The end of summer is the perfect time to look for nautical cruise wear for your upcoming trips. Even if you don’t have a getaway planned, it’s nice to keep something stashed in your closet. That way, if you find a last minute cruise deal, you can be packed in minutes. Smart chickadees plan ahead.
It’s worthwhile to scoop up anything boaty or summery that looks good on you. And, you will need something for evening that fits. If you are like me, your size changes as often as the weather, so it will do you no good to pack an outfit that is not comfortable. The whole point of a cruise is to be pampered and waited on for a fraction of the cost of a land vacation. Your comfort is key.
Daytime Cruise Wear on Sale
Every woman has a few favorite online stores and one of mine is Soft Surroundings. You, however, may need to experiment to find out which brands are perfect for your body and your budget.
Mariner Top at Soft Surroundings: This clever design is cute in both the white-striped and red-striped versions. You will look totally shipshape at sea and you will wear it when you're back home. The sequined epaulets are cool. My only complaint is that the hem should be a tad longer. (I am very long waisted.) However, this top will look great on all of you normal chicks and will balance out larger hips. At $35, I say it’s a bargain.
Respite Linen Tunic at Territory Ahead: I like the scoop neck, the longer length, and the color. It’s boaty without being corny. Read the review about the fit.
Printed Beach Club Tunic at Athleta: This top is very sheer and some women complain about this in the Athleta comment section. However, for me, sheer is good. I would wear this over a sleeveless dress or over a tank top and jeans, summery capris, or Hue leggings. This top has just enough camouflage to hide your flabby arms, your curvy thighs, and your bodacious butt. And, as a layering piece, this tunic is perfect for warm weather cruises because the trade winds will blow right through to cool your skin.
Easy Light Tank at Coldwater Creek: This tank gets great reviews and I know that Coldwater Creek clothing is designed to fit Baby Boomer bodies (and up). That’s why I’m suggesting this tank top. Some Boomer chicks can still wear styles designed for teens, but I need things designed for my age group. For cruising, these are the colors that will work best: black (timeless), morning sky (wear with great undies), and wild heather (a nice alternative to black).
Long Belted Cardigan at Coldwater Creek: The dark blue will probably look best with your nautical wardrobe, but black will work almost as well. A lightweight sweater will keep you warm when the breeze kicks up and won’t add bulk to your silhouette. Also, check out their Textured Tunic Shell, which would be cute over capris.
Evening Cruise Wear on Sale
I prefer casual elegance over fussy beaded gowns. But, it’s up to you. And, a lot depends on your cruise line and itinerary.
Getaway Gauze Dress at Soft Surroundings: This can be worn for day or evening. Multi-tasking clothes are my favorites.
Silk Nicolette Top at Soft Surroundings: All three colors are perfect for cruising. If this ruffled tunic fits, you will wear this everywhere. Wear it with a long straight skirt (or gypsy skirt) for evening and wear it with a pair of casual slacks for daytime.
Cha Cha Vente Dress at Macy’s: This Cha Cha Vente dress gives you elegant draping and a nice flared skirt, which help to create a perfect balance for pear shapes. And, this frock is a travel bargain at $50, due to its stretch jersey fabric and easy pull-on styling. You can tart this up, with glass pearls, for formal nights at sea or keep this casual, with gauzy summer scarves, for roaming the streets of Paris. If it fits, get both colors.
J Jones New York Dress at Macy’s: Get a bit of tan and show it off with this white and dip-dyed blue maxi dress. To get your money’s worth, look for pull-on stretchy styles that can be worn day or night. Glass pearls or inexpensive white jewelry will glam this up for evenings. Wear it as is for sea days or excursions in Mexico, the Greek isles, or the Caribbean. This maxi is perfect for apple shapes because it draws the eye to the hemline. Pack crocheted items carefully so they won’t snag.
Studio M Dress with Flutter Sleeves at Macy’s: A wrap dress is your friend. It will fit and flatter on fat days and skinny days. The only complaint about this dress is that the fabric is thin, but the right undies should take care of that. Black is the easiest, most practical color but the dark brown is hip and the red is hot. You could wear this dress nonstop. It will look fabulous for smart casual evenings or tarted up with faux jewels for formal evenings. Try wearing lace stockings for a trendy Parisian look.
R&M Richards Dress and Jacket at Macy’s: If you like to sparkle at the Captain’s champagne reception, you should check out this formal dress and cropped bolero set. The short jacket is almost universally flattering as it draws the eye to your pretty face. My gut feeling is that this dress is a tricky fit, but, at $68, you should give it a try because it will be glamorous and timeless on those lucky gals who can wear it. And, Macy’s knows you might have to send it back. That’s why they send a prepaid shipping label with every order.
While it would be nice to have a separate wardrobe for cruising, most women should get cruise wear with chameleon-like qualities. Buy dresses and tops that can be worn for day or night, at sea or on land. In this economy, you don’t want to waste money.
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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