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Dana Berez

Cruise Outfits to Wear on Your Next Cruise Vacation (2024)

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cruise outfits

Cruise Outfits for Women

Having trouble figuring out what exactly to wear on a cruise? You’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ll share cruise outfits for women that I’ve worn on my past cruises as a Millennial cruiser, and give you inspiration on your cruise wardrobe.

In the past few years, I’ve been on 8+ cruises, and each time I’ve perfected all the outfits you’d need to pack for your cruise.

Cruise Outfits

I’ve been on all kinds of itineraries from shorter Caribbean cruises to long Mediterranean cruises, and from my experience, the cruise outfits generally stay the same.

You’ll need to consider what you’ll wear on the ship during the day, what you’ll wear on port days, and evening attire- which I’ll cover in this post.

So whether this is your first cruise or if you are a seasoned cruiser, I hope you find some new inspiration for your upcoming cruise with these new cruise outfits.

Read More: – For a more comprehensive list of what to pack for a cruise, read my ultimate cruise packing list that covers everything you’d need to bring (plus things you wouldn’t even think about but make a HUGE difference)

Daytime Cruise Outfits

Embarkation day cruise outfits.

Cruise Outfits

The first day of your cruise is exciting! You’re getting accustomed to your new home at sea with lots of exploring and finding a delicious cocktail.

Now before the fun of exploring, keep in mind you’ll be doing a lot of waiting around to get on the ship, plus going through security, and perhaps waiting for your room to be ready.

For embarkation day I would plan on wearing a casual outfit with lighter materials with layers- or even your airplane outfit . Something lightweight, yet appropriate to wear wandering around the ship.

I wouldn’t worry too much about what to wear on Embarkation day, but having a swimsuit ready to go is a great idea.

Pro Tip: Wear a swimsuit underneath your clothing with a stylish coverup and take advantage of the resort deck pool while everyone gets settled or hits up the buffet. It will feel like you’ve added an extra day on to your cruise!

What to wear on a Cruise Sea Day

Cruise Outfits

Stick to casual clothing during the day on a cruise. A typical sea day on a cruise begins with breakfast, you can wear casual items like t-shirts, jean shorts, etc.

I like to wear cute sets, or shorts and a cute top that’s easy to throw on when heading to the breakfast buffet. This is the least formal part of your cruise, but I would avoid walking around in your pajamas .

what to wear on a cruise

After that, you’ll probably walk around the ship or head to the resort deck which you’ll need to bring a bathing suit and beach coverup .

I always like to bring a larger tote bag so I can stick in all my essentials that I would need for a full pool day like sunscreen, a book, a water bottle, and extra clothes if I decide to swim.

Just think about wearing classic resort casual wear for the daytime.

Not sure what resort casual wear is? I have a full post that explains it. Read What is resort casual wear & how to wear it .

Now in the early evening after lounging on the resort deck, I like to wear a nice sundress or something a little dressy to have a sunset cocktail in. Thankfully for us ladies, I can usually wear the same dress to dinner without a problem.

What to Wear on a Caribbean Cruise Excursion

Cruise Outifs

I find a lot of Caribbean shore excursions involve lots of water activities like swimming & snorkeling, or boat excursions.

For a Caribbean cruise excursion, I would wear a swimsuit plus a coverup , and additional dry clothes if you want to change into something more comfortable after your day in the water, especially for warm destinations.

If you are not headed on a water excursion, wear casual clothing like sundresses , shirts, and shorts in light breathable materials like linen, cotton, or jersey.

Plus a comfortable pair of shoes you can easily walk around in for different terrain.

I took a cooking class in St. Kitts on a cruise excursion. I wore a casual top and shorts and everyone else wore something similar. Keep in mind that Caribbean islands are hot and humid.

What to Wear on a Mediterranean Cruise Excursion

Here are some Cruise outfit ideas I wore on my Mediterranean cruise excursions in Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Montenegro.

Cruise Outfits Excursion

If you are going on a Mediterranean cruise, your ports of call and excursions tend to be a bit different than a Caribbean Cruise.

Instead of mostly swim & snorkel excursions you’d find on a Caribbean cruise, Mediterranean cruises have more city sightseeing excursions that involve a lot of walking , touring, and being in a city center.

For example, if you stop in Naples Itay, you could explore the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Naples, and even Pompei which all involve different kinds of daytime outfits.

I like to wear lightweight breathable dresses and comfortable walking shoes with a larger day bag to keep all my essentials inside.

birkenstock arizona big buckle sandal

Surprisingly my Birkenstock Arizona sandals were my go-to shoe on all my excursions. I even climbed a mountain in Kotor Montenegro in them and they were still comfortable afterward.

Evening Cruise Outfits

evening cruise outfits

To be honest, I think that the ladies have an easier time with evening cruise outfits because mostly anything goes as long as it’s dressy. Darker-colored sundresses , cocktail dresses , or even pants with a dressy top will work.

Men on the other hand have more rules like long pants and collared shirts.

Like I previously mentioned, after lounging at the pool deck, I like to get dressed up in a nice sundress to have a sunset cocktail before dinner. I usually head straight to dinner in the same dress and never had any problems.

Casual Dinner Outfits

I find that a lot more cruises are ditching formal dinners and instead have an “evening chic” dress code which can mean dressing elegant and sophisticated in your way.

Here are some examples of “casual” dinner cruise outfits. Keep in mind that I like to dress up no matter what the dress code is.

Cruise Outfits Evening

Here is a great example of a casual dinner outfit that doesn’t involve a dress. A pair of nice dark pants and a dressy top and flats will do the job for casual nights.

Formal Dinner Outfits

Here are some examples of formal dinner cruise outfits for the main dining room I’ve worn on recent cruises:

formal cruise outfits

Some cruise lines have “ formal ” nights, but even in recent years the strictness of the dress code has become more lax . Formal dress codes for ladies include cocktail dresses, elegant skirts, and evening-wear blouses.

But if you still want to wear a formal evening gown, it’s welcome. It’s a great excuse to dress up a little.

Double-check which cruise line you are cruising with to see the exact evening dress code.

What to wear on a cruise

No matter if you are going on a Caribbean Cruise or a Mediterranean cruise, here are things you should pack for your next cruise.

Pack sundresses to wear during the day, early evening, and perhaps dinner. These can be flowy maxi dresses or shorter styles. My favorite Amazon Maxi dress looks more expensive than it is and works great on a cruise.

Bonus tip: find dresses in non-wrinkle materials such as jersey material so you won’t have to worry about trying to get the wrinkles out.

Swimwear & Cover-ups:

what to wear on a cruise

You will be living in a swimsuit & coverup on your cruise, so be sure you bring your favorites. I love this one piece from Amazon . It’s flattering on any body type, comes in multiple colors, and looks expensive.

This beach coverup from Amazon is also one of my favorites. It’s in a nice cotton gauze-like material and looks so sophisticated.

Lightweight Jacket / Scarf

No matter when or where your cruise is, a lightweight jacket is a good idea for added warmth on cooler nights or heavy inside air conditioning. This could be a denim jacket, a lightweight sweater, or shall.

I’d recommend going for an extra-large scarf or sweater that still can be worn over your shoulders during the evening. It’s not too casual and looks dressy, while still keeping you warm.

Dark Pants / Jeans:

Be sure to bring a dark pair of pants or jeans if you don’t want to wear dresses to dinner. Dark pant goes with any dressy top, and it’s a basic you can wear more than once on your cruise.

Evening Dress

A nice evening dress is essential for any cruise. I find that a little black dress is a perfect item to bring because it’s dressy and easy to pack.

Some of my favorite evening dresses from Amazon .

kohl's cruise wear

A pair of sandals that you can easily slip on and off are a must. Ideally, bring a pair that you don’t mind getting wet – especially if you plan on going to the resort pool deck or any water excursion.

You can bring heels, but keep in mind that you’ll be doing plenty of walking on cruise ships, and most of the time they are carpeted. If your heels are uncomfortable on land, they will be uncomfortable at sea.

A great compromise is a shorter kitten heel, a wedge, or a dressy flat.

A pair of white sneakers go with everything and are comfortable to put on after wearing sandals for so many days. These are great to have for strenuous activities, adventurous excursions, and exploring ports of call.

Read next :  23 Best White Sneakers For Women You Can Wear All Day

Sun Hat & Pair of Sunglasses

Don’t forget your accessories like a sun hat and a pair of sunglasses. To avoid your hat getting blown away by the wind, find one with a chin strap.

canvas tote bag

You’d be surprised at how many things you need to bring with you when you leave your cruise cabin.

I love bringing a stylish tote bag to throw all my essentials for the day inside like sunscreen, book, phone or tablet, an extra change of clothes, towel, etc.

I recommend this stylish tote from Amazon that I wore on my recent cruise. Or I love a sturdy canvas tote that goes with any outfit.

Mens Cruise Outfits

I can’t leave the men hanging, so here are some men’s cruise outfit ideas:

Men’s Day Outfits

During the day, men can wear casual clothing like swim trunks and a neutral shirt that is acceptable for the breakfast buffet and the resort deck.

Men’s Evening Cruise Outfits

Cruise Outfits Men

Now unfortunately for the men, the evening cruise line dress code applies mostly to men.

Cruises suggest men wear in general long pants or nice jeans, a collared dress shirt, and dress shoes.

For Formal Nights : Men should wear dress slacks, a collared shirt, and a sports coat. A tux or suit is optional, but double-check the specifics from your cruise line.

@danaberez Some outfits i packed for my cruise vacation #cruiseoutfits #vacationoutfitinspo #cruiseoutfitideas ♬ BLING BLING – ALTÉGO

Cruise Outfits FAQ:

How many outfits to pack per day on a cruise.

I would pack two outfits per day on a cruise- something to wear during the day either on board or at a port of call, and something a bit dressier for the evening. Now you can wear a swimsuit & coverup more than once on your vacation, so keep that in mind when you’re packing.

Do you dress up for dinner on a cruise?

Generally yes, you do dress up for dinner on a cruise. However, a lot of cruises are dropping the mandatory “formal” night where you had to dress to the nines in black tie attire. Instead, you’ll find smart casual, or evening chic dress codes in place for dinner.

Cruise OUtfits for Ladies

What are the best clothes to wear on a cruise?

You’ll want to wear something comfortable and casual during the day. Don’t forget your swimsuit for excursions or lounging at the resort deck. And add something a bit dressy for the evening.

What NOT to wear on a cruise?

Now there are a few things not to wear on a cruise that pertain mostly to the evening. Flip flops, swimsuits tank tops, and shorts are generally not allowed inside restaurants during dinner.

Another thing to keep in mind is your footwear. Cruise ships are huge and you’ll be doing a surprising amount of walking (especially if your cabin is on the opposite of the buffet) Don’t wear shoes you can’t walk in like super high heels , etc.

Let’s Sum it up on Cruise Outfits

I hope you found this post helpful for packing for your next cruise vacation. To sum it up here are things you need to think about when packing for cruise outfits.

  • During the day you’ll want to bring something to wear around the cruise ship. Think comfortable and casual.
  • Bring a swimsuit + coverup for days on the resort deck.
  • I always recommend bringing something easy to throw on for quick runs to the buffet, especially in the morning for coffee!

Pro tip: bring a reusable insulated water bottle to fill up with coffee, water (or cocktails) to keep warm or cold throughout your cruise.

  • During the evening pack something a bit dressier. For ladies that can be dark pants and a dressy top or a nice dress. Men should bring long pants and a collared shirt for dinner time.

Headed on a Cruise? – Read these posts next:

The Ultimate Cruise Packing List

Amazon Travel Essentials

What is resort Casual Wear?

Cruise Reviews:

Virgin Voyages Review

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Cruise Outfits

Dana Berez is a fashion and travel blogger with a focus on affordable style and outfit ideas, especially when traveling. Dana Berez has been featured on the Wall Street Journal, CNN Underscored, Apartment Therapy and more! Plus , you can also watch Dana on Youtube for fashion hauls and travel guides that has over 9 million views.

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What To Wear on a Cruise: Style Guide

What to wear on a cruise style guide.

Going on a cruise is an opportunity to step out of your regular life and into one that's full of excitement and glamor, even if only for a few days. Afternoons exploration and evenings of gorgeous sunsets are on the horizon! Before you pack your bags, you might need a little help planning what and how to pack for your cruise . Here are some of our favorites to wear on a cruise!

For many cruises, there are events and spaces on the ship that require specific attire. Not only that, but where your cruise is headed and where you’ll be stopping also play a role in what you should pack for a cruise.

In some cases, you might need more formal or modest outfits, while in others, a suitcase full of casual wear is perfectly acceptable. To help you prepare for the trip of a lifetime, we’ve put together this guide on what to wear on a cruise.

First, get started with this amazing tip below for packing jewelry!

Things to Consider When Packing for a Cruise

Packing for a cruise is a little different than other vacations. Since you’ll be on the ship most of the time, packing exactly what you need is important. There will be limited opportunities to shop for anything you might have forgotten. Some ships have small shops aboard, but the options are minimal, and the prices can be steep.

To make sure you’re prepared for your cruise, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, including:

Dress Code: Do Ships Have Dress Code?

Do cruise ships have dress codes? The majority of cruise lines do have a dress code. However, their levels of formality differ, usually based on the region you’re sailing through.

In general, cruise lines require specific attire for leisure or casual areas, dining rooms, specialty dining rooms, and formal activities. These are usually guidelines that help maintain the ambiance and comfort of all guests. They should be fairly easy to work with, no matter your style.

For the most part, when it comes to what to wear on a cruise, choosing items that embody a casual yet slightly refined style will steer you in the right direction. For example, dressy skorts , knee-length skirts, and dresses for casual and formal wear.

skort

Temperature

Being outside on the deck is a big part of the cruise experience, but that also means being exposed to the elements. The average outdoor temperature on a cruise depends on the part of the globe you're visiting.

For example, if you’re going on a tropical cruise, it’ll likely be pretty warm for most of the trip. This means shorts , tees , swimwear , and other warm-weather clothing are a must.

In some regions, the temperature may drop significantly once the sun sets, though. Bringing a sweater or two is a good idea for warmer climates, and packing a few is almost mandatory for cruises in colder climes like Alaska.

linen tee

The goal of a cruise is to relax and enjoy yourself. That includes the clothes you wear while on the ship. Bring along garments that have an element of stretch for comfort and ease of movement.

Consider the Travelers ™ Collection for clothes that pack well, are comfortable for long wear, and feature contemporary silhouettes that are perfect for a cruise.

Cruise ships are loaded with activities and events on and off-board, from formal dinners to outdoor excursions. Checking the itinerary for the cruise as well as considering what activities you might want to do while at port will help you plan ahead for all the clothing options you might need.

With these factors in mind, you’ll be well prepared and can leave the worry behind as you set sail to somewhere new and exciting.

Essential Cruise Wear for Women

If you’re sitting there staring at your closet with no idea where to start, these tips will help. We’ve curated a list of outfit ideas and styling tips for all of the main aspects of a cruise vacation to guide you in the right direction.

2024_04_01_APP_BlogCTA.jpg

What to Wear for a Day at Sea

You'll spend a reasonable amount of time at sea, which means days spent on the deck and evenings enjoying shows, dinners, and entertainment. During the day, we recommend wearing casual dresses with sandals or shorts and a simple tee that will keep you cool and comfortable.

When choosing the best cruise clothes for women, you’ll want to think about which items can also serve as a cover-up. For example, a colorful ruana works perfectly as a multi-functional piece.

ruana

What to Wear On a Cruise Excursion

The cruise makes stops during its journey to let people off the ship for an excursion into the port of call. You'll need to dress appropriately depending on where you stop and what you plan to do once you step off the ship.

In most places, you can wear whatever you want that suits the climate, but sometimes this means you need to pack conservative clothing. For those occasions, straight crops with a tunic offers more coverage. Foundational pieces like crops can be mixed and matched so you can pack light.

crops

Since you’ll usually do the most walking on these days, a pair of walking sandals, flats, or sneakers can complete your outfit.

Get a few more excellent packing tips below, like the all-important 4-to-1 ratio for tops and bottoms.

Formal Nights at Sea

Usually, most cruises have at least one formal dining night during the trip. What’s considered formal will vary depending on the cruise dress code.

For some cruise lines, this may mean black tie, while for others, it might lean more toward cocktail attire or business casual. This is where doing a bit of research ahead of time will come in handy.

If you need a dress that works for semi-formal evenings, consider the Travelers ™ Classic Dress , which has a gorgeous print and flattering silhouette. Another option is a dress from Black Label by Chico’s ™ , a line that always offers refined style and modern sophistication.

Whatever you choose to wear on the formal dining night, always strive for elegance.

little black dress

Non-Formal Nights

Non-formal nights are generally all the other nights on the ship where there is a looser or more casual dress code. You can usually pack the types of outfits you’d wear for dinner or drinks with friends.

For trips where it stays warm well into the evening, an embellished linen tee is an excellent choice. It embodies cool sophistication and is made from a comfortable linen fabric. If you’re spending the evening indoors where the air is flowing, consider feminine blouses and shirts with your favorite pair of jeans.

blouse

If you want a simplified list of the best cruise clothes for women to pack, here are our recommendations:

  • Cocktail dresses for dinners
  • Jeans for non-formal nights and cooler days
  • Tees and tanks for daytime excursions and cruise activities

It's a good idea to pack multiples of each type of garment and items that can be mixed and matched to give yourself the most flexibility.

What Shoes Should You Wear on a Cruise?

If you’re a shoe lover like we are, it might be hard to narrow down your choices. However, with limited baggage and room space, you’re going to want to be strategic.

When it comes to shoes , think about what types of activities you’ll be partaking in. For example, some people do a lot of walking while at port, while others plan to spend their time tasting the local cuisine.

We recommend packing sneakers for activities on board the ship and off, dressy flats for evening wear, and heels for formal events. Sandals are also acceptable for wear on the decks.

thong sandals

Find Your New Favorite Cruise Outfits

Taking a cruise offers an all-inclusive experience that lets you visit stunning destinations while spending more time relaxing. It’s also a great opportunity to show off your amazing wardrobe that you’ll immortalize in photos with memories you’ll cherish for a long time to come. For more cruise style inspiration, check out more tips on what-to-wear-where .

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Caribbean Cruise Outfits For Men & Detailed Packing List

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This men’s cruise packing guide includes ideas for cruise outfits for men that will help guide you in what to pack and wear on your trip.

Packing for a cruise can be such a struggle. On cruises, you will easily wear three outfits a day which makes choosing what to bring even more difficult.

As I mentioned, it’s easy to wear three outfits each day on a cruise. On a typical port day, I’ll wear a casual outfit for exploring, swimwear for the pool, then a nicer outfit for dinner. The trick is packing items that you can wear for multiple occasions.

As a women, I always pack my own bag for a cruise vacation, but end up helping my boyfriend pack as well. After taking 5 cruises together, I have cruise wear for men down to a science.

Keep reading for this simple guide to cruise outfits for men to learn what to wear when and other packing tips. Learn the best mens cruise outfits for every cruising occasion from the pool to formal dining room.

Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. Thanks for your support!

Packing for a Cruise

Before you decide what to pack, let’s talk about how to pack it. I recommend bringing one checked luggage per person and one backpack carry on.

When you arrive at the embarkation terminal, you will pass off your checked luggage to be delivered directly to your stateroom. From when you board the ship until staterooms are open (usually a few hours), you will only have access to what’s in your carry on.

I recommend keeping the following items in your carry on, then packing the rest in your suitcase.

  • Wallet/Passport/Documents
  • Simple Outfit for Dinner (in case your luggage isn’t delivered in time)

Throughout this guide you will notice some items are included in multiple collages. This is intentional to show that versatile items can be worn throughout the day by pairing them with different clothes.

For example, you can wear a button down shirt to dinner with khakis and loafers then around port with shorts and sandals. Packing versatile clothing items is the best way to fit all you cruise clothing items in one checked bag.

Port Day Outfits for Men

kohl's cruise wear

During the day in port, you will likely be doing any of the following three activities: exploring the local town, sightseeing the port, or spending time at the beach. For either of the first two, focus on comfortable footwear for walking and a casual, but nice looking outfit.

For a beach day or water excursion, I love these swim trunks because they look like shorts. Throw on a shirt and you can walk around port or town before visiting the beach.

Shop these casual cruise clothes for men

Cruise Pool Fashion for Men

kohl's cruise wear

For the pool, don’t overthink it! Bring at least two swimsuits so you can always have a dry one. A good, comfortable pair of sandals can be worn to the pool and port. Finally, don’t forget sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the intense Caribbean sun.

Shop this collage of men’s swimwear

Dinner Outfit Ideas for a Cruise

kohl's cruise wear

On a cruise, there will be formal nights and casual nights. Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines will outline the attire for dinner each night in your cruise compass. For a typical 7-night cruise, there are typically two formal nights and five casual nights.

On a casual night, a wide variety of outfits are appropriate. Some clothing items to avoid are tank tops, swimwear, hats, and sports gear.

The above collage shows a range of outfits to wear to dinner on a cruise. A nicer outfit is a button down shirt, slacks, and dress shoes. On the more casual end, sandals, shorts, and a collared shirt is also appropriate.

Shop this dinnertime cruise attire for men

What to Wear to Formal Night for Men

kohl's cruise wear

When packing for a cruise, formal night is often what brings people the most stress. If formal night does not sound appealing to you, you can easily avoid the main dining room on these nights.

I personally love formal night! Its fun to dress a little fancy and experience a nice dinner. As with casual dinners on board, you will see a wide variety of outfits on formal night. Some people will be in tuxedos and others in shorts.

While you technically won’t be turned away for casual clothes, I recommend dressing up a bit. On the casual end, I recommend slacks and a collared shirt with dress shoes. On the fancier end, a suit is always a great decision.

Shop this formal night cruise mens fashion

Cruise Shirts

kohl's cruise wear

On boarding day of a cruise, you are guaranteed to see groups of friend and families wearing matching cruise shirts. If I’m being honest, these shirts tend to be a bit tacky, but are a great way to kick-off a group cruise.

In the above collage, I share some cruising shirts and sweatshirts that are actually cute. They are great to wear on the first day of a cruise, matching with your travel party, or as a gift for someone heading on a cruise.

Shop these cruise shirts and sweatshirts

Other Cruise Essentials

kohl's cruise wear

In addition to all the outfit ideas shared above, don’t forget to pack these cruise essentials :

Sunscreen – The sun is intense, so protect yourself. Supergoop is my favorite for a lightweight formula and high SPF. Portable charger – There’s nothing worse than running out of battery when you are relying on your phone for navigation and photos. This portable charger with built in cords will help with that! Hat – A hat is another great way to protect yourself from the sun or hide crazy beach hair. Bug spray – Bug spray is a great item to have on hand for any jungle excursions. Good book – Don’t forget a book for the plane and poolside. People You Meet on Vacation is one of my favorite travel-inspired books that is an easy-read. Imodium – In case you have any stomach issues, you will thank yourself for having this on hand. Reusable water bottle – Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up on board to take with you on port days. Its great to have a reliable source of water throughout the day. Waterproof phone case – Pack a waterproof phone case so you can safely take photos on or in the water. Towel Clips – The pool deck gets very windy on sea days. These towel clips will keep your towel from blowing away.

Cruise Packing List for Men for a 7 day cruise

  • 1 pair of dress shoes
  • 1 pair of casual sneakers
  • 1 pair of flip flops
  • 5 short sleeve collared shirts
  • 2 long sleeve dress shirts
  • 4 pairs casual shorts
  • 2 pairs slacks or dress pants
  • 4 swimsuits

Summary of the best mens cruise outfits and packing list

To summarize mens cruise wear in a few words, it’s all about being comfortable, tropical, and appropriate for every occasion. Your suitcase should be full of shorts, Hawaiian shirts, sandals, and swimwear.

While there are no strict dress codes on cruises like there used to be, there are still a few occasions to dress up. For more dinners, smart casual is the way to go with a collared shirt or polo shirts being the perfect thing to wear. On formal night, step it up a bit with a long sleeve dress shirt and pants.

Remember, clothes to wear on a cruise are meant to enhance your experience. This means dressing for the occasion for also wearing what’s comfortable.

Yes, it is ok to wear jeans on a cruise. In fact, they are a great thing to wear to dinner on a non-formal night. For formal night, jeans are too casual to adhere to the dress code.

There is no dress code on a cruise outside of the dining room and restaurants. The dress code for the dining room varies each night depending on the theme. On casual nights, resort wear such as a collared shirt and shorts are appropriate. For formal night, wear long pants and a long sleeve collared shirt. You can also wear a suit to be on the dressier side. On any night, swimwear is prohibited in the dining room.

Some people get dressed up on cruises and others prefer to stay casual. If you don’t want to dress up, simply avoid the dining room on formal night. Other people enjoy dressing up and will wear a suit or tux on formal nights.

No, you do not need a suit on a cruise. Some people will wear a suit on formal night but it is not required buy the dress code.

Related Posts:

  • What To Pack For A Caribbean Cruise | Cruise Outfit Ideas For Women
  • Guide to a Western Caribbean Cruise
  • Southern Caribbean Cruise Travel Guide

Pin this for later:

kohl's cruise wear

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  • Travel Guide to a Zermatt Ski Vacation & 4-Day Itinerary
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Lauren is the creator of The Traveling Moore blog. She's travel obsessed, having been to nearly 50 countries and all 7 continents. She has a full time corporate job, and loves showing others that it's still possible to travel the world with limited PTO hours. Lauren is also travel hacking obsessed, finding every way to travel more often and more luxuriously.

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25+ Fashionable Cruise Outfits for Ladies (affordable cruise wear)

Cruise Outfits for Ladies - Cute and Affordable

Sharing is caring!

Are you going on a cruise and looking for cruise outfits that are fashionable and affordable? In this post you’ll find casual cruise dresses and daywear, formal night dresses , plus a few must-have accessories. 

Use this list of cruise wear to plan outfits to wear on a 7 day cruise. Of course, you can add more clothing items or bring less, depending on the length of your cruise.

All the cruise wear in this post is available on Amazon and linked for convenience. If you’re simply looking for great cruise outfit ideas, you can find similar items elsewhere as well.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Affordable and Stylish Cruise Wear for Ladies for a 7 Day Cruise

What to Wear on a Caribbean Cruise - Cruise Outfits

If you’re going on a Caribbean , Bermuda or Bahamas cruise, plan on packing light sundresses, shorts and tops, bathing suits and cover ups. Add a couple formal night outfits and some dress shoes , and you’re all set.

Remember that you can pack lighter by wearing outfits more than once on a cruise . A good tip is to pair a daytime outfit with dressier shoes and some jewelry, and wear it in the evening for a whole new look.

Shop my Amazon storefront for current favorites and deals.

Cruise tip: Always pack for the weather of your cruise destination. Cooler weather cruises require warmer clothing. 

Cruise Embarkation Day Outfit Ideas

If you have time to change before heading to the cruise ship on embarkation day , wear something comfortable that you also feel good in. Shorts and a t-shirt or a light sundress are perfect.

Cruise tip: You may want to wear a bathing suit under your clothing, if you’re planning on heading to the pool soon after you board your cruise ship .

Cute Romper

This cute romper is a very cute and affordable embarkation day outfit. It’s perfect for shore excursions and tours as well. 

kohl's cruise wear

Casual Sundress

A sundress is a great embarkation day outfit. Plus, it can be worn later on in the cruise and no one would even know.

This sundress is so cute, with pockets, and available in small to plus sizes.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Sundress with pockets sizes (see color and fabric options, & sizes)  

Romper Tee and Shorts

Very cute and casual, this short sleeve romper shorts outfit is a great comfortable embarkation day outfit.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Comfy short sleeve romper shorts set

Ladies Cruise Wear for Daytime

Cute sundress.

This cute sundress has pockets, along with some cute details!

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Short sundress with pockets

Swimsuit Cover up Dress

This sundress cover up is perfect for pool and beach days on a cruise.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Sundress cover up (see price & Amazon reviews here)

Casual T-shirt Dress Tank Style

Wear this cute t-shirt style dress on boarding day, as a cover up or even dressed up with accessories in the evening. 

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Casual t-shirt style tank dress (see amazing reviews on Amazon & color options)

Shorts, Tops and Rompers

One piece rompers are very popular and are perfect when you’re hanging out by the pool or doing activities on the cruise ship.

Sleeveless romper shorts

This sleeveless tank romper jumpsuit is available in several colors.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Sleeveless romper (see over 8000 Amazon reviews)

Spaghetti Strap Romper

Perfect for days on a cruise or even a beach vacation, this colorful romper shorts outfit gets amazing reviews!

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Romper Shorts Outfit (verify price & styles on Amazon here)

Cute Tops (daytime to evening)

Floral off-the-shoulder top.

This floral top is is gorgeous paired with shorts or white pants. This loose blouse is available in different colors and patterns as well.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Floral off the shoulder top (check price & over 30,000 4.5* Amazon reviews here)

Lace Detailed Top

This v-neck spaguetti strap tank top will look great during the day with shorts or in the evening on a cruise paired with dark jeans. The black is very flattering, but the white is gorgeous too!

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Vneck lace spaghetti strap top (see reviews & color options)

Halter Chiffon Top

A halter chiffon top like this pairs beautifully with a white skirt, pants or jeans. It can go from day to evening, depending on how dressy you’re feeling.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Halter chiffon tank top (verify pricing here)

Cute Cruise Outfits for a 7 Day Cruise

Casual Sundresses

Pretty boho dress.

This tank style dress is great for day or casual evenings on a cruise. Love the pockets!

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Tank style boho dress (see fabric options & price here)

Sleeveless Striped Casual Dress

This casual striped dress is great on a cruise or for everyday!

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Casual striped sleeveless dress (see different colors & reviews here)

Long sundress

This long halter top dress is so pretty! It’s great for day or evening on a cruise.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Long halter top dress (check price & reviews on Amazon here)

2 piece sundress

This sleeveless floral 2 piece sundress is so pretty for a Caribbean or even a Mediterranean cruise .

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: 2 piece sundress (see beautiful style choices on Amazon)

This long boho floral print sundress is on trend this year and will look great on a cruise, either day or evening. I’m excited to wear this dress on an upcoming cruise!

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Long floral boho sundress (see reviews & other patterns here)

Casual Sleeveless Dress

A loose casual dress like this one can look great on it’s own, or over a bathing suit if you’re off on a shore excursion.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Sleeveless dress tank style (see 15,000+ Amazon reviews)

Related:  What I Wore on a 7 Day Caribbean Cruise (Cruise Outfits with Photos)

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

kohl's cruise wear

Sleeveless Bodycon Hollow Out Dress

If you like a tighter fit dress, this bodycon hollow out dress is a great vacation outfit. The tropical patterns and solid designs are equally pretty!

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Sleeveless Hollow Out Bodycon Short Dress

Maxi Dresses & 2 Piece Outfits

2 piece outfits are in style these days, and look great day or evening on a Caribbean, Bahamas or even a Mediterranean cruise.

2 Piece Jumpsuit with Drawstring Pants

This 2 piece jumpsuit is with drawstring pants is very flattering and very on trend this year. The long crop top has gorgeous ruffle detail, and pairs well with the loose drawstring pants.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: 2 piece jumpsuit (see over 7000 Amazon reviews)

I love maxi dresses! They’re gorgeous for day or casual evenings on a cruise.

This halter style maxi dress is so flattering for ladies of all ages!

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended:   Halter style maxi dress (verify price & color options here)

Maxi Dress with Pockets

This maxi dress with pockets comes in several fabric choices and two styles, with and without sleeves.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Maxi dress with pockets (see style options here)

Halter Neck Beach Dress

The detail on this halter neck long dress is so pretty! This is a newer dress that is popular (4.5* reviews) for good reason.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Halter dress with detail (see different colors & price on Amazon here)

Loose Dress with Pockets (Racerback style)

This loose dress is so easy, cute and comfortable. I love the black, however there are so many colors to choose from!

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended:  Tank style maxi dress (with pockets & racerback)

Summer Casual Midi Dress

This cute mid-length dress is on trend this year. It’s classy, yet casual and perfect for cruising!

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Midi casual dress (see color and pattern choices on Amazon)

Ladies Dresses for Evenings on a Cruise

Cruise tip: The dress code on most cruise lines will be casual and smart casual for 5 days out of a 7 day cruise. There will usually be 2 formal nights or dress up evenings. Longer cruises will have an additional formal night.

Ladies Floral Halter Dress

This floral dress is very flattering, light and airy. It would work well any evening in the main dining room or specialty restaurant on a cruise.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Floral halter dress (see reviews and photos on Amazon)

Mid-length Strapless Dress

Here’s a pretty strapless dress that will look great in the evening on a cruise, from Celebrity to Norwegian.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Mid-length strapless dress (available in solid colors too)

A Line Midi Dress

This elegant dress is beautiful in every color! 

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Elegant mid length dress (see reviews photos on Amazon here)

Jumpsuit Romper

While there are a lot of beautiful dresses in this post, you can definitely wear pants and in many cases, even jeans on a cruise. Jumpsuits and rompers are trendy and flattering, and will look great on a cruise in the evening.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Pants jumpsuit romper (see different styles here)

Halter Style Floral Summer Dress

This floral dress is so pretty! It’s available from small to plus sizes.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Halter style short dress (see 3500+ awesome Amazon reviews)

What to Wear on a Caribbean Cruise - 25 Outfit Ideas

Ladies Cruise Formal Dresses

Mermaid style long dress.

This Bodycon long dress is perfect for formal nights on a cruise. The halter top style is absolutely gorgeous!

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Bodycon mermaid style long dress (see 5000+ Amazon reviews)

Short Cocktail Dress

A short cocktail dress is a popular choice for many women for cruise formal or chic evenings. The ruffle sleeves and slit add a beautiful detail to the dress.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Ruffle sleeve cocktail dress (verify pricing & Amazon reviews here)

Lace Top Cocktail Dress

A little black dress is always appropriate for cruise formal nights, however the lace detail on this dress just adds an extra touch of elegance. Like most of the other dresses in this list of cruise outfit ideas, it’s very affordable.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Lace detail cocktail dress (verify price on Amazon here)

Plus Size Long Cocktail Dress

This short sleeve plus size dress is gorgeous and very flattering.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Plus size cocktail dress (see sizing & color options here)

Related: 20+ Favorite Cruise Dresses & Resort Wear on Amazon (I’m wearing right now)

Must-Have Shoes and Accessories for a Cruise

Make sure to bring a cute sandal, a closed toe walking or running shoe, and a pair of dress shoes. If you’re planning on hanging by the pool or beach, flip flops are a must as well.

Cruise tip: Often flip flops are not permitted in restaurants and main dining rooms, so make sure to bring a slightly dressier sandal for evenings.

For more shoe suggestions, please read this post next: Best Shoes to Pack for a Cruise .

Nice sandals

These stylish sandals look great and cost way less than anyone would think.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Dressy flat sandal (check pricing on Amazon here)

Swimsuit Cover Up

Make sure to pack a bathing suit cover up or two for cruise sea days.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Swimsuit cover up (see color options here)

Make sure to have a wide brim sun hat on your Caribbean cruise packing list! The bow detail on this sunhat elevates the look.

kohl's cruise wear

Recommended: Wide brim sunhat

More Cruise Outfit and Packing Ideas

Please feel free to check my Amazon storefront where I share and list my favorite cruise clothing items, packing essentials , jewelry and beauty essentials for a cruise  and more.

Life Well Cruised Amazon Storefront – I update and add great items frequently, so make sure to Follow my pae and check back as you need items for your future cruise.

Read next: More Cruise Packing Lists

  • 15 Best Beach and Tote Bags for a Cruise
  • 15 Matching Cruise t-Shirts for Families, Couples & Groups
  • Best Shoes to Bring for a Cruise
  • 50 Must-have Cruise Essentials – Amazon List
  • Best Travel Gadgets to Bring on a Cruise
  • Best Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag
  • What Toiletries to Pack for a Cruise
  • Beach Day Essentials
  • What to Pack in Your Cruise Shore Excursion Day Bag

Final Thoughts: 25 Fashionable Cruise Outfits for Ladies (affordable cruise wear)

In this post I shared 25 cruise outfits for women that are stylish and affordably priced. Hopefully you’ll have found some cruise wear suggestions that will be helpful as you plan your next cruise!

Have suggestions of outfits you love? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy cruising!

If you found this article helpful, please pass it along. Please feel free to share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Let’s connect:

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Follow me on Instagram at Life Well Cruised

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Love your Blog. I do have one suggestion, would you please show samples of what to wear for those of us over 70 who do not wear the cute sleeveless tops and dresses?

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Absolutely! Thanks for your suggestion 🙂

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Outfits for the 70+ woman who is also plus size and cannot wear sleeveless or strapless. I’ve had a mastectomy and wider straps work better over spaghetti straps.

Thanks Ann for reading! I have this post (by request) which has a lot of nice options with sleeves: https://lifewellcruised.com/what-to-wear-on-a-cruise-for-ladies-over-60/

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Thanks a lot for sharing these great tips with us. I am really need this. Keep it up.

So glad this was helpful 🙂

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Love the information. Could you include outfits for plus size women too?

So glad you enjoyed the post! I have another one with plus size cruise wear here: https://lifewellcruised.com/plus-size-cruise-wear-cruise-outfits-for-curvy-women/

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Women’s Capsule Wardrobe for a Cruise Vacation

cruise capsule wardrobe for women

What to wear on a Cruise

  • Your clothing choices will depend on your ports of call and the likely weather conditions.
  • For hotter climes opt for shorts, skirts and short-sleeved shirts in light natural fabrics.
  • When cruising in cooler destinations you'll prefer trousers, long-sleeved shirts and jackets in thicker weights.
  • Clever layering is the best way to cope with changeable weather conditions – e.g. wear a jacket over a fleece, over a t-shirt, over an undershirt.
  • Consider the activities you plan to do off ship – will you need particular clothing or footwear?
  • Check the evening dress codes – these vary between cruise line and ship and may be strictly enforced.
  • Glamorous heels are great for formal nights, but if the sailing is rough then the ship may move around a lot. Heels aren't the best option then, so have some smart flats handy too.
  • The amount of food you can eat on a cruise is all part of the appeal; we recommend you pack clothes with comfortable waistbands!
  • Pick a simple colour scheme of neutrals plus one or two statement shades. Make sure all your clothes co-ordinate so they can be mixed and matched.
  • Remember you will need an outfit to travel in! Wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes where possible.
  • Download our complete packing list below for all quantities and a checklist of items.
  • Also see our Cruise Capsule Wardrobe for Men

What to pack for a cruise

Swimwear

Casual Tops

Pack simple tops in your favourite colours that will match your trousers, shorts and skirt. Team with a scarf or necklace on a couple of evenings, then wear by day for sightseeing. Depending on the climate choose from long or short-sleeved, sleeveless, or a mixture. We really like bamboo fabrics.

Suggested buy : Texere Hypoallergenic Bamboo Fiber Tee by Amazon

Swimwear

Evening Top

Pick a luxurious top for evening wear that goes well with your skirt and smart-casual trousers. Add sandals or heels and you're good to go!

Suggested buy : Lush Roll Tab Sleeve Woven Shirt by Nordstrom

Swimwear

Fleece or Light Sweater

Even in hot weather the breezes can make it feel cool when sailing, whilst inside the air-con can also be chilly. A fleece is light, cosy and packs well – or opt for a smarter sweater if that's more your style.

Suggested buy : The North Face Womens Glacier 1/4 Zip by Amazon

Swimwear

Smart Cardigan or Jacket

A smart cardigan or light jacket will dress up your outfit for evening, and it adds that extra something round your shoulders if the air-con gets too breezy. Choose a colour to match or complement your tops and dress.

Suggested buy : Kate Spade 'Somerset' Cardigan by Nordstrom

Swimwear

Casual Trousers or Shorts

These should be practical for days out. Consider the type of activities you will do – are they city-based or more rural/active? Choose fabrics that dry quickly in case of rain. Styles with detachable legs are a good option for varied temperatures. You might opt for shorts instead for hotter climes, but trousers are good protection against sun and insects.

Suggested buy : Royal Robbins Zip N' Go Pant by Amazon

Swimwear

Smart-Casual Trousers

Choose a pair that are comfy for day wear (team with a casual top and walking shoes), but can also be dressed up for dinner by switching to heels, your evening top and jewellery. Smart jeans in dark denim would work well, although you may prefer something lighter in hot weather.

Suggested buy : NYDJ Straight Leg Denim by Amazon

Swimwear

Skirt or Tailored Shorts

These can also be worn for lazy days out with a simple top and sandals, then add your smart cardigan and scarf for the evenings.

Suggested buy : Eileen Fisher Linen Drawstring Skirt by Nordstrom

Swimwear

Ideally choose something that can be dressed up or down by changing your shoes and adding accessories – almost any dress looks smart worn with heels and a scarf. These Karina dresses are very flattering and they pack brilliantly – no ironing ever needed!

Suggested buy : Audrey Dress by Karina Dresses

Swimwear

Some statement jewellery can really set off an outfit and takes up very little room in your case. Costume jewellery works just fine, and it's often better to leave your valuables at home.

Suggested buy : Multi Row Statement Necklace by Nordstrom

Swimwear

Pashmina or Scarf

A ‘must take' item for any holiday as they are just so versatile: cover your shoulders at religious sites; dress up any outfit for evening; put round you if there's a chill (or air-con); use as a sarong over your swimwear.

Suggested Buy : Sarongs & Scarves on Amazon

Swimwear

Comfortable walking shoes

If you plan to do lots of walking on shore you'll need some active shoes. Closed-toe are best on dusty roads, and if you're heading off the beaten track do make sure you have something sturdy and supportive that are suited to the terrain. Hotter Shoes have some ultra comfortable options (that also look pretty great).

We love these : Chase Shoes by Hotter

Swimwear

Deck Shoes or Sandals

Take some non-slip comfy flats for daytime on deck and casual evenings. If they have a bit of sparkle you can even wear them on formal nights too if your feet need a little more comfort.

Try these : Play II Sandals by Hotter

Swimwear

Smart Heels

Pack one stylish pair for a touch of glamour, but don't go too high – it can be rocky on board if you encounter rough seas! In warm weather your feet may swell too, so make sure they're comfy if you want to dance the night away.

We love : Pruce Ankle Strap Heels by Nordstrom

Swimwear

Essential for sun protection in hot weather or to keep out the cold and wet in cooler regions. It's usually windy at sea, so choose a style that stays on securely – it's useful for keeping your hair under control too.

Suggested Buy! : Packable Sun Hat on Amazon

Swimwear

It's extremely bright at sea when the sun's out as the rays reflect off the water. If you want to admire the views then sunglasses are essential.

Suggested buy: : Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer by Amazon

Swimwear

Good sunscreen is essential in hotter climes, and don't get caught out on cloudy days either – you can still get burnt. Remember that water will reflect the sun's rays too. Choose a product with a high SPF (protects from UVB rays) and also look for the star or PA rating which indicates protection from UVA.

Suggested buy: : SPF 30 PA+++ Water Resistant Sunscreen by Murad

Swimwear

Packaway Jacket

A light packaway raincoat is a good idea to carry with you on day trips – it's ideal in case the weather changes quickly or you experience a sudden downpour. You can layer up underneath for warmth if necessary, or opt for a more substantial jacket in cooler climes.

Suggested buy: : Charles River New Englander Rain Jacket by Amazon

Swimwear

Essential for lazy days of sun-bathing, or perhaps you prefer pampering in the spa.

Suggested buy: : Speedo Shirred Tank One-Piece by Amazon

Swimwear

You'll need a lightweight bag for all your sightseeing essentials. Our packaway day sack folds up into itself and fits easily in your suitcase when not in use. It's surprisingly roomy, showerproof and light to carry – even in hot weather.

Suggested Buy! : Fold Away Day Sack on Amazon

© Copyright 2019 | What To Wear On Vacation | All Rights Reserved

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What to Wear on a Cruise

  • by — Rachel Cribby

Published on April 6, 2020

Updated on October 15, 2023

It may not be the fashion-hungry city streets of Paris or Milan, but you can still plan to look chic on your next cruise vacation.

Whether you’re stopped at a port to explore or taking some time to relax on the ship itself, there are a number of potential wardrobe situations that you may want to prepare for. While this prospect of playing dress-up may appeal to some, it can also be a daunting task to fit a rolodex of outfit possibilities into one small suitcase or carry-on.

This guide will help you pinpoint exactly what you need to build your ideal cruise ship temporary capsule wardrobe.

Cruise Outfit Ideas for Men

1. button-down shirt outfits for men.

Man wearing button-down blue shirt and pink shorts near sea

@javierortegobenito

Wear Pink Cruise Vacation Outfit

@xavierbonillaperez

Wear Summer Style Outfit

@shopvalleyriver

Classy Summer Outfit

@taylan_007

Casual Summer Outfit

@perfectfitwear

Black Men Summer Outfit

@theking_jo

Beach Summer Outfit

@anthony_jpowell

The atmosphere on a cruise may be laidback, but a man who prefers to dress up need not despair. If you play it correctly, you can pack your favorite button-down shirts in your luggage without having to worry about a mismatch of outfit tones. A breezy button-top actually pairs rather nicely with a pair of cotton shorts, particularly when you’re pairing a solid color shirt with patterned shorts or vice versa. Luckily, most cruise ships have irons on board, so no need to pack yours.

2. Chino pants outfits for men

Mens Fashion Summer Wear

@tashwin_manuel

Not to be confused with their distant cousin, the khak panti, chino offers a comfy pant without the visible stitches, which gives it a more formal look than its counterpart. With their lightweight fabric and breezy form, we would be remiss to make a list about outfits that are best worn in the sunshine without mentioning the chico. Grab this variety of pants for a quick fix for those “in between” weather days that are sure to happen while you’re out at sea.

3. Dapper outfits for men

Classic Style Mens Wear

@affari.uomo

Best Casual Outfit

@ellisdownss

Stylish Summer Outfit

@secretly_dapper

Summer Mens Wear Style

Nautical-inspired fashion is considered to be classy and high-end, thanks undoubtedly to its association with exclusive yacht clubs and luxurious boat purchases. You don’t need to be steering your own vessel to dress like you own the place, though — we’ll leave that job to the cruise captain. Even with your passenger status, you can make waves (forgive us for the very intended pun) by pulling on a pair of boat shoes and bermuda shorts. The more your color palette can be inspired by the ocean, the better — think navy blue, bright blue, gray, and white.

4. Hawaiian outfits for men

Young Men Summer Outfit

@mensvstyle

Your cruise may not be to Hawaii — it’s smack dab in the very middle of the Pacific, after all, and so not exactly accessible by boat — but you don’t have to be in the Aloha state to appreciate the power of a good Hawaiian outfit. Floral patterns are undeniably in, and they are made rather masculine when used in the Hawaiian shirt style. This is an easy shirt that you can throw on on your way to the breakfast buffet, or even for an afternoon of tanning on the sun deck.

5. Polo shirt outfits for men

Elegant Man Street Style

@thesunglassesman.blog

Summer Look Outfit Style

Polo shirts — not just for your uncle’s tennis club! Ralph Lauren or not, polo shirts travel well (the robust yet soft material is mysteriously wrinkle-proof), and encompass the “sophisticated yet casual” vibe that we are going for with this cruise ship collection. For a put-together ensemble, tuck your polo into your belt. You’d rather not carry your belt along with you in your meagre carry-on? The polo shirt looks great when not accompanied by a belt, too.

6. Tropical print outfits for men

Summer Season Mens Wear

@luxurymensoutfitsit

Beach Mens Wear Outfit

A tropical print has everything to fit the mood of your cruise — vibrancy, excitement, and brightness, just to name a few — that it might as well be the cruise-goer’s official uniform. Think of the tropical print as your way to dress not only for the weather, but in honor of it, in your own personal ode to sunshine. You may be dressed similarly to many men who you’re sharing the cruise ship with, but you can make a tropical shirt your own by choosing an electric pattern. You can also stand out above the crowd by opting to go for a tropical patterned short or shoe, if you do not want a shirt that is so busy.

Cruise Outfit Ideas for Women

1. bikini cover up outfits for women.

Boss Lady Outfit

@mariekolstrup

Cruise Outfit Style

@danichevalier

Date Night Outfit

@samanthaa_mayy

Women everywhere know: leaving without your cover-up is one of the biggest cruise ship faux-pas out there. Alright, so maybe there isn’t a cruise ship fashion rulebook, but if there were, there would certainly be a section on finding the perfect cover-up. Not quite a summer dress, not quite a bathing suit, the cover-up occupies an important place in your wardrobe because it is functional yet fashionable. Cover-ups are the perfect choice for warm destinations where it is not necessary to change out of your bathing suit. With a cover-up, your bathing suit can easily dry while it’s still on your body — especially if your material is flowy and breathable. Much like the women who wear the, cover-ups come in all different kind of varieties, from long, elegant full-body options to styles that open up in the front like a bathrobe. Some cruise ships have rather strict dress codes for entering dining areas — if there is a stipulation that no bathing suit is allowed, you may be able to easily get around this by simply throwing on a cover-up.

2. Bohemian outfits for women

Backless Maxi Dress Outfit

@carycastrodesigns

If men can dress in color for their cruise vacation, why can’t women take part in the fun? We love the bohemian style for its creative use of color and adventurous patterns. There is something about the sunshine that makes us want to dress bold and bright, as if to match the mood.

3. Boho outfits for women

Neutral Summer Outfit Style

@bohodesign.cz

Fashionable And Comfy Outfit

@blueberryresort

Yellow Verte Clothing Outfit

@verteclothing

White Beach Summer Outfit

@gigisboutique

Silk Dress Cruise Outfit

@claudiomilanocouture

“Boho” or “boho-chic” is a vertical similar to Bohemian style, but with a more subdued twist. Unlike the vivid color palette that a Bohemian look offers, a Boho-chic outfit relies on natural earth toned fabrics while still keeping with the fashion style’s classic flowy aesthetic. Add a suede sandal or tan purse to really pull your ensemble together.

4. Crocheted pants cover up outfits for women

Red Swimwear Black Crocheted Pants Cover Up Outfit

Often when we think about bathing suit cover ups, we imagine a dress-like piece of drapery that covers you from the top down. However, there is another option on the market that covers up your legs instead — the crocheted pant. This beachy option is fashionable yet comfortable.

5. Denim shorts outfits for women

Classy Denim Shorts Outfit

@stylebyyalda

Classy Blue Aesthetic Denim Shorts Outfit

@lookchicblog

A cruise style guide for women simply wouldn’t be complete without mention of a denim short. Your preferred cut and length is a personal choice, as is your color of material. It’s hard to go wrong with a pair of jorts that speaks to your personality.

6. Flowy pants outfits for women

Beach Wear Fashion Flowy Pants

It’s not often that a piece of clothing comes along that is both effortlessly trendy and pajama-level comfortable. Also known as palazzo pants, these wide-legged bottoms can come in solid colours or in expressive patterns. Thanks to their pleasant air circulation and easy-breezy implications, flowy pants are the perfect choice for summertime.

7. High shorts outfits for women

Fashionable High Shorts Outfit

Much like high-waisted pants have become a staple of many women’s wardrobes, the high-waisted short has also gathered popular momentum. This style of short not only flatters a variety of body types, but it also offers your body more protection so you can be less conscious of your every moment and take the chance to simply relax on your vacation.

8. Mini dress outfits for women

Vacay Vibes Mini Dress Outfits

The minidress is a flattering shape of summer dress that usually falls quite a bit above the knee. No matter how tall (or short) you are, the minidress is famous for its magical ability to elongate your legs — especially if paired with high heels. The minidress trend has its roots in the 1960s, and patterns from this era are coming back, too, such as polka dots or bright florals.

9. Off-the-shoulder outfits for women

Off Shoulder Summer Outfit

@daniellaeacosta

What better way to set the laid back mood than with an off-the-shoulder easy-going top? Loungewear meets big-city sophistication with this unique top style. One bonus: it’s one of the only top styles that won’t leave you with an inconvenient tan line after your hours of soaking up the sun!

10. Polka dot dress outfits for women

Cropped Top Polka Dot Dress Outfit

@summer.attire

The polka dot pattern is one of the most-used in the world of female fashion, but we’re still not bored of it yet. Perhaps it’s because it has transcended past the realm of boredom to become classic instead. If you’re looking for an easy way to dress up while on a cruise, carrying a polka dot dress in your luggage is a great way to instantly add a feminine splash to your outfit plan.

11. See-through dress outfits for women

Classy See Through Dress Outfit

A cruise vacation is a great place to experiment with clothing choices that you wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing in your everyday life in the office or out to lunch. The see-through dress is a great example of this — it’s an adaptable outfit choice that can be worn over top of a bathing suit or underneath a jacket, depending on your surroundings.

12. Summer loose skirt outfits for women

Cool Summer Loose Skirt Outfit

@sammys_offexploring

A long skirt is a great option to throw in your cruise bag. For one thing, it is well-suited to a variety of weather conditions, as it offers access to a breeze in hot weather and protection in cooler weather. For another thing, it looks adorable, especially with a tank top or top tucked into it.

13. Tropical prints outfits for women

Summer Tropical Prints Outfit

@beachoutfit.id

Halter Dress Outfit

@marymaria_k

Blue Beach Outfit Idea

@thriveboutiqueil

If you’re a woman who has admired the tropical print from afar but been shy to incorporate it into your own wardrobe, a cruise is a perfect opportunity to test this striking style out. If diving nose deep into a tropical print maxi dress feels too far out of your comfort zone, try a smaller swatch of fabric, such as a pair of shorts or a cover up.

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Cruise Wear

6 Outfits to Get You Through the End of 2017

Sponsor Content Created With Gucci

Nayiri Mampourian

Don’t know who Carlotta Kohl  is yet? You should. The German-born, New York–based artist  and model has that knack for supremely cool yet wearable dressing, and she’s quickly becoming fashion’s newest darling. And, just like us, she’s constantly finding new sources of sartorial inspiration. “I can’t check my style off in one box; I like changing it up,” she tells us. “I’ll see something in an old magazine or film that will make me obsessed with a particular style or item.” Her style inspiration? Grace Kelly, Dolly Parton, Anna Karina–and all things Gucci.

For serial style-chameleons like Kohl, everything is a potential day-to-night piece, even showstopping floor-length silk gowns seem totally reasonable with high-tops to pop down to the bodega. We asked this street-ready sartorial delight to take Gucci’s cruise collection and make it her own­—the only rule? Everything had to go from daytime casual to evening-ready knockout. Keep reading for the Gucci-meets-Kohl looks you’re definitely going to want to re-create.

Ever really thought about how far a graphic T-shirt can take you? Kohl layered her soon-to-be-everywhere Gucci tee with a black turtleneck (the chic yet easy layering solution that works every time) and her favourite pair of jeans. “I love mixing vintage with new, so I made sure to sneak in my vintage Levi’s. Denim is so versatile—you can wear it casually, or you can dress it up.” (Hear, hear!)

We’re only one outfit in, and we already have a solution to our day-to-night dressing woes. The aforementioned T-shirt? It works just as well once the sun goes down. Kohl styled the piece with a jacquard Gucci skirt to amp up the red tones, and she didn’t skimp on accessories. Her objective? Finding a statement piece that really changed her look, and these butterfly earrings more than fit the bill. “They’re whimsical yet elegant,” she explains. “I love fashion that doesn’t take itself too seriously.” We think this is the perfect look for an office party, don’t you? 

Gucci + Ignasi Monreal Print T-shirt

Where daytime looks are concerned, every girl needs a go-to outfit that’s both super chic and comfortable enough to get her wherever she needs to go. Which is where Gucci’s stunning silk dress comes in: Kohl layered a sweater on top and paired it with the knit duster seen ’round the world. The clashing colours and bohemian touches in the mix make for a fashion girl–approved outfit that’ll look as great at brunch as it would for a day at the museum.

A few simple swaps and ta-da: You get this unbelievably cool, boho-glam evening ensemble. Kohl peeled off her layers to unveil the bold multicolour Gucci dress, which she paired with aqua-blue and gold fur-trimmed flats that let the dress do most of the talking. “Gucci is like a disco fairytale,” Kohl tells us. “There’s really no easy way of describing it. It’s iconic and classic, but also so fresh and young.” The other must-have piece for the outfit’s evening transformation? An iconic Gucci bag, of course.

Gucci + Rose Garden Print Silk Dress

Let’s face it: Our outfits are often dictated by the whims of our moods. “Art is a way I express myself emotionally,” Kohl says. “I think that fashion can do the same thing. Some days I want to wear bright energetic colours and patterns; other days I just want to wear all-black.” For those darker days, layer in pieces like a silk pussybow blouse that makes a statement like this Gucci version does (notice those studs?).

“The Gucci woman is passionate in everything she does,” Kohl explains. “She is strong, confident. and not afraid to express herself.” And this, ladies and gentlemen, is what we call the ultimate Gucci look. The same blouse that injected a burst of colour into her daytime look now acts as a statement piece to pair with more prints. This print-on-print look is one of our favourites and a serious contender for our NYE party.

Gucci + Floral Print with Crystals Shirt

Click here to shop the rest of the cruise collection for your day-to-night wardrobe.

Nayiri is Who What Wear's senior fashion editor for branded content and based in her hometown, Los Angeles. It all began in 2014 when she landed an internship at the company and never looked back. While she does love writing her fair share of fashion stories, her heart really belongs in the brainstorm room, where she has fun strategizing different ways to create content with our fashion partners so that you engage with the brands you know and love. Her style tends to be more classic (she loves a good black-and-white look with gold accessories), and white pumps are kind of her thing. If she had to pick one person's wardrobe to raid, it would be Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's, and she also has a major obsession with interior design. She's a mom to a 1-year-old baby girl named Sophie, and she fully plans on training her to spot fashion trends by the time she's 10. That's all!

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Moscow-City: 7 surprising facts about the Russian capital’s business center

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1. Guinness World Record in highlining

kohl's cruise wear

The record was set in 2019 by a team of seven athletes from Russia, Germany, France and Canada. They did it on September 8, on which the ‘Moscow-City Day’ is celebrated. The cord was stretched at the height of 350 m between the ‘OKO’ (“Eye”) and ‘Neva Towers’ skyscrapers. The distance between them is 245 m. The first of the athletes to cross was Friede Kuhne from Germany. The athletes didn't just walk, but also performed some daredevil tricks. Their record is 103 meters higher than the previous one set in Mexico City in December 2016.

kohl's cruise wear

2. Domination of Europe's top-10 highest skyscrapers

7 out of 10 Europe’s highest skyscrapers are located in Moscow-City. Earlier, the  ‘Federation Tower’ complex’s ‘Vostok’ (“East”) skyscraper was the considered the tallest in Europe.

Left to right: the lower of the ‘Neva Towers’ (296 m), Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt (300 m), Gorod Stolits (“City of Capitals”) Moscow tower (302 m), Eurasia tower (309 m), The Shard’ skyscraper in London (310 m), Mercury City Tower (339 m), Neva Towers (345 m).

Left to right: the lower of the ‘Neva Towers’ (296 m), Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt (300 m), Gorod Stolits (“City of Capitals”) Moscow tower (302 m), Eurasia tower (309 m), The Shard’ skyscraper in London (310 m), Mercury City Tower (339 m), Neva Towers (345 m).

However, in 2018, the construction of the 462 meter tall ‘Lakhta Center’ in Saint-Petersburg was completed, pushing ‘Vostok’ (374 m) into 2nd place. The 3rd place is taken by OKO’s southern tower (354 m).

3. The unrealized ‘Rossiya’ tower

kohl's cruise wear

If all the building plans of Moscow-City were realized, the ‘Lakhta Center’ in St. Petersburg wouldn't have a chance to be Europe's highest skyscraper. Boris Tkhor, the architect who designed the concept of Moscow-City, had planned for the ‘Rossiya’ tower to be the tallest. In his project, it was a 600 meter tall golden cylindrical skyscraper ending with a spire that was inspired by traditional Russian bell towers. Then, the project was reinvented by famous British architect Sir Norman Foster. He had designed ‘Rossiya’ as a pyramid ending with a spire. The skyscraper itself would have been 612 meters tall, and the height including the spire would have reached 744,5 meters (for comparison, the ‘Burj Khalifa’ in Dubai, UAE, would have been just 83,5 meters taller). Unfortunately, the investors faced a lot of economic problems, due to the 2008 financial crisis, so the ‘Rossiya’ skyscraper was never built. A shopping mall and the ‘Neva Towers’ complex was constructed at its place in 2019.

4. Changed appearance of ‘Federation Tower’

kohl's cruise wear

In its first project, the ‘Federation Tower’ was designed to resemble a ship with a mast and two sails. The mast was to be represented by a tall glass spire with passages between the towers. It was planned to make a high-speed lift in it. The top of the spire was going to be turned into an observation deck. But the ship lost its mast in the middle of its construction. Experts at the Moscow-city Museum based in the ‘Imperia’ (“Empire”) tower say, that the construction of the spire was stopped, firstly, due to fire safety reasons and secondly, because it posed a threat to helicopter flights – the flickering glass of the spire could potentially blind the pilots. So, the half-built construction was disassembled. However, an observation deck was opened in the ‘Vostok’ tower.

5. Open windows of ‘Federation Tower’

kohl's cruise wear

We all know that the windows of the upper floors in different buildings don’t usually open. Experts say that it’s not actually for people’s safety. Falling from a big height is likely to be fatal in any building. The actual reason is the ventilation system. In a skyscraper, it’s managed with a mechanical system, and the building has its own climate. But in the ‘Zapad’ (“West”) tower of the ‘Federation Tower’ complex, the windows can open. The 62nd and last floor of the tower are taken up by a restaurant called ‘Sixty’. There, the windows are equipped with a special hydraulic system. They open for a short period of time accompanied by classical music, so the guests can take breathtaking photos of Moscow.

6. Broken glass units of ‘Federation Tower’

kohl's cruise wear

The guests of the ‘Sixty’ restaurant at the top of the ‘Zapad’ tower can be surprised to see cracked glass window panes. It is particularly strange, if we take into consideration the special type of this glass. It is extremely solid and can’t be broken once installed. For example, during experiments people threw all sorts of heavy items at the windows, but the glass wouldn’t break. The broken glass units of ‘Zapad’ were already damaged during shipment . As each of them is curved in its own way to make the tower’s curvature smooth, making a new set of window panes and bringing them to Russia was deemed too expensive . Moreover, the investors had financial problems (again, due to the 2008 financial crisis), so the ‘Vostok’ tower even stood unfinished for several years. Eventually, the cracked window panes were installed in their place.

7. The highest restaurant in Europe

kohl's cruise wear

‘Birds’, another restaurant in Moscow-City, is remarkable for its location. It was opened at the end of 2019 on the 84th floor of the ‘OKO’ complex’s southern tower. Guests at the restaurant can enjoy an amazing panoramic view at a height of 336 meters. On January 28, the experts of ‘Kniga Recordov Rossii’ (“Russian Records Book”) declared ‘Birds’ the highest restaurant in Europe, a step toward an application for a Guinness World Record.

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Travel Fashion Girl

What to Pack for Russia in Summer: Day to Night Style

Europe Packing List , Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

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Wondering what to pack for Russia in the summer? Our Russian-born author shares her tips and tricks on dressing for both day and night!

What to Pack for Russia: Summer

Written By: Julia K.

If you made it to Moscow, Russia during summer, you’re in luck. Moscow offers a plethora of beautifully landscaped parks and festivals all over the city. If you want to know how to visit all those locations in style, continue reading!

Traveling to Russia in the winter? Read this post instead.

Packing List for Russia in the Summer

what-to-pack-for-russia

White Top  | Blouse |  Tank | Top |  Shirt |  Pant |  Pants | Skirt | Dress |  Dress  | Jacket | Cardigan | Flats | Wedge | Bag  | Hat

Summers in Moscow can get hot. It can range between 77-86°F (25-30°C) and sometimes be humid. Dressing appropriately, comfortably, and accordingly will save you a headache and make your stay more enjoyable.

Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a travel capsule wardrobe , which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.

Must-see attractions during summer include many parks, such as VDNH, Chistyye Prudy, Izmaylovo and Izmailovsky Park, and of course the famous antique and flea market called Vernisaj.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:

  • Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
  • Top Summer Dresses Perfect for Europe
  • Lightweight Jackets for Easy Layers
  • Best Walking Shoes for Europe’s Cobblestone Streets

One can see a range of different styles in Moscow. After all, it’s a hub for many travelers, businesspeople, and locals. However, if you’d like to be perceived and treated in a particular way, then pay attention to the way you dress.

You may attract unwanted attention if you wear clothing that’s inappropriate to the local culture. Observe what people are wearing around you and these tips should help point you in the right direction before you arrive.

The following suggestions are based on the perspective of a local born in Moscow.

What to pack for Russia if you’re going to any of the parks:

what-to-pack-for-russia

Blouse | Shorts |  Hat | Scarf | Watch | Sunglasses | Purse  | Flats

  • Flat sandals or flats
  • Dressy shorts or a midi skirt (no shorter than one hand above the knee)
  • A nice blouse
  • A crossbody bag
  • A hat and sunglasses
  • Jewelry and a watch

If you’ll be staying out all day into the evening, wearing layers is key. Pack a shawl or a cardigan for romantic walks next to the Moscow River.

Pro tip: Take a mosquito repellent just in case and apply sun protection wherever you go.

Read this post to find out our stylish strategies on how to layer clothes !

What not to wear:

As a local, I wouldn’t recommend wearing flip flops, short shorts, mini skirts, bright makeup, or see-through clothes. It’s a good idea not to show cleavage, unless you have a layer underneath. Choose understated jewelry instead of flashier pieces.

What to pack for Russia if you’re going to a festival:

what-to-pack-for-russia

Dress |  Hat  | Umbrella |  Crossbody  | Earrings | Lipstick | Watch |  Flats

  • A nice day dress
  • A pair of comfortable wedges
  • A light purse
  • A scarf for the evening
  • Light jewelry
  • Light makeup (bronzer, mascara, lip gloss, blush)
Find out the top ten wedges readers recommend!

Travel shoes:

what-to-pack-for-russia

Flats  |  Wedge |  Oxfords

If you’d like to explore Moscow, then comfortable shoes are a must!

The summer weather is pretty predictable. Based on that, you’ll need three pairs of shoes. One to explore the city, a pair to wear in your hotel room, and something for going out. Think: wedges, dressy flats with a thick sole, and flip-flops.

What are the most comfy shoes? These experts are giving you the inside scoop on their twenty-one top picks. Take a look !

What to pack for Russia if you’re going to enjoy dinner and a ferry ride along the Moscow River:

what-to-pack-for-russia

Top  | Skirt | Jacket |  Sunglasses  |  Wedge  |  Lipstick  | Clutch | Earrings

  • A midi skirt or cropped dressy pants
  • A dressy blouse
  • Comfortable but dressy shoes
  • An evening clutch
  • A jacket for any unexpected chill

Make sure your clothes are clean and neat, and that there are no flashy colors or over-the-top prints.

Summer is also a perfect opportunity to take a short trip to St. Petersburg, one of the most iconic cities in the world. It’s full of heritage, architecture, galleries, and art, even for the most discerning travelers and art lovers. You can get there by train or plane. Whichever is in your budget, pack with comfort and style in mind!

Whether you’re spending a summer abroad or finally taking that vacation you’ve been dreaming about for years, TFG has the ultimate long term packing list for your European adventures !

What to pack for Russia for a 3-day getaway to St. Petersburg:

what-to-pack-for-russia

Dress  |  Earrings | Clutch | Wedge |  Cardigan  | Tank  | Pants |  Flats | Purse  |  Blouse  | Pants | Jacket |  Scarf | Hat | Flats

  • Day/night dress that’s easy to dress up or down with some jewelry
  • Comfortable flats to explore the city in
  • A change of clothes that covers your knees and shoulders
  • A scarf and sweater for when the city becomes cooler during the evening
  • A windbreaker
  • Everyday jewelry
  • A hat to protect yourself from the sun
  • A small umbrella
These are the most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!

Some museums and churches might refuse service or admission if shoulders and knees are uncovered. I also recommend avoiding jean cutoffs and tank tops, as they may get unwanted attention.

When entering any religious building modesty should be considered, these tips will help you learn how to pack!

Shopping tips:

Moscow has every single store you could think of! From global luxury brands to everyday wear, it caters to many budgets.

If you want to arrive during sale season, then arrive one to two months before the end of the season. You can pick up European-made goods cheaper than in North America. Good shopping malls include Afimall located in Moscow City (another must see) and Evropeiskii located at Kievsky train station.

What are your tips on what to pack for Russia in the summer? Share in the comments below!

For more ideas on what to pack for Russia and Europe, please read:

  • Ten-Step Packing Guide for Europe
  • What to Wear in Russia in Winter
  • Best Shoes for Europe
  • What to Wear in Moscow in the Winter

Suggested Travel Resources:

  • Lonely Planet Russia (Travel Guide)
  • Lonely Planet Russian Phrasebook & Dictionary

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Author Bio: Julia K is a travel blogger who believes in utilizing every item in her luggage 101%. When at home, she likes to explore what’s new in the world of travel fashion, food, and travel gadgets. Follow her on Instagram ,  Facebook , Twitter , and her blog .

Toni

I’m traveling to Moscow in five days and was wondering if I should really not wear shorts. I’ve been to Nizhny Novgorod in the summer and Moscow in the winter so I have a few ideas about what to wear, but I thought that shorts wouldn’t be so bad.

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