cruise outfits fall

12 Cruise Outfits You’ll Love to Wear

Taking a cruise is a once in a lifetime experience. Cruising gives you the chance to relax by the pool, sightsee & shop at various ports, go on thrilling excursions and dine on incredible meals. A cruise is the ultimate vacation! Plan your cruise outfits carefully and not only will you look good in your photos but you’ll also be able to travel relatively light. Read my complete cruise ship packing list with printable PDF checklist that you can download.

Wondering what to wear on a cruise? Cruise ship attire can be a little tricky to plan, especially if this is your first cruise. Cruise attire varies from a bathing suit & cover up to cocktail dresses and if you’re not careful you can end up way overpacking. With this post, I’ve put together 12 outfits for a cruise that will take you from excursions to evening easily, without stuffing your suitcase. You’ll see that all my cruise clothing can be mixed and matched to create multiple cruise ship outfits from just a few key pieces.

These Caribbean cruise outfits are by no means definitive but I just want to show you how easy cruise wear can be to put together when you know how. With seven basic pieces you can build so many different outfits for cruise activities and excursions, pack light and, most importantly, look fantastic.

Note that this is all Caribbean cruise attire but almost all these outfits would work for a Mediterranean cruise also. You can read my European Cruise Packing List post here.

If you’re looking for advice on what to wear on an Alaskan cruise, please see my Alaska Cruise Packing List for lots of ideas as your outfits for this will be much, much different than the ones listed below.

Cruise Wardrobe Essentials

For a full list of what to bring on a cruise, read my Ultimate Cruise Packing List here.  We also just on our first cruise with Carnival so I created a Carnival cruise packing list too .

My cruise wardrobe ideas are all built on a few key pieces. With these few items and a few well-chosen accessories you can create so many outfits to wear on a cruise! You’ll notice that all the accessories I’ve picked to go with this cruise dress attire have been repeated throughout the outfits. I’ve included plus-size alternatives to the key basic pieces and of course the accessories are all plus-size friendly. I have also tried to pick affordable pieces with many  items coming in under $35.

• White bermuda shorts   – Add a pair of denim shorts too and double the amount of outfits you have. If you don’t do shorts, you can switch these out for capri pants.
• Striped t-shirts   – A couple of striped t-shirts are perfect for a cruise and nicely nautical.
• White jeans   – White jeans or pants are a great cruise outfit. If you don’t want to wear jeans, you can switch these out for linen pants or capri pants. See my list of the best travel pants for more ideas.
• Sundress   – So simple and easy. I’ve gone for a royal blue here but this dress comes in lots of colors. Add a black one in for even more outfit options.
• Maxi dress  – Easy and comfortable to wear on travel days, around the ship or when you feel your waist expanding from all the delicious food onboard! A solid is more versatile than a print but you could easily bring along a second dress in a print.
• Black jumpsuit  – Stylish and versatile. You can build so many cruise outfits ideas with a black jumpsuit as a base. If you’re not comfortable trying out a jumpsuit a black maxi dress would work instead.
• Kimono   – A super lightweight addition to any women’s wardrobe and one of the best cruise wardrobe items. It can be used as a pool cover up with a bathing suit and flip flops.

Here are my Ideas for Best Cruise Outfits!

Bright maxi dress for day.

A maxi dress is one of the best outfits for cruise ship passengers because it is lightweight, comfortable and works with many body types. Just remember to pack a suitable bra if you’re getting one like this with spaghetti straps.

• White cat eye Ray Ban sunglasses
• Floral print scarf
• Brown beach tote
• Tan sandals

Plus size option:

Bright Maxi Dress Dressed Up for Evening

• Black & teal statement necklace & earrings
• Peacock print sequinned purse
• Gold wedge sandals

Colourful Tunic with Shorts for Day

This is perfect casual cruise attire for on or off the ship.

• Colorful tunic
• White vest top for underneath
• White bermuda shorts

Plus size options:

• White bermuda shorts or capri pants if you’re not comfortable in shorts
• Pink tunic or blue print tunic or aqua tunic

Colorful Tunic with White Jeans for Evening

• Gold statement necklace
• Gold wristlet purse
• White jeans

Black Jumpsuit for Sightseeing Excursion

A black jumpsuit is one of the best outfits for a cruise! It’s so versatile and stylish.

• Black jumpsuit
• Aviator sunglasses

Black Jumpsuit for Formal Dining

This jumpsuit goes easily from daywear to attire for Captain’s dinner on a cruise just by switching out the accessories for more glamorous options. If you don’t want to do a jumpsuit then a black dress would also make perfect cruise dinner attire.

• Black sheer & beaded bolero
• Black strappy heels
• Sequin bolero

Striped T-Shirt for Easy Excursions

A nautical-inspired striped t-shirt is one of the nicest cruise wear ideas. Comfortable, practical and easy to wear. I like this one because it’s slightly longer length means it covers my butt but could also be knotted at the side or tucked in and flounced over jeans.

• Striped t-shirt
• Sketchers Go Walk sneakers

Striped T-Shirt for Smart Casual Dining

• Blue statement necklace

Kimono with Sundress for Day

This is classic cruise casual attire and would work for a city sightseeing excursion or a day at the beach. The kimono provides good sun coverage for your back & shoulders and can be worn over a swimsuit as a beach coverup also.

• Sundress (Same dress as picture, goes up to 3XL)

Kimono with Chiffon Vest & White Jeans for Evening

• Chiffon tank top
• Longer length vest top – the one pictured above does go up to 2XL though

Simple Sundress for Informal Evening

Dressed up sundress for formal dining.

Cruise ship dinner attire for formal dining evenings doesn’t have to be a cocktail dress or evening gown. You can dress up a simple sundress with the right accessories.

I hope you enjoyed my cruise wardrobe planner!

These cruise clothes ideas are based on my own experience on two Caribbean cruises. I way overpacked my Caribbean cruise wardrobe on my first cruise. I didn’t know what proper cruise attire was so packed much more than I needed, just in case. By my second cruise I had some practical experience on cruise attire ideas based on what other travelers wore on board and what I did and didn’t use from my first experience. On my second cruise our whole family of four managed to travel in just one carry on backpack!

On my first cruise with RCL I did note that Royal Caribbean cruise attire was slightly dressier in my experience than what we observed on our second cruise with Norwegian. As mentioned above, we just went on a Carnival cruise too so I have put together a packing list for that also.

Now you should have some really good ideas on proper cruise attire for women. Be sure to drop me a comment below to let me know if this blog post helped you pack for your cruise.

Join Our Facebook Group to Chat More About Cruise Packing Tips

If you want to ask a specific question, chat to other cruisers about what to pack for your cruise or share your own cruise packing advice then join our Facebook group on Cruise Packing Tips!  Whether you’re going on a honeymoon cruise , cruising with kids or just treating yourself to a much needed vacation, these outfits should cover it! We would love to help you work out exactly what to pack or hear your own ideas about what gear you use on your cruise. Join us for some fun and friendly discussions.

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Use Pinterest to keep track of all your travel and fashion ideas. You can follow my cruising board here and my packing tips board here .

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Love your wardrobe planners!

Thank you Mary! 🙂

Thanks a lot didn’t know what to wear

This is some awesome information for my first cruise. I always seem to pack to much. This helps to know how to mix n match perfectly! Thanks

Thanks Kay! I’m glad it’s helpful!

This is great! Has given me lots of ideas for my first cruise. Thanks

Great idea’s! Going on my 2nd cruise on the 19th!

Awesome Karri! Where are you cruising to on this trip?

We’re going to Montego Bay, Georgetown and Cozumel on Carnival!

I am going on my first cruise…a New England cruise on Carnival Sunshine in early September ….what are some suggestions to pack as I am not sure of the weather at that time of year..

Great ideas for a cruise wardrobe and I really like all the outfits.

Thank you for the great cruise wardrobe ideas! We are cruising the Mediterranean at the beginning of October. Do I pack for the Fall/seaon or ignore the season for cruise wear?

Love, love, love this post! Thank you so much for breaking down the clothing into outfits. I am going on a ten day cruise to the Caribbean in February. I am following your packing suggestions. Our cruise will be on an Italian ship (MSC Divina) leaving from Miami. We will be visiting the US Virgin Islands, St. Kitts & Nevis, Martinique, Barbados, and Guadeloupe.

Have you tried the black jumpsuit that you reference on Amazon? I am considering buying it, but I was wondering what your experience has been with it.

As for sandals, I love the Abeo brand available from the Walking Company because of the arch support that they provide. I’ve had plantar fasciitis before, so now I always wear shoes with good arch support.

Awesome Karen! I have plantar fasciitis on and off too so definitely wear comfy sandals. How tall are you? The jumpsuit is long but I’m only 5’2″ so needed it taken up.

This is a brilliant list and I’m even more grateful for the plus sized versions! This will make things so simple! ?

Thanks for the compliment Jennifer! Gotta represent for the plus size ladies! 🙂

I like the combinations but do you really need a hand bag or clutch on a cruise? I never carry a bag so I don’t get it.

No, you don’t need it. Sometimes it’s just nice to have to complete the outfit though. You don’t need it for cash of course but for your cruise card and a bit of extra lipstick to touch up after dinner is always nice. Especially if you’re having photos on formal night.

This was so helpful as I plan my first cruise in April. We are sailing on the Summit from San Juan on a 7 day trip. I am a planner and guilty of overpacking, overthinking scenarios. We are doing 2 excursions and have to consider that attire as well. Thank you

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

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links, which at no cost to you I may earn a small commission.

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.

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.

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

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 .

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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:

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:

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 .

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.

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

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.

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

Did you like this post? Don’t keep it to yourself. Share this post with your friends and save this post to your Pinterest:

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: 5 Day-to-Night Outfit Ideas [INFOGRAPHIC]

The five must-have cruise outfits to wear from day to night.

By Chantae Reden Published on April 9, 2024

Day-To-Night Outfits

To bring on your cruise.

Explore the world in style with these five perfect cruise outfits that'll keep you comfortable as you go from pool deck to onshore excursion and back again. Put together a capsule wardrobe made up of a few versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched for any adventure.

The quintessential cruise style consists of chic but relaxed pieces. Think breezy fabrics, loose silhouettes, light neutrals, bright colors and beachy accessories.

Lean into tropical prints, red and coral hues that pop against aquamarine waters, woven hats and classic sunglasses.

Your cruise outfits will be as fun to wear as they are to look at.

Port-Day Wardrobe

Fashion and function combine on days strolling through port cities.

Breezy top or polo shirt

Flowy maxi dress

Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses

Comfortable sandals

Capris or shorts

Dress it up

A cardigan or button-up shirt adds evening elegance when it's time for dinner.

Onboard Ensemble

Go for comfort on those relaxing sea days.

Swimsuit or stylish swim trunks

Sundress or a loose nautical-themed shirt

Panama hat and sunglasses

Comfortable sandals or flip-flops

Swap flip-flops for dressy sandals or closed-toed shoes before heading to the onboard restaurant.

Adventure Attire

Be ready for all of the fun cruise ship adventures, from the skydive simulator to the waterpark.

Lightweight shirt

Athletic shorts or leggings

Long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and hat

Shoes with sturdy soles

Before showtime at the onboard theater, change into a skirt or trousers, dress shoes and an airy scarf for a polished look.

Beach-Day Outfit

Nothing says beach paradise vacation like an outfit that's laid-back yet luxe.

Swim shorts with a Cuban collar shirt

Hat and sunglasses

Swimsuit under a romper or sundress

Have dinner reservations? Trade your beach sandals for smart penny loafers, and add seashell-inspired jewelry or a sleek watch

Sightseeing Cruise Outfit

Opt for loose, breathable fabrics on big days out to roam any terrain from rainforests to ruins.

A lightweight shirt

Socks and boots or sneakers

Sunhat and sunglasses

Breezy linen pants

This outfit can easily carry you into the evening, but dainty jewelry, colorful slip-on shoes, a Panama hat and swapping from a backpack to handbag will create a softer look.

Getting There

Get packed and ready to set sail on the Ultimate World Cruise.

T hough it's tempting to pack everything, cruise outfits are meant to be laid-back, so plan to wear a few items of clothing more than once — no one will judge you, promise. Pack a few key staple pieces that can be paired together in several different mix and match styles — this is called a capsule wardrobe. To ensure you can put together a great outfit each day, pack mindfully in one color palette or scheme — colors like red, coral and yellow will pop in pictures when photographed in front of a turquoise sea. If you're wondering what to pack for a five-day cruise, bring along six shirts, six sets of underwear, and three to four bottoms. Then, throw in at least two swimsuits, so you always have one dry. Finally, pajamas, a jacket or sweater, athleisure wear, a hat, sunglasses, sandals, athletic shoes, and dress shoes round out a perfect cruise outfit packing list.

Breezy fabrics like cotton and linen in a loose silhouette keep you cool and covered under the sun during the daytime, and with a few adaptable accessories, you can transition seamlessly into a polished evening look. No matter if you're spending your day sipping an ice-cold cocktail on deck, strolling along a sandy beach, adventuring on jungle trails or searching for local treats, these five versatile day-to-night cruise outfit ideas will make packing easy, getting you on island time, in no time.

1. Port-Day Wardrobe

If you'll be spending your port days shopping, dining, and exploring new cities and towns, you'll need cruise outfit ideas that are both stylish and practical. A flowy top or polo shirt, bright-colored capris or khaki shorts, comfortable shoes, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat will keep you cool during the day. When the sun goes down, dress it up with a button-down shirt, shawl or cardigan.

2. Onboard Ensemble

For days spent at sea, you'll want cruise attire that's comfortable and convertible. A swimsuit underneath a sundress or flowy shirt and shorts is an outfit that will take you from the pool to the spa to the mini golf course and beyond. When it's time for dinner, swap your shorts for trousers and slip on dressy sandals or closed-toe shoes. If you're cruising with your kids, be prepared for spills and stains with an extra shirt.

Solid-colored board shorts paired with a button-up shirt (nautical print encouraged) work just as well for a day on deck. Then, change from swim trunks and flip-flops to chinos and dress shoes before heading to the onboard restaurant. A Panama hat adds an element of holiday luxe no matter the time of day.

3. Adventure Attire

The best outfits for a cruise are the ones you can wear all day long. If you have a list of adventure activities planned for your shore excursions, or if you'll be braving the ship's RipCord® by iFly® skydive simulator and Zip Line, pack accordingly. During the day, wear athletic shorts, a neutral-colored tank top, and sneakers or sandals. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved sun shirt in your day bag. Need to dress up for dinner? It's simple. Pack extra clothes in a tote bag in case you don't have time to go back to your stateroom. Swap your athletic shorts for a flowy skirt or trousers, and trade your sneakers for a more formal pair of shoes, like chunky heels or loafers for a put-together look.

4. Beach-Day Outfit

For many, a cruise vacation is all about spending as much time as possible in or near the sea. Maybe this means claiming a lounge chair as your own, seeking a spot in the sand without footprints or swimming out into the clear blue water. When you're done wading in the water or soaking up the sun, a cover-up like a romper, oversized shirt or dress is always a stylish choice for wandering local shops and grabbing a seaside lunch. Quick-drying swim trunks are the go-to staple for this cruise outfit and is a perfect choice for kids. Just throw on a collared shirt and slip-on penny loafers, and you're good to go.

For dinner reservations, add an air of tropical elegance with a pair of wide-legged linen trousers or chinos in a solid color, paired with a linen top in a colorful print and some timeless accessories like a gauzy scarf, dangling necklace, a sleek watch or large sunglasses.

Make sure your cruise packing list includes a lightweight bag for your book, sun protection, wallet, camera, phone and a foldable dry bag tucked inside. When you're done swimming, you can stow your swimwear away in the dry bag without getting the rest of your items wet.

5. Sightseeing Cruise Outfit

When trying to figure out what to wear on a cruise, it's important to plan ahead and know what your must-dos are for your cruise vacation. For long days jam-packed with historical and natural sights to see, pack fabrics that are breathable and comfortable. Linen pants and a good pair of socks and boots are invaluable for rainforest hikes, while a lightweight long-sleeve shirt and a sunhat with a drawstring will keep you covered when visiting ancient ruins. If you're packing outfits for a cruise destination in a warm climate, bring something that can be worn over a swimsuit, so you're always ready to take a dip in hidden cenotes.

When it's time to hit the town at night, add some accessories to soften this look like dainty jewelry, colorful slip-on shoes, a Panama hat and a handbag.

Written By CHANTAE REDEN

Chantae Reden is an adventure writer and photographer who rarely strays far from the coastline. She is a freediver, surfer, scuba diver, and has a mild obsession with sharks. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Escape, ScubaDiving.com and she's a guidebook author for Moon Travel Guides. Discover more of her stories on her travel website, TheSaltSirens.com.

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What to Wear on a Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

Last updated: June 5th, 2024

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If you’re having trouble figuring out what to wear on a cruise, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Packing a suitcase for your upcoming vacation onboard shouldn’t be difficult—in fact, it’s all part of the fun.

The key is to know exactly what to expect onboard and to familiarize yourself with Celebrity Cruises. Here are some tips that will help you decide what to wear on a cruise to get ready for smooth, stylish sailing.

What clothes should you wear on a cruise?

What to wear on a cruise depends on where you’re sailing. While many of our cruises sail to warm beach destinations such as The Bahamas and the Caribbean , we do offer cooler weather cruises to places like Alaska and the Mediterranean during shoulder season that require warmer clothes like jackets and waterproof wear.

If you’re traveling to a warm and sunny destination, here are some things you should wear on your cruise:

While onboard, you’ll be spending a lot of your time in the pool or lounging nearby on the sun deck. You’ll also be sporting swimwear at many of the ports you visit  during your trip. Therefore, it’s a good idea to pack a handful of swimsuits in your bag. Aim to bring at least three if you’re going on a seven-day cruise.

Swim coverups

While it’s perfectly acceptable to stay in your swimsuit while lounging beside the pool, you’ll need a cover-up to walk from your stateroom to the pool, and vice-versa. Keep in mind, depending on where your stateroom or suite is located, you may go through other common areas of the ship (in addition to the elevators) on your way to the pool. Make sure your swim cover-up is something you will feel comfortable in while walking around others.

Read: What to Pack for a Mediterranean Cruise

Sweater or fleece

Even if you’re taking a cruise around the Caribbean , it’s smart to take a light sweater or fleece to wear at night when the temperature tends to cool down. After all, you won’t want to get chilly while enjoying the starry sky from your stateroom veranda or on one of the ship’s decks.

Scarf or pashmina

This is an easy clothing item you can drape over your shoulders to dress up an outfit, or to warm you up if you’re outside and there is a chill in the air. You may also be required to cover your head and shoulders if entering a mosque, or bare arms if visiting a church, so pack something that enables you to respect the local culture.

Bring some fun pieces to accessorize your outfit. You may also want to buy some new items while shopping in the ship’s boutiques, so remember to leave a little extra room in your suitcase just in case.

Sunglasses and sun hats

Aside from lathering up on the SPF, protect yourself from all that sunshine by bringing a sun visor, baseball cap, or wide-brimmed straw hat on your cruise—ideally, one that won’t blow away in a sea breeze. You should also bring at least one pair of sunglasses on board.

Read: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

Even if you typically use your phone as a clock, bringing a watch on board will help you keep a more accurate eye on the time throughout the day. You’ll want to get to all of the ship’s daily activities on time, and a watch can be extra helpful during your port stops to make sure you get back to the ship on time before it departs.

Casual, comfortable attire

T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, sundresses, and skirts are all perfectly fine clothes to wear on a cruise ship to have lunch in the Oceanview Cafe and other restaurants with a casual dress code. You can also dine in casual pool clothes at the snack bar located next to the pool deck.

Dinner or “smart casual” attire

If you’re having dinner in the main restaurant or any meal at one of the specialty restaurants , you’ll follow a “smart casual” dress code on most nights. This means long pants, jeans, a dress or skirt, a stylish top, or a button-down.

We want our guests to feel comfortable, so Celebrity Cruises’ dress code for smart casual is fairly flexible, though there are some restrictions. T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurants at any time. In addition, shorts and flip-flops are not permitted during the evening hours.

The smart casual dress code works for all areas of the ship in the evening, including in bars and lounges and during shows and events at the ship’s theater.

If you’re headed for Alaska or northern Europe, or the Mediterranean in the cooler months, think about packing these items:

Wicking tops, lightweight fleeces, and even pants that zip off into shorts are all a good idea for Alaska, especially if you’re out hiking.

Waterproofs

Some of the world’s most beautiful scenery gets that lush shade of green for a reason; the occasional rain shower. Bring a waterproof that folds down small, and a waterproof cover for your camera.

Read: Expert Cruise Packing Tips

What kind of shoes should you wear on a cruise?

Footwear should not be an afterthought when packing your suitcase for a cruise. While you might have the urge to throw in a pair of flip flops and call it a day, there are a few other essential shoes you’ll need to bring along on your trip.

Flip flops, sandals, or waterproof slides

These shoes will take you back and forth from your stateroom to the pool and vice versa. They also come in handy if you choose to visit the onboard spa . Lightweight water shoes are great for some ports in the Mediterranean, where beaches tend to be pebbly.

Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes

If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking around the ship during days at sea, it’s a good idea to pack a pair of sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes. Sneakers will also be useful if you try out a fitness class or use the gym equipment in the ship’s state-of-the-art fitness center.

If you’re headed somewhere like Norway or Alaska where hiking is one of the most popular activities, it’s worth packing a good pair of walking boots.

Shoes or sandals for dinner

Since flip flops are not allowed in the evening, make sure to bring comfortable shoes or sandals to wear during dinner in the main room.

Do you have to dress up on a cruise?

While of course you’re welcome to stay in your swimsuit almost all day long on a cruise, there are certain occasions when Celebrity Cruises dress code requests otherwise.

If you’re wondering what to wear on a cruise during dinner in the main dining room, meals at specialty restaurants, or shows in the theater, the Celebrity Cruises dress code for these occasions is usually “smart casual”. This means a dress or skirt, stylish pants, smart jeans, a stylish top or button-down. We’d prefer that shorts, tank tops and flip flops were kept for the pool.

What do you wear on a dressier night on a cruise?

Our more formal nights are called “Evening Chic” nights because they’re all about guests looking their absolute best—and loving it. These are the nights when you want to dress up in your most fashion-forward and stylish clothes, while also being elegant and sophisticated.

The Celebrity Cruises dress code for Evening Chic nights is cocktail dresses, skirts, pants, or designer jeans with an elegant top, or dress shirt, button-down shirt, or sweater, and an optional blazer. There’s no need to wear a tie unless you want to.

Our Evening Chic dress code leaves a lot of room for you to show off your personal style, although we’d ask you to leave your ripped jeans or favorite college sweatshirt in your stateroom. You can wear anything from designer denim paired with a blazer to a cocktail dress with a killer set of heels.

If you were looking forward to wearing a tuxedo or formal gown on Evening Chic nights, you can absolutely do that as well. There is no such thing as being overdressed on Evening Chic nights.

All cruises that are seven nights or longer will feature two Evening Chic nights. Shorter cruises feature one Evening Chic night. On all other nights of the cruise, guests are asked to wear smart casual attire.

If for whatever reason you choose to skip Evening Chic nights, you can always dine in one of the specialty restaurants (in smart casual attire) or at the snack bar located next to the pool deck.

What do you wear on cruises during the day?

On Celebrity Cruises, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible while onboard. During the day, we encourage you to wear casual attire such as t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, sundresses, and skirts.

If you’re spending the day at the pool, you can also have lunch or dine in casual pool clothes at the Mast Grill located next to the pool deck.

Just remember that while walking from your stateroom to the pool and vice versa, you’ll need to wear a swim cover up.

You’ll also be required to wear appropriate clothing in the Fitness Center; suitable shoes for the treadmills and exercise bikes, for example, just as you would in the gym at home.

If you plan to use the spa, which we would encourage, don’t worry about bringing a robe; these are provided for you.

Now that you know how effortless and stress-free it is to choose what to wear on a cruise, book your cruise and start planning out your perfect cruise vacation outfits. Browse itineraries on our website and book your next luxury getaway with Celebrity Cruises.

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Cruise Clothes for Women: Balancing Comfort and Packing Light

Ladies, are you wondering what clothes to pack for your cruise vacation? What are some cruise outfits for ladies? Our top tip for cruise wear for women is simple: prioritize comfort and travel light.

In travel and cruise groups, common questions revolve around cruise attire for women, such as “What to wear?” and “What kind of cruise clothes to bring?” The answer: wear what you’re comfortable in.

Focus on basic cruise fashion and versatile outfits that mirror your everyday style. Embrace a stylish yet comfortable motto, favoring casual cruise wear, especially with Norwegian Cruise Line’s freestyle concept . Adapt to dressier occasions when called for with a couple of added pieces. Cruise wear for women is about achieving the ideal balance of style and comfort for a memorable experience. The key is to pack versatile pieces that can effortlessly transition from one setting to another.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

Table of Contents

Cruise Clothes for Women

Check out this curated list of cruise outfits for women from Amazon to simplify your wardrobe choices. Pack stylish yet comfortable options from sundresses to swimwear and chic attire without overpacking.

Women’s clothes for a cruise can be as simple or as chic as you desire.

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Sundresses Are Effortless

When it comes to cruise attire for women, opt for the timeless sundress—effortless and chic, it’s the go-to choice for a put-together look without the fuss. A sweet and easy summer staple, sundresses are my vacation and everyday must-haves.

When the weather heats up, they become my default, offering comfort and versatility. Dress them up or down with the right sandals and accessories. A sundress is the perfect choice, whether on the ship during the day or heading to dinner.

• Author Notes: I’ve also had some luck on Amazon. I own the blue dress and red poka dress above. They are both super comfortable, lightweight, and perfect for cruising warmer destinations.

Maxi Dresses Are Casual And Yet Chic

Maxi dresses are a must-have for your cruise wardrobe—they blend chic with casual comfort effortlessly. The way they flow when you walk makes you feel like a goddess. Consider packing a couple; they’re compact and versatile, perfect for multiple cruise occasions. Between sundresses and maxi dresses, you’re well-prepared for cruise dinners.

Maxi dresses can even serve as chic or formal night attire, offering a convenient dual purpose. If you have one that fits the formal night criteria, pack it—eliminating one less worry from your cruise checklist.

• Author Notes: I own the hot pink maxi dress (in blue), which is super soft and comfortable. I also own the pink dress (in black & grey) above – true to size. I wore it all over on our last trip to Italy.

Save now, share with friends, or come back to it later.

Versatile Tops for Mixing and Matching

When preparing for your cruise attire, ladies, bring versatile tops like cotton t-shirts, button-ups, and blouses—ideal for mixing and matching with shorts, pants, and skirts. Neutral colors like black or white are practical choices for easy coordination. Cotton t-shirts or tanks are light and budget-friendly, perfect for dressing up or down with shorts, jeans, or wide-leg pants.

For added sophistication, include a button-down shirt—pair it with white bottoms and sandals, or tie it around your waist. These button-ups also serve as stylish layers over dresses or swimsuits.

Shorts for Comfort

Embrace casual cruise wear for women during the day—pack shorts for both leisurely moments on the cruise and maybe a chic pair for dinner outings. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and soft materials, especially when navigating the Caribbean’s heat and humidity.

For a beach vacation, consider stylish short sets that double as comfortable loungewear on the cruise. Personally, loving the black set for its comfort and style. Additionally, classic jean shorts are a timeless fit that never goes out of style as long as you feel great in them.

Up Your Style With Pants and Wide Legs

Explore comfortable and cruise-ready pant options if shorts aren’t your preference. Wide-leg and linen pants are my favorites—airy, flattering, and available in various colors and patterns, showcasing style while ensuring comfort and presentability for dinner.

Consider nice slacks or capris as an alternative, and for a more casual vibe, jeans are also an option, though they are not my first choice for a Caribbean cruise due to the heat. Denim can be suitable for cooler cruises like those in Alaska.

Pair these pants with the tops mentioned earlier, and don’t hesitate to tuck or tie them at the waist for a more fitted and polished look.

Bathing Suits That Suit You

Pack at least two bathing suits for a cruise to the Caribbean or the summer in the Mediterranean, while one is sufficient for an Alaska cruise . These are versatile for sunbathing on the pool deck and spontaneous pool or jacuzzi dips. A bathing suit is also essential for beaches and water activities at port. Choose swimsuits based on your comfort preferences.

Over the Swimsuit Cover-Ups

You’ll often find yourself in your bathing suit when on the ship. However, when you want a break from the sun or need to head to the buffet, consider the convenience of cover-ups and beach kaftans .

Pack at least two covers—they’re versatile for ship activities and outings in port. Easily washable in the cabin stateroom sink and quick to dry, they’re practical for on-the-go maintenance. Plus, their compact nature makes them easy to roll up when packing.

• Author notes: The first printed cover-up above is one of my favorites. It’s soft, easy to wear, and perfect to go over a swimsuit.

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Formal Night and Chic Night Ideas

Bring at least one nice outfit for formal nights that makes you feel comfortable and confident. While cocktail dresses are popular, any chic outfit from your closet can work. Consider showcasing that beautiful dress you’ve been meaning to wear.

A little black dress is versatile for a chic or formal night. Pair it with sparkly sandals or heels (if you bring them), and add some statement jewelry to complete the look. You’ll be ready to shine on formal evenings.

No little black dress? No worries. Alternatives like a jumpsuit or maxi dress can be perfect for a formal night. Aiming for a slightly more dressed-up look than your everyday attire is key.

Consider a beautiful skirt paired with a nice top, shoes, and accessories for a chic night. This ensemble can be a lovely and stylish choice for formal evenings on the cruise.

• Author notes: I own the middle jumpsuit shown in black but in blue, and I have already worn it on multiple chic nights. It is so comfortable and flattering and doesn’t easily wrinkle.

Cardigans and Pashimas for Chillier Times

Despite the heat on the ship, air conditioning in some areas can be chilly. Pack a cardigan or wrap for those cooler moments. A versatile sweater cardigan can be an extra layer over sundresses or maxi dresses for dinner, especially if you get cold easily. Button-down tops serve the same purpose.

Both options go well with various outfits, take up little space, and prove handy when unexpected chilly situations arise.

Comfortable Cruise Footwear

Aim to bring 2 to 3 pairs of cruise shoes, depending on your plans on and off the ship. Consider everyday shoes, like sandals, sneakers, and flip-flops for excursions. If there’s a chic night, add a pair. Sandles with some sparkle work well for formal nights—dazzle with comfort.

Shore excursion footwear varies from flip-flops or sandals for beach days to comfy sneakers for walks and shore excursions.

What shoes do you wear on a formal night?

Dress up a little by buying something chic and comfy. For example, years ago, I purchased a pair of glittery sandals that automatically added sparkle to my outfit on format night. In addition, they take up little space in my luggage.

What shoes do you wear on shore excursions?

For shore excursions, the choice of shoes depends on the activity. Opt for flip-flops or sandals for a beach day on an island. Consider the destination and your plans.

If the excursion involves long walks, prioritize comfortable sneakers or tennis shoes. Choose versatile sneakers for travel days to save luggage space. I am obsessed with these Adidas —they’re incredibly comfortable and served me well all over Italy.

Read more: Tips for Booking an Independent Shore Excursion

Sunglasses and Hats for Shade

Choose a hat that easily rolls up or packs in your suitcase without worrying about wrinkles. Opt for one that you won’t be too heartbroken about if it accidentally gets lost.

For sunglasses , prioritize good UV protection without breaking the bank. While prescription sunglasses may be necessary for some, affordable options with proper UV protection are widely available.

Purses and Bags to Complete the Cruise Outfit

Part of any outfit is the purse or bag that goes with it. Bring two bags: a small crossbody for the cruise ship and maybe for some port days, ideal for essentials like ID, cash, phone, and lip balm. Opt for a larger tote or beach bag to carry towels, sunscreen, and other items for poolside lounging or beach days. Having both ensures you’re well-equipped for different activities on and off the ship.

Tip: Use a travel tote bag that you can double its use as a personal carry-on bag , and then take it with you to port for your towels and accessories.

Don’t Miss: 20 Tips for First-Time Cruisers

What should a woman wear on a cruise?

Women should wear cruise clothes that they feel comfortable in. There, I said it. It’s not about looking good for other people. It’s about feeling comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing.

You don’t need to bring your entire closet on a cruise. You can create a great ensemble for your cruise vacation with some selected pieces.

Key Tips for Packing Light

• Create a Capsule Wardrobe: Opt for like and matching colors or items that can be easily mixed and matched, creating multiple outfits from a limited set of clothes.
• Learn Efficient Packing Techniques: Explore methods such as rolling, folding, or using the bundling method. Find what suits your preferences and travel style.
• Utilize Packing Cubes : These help organize your clothes and maximize suitcase space for other essentials. Packing cubes are handy during unpacking on embarkation day .

Women’s Cruise Packing List

The exact quantities will depend on your personal preferences, style, activities planned, and whether you plan to do laundry during the cruise. You can condense this down if you plan to re-wear certain items and do laundry. However, here’s a suggested quantity for a 7-day cruise:

• (5-7) Casual tops (t-shirts, tanks)
• (2-3) Casual bottoms (shorts, skirts, capris)
• (2-3) Summer dresses
• (1) Pair of Pants
• Undergarments (enough for each day + 2 extra days just in case)
• (1-2) Outfits for Chic/Formal Night
• (1) Cardigan or Wrap
• (2) Swimsuit
• (1-2) Swim Cover Ups
• (1-2) Sets of Gym Clothing
• (1) Light jacket or sweater
• (1) Rain jacket or windbreaker
• (1) Hat with brim
• (1) Sunglasses
• (1 pair) Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
• (1 pair) Dressier Shoes / Sandals (if planning formal or chic nights)
• (1 pair) Flip Flops / Sandals

Accessories

• Beach bag or backpack for port days
• Lanyard or other cruise card holder

Miscellaneous

• Travel documents (passport, cruise documents, ID)
• Travel-sized Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Medications – As needed
• Travel-sized laundry detergent
• Power strip/adapter
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Camera/phone and chargers, including portable charger
• Snorkel Gear
• Reading material (book or Kindle)

Feel free to adjust these quantities based on your specific needs and preferences. Keep in mind if you plan to reuse some items or if you plan to do laundry throughout the cruise.

Cruise Outfits for Ladies: FAQs

What to wear on a cruise.

For the most part, you are in a casual atmosphere on a cruise. You will want to be comfortable while still feeling good, looking good, and adhering to any strict guidelines the cruise ship may have (for example, no shorts in the dining room). Checking with your cruise line and their dress codes is always suggested.

What should you not wear on a cruise?

First, you should see the cruise line’s guidelines in place. You should not wear anything that is considered inappropriate. For example, don’t wear pajamas outside of your cabin unless you’re on a cruise with Virgin Voyages and it’s pajama night. Read more about the dos and don’ts of what not to wear on a cruise .

Do you have to wear formal clothes on a cruise?

Most mainstream cruise lines will have at least 1-2 formal nights. You don’t HAVE to attend or participate in formal activities.

Do cruise ships have dress codes?

Yes, cruise ships will have a dress code. The cruise line’s website should list its dress code policy.

Do you have to dress up every night on a cruise?

No, you don’t have to dress up every night on a cruise. But you do want to dress decently and presentably for dinner. On formal nights, if you’d like to eat in the dining room, you must wear formal attire.

Can you wear jeans on a cruise?

Yes, you can wear jeans on a cruise. If it’s a hot destination, we suggest only wearing a nice pair to dinner as it gets way too hot for them during the day.

These are general guidelines for smart and light packing for your cruise outfits for women. Remember, the key is to pack clothes that make you feel good and happy during your cruise.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• Cruise Clothes for Men Guide
• The Dos and Don’t of What NOT to Wear on a Cruise
• Cruise Essentials Not to Forget to Pack
• What NOT to Pack on a Cruise

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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What to wear on a cruise: Cruise attire and cruise line dress codes

Editor's Note

Have you ever had that nightmare where you're at work, in school or giving an important presentation only to look down to discover you're only wearing underwear (or worse, nothing at all)? If you're new to vacationing at sea, knowing how to dress for a cruise can be confusing and just as potentially embarrassing if you're not prepared.

Packing acceptable attire for a cruise is simple if you remember a few general rules. Here, I'll break down some safe options if you're unsure, and I'll give an overview of the cruise dress codes for each of the "big eight" cruise lines.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What do people wear on a cruise?

You can't go wrong with resort-casual clothing for sea days when you'll remain on board your ship. Although some lines will be more or less casual than that, it's a good baseline. What is "resort casual" though?

Khaki pants or shorts with loose-fitting, short-sleeved button-down shirts or even nice, plain T-shirts work well for men. Women might opt for khaki shorts or palazzo pants with a nice top or a sundress. In most cases, nice jeans (dark wash with no holes) will also work well.

On most ships, this clothing will also be acceptable at night in the main dining rooms. For extra-fee restaurants, you might choose to dress up a bit more. Collared shirts or long-sleeved button-downs are acceptable for men, and slacks with a blouse or a dress for women are acceptable.

For formal nights, which are optional on many lines' ships, men will want to bring a collared, button-down shirt at the bare minimum. For something a little more snazzy, bring a jacket to wear over your shirt, with or without a tie. Some men opt for suits or tuxes. For women, pantsuits and dressy pants outfits are a great choice, as are party dresses or even ball gowns.

Although most lines have eased dress codes on formal or "elegant" nights, jeans are generally not allowed in the main dining rooms. Cut-off shorts, baseball caps and flip-flops are banned at all times — not just on formal nights — during dinner in the main dining rooms.

Related: 7 cruise ship packing mistakes you want to avoid at all costs

Another key piece of clothing to bring is a bathing suit. Whether you're headed to a warm-weather destination and plan to laze by the pool or on the beach, or you're visiting somewhere chilly but want to take advantage of your vessel's hot tubs, it's an item you won't want to forget. Note that cover-ups are required for entry at all restaurants and dining rooms, with the exception of walk-up poolside window-service venues.

For shore excursions — particularly those in more rugged or active destinations that require a lot of walking — comfortable, casual clothing and sturdy footwear are a must. Bring layers for cold climates and moisture-wicking fabrics for places where it's warm or where you expect to work up a sweat.

Finally, check to see if your cruise line has any special theme nights planned. If so, you might want to pack an outfit for the white party or '80s night.

Carnival cruise dress code

Carnival is one line where casual is the name of the game. Passengers will be fine in jeans, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and bathing suits for their days on board or ashore.

At night, nice jeans and nice tops are perfect for eating in the main dining rooms.

On Carnival cruise formal nights, known as "cruise elegant" nights, cruisers wear everything from slacks with nice shirts to tuxes and ball gowns. However, most passengers stick to clothes that fall somewhere in the middle.

Voyages of six nights or longer will have two "cruise elegant" nights, while those five nights or shorter will see only one.

Celebrity Cruises dress code

Celebrity Cruises maintains a dress code that's best described as chic-casual. The demographic on board tends to be a bit more upscale than what you'll find on Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. That means khaki shorts with nice button-downs are more common than jean shorts and tank tops, although you won't be out of place in the latter.

For dinner, you'll want to dress it up even more, as the line has a smart-casual dress code at night in most restaurants, including the main dining room. Anything from unripped jeans to dress pants with nice blouses or button-downs is acceptable.

Related: 20 must-have items I won't cruise without

Are there formal nights on Celebrity cruises? Yes, the line holds one "evening chic" night on every sailing of six nights or fewer and two on voyages of a week or more. The dress code encourages passengers to go all-out with tuxes and evening gowns. However, most men choose slacks with collared or button-down shirts and jackets, sans ties. Most women choose slacks and nice blouses, sundresses or party dresses.

Disney Cruise Line dress code

Disney Cruise Line is synonymous with children, and children like to be comfortable. With that in mind, just about anything goes in terms of dress on The Mouse's ships. These cruises tend toward casual in spite of their stellar service and high price point.

It's not uncommon to see jeans, shorts, T-shirts or bathing suits during the day. Unlike most other lines, the same goes at dinnertime, with jeans and T-shirts just as common as dressier attire like slacks and button-downs.

Exceptions are the line's "dress-up" nights — two on sailings of a week or more and one on shorter voyages. For those, DCL suggests that men avoid jeans and wear jackets. Women should go with dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

Some of Disney Cruise Line's added-fee restaurants, such as Remy — one of the most expensive alternative eateries at sea — require jackets for men and don't allow jeans.

Each Disney sailing features a Pirate Night; cruisers wishing to participate should pack their best swashbuckling gear. As is standard at Disney parks, you're also likely to see large numbers of costumes and mouse ears at all hours of the day.

Holland America Line dress code

Although the dress code on Holland America ships is technically "cruise casual," you'll rarely spot anyone looking disheveled or like they just rolled out of bed. Most passengers tend toward resortwear or, at the bare minimum, nice jeans with pressed T-shirts.

The casual dress code carries through to dinner, but HAL cruisers often dress up a bit more. This includes collared shirts or button-downs (sometimes with jackets) and slacks for men and slacks with nice tops or dresses for women.

As for Holland America formal nights, on sailings shorter than a week, there will be one "gala night," during which travelers don evening or ball gowns, suits or tuxedos. Voyages of eight to 13 nights will see two gala nights, while any cruises of two weeks or longer will have three chances to dress to the nines.

MSC Cruises dress code

What to wear on MSC cruises largely depends on the crowd with whom you're sailing. On European cruises, your fellow passengers are likely to dress up more often — even during the day; skimpy resortwear and designer bathing suits often grace the pool deck as far as the eye can see. On those voyages, dinner is an even more fancy affair, with elegance as the norm. Expect to see glittering dresses and stylish pants and button-downs with dress shoes, even when it's not a formal night.

On cruises that depart from the U.S., expect a more casual vibe, with jeans, T-shirts and bathing suits ruling the day. At night, you'll be fine with nice jeans and a collared shirt or a sundress, although you might want to dress up a bit more to match the ship's ambience.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Are there formal nights on MSC cruises? Absolutely. They're called "gala dinners," and they appear at least once per voyage, but the number can vary by itinerary. The dress code is strict, with the buffet the only place that will allow T-shirts and shorts. You'll fit in best in a ball gown, cocktail dress, suit or tuxedo.

Norwegian Cruise Line dress code

Norwegian , which pioneered the concept of "freestyle cruising," prides itself on allowing cruisers to dress as they please, providing a "come as you are" atmosphere during the day and at night. The most popular clothing is cruise casual, and passengers are free to wear whatever they'd like with an emphasis on comfort.

The only exception is at dinner, when a smart-casual vibe encourages travelers to avoid torn clothes or suggestive or skimpy outfits.

In a nod to Norwegian's laid-back style, NCL formal nights — dubbed "Dress Up or Not" nights — provide a chance for you to get dolled up. However, it's not required, and you won't be turned away from the main dining rooms if you choose not to participate. Passengers have been spotted wearing everything from jeans and T-shirts to ball gowns and tuxes, and all coexist in perfect harmony.

Princess Cruises dress code

Princess ' casual daytime mindset means you can wear the same types of clothing on board as you would during a day ashore — activewear, beachwear and jeans or T-shirts are totally fine.

Princess' formal nights are special because the line is one of the few industry holdouts in that it still has an official formal night. Its passengers enjoy a more traditional cruise experience, and they relish the romantic vibe that a formal night can provide. With that in mind, the line doesn't mention super-fancy garb like ball gowns or tuxes; instead, it advises suits or slacks with jackets for men and cocktail dresses or pantsuits for the ladies.

On voyages of less than a week, passengers should plan for one formal night, while sailings of a week to 13 days will have two, and cruises two weeks or longer will have three.

All other nights are listed as "smart casual." This means sundresses or pants with flowy tops for women and nice jeans or slacks with collared shirts for men will suffice.

Royal Caribbean dress code

As is the case with Carnival and Norwegian, Royal Caribbean is a casual line during the day. Like Disney Cruise Line, it caters to a lot of families. Translation: Wear what allows you to have the most fun in the most comfort. Expect to see shorts or jeans with T-shirts or tank tops and bathing suits or beachwear almost exclusively during the daytime.

At night, you might want to put on something a little less comfortable, but it's certainly not required unless it's a formal night. (Like Princess, Royal still has those.) The confusing part is that the line has three different dress codes, all of which are loosely enforced: casual, smart casual and formal. The ones that show up on your voyage will depend on the length of the cruise.

The only difference between the first two is that smart casual recommends pantsuits for ladies and jackets for the guys, but skirts or trousers with blouses or collared shirts are fine in both cases. Smart casual also strongly discourages jeans — even nice ones.

Royal Caribbean formal nights have the highest expectations for passengers, urging them to wear their finest cocktail dresses, evening gowns, suits or tuxes. As with the line's smart-casual dress code, jeans are not allowed in the main dining rooms on formal nights.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Sail in style: the ultimate cruise outfits packing list for every adventure 2024.

Have a cruise booked and have no idea what to pack?   You’ve come to the right place! In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know to help you prepare for your upcoming cruise, including packing tips to stay organized, what to pack for a 7 day cruise (or any length), what to wear on a Caribbean cruise, where to buy cruise outfits for women, and so much more!

Table of Contents

Cruise outfits packing list for every adventure.

If you’re reading this post, that means you’re likely headed on a cruise (yay!). However, that also means it’s time to start navigating the seas of packing, which, as we know, can sometimes be a daunting task that might make you want to jump overboard. This is where I come in! 

I’ve been lucky enough to go on several cruises over the years with both family and friends, and I also live in Florida, where basically every day feels like the endless summer, so I’d say I’m pretty qualified when it comes to resort wear. 

In this post, I’m going to be sharing the ultimate packing list for cruise to Caribbean, including what to pack for a 5 day cruise, what to wear on a cruise to the Bahamas, cruise outfit ideas for every adventure, and everything in between. Plus, I’ve got you covered with a FREE cruise packing list printable  below. Bon Voyage!

Need some additional help packing? Check out these related reads!

• The ultimate beach vacation packing list
• Jetsetter’s guide: Must have carry on essentials for effortless travel
• Pack like a pro: 20+ must-have travel essentials for every trip
• How to use the best packing cubes for travel

DISCLOSURE : This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Cruise outfits packing tips & tricks

• Research your cruise itinerary. Before you start packing, familiarize yourself with the ports of call and onboard activities scheduled for your cruise. Knowing the destinations you’re visiting and any planned events will help you pack accordingly for both. 
• Bring any important documents onboard with you. This may be a no-brainer, but make sure you have your ID, passport, and any cruise documentation readily available when checking in for your cruise. Do not pack these items in your checked bag, or you will likely be unable to board your cruise. 
• Dress for the occasion. Most cruise ships have a variety of dining options ranging from casual to formal, so be sure to pack appropriate outfits for each setting. I would also check to see if your cruise has a Captain’s dinner, which typically requires more formal attire, and if any themed events are going on that you would need special outfits for. 
• Pack versatile clothing. Cruise cabins can be cozy, and storage space may be limited, so it’s essential to pack efficiently. I personally recommend packing mostly neutral colors that you can mix and match with a few accent colors that express your own personal style. Make sure to check out some of my outfit suggestions below!
• Opt for lightweight clothing. Like any trip you go on, it’s always important to check the weather before you begin packing. Most cruises are usually headed somewhere tropical, so I recommend bringing lightweight clothing that’s breathable (like linen) and will dry quickly. Denim is definitely a no bueno!
• Maximize your carry on bag. Your checked luggage may not be delivered right away, so be sure to pack a small carry-on bag with essentials like medications, sunscreen, a swimsuit, and any valuables. This will ensure that you can start enjoying your vacation as soon as you board the ship!
• Don’t forget to put a luggage tag on your checked bag. If you want your checked bag to be delivered to the right cabin, make sure to print and properly fill out the luggage tags that your cruise line provides (here’s a clear holder for them, too). I would also include a regular luggage tag on your bag as a precautionary measure, and it wouldn’t hurt to include an  AirTag  so you can track the status!
• There’s no such thing as too much sun protection. You’ll likely be spending most of your time outside, whether you’re lounging on deck or exploring the ports, so it’s important to have sunscreen on hand at all times. I also recommend packing a straw hat for additional protection and even some sun shirts if you have fair skin (like me). 
• Bring seasickness remedies. If you tend to get seasick, I recommend packing Dramamine and motion sickness bands or patches . Most cruise ships have a small convenience store and will likely have these items available for purchase, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own, just in case. 
• Pack power strips and chargers. As mentioned, most cruise ships can be quite cozy and have limited power outlets, so a power strip will definitely come in handy for charging all your devices. Click here to shop my favorite one from Amazon, which has both plugs and USB outlets. 
• Utilize packing organization products. I recommend packing organization products for any trip ( packing cubes are my jam), but they are especially helpful on cruises due to limited storage and cabin space. Not only will packing cubes help you pack more efficiently and avoid overpacking, but they will also allow you to categorize your items, making it much easier to find what you’re looking for. 
• Items you didn’t know you needed. Some other random items on cruises that are helpful to have include a refillable water bottle , a lanyard to hold your cruise ID, and magnets with hooks for additional storage in your cabin. Towel clips and a waterproof pouch are also great beach accessories to carry in your beach bag!

TIP:  Rent your cruise outfits instead of buying them! For ONLY $98/month, you can choose ANY six items from over 150+ brands on Nuuly AND this price includes shipping! Click  here   for $20 off your first month’s subscription! 

What to pack for a Caribbean cruise

one piece swimsuit | bikini top | bikini bottom | beach coverup | graphic tee | basic tanks | printed shorts | blouse | denim shorts | striped button down | striped shorts | linen pants | casual dress | cocktail dress | tennis dress | jumpsuit | romper | formal dress | heels | black sandals | tan sandals | crossbody bag | clutch | sneakers | straw hat | beach bag | black sunglasses | ray ban sunglasses | sunscreen

Key items to pack

• 3-5 swimsuits and cover ups. Depending on the length of your cruise, I recommend packing a mix of one piece swimsuits and two piece swimsuits that can be worn both onboard and on any excursions planned. For coverups, I typically pack dresses that I can also wear for any daytime activities, and I usually bring a pair of linen pants and shorts to wear over my swimsuits, too. 
• Casual outfits for daytime activities or excursions. During the day, I recommend keeping it pretty casual and wearing comfortable dresses that you can throw on over your swimsuit or wear with a cute pair of sneakers or sandals. I also love packing rompers or two piece sets on vacation that you can dress up or down, and you can never go wrong with a basic top and some linen shorts for the daytime. 
• Formal outfits for dinner and evening events. Unless you’re planning on eating at the buffet every night, most specialty restaurants and the main dining room will probably enforce a more formal dress code for dinner. Women will likely be required to wear a dress, skirt, or a nice blouse with pants, and men will be informed to wear a collared shirt and pants. On formal nights, it’s even dressier, and cocktail dresses and sports coats will be permitted. 
• Lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. It can get windy onboard and chilly at night, so I always recommend packing a light jacket or shawl in case you run into unexpected weather changes. If you’re someone who’s always cold, you’ll probably want an additional layer to wear inside, too!
• Workout clothes if you plan to use the gym. I’m not typically one of those people who likes to workout on vacation (haha), but if you are, I recommend bringing a few workout outfits, as most cruises do have a fitness center and classes available. It also wouldn’t hurt to bring comfortable activewear ( tennis dresses are my fave) for any excursions planned that might require a lot of walking. 
• Pajamas and loungewear. Of course, there will be those nights when you just want to hang in and order room service, so don’t forget to pack comfy clothes! I always like to bring some fun tropical pajamas on a cruise and typically pack a few lounge sets if I’m planning on laying low.  Make sure to check out my Amazon store for lots of travel outfit ideas!

Accessories & shoes

• Sunglasses . My go-to sunglasses are always the Ray-Ban round metal sunglasses , and I also like to bring a pair or two of fun sunglasses. Revolve always has a great selection, and you can never go wrong with sunglasses from Amazon . 
• Straw hat . My all-time favorite straw hat is from Brixton . It has a wide brim for extra coverage, and it fits amazing. PACKING TIP : If you plan on packing a straw hat in your suitcase, make sure to stuff the inside with clothes and layer clothes around it for extra support. You can also clip your hat onto your carry-on bag if you prefer not to pack it in your suitcase.
• Beach bag . It’s always a good idea to pack a beach bag or some kind of tote that you can use on sea days to carry sunscreen and any other cruise essentials. I’m currently obsessed with this crocheted tote from Tory Burch , and I also love Mark & Graham’s personalized beach bags , too!
• Backpack . For port days, I always like to carry a backpack with me for water, beach essentials, and any souvenirs I end up buying. My absolute favorite backpack is the Fjallraven Kanken mini backpack . It’s small but still fits a lot, is lightweight, and is easy to clean. 
• Purse or clutch . In addition to a backpack, I’ll typically bring a cute crossbody bag for port days if I want to switch it up, and I’ll also bring some kind of clutch or small bag to match my dinner outfits for cruise. I always like to have my phone readily available for pictures!
• Flip flops or sandals for sea days . When it comes to shoes for my summer cruise outfits, I keep it pretty basic. I’ll bring a pair of flip flops or jelly sandals for the pool and a pair of casual sandals for any daytime cruise vacation outfits. I especially love these ones from Schutz because they can be dressed up or down!
• Comfortable walking shoes for excursions . If you have excursions planned, don’t forget to bring a pair of comfortable shoes! Some excursions (like zip lining) will also require closed-toe shoes, so it’s always a good idea to pack a pair, just in case. I personally love these platform sneakers from Adidas because they look really cute with all kinds of outfits, including dresses!
• Formal shoes for dinner . Don’t forget to pack a dressier pair of shoes, like heels or wedges, for dinner or any formal night cruise outfits. I love these ones from Dolce Vita because they are comfortable and look cute with both casual and formal cruise ship outfits for ladies. 

FREE what to pack for a cruise checklist PDF >>

Additional cruise essentials to pack.

As mentioned, cruise cabins can be quite cozy and have limited closet space, so I recommend bringing magnetic hooks and over-the-door hooks for additional storage. These are great for hanging lightweight clothing, swimsuits, or accessories. 

As far as travel essentials, packing cubes are great for keeping your belongings organized, especially since there is not a lot of drawer space on cruises. I also recommend bringing a hanging toiletry bag if you can, as there is typically limited bathroom counter and storage space. 

Some of my other favorite travel accessories I always bring (no matter where I’m traveling) include a luggage scale , travel steamer , LED travel mirror , and travel laundry bag . You’re also allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne on board so don’t forget your wine opener !

Need some additional help packing?  Make sure to check out my  travel shop  filled with all the best travel essentials, from packing cubes and toiletry bags to travel bags and luggage accessories. 

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What to wear on a cruise

Now that we’ve gone through everything you need to pack, I’m going to help you put together some cute outfits to wear on a cruise! In this section, we’re going to cover cruise ship outfits for sea days, what to wear on a cruise during the day, outfits for a cruise excursion, cruise dinner outfits (including what to wear for a formal night on a cruise), matching cruise ship outfits for couples, and so much more!

Cute cruise outfits for sea days

Click image below to shop

Outfits to wear on a cruise during the day.

Cruise outfits for ladies for dinner

Matching cruise outfits

If you want to be THOSE PEOPLE on the cruise who wear matching outfits (don’t worry, I’ve done it too, haha), whether it’s with your significant other, family, or friends, below are a couple of places to find them!

• Etsy is always my go-to place for ANYTHING personalized! This is a great place to shop for matching bachelorette cruise shirts , family reunion shirts , or Mr and Mrs cruise shirts . Etsy also has a great selection of cruise accessories , whether you’re looking for matching cups, lanyards, hats, or anything in between. 
• Kenny Flowers is another great place to look for couples cruise outfits (or vacation outfits) that are a little more trendy. They even have matching family outfits  with kids sizes starting at 3M and you can also shop by destination on their website if you’re looking for something specific! 

TIP:  Make sure to follow me in the @ shop.ltk  app under  TRAVELMEETSSTYLE  (or click  here ) for more outfit ideas for every season!

What not to wear on a cruise

Now that we’ve covered what to wear on a cruise ship, we obviously have to talk about cruise outfits I wouldn’t recommend wearing. For starters, speedos and thong bikinis are a no, especially if you’re on a cruise that’s family-friendly, and I honestly wouldn’t pack anything overly revealing in general.  Additionally, I would avoid wearing anything with offensive language or graphics for this same reason.  

I’ve already gone into a lot of detail about what to wear to dinner on a cruise, but as a reminder, I would stray away from wearing shorts, sandals, swimwear, gym clothes, baseball hats, or anything else you would wear during the day to the dining room. 

I’ve also read that it’s not a good idea to wear anything camouflage off the cruise ship, as it’s disrespectful and even illegal in certain countries. 

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The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Europe in Fall

Europe Packing List , Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

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Fall in Europe is a wonderful time of year to visit, especially for avoiding summer crowds. We’re sharing our ultimate guide to packing for Europe in fall to help you nail your travel wardrobe. Read on to find out our packing essentials for several major European countries!

Packing for Europe in Fall

Table of contents.

The most important packing tip for Europe in the fall is to check the weather forecast before traveling!

Europe is a diverse region in terms of weather and style. Depending on where you go, fall weather in Europe can be anything from drizzly and cold to warm and sunny. While many people visit Europe in the summer , fall is a great season for visiting this diverse continent.

Fall in Europe runs from September through November, and the weather can be considerably different in September compared to November. No matter where in the continent you visit, you should always be prepared for both warm and chilly days.

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 carry-on suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.

Using tips from our readers, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to packing for Europe in fall.

Packing List for Europe Fall Travel

Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Bootie

United Kingdom

England is beautiful in fall. September and October can be so pleasant, with temperatures ranging in the 60s. Rain isn’t as predominant in fall as it is in winter and spring , but you may still need an umbrella. 

What to wear in Europe in October is tricky because England starts to get chilly. Winter comes early, and you’ll need some layers to stay warm, especially at night, when temperatures will drop even more.

With the chillier weather, it’s the perfect time to wear your sweaters , beanies, scarves , and boots . Pair an oversized sweater with comfortable jeans and knee-high boots . Layer with a scarf and add a coat or parka in the evenings when it gets colder at night. For a dressier look, pair a long-sleeve blouse with a blazer for day or a coat for evenings, along with heeled booties. Remember: travel clothes for Europe fall adventures can still be warm yet stylish.

Tip: Ankle booties are perfect for autumn weather and will look great teamed with leather pants or dark jeans.

Shop more waterproof ankle boots: Amazon | Nordstrom

For more tips, find out what to wear in London year-round!

BLANKNYC Faux Leather Moto Jacket

In autumn, the weather is cool, and Paris is beautiful. Autumn colors create a picturesque setting; however, as in the spring, the seasons are unpredictable. Take advantage of grey skies and pack a vivid pink or red coat for a beautiful picture in front of the Eiffel Tower!

European fall fashion is always in full swing here. Parisians love wearing leather, so use the autumn season to make leather your base. It’s not only waterproof but warm so that you will have added protection from the chill. Consider adding a well-fitted, not boxy leather jacket to your wardrobe. (If you don’t like wearing leather, try faux leather.) 

Tights or stockings are ideal to wear underneath shorts or belted dresses. They provide some protection from the elements and modesty in the Parisian streets. 

Pant jumpsuits are feminine and chic. Pair them with a tailored blazer for an extra touch of sophistication. Pack one or two basic tees and long sleeve tops to create layers to mix and match your outfits. 

And finally, your scarves can add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral wardrobe.

Tip : Stick to a leather jacket for early fall days and transition to a heavier coat by the end of the season as it gets closer to winter.

Shop more leather jackets: Nordstrom | Amazon

Find out what else to pack for Paris to complete your travel wardrobe!

London Fog Trench Coat

Early autumn is a great time to visit Austria : the heat and crowds of summer have died down, but it’s pleasantly warm, and most attractions will still be open. When it comes to packing for Europe in September, temperatures in around then tend to be mild and sunny, but you’ll want to pack extra layers for those chilly mornings and evenings. If you’re planning a visit towards the latter end of autumn, be prepared for cold, gray days and the odd shower.

A trench coat is a perfect option for autumn as well as spring. It’ll keep the chill at bay while not being too heavy. Another option would be a lightweight bomber or army-style jacket in a khaki shade—perfect for tossing over a cute dress or jeans.

When it comes to jeans , opt for a crisp black pair—they’re a little more elevated than basic blue denim but are just as comfortable. You don’t have to dress up when visiting a museum or palace, but it’s nice to make a bit more of an effort when your surroundings are so stunning, and black jeans are perfect for that.

Tip: A hat and scarf are great ways to complete your look and add some color and texture to your fall outfit.

Shop more trench coats: Nordstrom | Amazon

For more tips, find out what to wear in Austria year-round!

Taos Womens Star Classic Sneaker | Also available on Taos

The key to a fall packing list for Italy is taking reliable staples because the weather varies depending on the region. For example, the weather is mild, and the days are typically sunny in Venice .

In Milan and Florence , you can expect crisp sunny days with temperatures not getting much colder than 65°F/18°C. Breezes can make evenings a bit chilly, even in the early fall.

To match the cooler temperatures, opt for jeans . If you don’t love a sleek pair of black, or wide-leg indigo jeans, opt for a midi-length A-line skirt either in a jewel-toned neutral or a unique pattern. Skirts are always a great option as they’re roomy and fun to twirl around in.

To pair with your mix and match bottoms, pack a few different top options. A thin turtleneck or long-sleeve shirt in cream or other earth tones pairs well with just about everything; If you’ve stuck to neutral colors with your bottom pieces, then pack at least one fun patterned blouse.

Tip: Italy is never the place to wear heels. For fall, we love ankle booties or trendy sneakers .

Shop more fashion sneakers: Nordstrom | Amazon

Check out our packing guide on how to dress like a local in Italy !

Quince Australian Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater

During autumn, you will experience mostly rainy weather, with occasionally frosty days, and other days will be warm with plenty of sunshine.

The cooler weather dictates the need for warmer clothes; pick a scarf, but a nice warm woolen one that will keep your chest and neck protected. Jeans serve as the base for any outfit, the darker shades are always best, and the thickness of the jeans will keep your legs warm in the cold chill.

Leggings can also look very stylish for the warmer days as they are not as thick as jeans and come in a variety of different styles and colors. For autumn, a maroon or oxblood color would work nicely and compliment any outfit. Don’t forget a warm coat or jacket and ensure that at least one is waterproof to protect you from the elements, especially the rain.

Tip: Sweaters are fantastic for layering , or if you experience a cool but not frosty day, you can get some lovely wool ones that will keep you warm.

Shop more sweaters: Nordstrom | Amazon

Review our guide on what to wear in Germany year-round!

Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

Fall in Sweden is quite picturesque. You’ll find beautiful sunsets over the waterfront skyline, highlighting the historic architecture of old-world Europe. In the fall, your essentials should be chic ankle boots and an awesome pair of dark denim jeans that work for day or night.

During your daytime strolls, opt for layers of natural, warm fabrics like wool. Neutral colors are popular in Stockholm , so if you’d like to fit in like a local, stick to cream, black, beige, and khaki colors.

A backpack is your best friend while exploring Stockholm. Whether you’re working in cafés with your laptop or exploring on foot, a minimalist backpack is a perfect carryall to tote around your necessities . Try a cool black backpack  for days exploring Stockholm.

Tip: Rain is widespread in the fall, with September being the wettest month. It’s best always to be prepared with a raincoat , umbrella , and scarf for the varying weather conditions.

Shop more backpacks: Nordstrom | Amazon

For more tips, read our What to Wear in Stockholm guide!

J.Crew Juliette Collarless Sweater-Blazer 

Switzerland

Autumn weather can be unpredictable; it can range from sunny days to rain and even snow. Autumn is a difficult season when deciding what to wear in Switzerland because outdoors is cold, and inside the buildings and public transport, the central heating leaves you hot.

The perfect solution to packing for Europe in October, September, or November is layering in this weather. The season contains short days, and along with the disappearing light comes a noticeable drop in temperature. As you prepare what to wear in Switzerland, be ready for cooler weather.

Layering is essential, so include 3/4 tops and long sleeve tops to suit the weather, you can dress these with a sweater for the warmer days or a jacket or warm coat . A pair of jeans or pants will look stylish with warm and waterproof boots , as these are the perfect companion for any autumn wardrobe, giving an edge to your wardrobe.

Tip: During the evenings, if you wish to be slightly dressier, include a blazer on your Switzerland packing list, as this can be worn with a sleek scarf to create a classy look.

Shop more blazers: Nordstrom | Amazon

Check out more fashion tips with our What to Pack for Switzerland guide.

Sorel Chelsea Boots

Autumn has powerful winds and frequent rain, with a visible drop in temperature. For autumn, you want to ensure you keep warm and dry. Bring a warm jacket to protect you from the wind chill and a trench coat for added warmth.

Layering is once again needed for the colder weather, so add warm wool jerseys, long sleeve tops, and simple plain tees to your look. You can dress these in dark jeans and tailored trousers in darker colors.

Ankle booties, or warmer, calf-length boots are also a great look for the autumn; opt for boots in leather or a faux leather material to ensure that your feet are kept dry and protected from the elements.

Tip: What look is complete without accessories ? Accessorize with bright scarves in patterns and shades that best suit your personality and make you feel most comfortable.

Shop more Chelsea boots: Nordstrom | Amazon

Find out what to wear in Ireland no matter what region you’re visiting!

Camii Mia Outdoor Hiking Fleece Pants

Fall in Norway can be very unpredictable, with the early fall months feeling closer to summer with sunny skies while the later months can feel more like winter with snow. For warmer days, you can stick to lightweight trousers and blouses. Don’t forget to take rainboots and a rain jacket in case it rains.

When the weather begins to cool down, you’ll want to layer up with sweaters and jackets. Merino wool thermals are an absolute must for cold vacations, as they stay warm, dry, and last ages without a wash.

Jeans are fantastic for cold, dry weather, but shouldn’t be worn if there is lots of snow or rain since they take a long time to dry. Instead, think about packing quick-drying travel pants that will keep you toasty and can last a few days without needing a wash.

Tip: Both short and tall boot styles are commonly worn around the city. Be sure to bring along a waterproof pair to withstand the rain.

Shop more travel pants: Athleta | Amazon

See our complete packing list for Norway , so you know what to bring on your trip!

Wool& Rowena Swing Dress

Russia’s fall can either be a delayed summer or early winter, meaning you may need to be prepared for varied weather conditions. Whatever you end up wearing, make sure your clothes are clean and neat, and that there are no flashy colors or over-the-top prints.

For warmer days, opt for a maxi dress paired with flats. Add a cardigan  for cooler evenings. When it gets closer to winter weather, wear some wooly tights to keep your legs nice and warm. Don’t be afraid to double up on tights , too. You can use this trick for any cold-weather destination using tights of different thicknesses. Here are some tips on how to layer dresses !

Pack several scarves as these are ideal for accessorizing and can be used to cover up if you’re planning on doing some church visits (your head will need to be covered when entering churches). Opt for a versatile and fashionable blanket scarf that’s both practical and on-trend, too.

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

Shop more midi dresses: Nordstrom | Amazon

Find out what to pack and what not to pack for Russia !

Eddie Bauer Girl On The Go Insulated Trench Coat

The Netherlands

Fall is the time of cold wind and heavy rainfall, but it can still offer some days of sunshine. You’ll be seeing the trees with colorful leaves and taking long walks through the parks. Take an umbrella or a raincoat (which is also windproof) with you.

When it comes to what to pack for Europe in November, when it can get quite chilly, layering is essential. You can’t go wrong with long pants, a nice sweater, comfortable boots, and a scarf. Instead of a sweater, you can opt for a long shirt and a waterfall cardigan.

Wear long pants. Dutch women love wearing jeans. Make sure your pants are also comfortable when riding a bike! For shoes, try sneakers , comfortable ankle boots , or long boots with flat heels . Make sure they’re water-resistant!

Tip: When choosing your raincoat opt for one in a neutral color, so it matches anything you wear.

Shop more rain jackets: Nordstrom | Amazon

Before packing for your trip, check out what to wear in the Netherlands !

Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Flats

Fall is much brighter than gloomy winter in Spain and a perfect time to wear warm hues like oranges, reds, and yellows and layer with cozy separates like leather pants , and denim jackets .

You likely won’t need a full hat-gloves-scarf set, but a floppy wool hat and stylish blanket scarf should be enough to keep you cozy, especially at night. Go for a tee as your base with a cardigan or button-up shirt as a layering item. If it gets too warm, you can wear your jacket just with the base, or if it gets too cold, you can wrap up the layering item and close up your coat for extra warmth.

It is not practical or comfortable to wear heels in Spain, regardless of the season. Most local women don’t wear them out at night either, so you still feel stylish and appropriate in booties or flats .

Tip : Avoid packing a bulky winter jacket by wearing lots of layers instead. A faux fur vest will keep you warm and stylish as you explore Spain in fall.

Shop more flats: Nordstrom | Amazon

Find out what to pack for your trip to Spain so you can match the local style!

Jescakoo Casual Wrap V Neck Dress

Even though it’s fall, it will remain warm on your trip to Greece until November. Autumn is not definable as a season between summer and winter; however, the temperatures do fluctuate, with the possibility of rain.

Similar to as you’d wear in spring, bring jeans and smart Capri trousers in darker shades that you can team with bright tank tops and blouses for the warmer days and long sleeve shirts and 3/4 tops for cooler days. Bring a light jacket for the evenings to ward off the chill.

Accessorize your outfit with sunglasses and a chic sun hat . Skirts and shorts are perfect to wear during the day with ankle boots . Black is a great color choice because you can wear it with anything, and it’s forgiving in regards to dirt.

Tip: Fall in Greece is very similar to its spring weather. You would need minimal variation in your packing, if any, with perhaps the addition of a waterproof jacket and a scarf .

Shop more dresses: Nordstrom | Amazon

Get a complete packing list in our What to Wear in Greece guide!

How Editor-In-Chief Alex Dresses for Europe in Fall

View this post on Instagram From the streets of Paris to the coast of Thailand. From the English snow to Utah's national parks. These are the ONE pair of travel pants that have seriously been through it all. And luckily for the style conscious traveler, they're actually cute! It's no surprise that I love the Skyler pant from @anatomiestyle and couldn't recommend them anymore. Mine have traveled with me all over the world and have no plans of stopping anytime soon! For a limited time only, I'm offering an exclusive discount for TFG readers to get these pants for themselves! Shop via my link https://anatomie.com/tfg-discount for 15% off your entire order! ❤️ Please note, the discount is applied to your ENTIRE order and is automatically calculated at checkout. Applicable only to full priced clothing items. Have you tried out the Skyler pant? Do you own a pair? How did they work out on YOUR travels? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #TravelFashionGirl A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Nov 19, 2018 at 6:49pm PST

Features the Tippi sweater and Skyler pant listed above

View this post on Instagram The Julian backpack from Rebecca Minkoff was amazing when I last took it to Paris and it continues to be a favorite in the TFG community to this day! Stylish and secure, this bag seriously has it all.⠀ ⠀ Fore more great bag recommendations, make sure to check out TFG's roundup of the best cross body purses for travel (you can bet that this beauty is on it!) A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Oct 22, 2017 at 9:02am PDT

View this post on Instagram ✈️ #30countries30days ————————————————– Before I started traveling, one of my biggest passions was music, Indie Rock music to be exact. And some of my favorite bands were from England – imagine how incredible I felt when I finally got a chance to travel to Europe. ? On my second visit to London I went to my first concert in the city and I was absolutely in love with the atmosphere and didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay in London forever! Well, eight years later I married a guy from England so my wish just might come true someday hehe! ? If you get a chance, make an entire trip out of just traveling in England – there is so much to see including the BEAUTIFUL Lake District (blog post published about it yesterday), the coastal cities, Manchester the music capital of the world, and small villages in the countryside. London is an exhilarating city, I get so excited whenever I visit even if I've been there numerous times. But England as a whole has so much to offer. Don't miss it! ? ————————————————– ? Click the link in my profile description for England packing tips! Minimize your luggage and maximize your style with TravelFashionGirl.com the #1 blog for female travelers! ————————————————– #travelfashiongirl #VisitEngland #OMGB #LoveGreatBritain A post shared by alex TravelFashionGirl.com (@travelfashiongirl) on Sep 22, 2016 at 8:28pm PDT

Watch this video to start learning how to organize with packing cubes!

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

How to Pack Your European Fall Wardrobe

Packing for two weeks in Europe fall time is easy with slim packing cubes . This allows you to travel carry-on only for all the clothes you intend to bring, and it saves so much space!

We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!

Printable Travel Checklist

The travel checklist features unique categories to help you pack for your trip efficiently, including a list of things to bring on vacation and other helpful reminders. It includes all the items listed in various categories above and has spaces where you can fill in your own information. (Make sure to follow the directions at the top of the spreadsheet!)

What are your tips on packing for Europe in fall? Share and comment below!

For more Europe packing tips, please read:

• Backpack Vs Suitcase: Which is Right for My Trip to Europe?
• Ultimate Guide to The Best Travel Purse for Europe 
• Money Belts and Anti-Theft Travel Accessories
• 10-Step Packing Guide for Europe
• What to Wear in Europe: Packing List for Every Destination

Suggested travel resources:

• Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring
• How to Choose the Best Shoes for Europe
• The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe

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We hope you liked this ultimate guide to packing for Europe in fall. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

95 comments.

Thank you for all the clothing tips for Greece and Italy. I appreciate that you broke the regions down by season.

Help! Leaving for Malta and Sicily tomorrow and ending in Barcelona early Nov. any clothing suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

Went to France last fall (first European trip), next year Italy is scheduled for the fall as well. Couldn’t have done it without Travel Fashion Girl! Learned a lot, and after one trip I now have more info and experience. Looking to go carry on only to Italy.

Helpful article. Packing for Fall is tough!

Just returned from a Danube River Cruise, this group was so helpful and supportive in helping me make better packing choices. Looking forward to my next trip and the tips that are shared every day by the administrators and it’s members.

I am going on the same river cruise this October. Any tips you have for what to wear and what to bring is must brings is muc appreciated!

I can’t thank you enough for the recommendation of the BLANKNYC Faux Leather Moto Jacket above. Snapped one one up during Nordstrom’s Anniversary sale in July for my upcoming November trip to Tuscany for half price, thanks to you. I owe you one!

Revisiting this list as I plan a November trip to England. Thanks for organizing by season — so helpfu!

Heading to Europe soon and this will help! Thanks so much!

I have been using this website at least since 2015, if not before and the information is invaluable. Even after all these years of traveling, I still find myself reading packing lists before pulling my travel wardrobe. I cannot live without my compass rose packing cubes. The husband began taking mine, so now he has his own set! Thanks for all you do.

I’m going to bring my moto jacket to Europe this fall.

Packing for a Paris trip in November and I don’t know what coat to wear that won’t be too bulky (for someone 5’2”) or what shoes will be most comfortable for hours of walking (no blisters, pls).

Hi Andee, have a read of this article to help you choose the right jacket for your trip: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/these-travel-jackets-are-selling-like-crazy/

For shoes, here are some tips/recs for choosing the right shoes for Paris: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/parisian-shoes/

We also have more packing tips for Paris on this guide: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-paris-packing-list-and-capsule-wardrobe-ideas/

If you haven’t already done so, I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there – it’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their travel advice and recommendations: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirl

Have the most incredible time!

Your site is so helpful! I have used these packing lists for ideas and as a way to limit what I pack. Thanks for all the helpful information and links!

I love your packing lists! They reduce the uncertainty of “what ifs” and give me a lot of confidence and keep me from overpacking!

The ladies here at Travel Fashion Girl are so helpful and generous with their hints and travel tricks. I look forward to reading the new posts everyday.

Thank you for the great info!

Heading to Europe in October! A lot of great and useful information here. Thanks!

This is the BEST!!!!! I always come here for the best packing advice. Europe, here I come!

Thank you so much. I am struggling with figuring out what to pack for 5 days in Barcelona, then 2 days in Paris and 2 days in Amsterdam! I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe and layers. I am trying to figure what is going to work and look cute with my body type (age 40, ex athlete post 2 large babies). I want to feel good about my fashion on this getaway with my sister!

I love capsule wardrobes and find myself including more and more Woolx shirts to the mix! They are lightweight and can be worn days at a time.

Thank you for the ideas! I’m struggling with shoes for my fall trip to Italy and appreciate the ideas!

When I started preparing my trip to Italy in 2019, I used your packing lists and Italy vacation wardrobe suggestions. I was able to put together a wardrobe that fit in a carryon with no problem at all! Thank You!

I love the country-by-country tips by season. Thank you!

Reading these blog posts and tips is addictive! So much great advice and some very helpful links. Your guidance has made planning my upcoming trip abroad much less stressful, especially your packing tips. I have learned so much from Travel Fashion Girl! Thank you!

I picked up a wonderful light fall jacket by FLEX at Kohl”s.

Thank you for such an informative article. We are planning a cruise next October from Paris to Normandy. This article is very helpful. I love all the information on this site.

TFG is without a doubt my best find of 2022! Have learned about packing cubes, travel pants, personal bags, toiletry finds and so much more! Looking forward to putting it all to use in Italy soon! Thank you TFG and fellow travelers!

i appreciate your 2022 packing tips update! traveling the mediteranean in november and getting my ducks 🤣🤣aka clothes)all lined up..

Thank you for creating the TFG community. I have a girls trip to Paris in early October

Looking forward to traveling to France in spring of 2023 and will use some of the fall tips! Thanks so much for the fashion tips!

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us for the past 10 years! I have been here following along since the very beginning and have learned so much from you. I so appreciate you and this TFG group.

Thank you for all your fabulous information. I am heading to the Greek Islands, London, Spain and Portugal in October. I’ll take a lightweight wool sweater and a light jacket, do you think I’ll need anything heavier than that?

Planning a trip to Europe in the fall so thank you for all the helpful tips and information! Always my go to site when planning for a trip 🙂

Thank you! Your tips are helping me to plan our trip to Italy for our son’s wedding in October. Packing light is a necessity since we must bring wedding clothes for this glam affair! So the remainder of our clothes for our two weeks need to be strategically planned. Packing cubes are a must! The wardrobe capsule is my anchor. Keep up the great work so packing isn’t so much work for us! Congrats on 10 years.

Thank you for all the helpful formation you provide, and also for keeping this group so supportive and friendly!

Can’t wait to finally travel again and actually have a plan in place!

Can’t wait to finally travel again with a real plan in place!!

I find wonderful ideas for travel and packing in Travel Fashion Girl as I prepare for my trip to Italy in October.

Thanks for the guides for the different countries. Since we are doing a fall European cruise, we will be visiting several different countries, so your tips will be very handy!

I love traveling to Europe in the fall! Venice, Florence, and Rome were perfect in October, requiring few layers. Vienna and Budapest were also temperate. Prague was cooler with a heavy rain. I wore suede athletic shoes liberally sprayed with a waterproofing material that kept everything dry, so I did not take another pair.

This feature is exactly why I needed as I’m preparing for a trip to Germany this fall. I love the mix of fashion tips and useful practical advice.

Thank you, it’s really helpful for planning my next trip at autumn.

I’ve been following this blog and Facebook group for several years and have learned so many great tips for our international travels. This is excellent advice for Fall travel to Europe. I especially like the printed packing list.

Thank you for the detailed notes on each country! This provides so much more insight than average high/low/rainfall. Making notes on where to go this autumn for the best chance of pretty weather!

I’m going for three weeks in November. Can’t decide which capsule to use buy I’m going to try a carryon for the first time. Wish me luck!

Thank you this is very helpful. Traveling to Paris and Florence November/December. Deciding on what shoes etc to bring. Also plan on buying shoes and a leather jacket in Italy.

So glad I found your site, it’s so informative and helpful. I am in several travel Facebook groups and frequently recommend it to people seeking tips and advice.

Your posts and guides assisted me in a successful 5 week CARRY ON ONLY trip to Europe this summer! Thank you’

Long time reader here and I love traveling to Europe in the fall! On my last trip to London and Paris, I loved my faux leather jacket and having the excuse to buy beautiful scarves in Paris!

Can’t wait to put these tips into action during my two fall trips: Italy and Spain. I’ve learned so much over the years from this community!

I booked my 2nd trip to Italy and I’m so excited my wardrobe has become more versatile and wrinkle resistant since last time thanks to TFG. It’s going to be easier to pack even lighter this time!

Very helpful as are most of your posts. Thank you!

This is just great info–thanks so much!

Thank you it really helps in outfit planning for my next trip.

I wish I would have found your blog before I went to Europe – the clothing I packed screamed “tourist” (jeans and tennies in Paris) and I packed way more clothes than I needed. I learned a lot from you since then and hope my husband takes me back soon. This time I’ll know what (and what not!) to pack!

So many useful tips as I am one month away from a trip to France & Italy. We will finally be hiking the trails of Cinque Terre. This.presents a bit of a packing challenge to include clothes for several days of hiking and clothes for Paris.

Thank you for so many great suggestions

I’ve been traveling abroad for many years and found the TFG blog when researching what to pack for my second trip to Paris, just about 10 years ago so happy anniversary! Here I am again planning another trip to my favorite city but for the fall the first time (I’ve been in winter, spring, and summer) and TFG is still my trusted source for packing tips. I have a lighter weight wool pink coat I typically reserve for spring, but I may try the suggestion above and pack it for fall this time if the weather is cool enough. Thank you for the many years of style.

Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Bootie are the best. Really comfortable and look great. Thank you Travel Fashion Girl!

Thank you for providing such awesome and helpful info! Makes packing for a trip so much easier and more fun! Love the community here!

My next trip to Ireland will be a Fall Trip! I love that TFG has so many suggestions. TFG helped me pack for my last trip- in a carry on. (This was a miracle!)

Thank you for all of the great tips and valuable information. I just returned from a 2-week trip to Europe after traveling there with only carry on luggage holding lots of compression packing cubes. My husband said, “How did you get all of those outfits in that bag!” The best part was making it to our river cruise with a flight through the Amsterdam airport chaos with all of our luggage. Thanks again for your excellent posts!

I’ve been traveling to Europe since the age of 4. My Mom was the master packer and I learned so much from her. But we always checked the max size bag (all the gifts to and fro!) But this site and group is my Mom on steroids! Now I only take carry on size! I may check it occasionally, but it’s so much nicer to schlep around less stuff!

These are great tips for my upcoming trip to Europe in October s

Even though I think a am pretty good at packing light, I always learn a new tip or trick when I read one of your posts. I am so glad that I found TFG. Thank you.

So happy to be part of this community. I have gotten so many wonderful tips. I can’t wait to travel and use them all.

Thank you so much for the insight into best clothes to wear while visiting different countries in the fall! This is really helpful information ❤️

I have learned so much from your site! I’m preparing for a Spain and Portugal trip this fall and all of the recommendations from your articles have helped so much! Thank you!

I have to admit, I let a lot of emails go straight to trash but not this one! I anxiously await the suggestions and links contained in every post! Thank you for helping to make all my future vacations stylish and easy!

Where have you been all my life? So many amazing tips!

I love this website!! I am obsessed with all the tips and I hope I can successfully pack carry on only for my trip to London in September!!

Heading to Germany for the month of September! It’s always the toughest “in-between month” for me, will definitely use some of these suggestions.

I’m leaving for a 12 day trip to London, Paris, Florence, & Rome in exactly 4 weeks, this is so helpful to me!!

This list helped me immensely when paring down to necessities. I’m a total carry-on girl and the ideas I got here kept me moving easily! Thanks, TFG!

I am so happy I found your site. I am preparing to travel in November and I am finding your content so helpful. Thank you

Great packing ideas. I can’t wait to go bank to Italy.

Love all the valuable info. The packing cubes have been a real game changer for me. Looking forward to putting this information to use on our next trip!

Fall is my favorite time to visit Europe! Thanks for such a thoughtfully curated packing guide broken down by each country. Next stop this October: Portugal! Have printed my TFG packing list and feel better prepared to pack the right clothing. Thanks for all you do for us travel-loving ladies!

Excited to use these tips for my trip to London and Paris in October! Packing cubes have been such a game changer for packing light 🙂

Alex since discovering your website a couple years ago, my husband and I continue to reference it and go back to it years later. We have used your recs and your products for Italy, Morocco, England, Brussels, and we will be using them again this fall for our 10 yr anniversary. Thank you for creating such a wealth of knowledge and sharing it.

I have been traveling all over the world for decades, and just stumbled on this blog a few weeks ago. I wish I had found this sooner as I’m a heavy packer. This year, my goal is 20 lbs only in my suitcase and your tips help so much.

One request…your fashion picks don’t really work for someone with an apple shape. I’d love a post about travel fashion for the larger woman.

These tips helped me so much when I went to Hungary last October!! Thank you!

We are leaving for Germany at the end of the month. Usually, we visit in the summer months, so this post was perfect!

I’m happy I found this as I’m traveling to Italy in late October. I am so used to packing for summer travels that I forget I may need to consider pants! Already planning my outfits and can’t wait to share with the group.

Love the tips for seasonal packing in Greece. We’re off there this winter and I’ll definitely use these for planning my travel wardrobe.

I really needed this! I am going to Europe in October for my wedding (!!!) and have never been abroad in the fall before. Thank you 🙂

You are a joy to read. Your descriptions and tips are almost like taking a “mental vacation”!!! Thanks for the links and lists. I’m so glad I found you and your fun, helpful community.

Regardless of destination I swear by my Compass Rose packing cubes. They keep me super organized and I love their shape. Thanks Alex!

Out of all of the travel blogs I’ve read, I keep coming back to Travel Fashion Girl. The clothing/bag recommendations are always good and match my own personal style. Most of my recent clothing purchases have been from this website and my gallery is filled with screenshots for future purchases.

Going to Greece this fall. Thanks for the helpful tips!

As we are leaving for a 12-day trip to Sicily in October, this post was very timely. I feel that it will be tricky to achieve the perfect balance since it is fall, and while temps will be cooler than in the summer, it will still be pleasant. So, do I act like the Italians who dress for the season and not the temperature? It’s a conundrum and the only thing I am certain of is to pack layers. Thanks for all your tips and … Happy Anniversary!

I started traveling internationally 7 years ago and have found the TFG posts invaluable!! Always an “overpacker,” I was beside myself thinking of living out of a suitcase for 2 weeks. But all the legwork was done for me so I was able pack appropriately – and use of packing cubes is a godsend! Thanks TFG!

You’ve provided such valuable information about travel, packing and the “best of everything” which has made it easier to prepare for trips. Absolutely love everything about Travel Fashion Girl

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What to Wear on a Canada & New England Cruise

Canada and New England cruises are all about the fall colors. Norwegian sails to Canada and New England from August through October. Temperatures are cooler during this time of year, but the weather typically isn't unbearably cold or miserable. Canada weather will vary based on which destinations your cruise visits. For example, Nova Scotia might be warmer in September than Quebec. Plan to bring layers so that you are ready for any weather on your Canada cruise or New England cruise.

If you are at a loss for what to pack on a fall cruise with Norwegian, here's what to wear on a Canada and New England cruise.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published on Dec. 2, 2015. It has been updated to show related itineraries.

Ready to start planning? Explore all Canada and New England cruises .

Cruise Casual Attire For Daytime Onboard

With Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising , you can dress more comfortably than you might be used to with other cruise lines. You won't find strict formal nights with Norwegian cruise vacations either. However, that doesn't mean you can't dress up if you want to wear something fancier. Recommendations for cruise casual attire include:

• Sundresses or maxi dresses.
• Sweaters or turtlenecks.
• Long pants or capris.
• Trousers or khakis.
• Polo shirts.
• Shorts or skirts.

You'll want a lightweight sweater or jacket onboard as well. Even if it's warm during the day, temperatures will cool down at night. You might want a sweater indoors with the ship's air conditioning.

Norwegian doesn't have too many rules about what you can't wear on board, but you may not wear a few items in the dining rooms or specialty restaurants . These clothing items include sun visors, baseball caps, flip-flops, torn or ripped jeans, faded jeans, men's tank tops, or swimwear. If you prefer to stay very casual, such as swimwear and flip-flops, you'll need to limit dining to the buffet or casual outdoor spots. However, you must wear a coverup and footwear to the buffet.

What to Wear at Specialty Restaurants

If you want to dine at one of the upscale specialty restaurants onboard, you must follow a smart casual dress code. Attire recommendations include:

• Nice pants or capris.
• Collared button-down shirts.
• Blouses and skirts.
• Nice jeans.
• Boots, nice sandals, or heels.
• Closed-toe shoes.

You may find some passengers in a blazer or sports coat or fancy dress for some dining venues. Feel free to bring nicer evening clothes if you prefer to dress up. The choice is yours with Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising .

If you are traveling with children, kids ages 12 and younger can wear nice shorts to any of Norwegian's restaurants.

Themed Night Parties

You'll find one or more themed nights on your Canada and New England cruise with Norwegian. If you enjoy parties and dressing up, you'll want to save some luggage space for special outfits. Norwegian's Night Out is our alternative to a formal night. Dress up if you wish to enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment, plus a meet and greet with the ship's captain.

Depending on your itinerary, you may also have other themed events, such as the Hot White Party. This signature event is an epic night under the stars. As the name suggests, you'll want to wear all white for this one. No need to worry about the old saying "no white after Labor Day"! Bring some fun neon accessories to stand out under the moonlight.

Don't forget Norwegian has an official photography studio. Schedule a portrait session with a ship's photographer when you dress up for a theme night. That photo makes a memorable souvenir from your cruise.

RELATED CRUISES: 7-Day Canada & New England Cruise from Québec City 7-Day Canada & New England Cruise from Boston 11-Day Canada & New England Cruise from Baltimore

What to Wear on Shore Excursions

Deciding what to pack for shore excursions can be daunting. These decisions are some of the hardest ones because there are many variables. What to wear will depend on what excursion you are booking and what time you are cruising.

No matter what you choose to do, you should have some essentials in your luggage. For one, you need comfortable walking shoes. You may be doing a lot of walking and exploring on your shore excursions. This cruise is not the ideal time to break in new shoes or boots. You should also have a pair of hiking boots with good ankle support.

Consider packing a variety of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts. It's better to prepare for temperature fluctuations. You may want to pack some base layers for unfavorable weather conditions. Some other items to consider packing include:

• Lightweight scarf and gloves.
• Heavier scarf and beanie for nighttime or colder temperatures.
• Puffer vest that offers some insulation, great to layer over a long-sleeved T-shirt.
• Long pants that transform into shorts.
• Waterproof shoes.
• Lightweight insulated jacket.
• Wicking socks, which will keep your feet dry.
• Mock turtlenecks.
• Waterproof rain jacket.
• Wool socks.

Be sure to pack a hat or two as well. While temperatures may be chilly, the sun is likely to be out. Don't let your scalp get sunburned, or you'll have a rough few days that follow.

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• >> What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe (+ Packing List!)

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe (+ Packing List!)

Wondering what to pack for a river cruise? We’ll show you exactly what to wear on a river cruise in Europe with some great ideas on practical River cruise outfits. We’ve also included some clothing tips for Rhine river cruise travel across the seasons.

In addition to our guide on how to dress for a river cruise we’ve included some tips on how to pack for a European river cruise . Assuming you’re coming from the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand and will be traveling a long way to Europe, you may want to travel a bit before or after your river cruise. Our tips for packing for river cruise trips will help you pack light for travel in the rest of Europe.

We’ve used the Viking river cruise dress code as a guide on what to wear on a Rhine river cruise but there are of course other companies that do European river cruises. For simplicity reasons we’re calling this our  Viking river cruise packing list but you can of course use is it as a guide on what to wear on a river cruise in Europe on other cruise lines too.

• 1.1 Types of European River Cruise Outfits
• 1.2 Dressing for the Season
• 2 Tips on How to Pack for a River Cruise
• 3.1 River Cruise Clothes
• 3.2 Footwear
• 3.3 River Cruise Essentials
• 3.4 Toiletries
• 3.5 Electronics
• 4 Questions on what to pack for river cruise in Europe?

What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe

River cruises are more casual than ocean cruises. They’re more about experiencing the culture and sights of Europe and less about having a fun vacation on a big ship (like you would on a Caribbean cruise). When working out how to dress for a European river cruise you’ll need to think about comfort, packability, layering and European culture.

You’ll spend your days sightseeing around the streets of Europe so comfortable but relatively smart but casual clothes are ideal. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! Many of the excursions on European river cruises are walking tours. You’ll also likely visit churches and culturally significant sights that may require covered shoulders and knee length clothes. Pack a light scarf in summer to throw over your shoulders. Avoid short shorts & skirts and opt for capri pants & midi skirts instead.

Make sure you choose items that pack well. You won’t have an iron in your cabin so you’ll need to pack clothes with wrinkle resistant fabrics. A small travel-sized bottle of Downy Wrinkle Release can help with this too. It also gives clothes a quick refresh allowing you to wear items more than once.

Types of European River Cruise Outfits

• Casual clothes for cruising – Comfortable but smart casual clothing is the go when cruising in Europe. A t-shirt or sleeveless vest with jeans, capris or a skirt is enough.
• Comfortable shoes –  Comfortable shoes are a must for European travel.
• Non-formal evening wear – There often isn’t time or a need to change for dinner on a river cruise so don’t feel you have to. We usually prefer to change for dinner, even if that means a quick freshen up and changing from a t-shirt into a nicer top.  Lightweight, chiffon evening tops are great to pack for evenings on cruises. Wear them over jeans or capris. They don’t take up much space but add a little oopmh to your outfit.
• Formal evening wear – Most European river cruises do not have a formal night. If they do, you’ll find the dress code for river cruises isn’t as strict as for ocean cruises. There’s no need to go over the top on formal night on river cruises in Europe. You can wear black pants and dressier top or a simple black dress and pashmina. No need to bring heels, your sandals will do fine. Pop on a statement necklace and you’re good to go. Men can pack a sport coat if they like but a long sleeved shirt and pants will do.

Dressing for the Season

If you’re traveling outside the peak of summer weather can be quite changeable so clothes you can layer are ideal. Check the long range weather forecast on a site like Accuweather when planning out what to wear on a Viking river cruise to help.

We have noted different quantities for items based on season in our packing list below but here is a quick guide on what to wear on a river cruise in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall:

• River Cruising in Summer – Summer river cruise attire is pretty easy. Think light summer dresses, capris & vest tops, skirts and blouses. Make sure you pack at least one cardigan in case of chilly nights or the odd cooler day.
• River Cruising in Spring – Spring in Europe can bring nice weather but it can also be changeable. Layering is key. Bring a couple of cardigans for over dresses and tees. Add in an extra pair of jeans. A light jacket like a denim jacket or utility jacket will also prove useful. April is notoriously wet in Europe so a waterproof jacket would be a good idea.
• River Cruising in Fall – When packing for river cruise in Europe in the Fall, add in a few warmer layers like long sleeved tees, cardigans, leggings. A light waterproof layer like this is a must. In late Fall, a packable lightweight down jacket like this is also very useful to have in case of cold days.  You’ll also want a pair of closed toe shoes like a comfortable ankle boot for walking in wet weather.
• River Cruising in Winter – For winter river cruises in Europe, you’ll need a few more warmer layers, hat, gloves, scarf and ankle boots. Add in a packable down jacket and waterproof parka. Leave out the summer dresses and instead pack a few more jeans and jumpers. Merino layers like this are useful for providing extra warmth in cold weather.

Tips on How to Pack for a River Cruise

Know you know what to wear on a scenic river cruise, let’s go over how to pack for a river cruise. When packing for a European river cruise, you need to account for how many travel days you have before and after your cruise, how long your trip to Europe is and how you’ll be getting around once in Europe pre and post-cruise.

Here are a few tips for packing for a river cruise:

• Pack light for Europe – If you pack light and smart then you’ll be able to fit this packing list into a carry on sized suitcase. Travel with just a carry on sized suitcase if you can manage.
• Pick a color scheme – It makes it easier to mix & match outfits if you stick to a color scheme. Choose a few base neutrals like black, tan, navy & white for your pants, capris, skirts and outerwear. Add in a pop of co-ordinating color or print with your tops, tees, blouses and dresses. It makes it so much easier to dress! when all your tops go with all your bottom
• Go for carry on sized luggage – Even if you plan on checking your bag for convenience on travel days, we still recommend using a small cabin sized suitcase for your European river cruise. It’s so much easier to travel in Europe with a smaller suitcase! Space is limited in Europe and a smaller bag is easier for travel on trains in Europe, impossibly small hotel elevators, tiny hotel rooms and the ship’s cabin.
• Pack with packing cubes – Using packing cubes helps you organize your luggage efficiently, makes it easier to pack & unpack and helps you pack less. Use a large packing cubes for jeans, shorts & outwear, a medium sized packing cube for tops and a small packing cube for underwear. You can get packing cubes here on Amazon.
• Get a hanging toiletry bag – A hanging toiletry bag is so much easier for cruising. This one by eBags is ideal as it packs flat and is easy to lay across the top of your suitcase contents.
• Use a lightweight backpack or cross body travel bag for excursions – A lightweight backpack like this is great for excursion days. You can fold it up and pack it away in your luggage when not in use. For city excursions in Europe, a cross body bag works very well. Travel cross body bags like this with built in security to prevent pickpocketing and bag slashing are ideal. You can also get small backpacks like this with built in antitheft technology too.

Viking River Cruise Packing List

Here’s a complete list of what to pack for a Viking river cruise. You can download and print this river cruise packing list in PDF form here. We recommend printing and laying out all your items for packing for European river cruise so you can check them off as you go.

River Cruise Clothes

• Tees and tops for day x 5-7 – T-shirts, sleeveless vests, blouses for women and t-shirts, polos and shirts for men. Pack a mix of short and long sleeved depending on season.
• Evening tops x 3-4
• Cardigan or sweater – 1 for Summer travel, 2 in Spring and 3-4 for Fall/Winter travel
• Jacket – A denim jacket or utility jacket for Spring/Fall/Winter
• Shorts or capri pants – 1 for women, 2 for men
• Jeans – 1 for Summer, 2 for Spring/Fall/Winter
• Khakis / chinos – For men
• Skirts x 1-2 – Midi length are ideal for Europe. Or coluttes are also great!
• Sundress / casual dress x 2 – Linen or light cotton in summer and a tunic-style with leggings in winter make great river cruise dresses.
• Leggings for women / Jogger for men – Great for the plane!
• Dress or nice top & black pants / sport coat & shirt for men for formal night (optional) – Most European river cruises don’t have a formal night!
• Workout clothes (optional) – Most ships do not have a gym however
• Swimsuit – For onboard hot tubs or thermal baths on excursions in paces like Budapest
• Waterproof parka
• Packable down jacket (in Fall/Winter)
• Hat and gloves (in Fall/Winter)
• Pashmina – Great for the plane or cooler evenings
• Light scarf (in Spring/Summer)
• Warm scarf (in Fall/Winter)
• Sleepwear x 2
• Underwear x 10
• Bras x 3 – 1 nude, 1 white and 1 black works great for travel!
• Socks x 5-7
• Statement jewelry x 1-2 – Don’t bring any expensive jewelry!
• Sneakers – Comfortable walking shoes are essential for sightseeing in Europe. You’ll be walking a lot and often on cobblestones. We LOVE Sketchers Go Walk sneakers for travel. They’re lightweight and super comfortable!
• Sandals (in Spring/Summer) – Something you can wear in the evening or around the ship. Aerosoles sandals (like these) are very comfortable for walking. As are Vionic sandals (like these) .
• Mules or flats (in Spring/Fall/Winter) – Something you can wear in the evening or around the ship. Vionic do great, comfortable flats (like these) .
• Ankle boots (in Fall/Winter) – Good for walking in wetter, cooler weather. Lucky Brand Basel boots (like these) are a great choice.
• Loafer or dressier shoes for men – Something you can wear in the evening or around the ship.  Here’s a nice Vionic Men’s loafer.
• Golf shoes (if required for your excursions)

River Cruise Essentials

Add these cruise and travel essentials to your packing list for river cruise in Europe!

• Travel documents printed
• Travel document wallet
• Downy wrinkle release spray
• Disinfectant spray / wipes – Spray or wipe down your cabin’s surfaces on arrival and use on your tray table & touch screen on the plane!
• Hand sanitizer
• Tide-to-go pen – For removing any stains on clothing
• Travel laundry sheets –  For handwashing any items you may want to re-wear
• Tide pods – Put a couple of Tide pods in a Ziploc bag to use at the onboard as there is a laundry on Viking river cruise ships (or you can use a couple of the travel laundry sheets mentioned above!)
• Travel umbrella
• Compression socks for the long flight to Europe
• Refillable water bottle
• Travel coffee mug
• Highlighter – For your daily cruise schedule

Viking ships with soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion so you don’t need to pack these. Choose travel size versions of your toiletries to help you pack light. Decant larger items into GoToobs or GoTubs if necessary.

• Toothpaste (travel size)
• Facial moisturiser / skin care
• Make up – Decant larger items into  GoTubs or ask for sample sizes at Sephora
• Make up remover wipes
• Lip balm – Especially in winter
• Hand cream – Plane travel, using hand sanitizer and winter weather can dry the skin
• Sunscreen (travel size & suitable for face)
• Shaving cream (travel size)
• Pain relief
• Cold medicine
• Allergy medicine
• Motion sickness medicine
• Small first aid kit
• Any medication you require
• Contacts & solution if you require

Electronics

Remember to check all your electronics are dual voltage before traveling to Europe. Most electronics generally are but watch out for things like your hair styling tools!

• All chargers
• European plug adapter – Your stateroom may have universal plugs but an adapter is still useful for travel before and after your cruise
• Powerstrip without surge protector for cruise ships
• European data sim or mobile wifi device
• Powerbank – For charging on the go
• Travel curling iron or travel hair straightener – Make sure it is dual voltage! (No need to bring a hair dryer as they have them on the ship.)

Questions on what to pack for river cruise in Europe?

If you have questions about what to wear on European river cruise or our river cruise tips for packing, leave a comment below and we’ll be happy to help. You can also join our Cruise Packing Tips Group on Facebook to ask questions and share your own tips for packing for cruises. We’d love to hear your tips and questions on what to pack for a European river cruise.

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What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise (outfit ideas with photos)

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Even if you’ve been on a cruise before, planning and packing for an Alaska cruise is quite different. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering what to wear on an Alaska cruise.

I did a lot of research before my first Alaska cruise and wanted to make sure that I was prepared for the Alaska weather, the excursions and for days and evenings on the cruise ship. I can confirm that packing raingear and wearing layers is good advice! However, there’s a lot more to know.

Alaska temperatures range from the mid 40’s to the mid 70’s, depending on the month or your cruise. Plus, Alaska weather is unpredictable. It’s possible to have mild and sunny days, as well as rainy and cooler days during a 7 day Alaska cruise.

In this post I share what I wore during the day on Alaska excursions, as well as cruise outfits for casual and formal nights. You’ll find several photos as well as recommendations for clothing, accessories and other useful Alaska cruise essentials.

I’ve also shared an Alaska packing list of items you don’t want to forget!

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What to Wear on an Alaskan Cruise – Day and Evening

What to Expect on an Alaska Cruise

Alaska cruises are more casual than Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises , both during the day and in the evening. Even though we cruised with Holland America, which is a more traditional cruise line, we still found this to be true.

Our Alaska cruise was in May, which is one of the cooler and drier months to cruise in Alaska. If you’re going to Alaska in the summer, there are some things I brought that you can likely leave at home.

I’ve included examples of Alaska cruise outfits for daytime, evening and formal nights.

Pro tip: Check the weather forecast for your ports of call starting about a week before your cruise to help you plan your outfits.

What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise During the Day

If you’ve been looking at Alaska cruise packing lists, you know that you should plan on layering your clothing. This is because the mornings in cruise ports like Juneau , Ketchikan and Skagway can be quite cool and warm up quite a bit in the mid to late afternoon.

You’ll want to pack short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts, to wear under a fleece sweatshirt or hoodie. During my cruise, the temperature during the day was usually about 50F to 57F, so I almost always wore a lightweight puffer jacket as well.

When it got warm, we just removed our jackets, folded them up and put them in our water resistant backpack.

Sweatshirts, Jeans & Leggings

There’s no need to be fancy during the day on your Alaska cruise. I live in leggings when I’m at home, and this was great for days in Alaska too. I also wore blue jeans, which I found kept my legs warm even during a canoe excursion on Harriet Hunk Lake in Ketchikan.

I was really happy I brought these fleece sweatshirts . They were so comfortable and they kept me warm and cozy, even during our day in Glacier Bay!

Recommended: Amazon Essentials fleece sweatshirts (I bought these in blue & pink)

Hats & Gloves

I wondered if I’d wear my hat and gloves, and I sure did! Hats and gloves don’t take up a lot room to pack, and they’re worth bringing even if you’re cruising to Alaska in the summer or fall. Mornings and late nights can be frosty, especially on glacier viewing days.

I recommend bringing thin touch screen gloves, so that you can use your smart phone to take photos or look at emails, without freezing your hands.

Recommended: Hat with pom-poms (check price & reviews on Amazon here)

Recommended: Touch free gloves (love these!)

Puffer Jacket

Although I live in Canada and am used to winter weather, I hate being cold. I wasn’t sure if I needed a parka or a lighter lined jacket. I’m glad I decided on a lightweight puffer jacket.

This water resistant puffer jacket kept me warm, without feeling overheated, during my days in port. I could also unzip my jacket when I was in the bus on tours and excursions.

A puffer vest is also a popular choice for outer wear on an Alaska cruise.

Recommended: Puffer jacket (check price & see 3000+ 4.5* Amazon reviews here)

Pro tip: Wear your puffer jacket on your flight or pack it in your carry-on bag, to save room in your checked luggage.

If you’re going on an Alaska cruise, you need to pack some rain gear. Alaska is home to the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world. While you won’t always have heavy rain, Alaska can be drizzly or misty on any given day. In fact, Juneau experiences some form of precipitation approximately 230 days a year.

We were very lucky during our Inside Passage cruise as it only rained two days out of 7! We had some rain on our embarkation day in Vancouver and in the afternoon while we walked around Ketchikan’s Creek Street and the cruise port.

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What to Pack for Rain in Alaska

A poncho is light doesn’t take up much room and can be easily brought on a summer Alaska cruise.

Recommended: Poncho (check reviews & price on Amazon here)

Wind-proof Travel Umbrella

An umbrella is optional for an Alaska cruise. We rarely used it, but did find it handy while we explored Vancouver in the rain during our pre-cruise stay.

If you take photos and videos, an umbrella can be useful as well. Some cruise lines may provide an umbrella for use in your stateroom.

Rain Jacket

Depending on the time of the year, a rain jacket is a clothing item to pack for your Alaska cruise. If I was cruising to Alaska in June, July or August, I would have brought mine and layered it on top of a long or short sleeve shirt.

Since we were there in May, it made more sense to bring a warmer water repellant jacket.

Waterproof Shoes or Hiking Boots

Alaska is all about exploring the great outdoors. Waterproof hiking shoes will keep your feet dry and comfortable as you explore rugged terrains, trek through glaciers, and walk through trails in Alaska.

While you can wear sneakers, waterproof hiking shoes are better for wet and muddy weather that you might experience on some Alaska excursions . Good hiking shoes will also give you traction and support for uneven terrain.

Recommended: Waterproof hiking shoes (check options on price on Amazon here)

Thermal Wear

Thermal underwear (or Long John’s) will keep you warm during rainy and cool days in Alaska. We brought some as our philosophy was, we are going to visit Alaska, even if it’s cold and rainy!

Recommended: Thermal wear

Lucky for us, the weather was pretty good. However, it only about 50-55F most days and my husband and son found thermal underwear to be useful when worn under a pair of jeans.

I brought fleece lined leggings , and this was perfect for me.

Recommended: Fleece lined leggings (check price & 4.5* reviews on Amazon here)

What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise for the Evening

Planning your cruise vacation outfits for an Alaska cruise can be a bit of a challenge. While most cruise lines have dress code suggestions, in practice many cruise passengers dress more casually for the evening on Alaska cruises that on other itineraries.

If you’re on a 7 day cruise, you can expect to have mostly casual and smart casual evenings, with one or two dressy or formal evenings .

If you want don’t even want to think about what to wear, you can also eat in the cruise ship buffet or grab some pizza or a burger at a one of the casual restaurants.

Related: What To Wear on a Cruise Vacation (day, evening & formal night)

My Evening Cruise Outfits

My Alaska cruise a 7 day Inside Passage cruise on Holland America’s Koningsdam. I brought a few dresses and a pair of black pants that I could wear with different tops. I also brought a light crochet cardigan to wear my tops.

If you like to wear jeans, you can feel comfortable wearing nice jeans and a top to the main dining room, buffet and restaurants.

For the Dressy Night (like formal night) I wore a black dress and my husband and son wore a suit and dress shirt, without a tie.

What Shoes to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

There’s no need to pack too many shoes for an Alaska cruise . The shoes you’ll want to pack are:

• Sneakers, walking or running shoes
• Dress shoes (for evening)
• Casual shoes (for evening)
• Flip flops or slides (for the pool & hot tubs)
• Waterproof hiking shoes (optional)

Alaska Cruise Accessories

Here are a few “must-have” items and cruise essentials to pack for an Alaska cruise.

Travel Binoculars

You’ll see incredible scenery and wildlife from your balcony or cruise ship deck and binoculars are a must-bring! We even brought our binoculars for our whale watching excursion and we’re glad we did!

Recommended: Travel binoculars (check reviews & price on Amazon here)

Large Backpack

A good size water resistant back pack is great to bring on shore excursions. I like this one as it has a waterproof bag insert, good for potential Alaska downpours.

Recommended: 40 L Backpack (love this one on Amazon)

Waist Pouch or Cross Body Bag

One of the best things I brought on my Alaska cruise was a cross body style waist pouch. It was great to not bring a purse with me, so I could be hands free on my excursions.

These days, fanny packs or belt bags are in style for both women and men.

Alaska Cruise Packing: Frequently Asked Questions

Should You Pack Shorts for an Alaska Cruise?

Since Alaska weather can be unpredictable, it’s a good idea to pack at least one pair shorts for warmer days or to work out in the gym. If you’re taking an Alaska cruise during the summer, you may get weather into the 70’s and you’ll be happy you brought shorts and a t-shirt.

Is it Cold on an Alaska Cruise Ship?

I was surprised to find out that it wasn’t cold on the cruise ship in Alaska. In fact, the dining room was very comfortable and I never needed a sweater or shawl. The one day when it was cold on the cruise ship was our glacier viewing day in Glacier Bay. This was because the doors to the outdoor promenade and the ship’s bow were kept open for much of the time, allowing cool weather in.

Do You Need a Coat for an Alaskan Cruise?

If you get cold easily, you’ll probably want to pack a puffer jacket or lightweight coat for an Alaskan cruise. This is especially true if you’re cruising during the beginning, end or shoulder season.

A light jacket or puffer style vest worn over a fleece sweatshirt should be good for those cruising to Alaska during the late spring and summer months.

Should I Pack a Bathing Suit for an Alaskan Cruise?

You should pack at least one bathing suit and cover up for your Alaska cruise. Many cruise ships sailing in Alaska have a heated indoor pool. However, even if your cruise ship doesn’t have a covered pool area, you can still use the outdoor pool and hot tubs.

I was surprised to see a few people swimming in the outdoor pool on cool sea days during our cruise to Alaska. The hot tubs were used regularly, and were particularly appealing during our day in Glacier Bay (what a view!).

Video: Alaska Cruise Essentials & Packing Guide

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Final Thoughts on What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise

Packing for an Alaska cruise and knowing what to wear can be a challenge. However, since Alaska cruises are more casual than other cruise itineraries, planning your Alaska cruise outfits isn’t as hard as it seems.

For day, plan your outfits based on comfort. This means stay warm and dry, and wear layers to help do this. For evenings, you can pack lighter for your Alaska cruise by wearing pants or jeans, paired with different tops. Even formal nights on Alaskan cruises are less fancy than most cruises. Of course, dress how you enjoy, but don’t feel obligated to wear a formal evening dress and tuxedo.

Are you going on an Alaskan cruise? Please let me know your Alaska cruise wear questions in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you enjoy this post please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please feel free to share on Facebook or Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

We watched several of your YouTube videos before our first cruise. We went to Alaska on the Eurodam. Your tips are spot on and greatly appreciated. The best one for us, magnet hooks. They are incredible and helped keep all of our layers off the floor and easy to retreive.

I’m so glad to hear that you had a great Alaska cruise & that these tips were helpful!

question about attire in evenings on alaska cruse, do peope dress for summer? , white pants, dresses? im assuming no jeans

People tend to dress a bit more casually on Alaska cruises that on Caribbean or Med cruises. However, in evenings you’ll definately find a variety of cruise outfits, including dresses, pants and jeans. The interior of the cruise ship won’t be cold. Enjoy!

Hi! Thanks for your advice!!

Have a wonderful cruise!

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A Look Back at Virginie Viard’s Best Collections as Chanel Creative Director…

By Mark Eglon

Here at theFashionSpot, we’re still reeling from the news that Virginie Viard has departed Chanel as creative director, and our forums remain engulfed in debate regarding the bombshell and unforeseen news. The sudden announcement dropped midnight on Wednesday, a mere three weeks subsequent to Chanel praising Viard’s efforts and reporting a healthy revenue increase of 16% to a staggering $19.7 billion in 2023.

Virginie began her lengthy career at Chanel in 1987, as in embroidery intern to the haute couture atelier and caught the attention of the late Karl Lagerfeld. After a brief stint at Chloé with Lagerfeld in 1992, Viard returned to Chanel in 1997 and became director of Chanel’s creation studio in 2000. Viard succeeded the world-famous designer as creative director upon his passing in 2019. Fast forward to June 2024 and Karl Lagerfeld’s handpicked successor has exited 31 Rue Cambon. As planned, the upcoming Fall 2024 Haute Couture presentation will still go ahead during the Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week festivities. According the BoF, Chanel will rely on the studio team to finish the collection.

Ahead of the unveiling of the collection on June 25, we’re taking the opportunity to look back at some of Virginie Viard’s highlights as Chanel’s first female creative director since Mademoiselle Gabrielle Chanel herself. From Viard’s first solo outing for the Cruise 2020 season (to which a Belle Époque-era train station proved an apt setting) to being transported back to the 90s for Spring 2022 with Viard paying homage to the Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld glory days – scroll further for Virginie Viard’s best collections:

Cruise 2020, Paris:

See all the looks from the Chanel Cruise 2020 collection .

Pre-Fall 2020, Paris:

See all the looks from the Chanel Pre-Fall 2020 collection .

Haute Couture Spring 2020, Paris:

See all the looks from the Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2020 collection .

Fall 2020, Paris:

See all the looks from the Chanel Fall 2020 collection .

Spring 2021, Paris:

See all the looks from the Chanel Spring 2021 collection .

Spring 2022, Paris:

See all the looks from the Chanel Spring 2022 collection .

Fall 2022, Paris:

See all the looks from the Chanel Fall 2022 collection .

Cruise 2023, Monte Carlo:

See all the looks from the Chanel Cruise 2023 collection .

Pre-Fall 2023, Dakar:

See all the looks from the Chanel Pre-Fall 2023 collection .

Haute Couture Fall 2023, Paris:

See all the looks from the Chanel Haute Couture Fall 2023 collection .

Mark Eglon is theFashionSpot's Editor-in-Chief. After starting as a freelance writer, Mark has over 3000 published articles to his name. A magazine enthusiastic since circa 2005, Mark enjoys collecting both current and past issues and partaking in discussions on theFashionSpot's forums. Anything with models Gisele Bündchen, Kate Moss or Natasha Poly and he's sold - immediately.

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Balenciaga Spring 2025: Demna Explains His Shanghai-Size Wardrobe

By Samuel Hine

This is an edition of the newsletter Show Notes, in which Samuel Hine reports from the front row of the global fashion week circuit. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.

On Thursday afternoon in Shanghai, Balenciaga creative director Demna was sitting in a hotel room, discussing his magnum opus of gargantuan footwear. “Oh my god, my sneaker team is pretty amazing,” he said. “These are craftspeople.” He was referring to the technical know-how required to engineer the Balenciaga Platform Sneaker, a monstrosity of rubber and mesh that resembles a running shoe pancaked on top of a half-dozen other sneakers. A previous Show Notes column asked if the titanic Balenciaga 10XL represented the apogee of huge sneaker design. I’m happy to report that we have not: when he could no longer build out, Demna built up, to the tune of over six inches of lift.

The online chatter around Demna’s latest mind-melting design was well underway by the time it was officially unveiled on Thursday evening, in a stormy Spring 2025 runway show in front of Shanghai’s jaw-dropping skyline. A few days before, Balenciaga started teasing the sneakers and other surprises, like Under Armour logo earrings, on Instagram. In his nine years at the brand, Demna has rewritten many of high fashion’s holiest rules, and this was a small but important break with tradition, which is that you don’t give away internet-breaking silhouettes or polarizing collabs before they hit the runway. “When I proposed this idea to my team, they were like, ‘Are you sure?’” Demna said with a laugh. “I’m like, ‘Okay, we're not in the 1960s.’”

Demna is a master tailor and also a skillful entertainer. His work appeals to the huge audience of people who follow fashion like it’s football, and he’s launched countless products, like leather Ikea bags and towel skirts, that have sparked endless cycles of online debate. His hardcore fans go bananas for a luxury mind-fuck, while the uninitiated gnash their teeth, season in and season out. A towel that you can wear as a skirt? Fashion is dead!

Demna shrugs off the predictable reactions. Of the Platform, he says, “It's not for everyone, but we have enough sneakers that are different.” Though the mega-shoe was trending on Weibo in the days leading up to his China debut, to Demna the previews serve a different purpose: to focus his audience on the ideas and design elements that go into each collection’s key products, and emphasize the details that are often lost in the viral vortex.

Which is smart, because the longer I’ve covered Demna and Balenciaga the more I’ve realized that the best way to understand Demna’s world is to cut through the complex layers of commentary and dig into the product itself. And often the most extreme and unconventional designs are the ones that most clearly reflect his ideas, many of which spring from his personal experiences and obsessions. (The platform footwear? Demna needed a shoe to wear for a better view at concerts.) In our sit-down several hours before the show, Demna was eager to chat about the many new designs in his Shanghai-sized Spring 2025 collection, one that continues a streak of extraordinarily confident presentations. We got into the (often misunderstood) motivations and ideas behind a collection full of the kind of product he loves to make—products that people love to talk about.

But first, we discussed his years-long dream to hold a runway show in China, where Demna’s most hardcore fans reside. In Shanghai, where he was visiting for the first time, he discovered he was a bona fide celebrity. All week, his visits to Balenciaga retail stores and local pet shops alike were well documented across Chinese social media. Demna told me that the admiration is mutual. He had long been blown away by the innovative ways Chinese customers combine and recombine his work across seasons and categories to create their own distinct styles—DIY versions of his own readymade aesthetic. “I believe in bringing what I do, my vision, to people who appreciate it and consume it, and China is that place for me,” he said following the show Thursday night.

The riverside production was a tribute to the place that has long fascinated him. As the skyline blinked on and buckets of rain began to fall, the Demna-philes—Michelle Yeoh among them—pulled up to the Museum of Art Pudong in their most advanced Balenciaga regalia. The rain didn’t appear to dampen any spirits, even if some clients soaked their Balenciaga Couture tuxedos and gowns.

From under umbrellas and through the driving rain and eyeball-vibrating BRFND-composed techno soundtrack, it was still possible to pick out some of Demna’s boldest new propositions, which the designer exclusively previewed for GQ. As for the Instagram teaser? According to Demna, it didn't just drive conversation. Well before the rain even hit the forecast, eager customers had already been calling Balenciaga stores asking to place orders for the new gear. “Which is good, because I feel fashion has to create desire,” he said. “That's my job really.”

“I wanted something quite vertical,” Demna said of his Shanghai show. His starting point was another innovation in mondo footwear, an aptly-named sky-high platform combat boot that launched over a dozen models (including Thai superstar PP Krit) nearly a foot off the ground. To fully stretch their silhouettes, Demna elongated their loosely-tailored hourglass overcoats and trenches until the models looked something like “human skyscrapers,” as Demna put it.

“With the platform, I wanted something extreme, but that you could still walk in,” he said. Mission accomplished: even on the slick runway, the models pumped along with ease.

Demna continued, "A lot of platform shoes I own from when I was in my twenties, they're very ugly. There’s something about them that is absolutely irrelevant to me today. I tried them on recently and I was like, ‘I could never wear this now.’ And I wanted to do something that is wearable now. Because platform is not a very current type of shoe in general, I find. So that's why when you do it, it has to be translated into the moment.

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“A shoe is such a tricky product I find, much trickier than a bag, for example. Because you have to have your own perception of it, but then also the wearability because it's on your feet. And it defines the silhouette. I mean the beginning 10 or 12 looks, they're basically defined by that shoe. We had to elongate all the coats, 20 centimeters so it covers it, and then it became very monumental, almost like a sculpture silhouette.

“They're walkable. They're actually much lighter than any platform shoe I own, so I'm happy about that. I can't wait to go to a concert with this shoe. I went all the way to London to see to Thom York, and I couldn't see him. And I'm not short, but I could not. So next time I go somewhere, whatever it is, I'm going to wear this boot.”

Which didn't take long. Later that night, Demna showed up to the afterparty at a crowded Shanghai nightclub with a pair strapped to his feet.

SHOPPER SNEAKER BOX CLUTCH

Several models carried Balenciaga sneaker box clutches made of soft moldable leather, the latest in a line of ready-made accessories that Demna fans can’t seem to get enough of. In the crowd, the most popular accessory might have been the leather potato chip clutch. All flavors were represented, and I lost count of how many I saw at around two dozen. (The most advanced stuffed multiple chip bags into their slick Rodeo totes.)

Said Demna, “A lot of people who love sneakers, they have a relationship with Balenciaga obviously. So we have a bit of, I would say, authority aesthetically with this category of product.

“And I love the idea of a sneaker head and people who just buy them and never wear them. I don't do that, but I know quite a few people who do that obsessively, and they keep everything, including the boxes and all of that.

“I have to say that I got the sample and I was like, ‘Oh, for me, it's useful. I can put a lot of stuff in here going to work.’ I also like the idea of grabbing something and not always having something to hang on your shoulder. I'm struggling with the idea of how we can find a way of carrying things without it being just a shoulder bag.”

GARDE ROBE BAGS

On that note, Demna introduced a new category of handbags that look like… clothes! There was a hoodie handbag, as well as bags that resembled a puffer jacket, a button-up shirt, a few parkas, a leather jacket, and a full-sized trench coat. Essentially, Demna had his ready-to-wear team tailor actual garments that they then handed off to the handbag team who surgeoned leather-lined pouches into the clothes. Which means all of the zippers, pockets, and buttons are functional, even if the bags will be most practical at the next Balenciaga show.

“There is this whole wardrobe with bags,” said Demna. “You can use it as a bag, but it looks like you're carrying your puffer jacket. I wanted it to be a trompe l'oeil, so it's a bag, but it doesn't look like a bag. I have some good bags in it there as well in the show, but these ones were the kind of bags I would wear.”

BALENCIAGA X UNDER ARMOUR

One of Demna’s goals for the collection was to strike a fresh balance between tailoring and what you might call streetwear. The casual side of the collection was carried by a new collaboration with Under Armour, which includes archetypal Balenciaga staples like zip-up hoodies and oversized sweatpants, as well as hats, sunglasses, jewelry, bags, a new sneaker boot, and a version of the 3XL sneaker made with UA fabric. I asked Demna to explain his obsession with the American sportswear brand.

“I have to say that they have really amazing products for actual athletics,” he said. “They have very technical know-how, and I try to incorporate it. It's not only to go to gym, it's also to wear on the street, this vibe. But it's very technical. As always when we do collabs, I try to bring in the Balenciaga shaping and tailoring, even if it's a T-shirt.

“It's really a fusion of two—what we are good at and what they're good at into one. And I think it's a cool brand, I mean among sports brands I really like it. Personally, if ever I go to the gym, I have my Under Armour with me. I have a lot of pieces and I ended up thinking, why don't we do something with them? People around me who don't usually consume luxury fashion, they wear Under Armour. To me, Under Armour is very fashion, actually, more than other sports brand. So that's why I felt like it made sense for us to do it with them. It was very smooth. They were very, very open-minded. It was very fluid and a cool collaboration.”

REGULAR ZIP-UP HOODIE

As with any Balenciaga show, some pieces reflected Demna’s fascination with the harsh realities of the way people dress today, including a truly diabolical zip-up hoodie covered in layers of mall-brand graphics and rhinestones, many of which had been painstakingly removed by hand, leaving only the dots of glue behind.

“Oh my god, there is a crazy hoodie look that really questions the taste situation,” Demna said with a laugh as our chat drew to a close. He pulled up an image of the hoodie on his phone. “You know what I mean? I don’t have to explain it to you.”