thinking there would be lots of negative comments i.e. "I hate to dress up", BUT the posts have been by all of you who enjoy clothes and the whole process of putting outfits together:)!

iheartbda: Brody's was one of my favorite stores, too. Indiana PA is a very small town and buying clothes is challenging. I wear petite sizes and 5.5 shoe. Not much to choose from here...My wardrobe runs the gamut price-wise. Everything from Nordstrom (in Mall of America when visiting DS & his family) to the local consignment shop to Macy's in Pittsburgh.

When trying on outfits 2 months before cruising, I make notes of what is needed. For our cruise in April I noted that casual silver sandals would be nice with a couple outfits. Click on "Zappos", scroll through, find what looks good, order. Within 2 days, the sandals arrived & were perfect:)!

My suitcase will still have 10-12 pairs of shoes...

careywv: Thank you for listing outfits! They sound like just the right look for tropical weather:cool:.I love reading what others wear. My cruise clothes are in a spare bedroom, too. There are lots of hooks on the wall to hang stuff.

Anyone who wants to add a photo (or several) - please do so!

Not only is it interesting, posting is a good way to talk cruising while watching the countdown clock:cool:!

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I love planning outfits and reading about all of your outfits. Going on first cruise in July to Med and already thinking about sensible shoes for excursions right through to dresses for formal nights. I just wondered how dressy people are for the formal nights. I have a few good evening dresses I have worn for balls in the past. Some beaded top, some sequins, is this the sort of thing that is acceptable? Appreciate the advice of seasoned cruisers. x

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We have only cruised on Royal Caribbean to the Caribbean & Bermuda. Whether one of the older ships or brand new Oasis, formal dress was the same.

When we must fly to the embarkation port, DH rents a tux onboard(to save luggage space). Other times he takes sport jackets, dress shirts, ties. Men are seen in both - probably less in tuxes.

I've never worn a "gown" and have only seen them occasionally. Any cocktail dress looks nice. I also have off-white dress pants that I pair with a gold lacy blouse, shimmery earrings and gold heels.

Does anyone else try several shades of nail polish before settling on the perfect color that will co-ordinate with every outfit? A shimmery very pale Sally Hansen Lavender Marquis looked like a winner. It's more pink than lavender and with all the bright tropical clothes, it looked boring - but did stay on without chipping for a week.

Earlier today I put on Confetti (never used that brand before) Last Dance. The color is a light raspberry and it isn't "pearlescent". I think it might be what I'm looking for!:) ...if it stays nice for a week.

Reds and browns, IMHO, are best for fall and winter. My outfits are mostly shades of bright pink, yellow, orange, etc.

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I have all of my clothes in my spare bedroom sorted by outfit. I also love shoes, so it is very hard for me to downsize that portion of my wardrobe. I usually end up bringing 2 flip flops (bronze and black), 3 sandals (brown, black, white), and 2 wedges (black and white).

 

These are just the outfits I've put together so far (no pics, sorry). We are going to be traveling for 10 days total including our 7-day cruise, so I have a few more outfits to pick out.

 

Black sateen cuffed shorts + silk sleeveless multi-color U-neck top + black wedges (or purple/black sequin sleeveless top)

 

White sateen cuffed shorts + red one-shoulder top + white wedges (or yellow lace tank)

 

Dark rinse denim shorts (dressier) + fuschia sleeveless top + black wedges (or draped teal sleeveless top)

 

Fuschia ruffle tiered skirt + strapless black top + black wedges or sandals

 

Purple twirly-style skirt + lilac tank + black or silver sandals

 

Blue twirly-style skirt + white lace tank + white sandals

 

 

 

 

How fun!!! You're getting me excited to start packing. 50 days to go for my husband and I. I feel like I might stick another outfit in there. I'm not sure about this weight limit issue. I haven't flown since 2001. But all these outfits sound great. Good luck n enjoy your vacation :)

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I love packing but when it comes to it, I just want to take my whole closet because I don't know what I'll be in the mood to wear!!! Do I want to wear a cute dress, jeans and shirt, shorts and tank, skirt and cute top?!?!? Decisions, decisions!!

 

In the end, I think I just end up wearing comfy clothes or just make myself choose from what I have. LOL!

 

Here is what I have in mind so far and I know I'll be bringing too much *if* I decided on taking all of it!

2 formal dresses: 1 long silk spaghetti strap (the straps are 3 straps wide going from front, widening to the back) front beaded & rhinestone top half and the other is a short knee length velvet black spaghetti strap dress, mesh see thru v-back, front has glitter on the bottom disipating towards the top, silver stilettos for both dresses

1 little black dress with X back

1 floral Express casual dress

1 tube top casual dress white/fushia striped

1 black Express romper

1 purple v-neck casual dress

1 light teal crochet top flowy dress (with leggings because it's too short!)

1 silky black and grey mid-waist tie rope dress

1 pair of white shorts

1 pair of black shorts

1 pair of jean shorts

1 pair of khaki shorts

2 casual drawstring skirts

I have no clue what tops I want to wear!!! I'm going to have to get my shorts out and see what tops to take.

 

Shoes will be tennis shoes, black reef sandals, and silver stilettos. Accessories....tear drop necklace, swarovski necklace and earrings, black beaded bracelet.

 

And yes! I need to figure out a shade of nail polish to do my nails in!

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Anyone who wants to add a photo (or several) - please do so!

Not only is it interesting, posting is a good way to talk cruising while watching the countdown clock:cool:!

 

I'm going to attach a few pictures of my outfits listed above. Some of the items I'm still waiting on from Old Navy and Steve Madden (shoes). I want to start putting things in the suitcase but I know I'll want to iron everything the a few days before we actually leave the house.

 

One of the outfits is kind of fun and will probably be a traveling outfit. But I love the Wizard of Oz and could not pass up the shirt. :D

BlackOutfit.jpg.8b8e7754eae62d2338bb9c2b5164273f.jpg

denimoutfit.jpg.254ae26ea665cebcb79d76356462d0a5.jpg

sequinskirt.jpg.2410f73f7aacbd35bb30eb173defa836.jpg

skirts.jpg.7cbd787d180a17e6c0c3e3e693ee4e2c.jpg

Ozoutfit.jpg.ef780489b84159caa4696d899f7e62d0.jpg

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I love hearing everyone's posts on what they are wearing/packing!

In our past three cruises, we've always booked in January to go April, and therefore had lots of time to think about it and purchase and plan. This time we just booked a week ago, and sail on March 11th. I just dug out my summer stuff and started going through and trying on. All of my tops I'd want to bring are fine, the shorts on the other hand, not so much, seems I've gained a few pounds along the way. I did pick up the other day a really nice pair of black city shorts, blk capris and a cute black skirt. (the black skirt is very versatile because it looks good with a dressy top and also with just a tank top too!)

I was at Walmart the other day and found a dressy top in a style that I didn't think was for me, soooo glad I tried it on as I loved it so much, I bought two in two different prints and colors, plus it already comes with a necklace type thing on already so I don't even need to accessorize, yay! So in a nutshell I believe I am bringing the following:

 

2 dresses for formal night 1- a simple black sleeveless & the 2nd is a pretty blue/green print with sequiny things on the v-neck. the black is very deep v so will wear a lacy cami under.

 

1 blk pr capris, 1 blk skirt, 1 blk city shorts

 

1 pr brown/dk beige shorts and 1 denim shorts

 

The two tops from Walmart for evening wear. I might even bring a pair of nice dark jeans to wear with one of them.

Three of four other tops that are dressy or can be dressed up with accessories.

Four or five tank or sleeveless tops

Three or four little sundressy dresses/coverup things that I can wear to the ports or just around the ship over my bathing suit.

 

For shoes, I'm thinking just a pair of runners (you know, in the event I get ambitious and want to go for a walk around the deck in the ocean breezes!!!), also bringing one pr of blk dressy sandals, probably a light beige pr of sandals to go with that one dress in the blues/greens, and then my good old navy colored croc flip flops which seriously are the comfiest shoes I have ever owned!!!

 

On our first ever cruise, I brought along about 8 pairs of shoes, didn't even wear four of them!!

 

It's also been lots of fun helping my 12 y/o daughter pack and plan for the cruise as well! She is at that age where she loves fashion and putting outfits together. She has her two dresses for formal night and then some cute stuff picked out for the other nights. For day she'll be good with t-shirts/tanks and shorts. For my 9 y/o boy, he coud probably care a less what I pack for him, lol!!! all I need to get him are a couple more dress shirts for evening. I just ordered him a few more pairs of shorts as his other ones were too small.

 

My hubby as usual will pretty much pack 1/2 before we leave to drive up to Winnipeg!!

 

I look forward to hearing more thoughts and ideas on what everyone brings!!!!

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I love reading the list of cruise clothes! And the photos are great:). Nice to see sundresses, dresses and skirts.

The formal night outfits will be beautiful, too.

 

I will add my list in the next couple of days. Maybe some photos, too...

What about purses? One of my favorite things about cruising is that a purse isn't needed onboard. I carry my SeaPass (in my bra if I don't have a pocket). A carry-all purse nicknamed "Big Whitey" gets filled with passports, camera, book, glasses, lipstick, etc. to take for embarkation. Then it only gets used when we go to the pool deck. :cool:

I really like evening clutch purses but find there's really no convenient place to put them during dinner, at the shows, in the casino. Too bad because they add a special touch, especially to formal night.

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Your clothes are so pretty! It makes this dreary winter weather seem better by seeing all the fun colors and planning for spring.

I used to be the queen over overpacking. For 20 yrs. I did closet consulting and personal shopping, so I can relate to bringing all the right accessories, all the way down to the shoes.

Purse-wise, I have tried tons of options and think I've finally decided on the best (for me :). I take a large purse on the plane. It holds a magazine and my Sony Reader, as well as everything else I'll need. I pack a small black purse with a thin long strap with my jewelry and put it in my carryon. That becomes my cruise purse for the casino and dinner. Then I bring one of those little Vera Bradley keychain things with the small zip area that could hold a credit card. I hole-punch my seapass and put it all on a stretchy bungy. I can keep a small stash of tip money, or small pencil/pad in there in case I need to get someone's number or leave my kids a note on their door. I can also attach the bungy to my belt loop if I don't want it on my wrist.

So when is everyone cruising next?

We were surprised for Christmas by the in-laws with an Oasis cruise this summer. Yea! Time with them and a cruise for the first time in three years...

 

Stay Warm!

Liz in Kingwood

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