So, Monique wrote in: “Hi, I need some stylespiration. I’m going on a cruise throughout the Western Caribbean and I need ideas, there will be the poolside moments, dinners, when we get on shore at the various countries etc. How do I stay fab yet comfy throughout these beautiful islands? HELPP!!!”
We got you, Monique! Dressing for a cruise is relatively simple, and extremely fun: with just a few standout pieces, you can create fabulous looks. Cruises are all about flaunting your style, so for those “poolside moments,” try a fun cutout swimsuit instead of a bikini. If you’re not comfortable with showing so much skin, opt for a colorful one-piece like this one from Marni, or one with an eye-catching pattern. Cover-ups are a definite must, so don’t be afraid to try one, even if it has a busy pattern or plenty of bright colors– you’ll fit right in (and still stand out) with your fellow seafarers! Floppy sun hats are the pinnacle of mysterious fabulosity, and on a cruise, the bigger, the better! Round out the outfit with a cute tote for all your poolside necessities:
For on-shore island touring, instead of a regular tank and shorts (which is still a solid choice), why not try a flowy caftan or batwing top? It adds a degree of effortless elegance to a look that is super easy to put together:
After a long day of lounging and souvenir store shopping, dinner is the time to go glam! A drapey silk dress like this one from All Saints is simply chic, and easy to accessorize. A pair of metallic heels, simple earrings, and a fab little tassle clutch. Since you’ll probably be bare-faced all day, throw on a coral lipstick to show off the gorgeous tan you worked so hard for!
Have fun on your trip! Have a cocktail in a coconut for me!
~Jihan
August 22, 2011 7:37 am
The swimming costume is so pretty. Loving the lipstick, jewellery, and the chic footwear.
August 22, 2011 7:42 am
i am so loving everything. i need to take a cruise, asap!
August 22, 2011 8:11 am
Fab.
August 22, 2011 9:19 am
The colorblocked swimsuit is adorable!!
August 22, 2011 10:05 am
This is just in time!!!!! I am going on the same cruise during Labor Day!
August 22, 2011 12:14 pm
Love it! This is right on time,going on a cruise in Oct :o)
August 22, 2011 12:40 pm
Great post Jihan – thanks for also including dinner wear that can be worn by the 30+club. PLEEEEEEASE continue to keep us in mind when you post various Style Inspirations. Also, your writing skills are AWESOME!!!! Keep it coming!
August 22, 2011 10:40 pm
OMG are we all going on the same cruise on Sept 4??! LOL!
August 26, 2011 1:42 pm
Omg!!!Thank u soooo much Claire!!! Much appreciated
October 10, 2012 3:02 pm
Hold up, you didn’t mention a beach wrap or sarong / pareo?
Sarongs. If you’ve never owned one, you are missing out on one of the joys of life. Sometimes, they are sold as swimsuit cover-ups and sometimes, you’ll find sarongs are longer, wider, made of cotton instead of rayon. Always, you’ll discover they are the most useful thing you own — if you give them a chance.
You can use a sarong as a dress, any number of ways — depending upon how you tie it. A sarong, as a dress, is really an around-the-house or at-the-beach kind of garb.
A sarong can be a long skirt. Put on a matching top and just tie the cloth around your waist. Some are quite elegant.
Use your sarong as a shawl over your shoulders. They are really quite warm. They fold up small and can be easily kept in a bag or purse.
On an airplane, or anywhere for that matter, a sarong makes a great blanket. It’s light weight, big enough to cover you up, and amazingly cozy.
The park was neat but the picnic table wasn’t immaculate so I just got out my sarong and we used it as a table cloth. Worked perfectly.
Let’s see, have I forgotten any of the sarong’s multiple uses? Dress, skirt, shawl, blanket, table cloth: Aha! Use it as a ground cloth anywhere you want to sit down. Lighter than a blanket, easy to wash and easy to carry, just use your sarong.
It can also protect you from rain. Slip a sarong over your shoulders and hold it over your head, if it’s raining. They are easier to carry than an umbrella. I’ve even used a sarong to make a tent, holding it in place with clothespins.
And for the men who might be reading, they make a great gift for your wife!