I am still confused about the dress code.

[Peckishpixie]

I haven't been on Cunard in more than a decade. Back then it was a formal dress every night.  It sounds like the dress code has changed drastically. I am disappointed that I won't get to see my partner in a tux every night but he is excited to wear a tshirt and jacket for dinner. I don't want to stand out like a sore thumb. Can I wear white jeggings and a fancy top to dinner? Do people wear athletic shoes in the dining room? When I searched for dress code there was mention of "shoe gate" Are they picky about shoes?

[Victoria2]

If by athletic shoes, you mean trainers, I guess lunch or breakfast would be OK but I wouldn't wear them for dinner and I think you'd have to be more specific when asking about 'pickiness'.  I wouldn't wear crocs [I don't actually possess a pair] , casual  sliders or flip flops for dinner for example.

I have worn white jeggings with a lovely floaty long line  Kaftan for dinner in the past when in the tropics and will be doing so again. The top took away the casualness of the jeggings but as an outfit, they both worked perfectly.

Only you will know if the fancy top and jeggings will work but mine did.

 

 

 

[PORT ROYAL]

49 minutes ago, Peckishpixie said:

I haven't been on Cunard in more than a decade. Back then it was a formal dress every night.  It sounds like the dress code has changed drastically. I am disappointed that I won't get to see my partner in a tux every night but he is excited to wear a tshirt and jacket for dinner. I don't want to stand out like a sore thumb. Can I wear white jeggings and a fancy top to dinner? Do people wear athletic shoes in the dining room? When I searched for dress code there was mention of "shoe gate" Are they picky about shoes?

Formal wear every night, including a Tux, is the unofficial norm for devotees on Crossings (except for first and last nights).  
For one’s part, as there has been a rapid dumbing down of Cunard’s dress code (gone too far in the wrong direction towards casual), one will be setting a self designed dress code for all one’s future cruises, regardless of what is published.

Remember the Cunard “suggested” evening attire is not a strict imposition of the lowest possible standards.

If one wishes to Tux and Formal every night then do it…. It’s one’s vacation…. Enjoy 

Regarding shoes, if you’ve both have formal footwear then wear them… silly to have the shoes and give then an outing.

Wishing all a wonderful cruise

[bluemarble]

Just in case it isn't clear, Cunard does have two dress code designations: "Gala Evening" and "Smart Attire". There are two gala evenings on each QM2 crossing. On average, there are a bit fewer than two gala evenings per week on other voyages. On those gala evenings, your partner should still expect to wear a tux (or a dark suit with tie) to conform to the dress code. I won't presume to opine as to appropriate attire for women though on either the "gala" or "smart attire" evenings. That's well beyond my pay grade. Heck, I just learned what "jeggings" are from this thread. 🙂

[Windsurfboy]

Cunard's dress code on website,  is clear, for both smart attire (5 days a week) and gala nights.  Just follow Cunard' s advice

 

I wouldn't wear DJ/Tux on smart attire nights , what makes gala nights special is everyone's wearing it.  Of course if you want to be in a minority and wear a Tux on smart attire nights nothing is stopping you.

[Lakesregion]

2 hours ago, Peckishpixie said:

I haven't been on Cunard in more than a decade. Back then it was a formal dress every night.  It sounds like the dress code has changed drastically. I am disappointed that I won't get to see my partner in a tux every night but he is excited to wear a tshirt and jacket for dinner. I don't want to stand out like a sore thumb. Can I wear white jeggings and a fancy top to dinner? Do people wear athletic shoes in the dining room? When I searched for dress code there was mention of "shoe gate" Are they picky about shoes?

Evidently from all the posts over the past year. Petty much short of swimwear and shorts work in the evening. If one wishes to dress in formal wear every evening as in the glorious past then that will be found and according to the other posters no one will make snide comments about being overdressed or being a snob. Also if one wishes to do the jacket and tie that is fine and the jacket or not and a Collared shirt that is fine. The T-shirt with no collar is still frowned upon but will be found by those that feel it is their right by having paid for the voyage. So at this time while  it may remind many of the bar scene in star wars all is OK with very minor tweaks on the down ide of things. Go and enjoy.

[Lakesregion]

1 hour ago, bluemarble said:

Just in case it isn't clear, Cunard does have two dress code designations: "Gala Evening" and "Smart Attire". There are two gala evenings on each QM2 crossing. On average, there are a bit fewer than two gala evenings per week on other voyages. On those gala evenings, your partner should still expect to wear a tux (or a dark suit with tie) to conform to the dress code. I won't presume to opine as to appropriate attire for women though on either the "gala" or "smart attire" evenings. That's well beyond my pay grade. Heck, I just learned what "jeggings" are from this thread. 🙂

Why do I feel that smart attire in Iowa farm country and at the Breakers in Palm Beach as as different as an elephant and an ant.

[Peckishpixie]

2 hours ago, Lakesregion said:

The T-shirt with no collar is still frowned upon

Is it really? one of the examples right on Cunards  website is a man wearing a jacket with a tshirt. 

[bluemarble]

25 minutes ago, Peckishpixie said:

Is it really? one of the examples right on Cunards  website is a man wearing a jacket with a tshirt. 

 

That photo of the gentleman on Cunard's "What to pack" page who appears to be wearing a t-shirt under his jacket has been the source of considerable discussion over the years. Here is a recap of what I have contributed to previous discussions about that photo (emphasis mine).

 

When that photo was first posted on the Cunard website, gentlemen were required to wear jackets on Smart Attire evenings. Here's how that dress code was worded back then.

 

"Smart Attire:
Gentlemen, every night we request you wear smart trousers with a shirt and jacket; tie is optional. Ladies, blouses and skirts or stylish trousers and dresses are welcome."

 

Then last year the dress code was amended so that jackets are no longer required for gentlemen on Smart Attire evenings. The photos on the "What to pack" page were never changed (both gentlemen are still wearing jackets) but the wording on that page was changed to read as follows.

 

"Smart attire simply means a dress shirt and trousers, skirt and a top, or a cocktail dress."

 

I suppose it's still up for discussion whether a t-shirt ever qualifies as a dress shirt. However, once you are on board the ship, here is how the Smart Attire dress code is actually worded in the daily programmes.

 

"Smart Attire.
Gentlemen, every night we request you wear trousers with a collared shirt; jacket and tie are optional. Ladies, blouses and skirts or stylish trousers and dresses are welcome."

 

There you have it. The "What to pack" page indicates one thing in one (possibly obsolete) photo while the wording of the dress code once on board the ships tends to indicate something different.

[techteach]

In Casino Royal there is a line, “there are dress jackets, and there are dress jackets, this is the latter.”  I would say, there are t-shirts and there are t-shirts. There are well made, fitted shirts with a v-neck of a quality knit,  and there are t-shirts you use to pull weeds. Athletic shoes for dinner…being from Seattle, however not cruised yet on Cunard, I would not wear what I consider athletic shoes to dinner. White leggings with a long beautiful flowing tunic? Absolutely! But, not with athletic shoes.

[Victoria2]

3 hours ago, techteach said:

In Casino Royal there is a line, “there are dress jackets, and there are dress jackets, this is the latter.”  I would say, there are t-shirts and there are t-shirts. There are well made, fitted shirts with a v-neck of a quality knit,  and there are t-shirts you use to pull weeds. Athletic shoes for dinner…being from Seattle, however not cruised yet on Cunard, I would not wear what I consider athletic shoes to dinner. White leggings with a long beautiful flowing tunic? Absolutely! But, not with athletic shoes.

As one could also say 'there are trainers, and then there are trainers'!

I have what I would term 'athletic' [that's an oxymoron in my case as I gave up athletics after Grammar school] shoes for the gym and walking but I wouldn't wear them in a restaurant. 

 

I also have what I can only describe as 'dress' trainers which are white leather and are part of  this year's must have for dressed up casual wear so I can see why the question was asked. 

To that I would say, yes, 'dress' trainers would be fine but then, like the t shirt question [I'm with the collared shirt fraternity], interpretation is all and my interpretation of a 'dress' trainer is a shoe which is casual but not gym or 10,000metres ready.

Minefield

Still wouldn't wear them though as I have other lovely shoes to wear  to dinner.

[Solent Richard]

9 hours ago, PORT ROYAL said:

 

Remember the Cunard “suggested” evening attire is not a strict imposition of the lowest possible standards.

 

 

Lovin it.

[Solent Richard]

6 hours ago, Peckishpixie said:

Is it really? one of the examples right on Cunards  website is a man wearing a jacket with a tshirt. 

 

Ah, it's all down to one's interpretation and personal character I guess.

 

A picture is worth a thousand words...

 

 

The explanation is however the above was and remains my minimum standard for embarkation. You'd never spot me like that on subsequent days onboard.

 

It was in Singapore and you'd be surprised at some of the photographs I have of what some thought acceptable. 😂

[PORT ROYAL]

6 hours ago, Peckishpixie said:

Is it really? one of the examples right on Cunards  website is a man wearing a jacket with a tshirt. 

Correct, but the posted stated “frowned upon”….

[WestonOne]

Sounding out opinion on this one, but what I will actually do I will decide!

My son married a girl from Mauritius, so I have two jackets I bought for the wedding, which was Hindu.

The first is  gold and red, so I am considering it for a 'Red and Gold' night.  Leaving aside any discussion of cultural appropriation(*), how would people react, given it is obviously not a tuxedo?

 

Red and Gold Jacket


(*) I should say we got approval from daughter-in-law and several other family members before we bought our clothes.

Edited July 18, 2022 by WestonOne

[PORT ROYAL]

1 minute ago, WestonOne said:

Sounding out opinion on this one, but what I will actually do I will decide!

My son married a girl from Mauritius, so I have two jackets I bought for the wedding, which was Hindi.

The first is  gold and red, so I am considering it for a 'Red and Gold' night.  Leaving aside any discussion of cultural appropriation, how would people react, given it is obviously not a tuxedo?

 

Red and Gold Jacket

Welcomed, appreciated and admired….
Along with Kilts and other wonderful ethnic formal attires. 

Welcome to the maintaining of “old school standards” section of Cunard.

PS.  It’s great to hear from a new Cunarder with no interest in dumbing down the Cunard dress codes.  Thank you for posting.

 

 

[Host Hattie]

@WestonOne your jacket looks wonderful and I'm sure it would be much admired on a Red Gold evening.

 

[buchanan101]

14 hours ago, Peckishpixie said:

I haven't been on Cunard in more than a decade. Back then it was a formal dress every night.  It sounds like the dress code has changed drastically. I am disappointed that I won't get to see my partner in a tux every night but he is excited to wear a tshirt and jacket for dinner. I don't want to stand out like a sore thumb. Can I wear white jeggings and a fancy top to dinner? Do people wear athletic shoes in the dining room? When I searched for dress code there was mention of "shoe gate" Are they picky about shoes?

My take on reading info recently sent is that it has to be a tailored shirt - i.e. not a t shirt? But jacket optional. They say dress as if going to a smart restaurant or theatre... (which I take as button up shirt and chinos...)

 

I'm questioning whether to buy a suit or a tux (the latter seems to be cheaper) for the two gala nights. Can tuxs be hired on board?

[alc13]

1 hour ago, WestonOne said:

Sounding out opinion on this one, but what I will actually do I will decide!

My son married a girl from Mauritius, so I have two jackets I bought for the wedding, which was Hindu.

The first is  gold and red, so I am considering it for a 'Red and Gold' night.  Leaving aside any discussion of cultural appropriation(*), how would people react, given it is obviously not a tuxedo?

 

Red and Gold Jacket


(*) I should say we got approval from daughter-in-law and several other family members before we bought our clothes.

I say do it!  A beautiful jacket, and elegant.

[TheOldBear]

17 minutes ago, buchanan101 said:

My take on reading info recently sent is that it has to be a tailored shirt - i.e. not a t shirt? But jacket optional. They say dress as if going to a smart restaurant or theatre... (which I take as button up shirt and chinos...)

 

I'm questioning whether to buy a suit or a tux (the latter seems to be cheaper) for the two gala nights. Can tuxs be hired on board?

They can be - but you still need to buy / bring a shirt (shirts are not rented).

 

[PORT ROYAL]

21 minutes ago, buchanan101 said:

My take on reading info recently sent is that it has to be a tailored shirt - i.e. not a t shirt? But jacket optional. They say dress as if going to a smart restaurant or theatre... (which I take as button up shirt and chinos...)

 

I'm questioning whether to buy a suit or a tux (the latter seems to be cheaper) for the two gala nights. Can tuxs be hired on board?

Yes, BUT subject to availability I.e. sizes etc.  Seem to remember the Tux was around $100 per day (Recent or current CC cruisers will confirm). Think some USA retail stores will offer a lower TUX price point.

[Victoria2]

1 hour ago, PORT ROYAL said:

Welcomed, appreciated and admired….
Along with Kilts and other wonderful ethnic formal attires. 

Welcome to the maintaining of “old school standards” section of Cunard.

PS.  It’s great to hear from a new Cunarder with no interest in dumbing down the Cunard dress codes.  Thank you for posting.

 

 

If I remember correctly, Weston is not new to Cunard and so will have experience of past dress codes,  but I agree with the beautiful jacket.

It will look splendid for the red and gold evening. I have a silk red and gold jacket which I sometimes forget about and this has reminded me to pack it.

[PORT ROYAL]

1 minute ago, Victoria2 said:

If I remember correctly, Weston is not new to Cunard and so will have experience of past dress codes,  but I agree with the beautiful jacket.

It will look splendid for the red and gold evening. I have a silk red and gold jacket which I sometimes forget about and this has reminded me to pack it.

Thank you for the correction, will change “new” to “returning”.

[WestonOne]

55 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

If I remember correctly, Weston is not new to Cunard

I am newish!  One Transatlantic and two other trips, with two more booked.    So I am familiar with the codes in general, but not really how far is is acceptable to 'stretch' them.  I would not, personally, stretch them in the downward direction on any line, but if the advice  says 'a tuxedo' for Gala nights, there is the question of to what extent other quality clothes are permitted (on the one hand) and acceptable to other passengers (on the other).

Everyone who has responded so far would be happy if I wore the jacket, by the sounds of it, so thank you all for your comments.

Edited July 18, 2022 by WestonOne

[buchanan101]

1 hour ago, WestonOne said:

I am newish!  One Transatlantic and two other trips, with two more booked.    So I am familiar with the codes in general, but not really how far is is acceptable to 'stretch' them.  I would not, personally, stretch them in the downward direction on any line, but if the advice  says 'a tuxedo' for Gala nights, there is the question of to what extent other quality clothes are permitted (on the one hand) and acceptable to other passengers (on the other).

Everyone who has responded so far would be happy if I wore the jacket, by the sounds of it, so thank you all for your comments.

Tux or dark suit is the guidance I believe - if rental is $100 a night for two galas might as well buy one...