Endless blue water. Endless buffet food. Endless beverages. Pick your favorite! Cruises are a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself.
As a woman over 50 who’s lived a full life and surely has more than a story or two to tell, you deserve to kick your feet up and make the most of your vacation. That, however, requires feeling comfortable and stylish. And that, in turn, requires finding the perfect outfit.
Here at Anthony’s we believe that every woman deserves to feel beautiful and comfortable, whether on a cruise vacation or lounging around the house! That said, here are several tips for packing and dressing for your next cruise so you’ll be ready to say “Bon Voyage” in chic style.
What to Consider When Buying Cruise Wear as a Woman Over 50
Age is just a number. You can dress in whatever way makes you feel good on a cruise or anywhere for that matter! That having been said, as we grow and mature, our needs and desires change.
Chances are, as a woman over 50, you’re looking for clothing that makes you feel put together and confident. But comfort is important, too. After all, vacations are meant to be enjoyed!
If you pack clothing without any give or stretch, you may find yourself skimping at the buffet for fear of feeling bloated or feeling constricted and uncomfortable. No one needs that on a cruise!
Likewise, it’s important to pack clothing that’s flowy and breathable so that you don’t feel hot, overdressed, or sweaty.
Last but not least, if you’re going on a cruise, you’ll need to consider your swimwear and sun protection situation.
Essential Cruise Wear Items for Women Over 50
Going on a cruise soon? Life Well Cruised recommends packing the following items for a 7-day cruise:
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2-3 sundresses and maxi dresses
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2-3 pairs of shorts
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3-5 tops (day & evening)
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2-3 pairs of dark jeans, capri pants, or a skirt
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2-3 smart casual dresses or Little Black Dress
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1-2 fancy dresses or outfits
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2 bathing suits
You should, of course, tailor this suggested list to meet your needs. For instance, we also recommend packing leggings and a cardigan. Leggings can be worn under a dress or with a longer tunic. Cardigans, meanwhile, are great for the sometimes cold air-conditioned interior spaces on cruise ships, or for if and when the weather gets chilly at night.
Some women like to follow the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for packing, which involves packing 5 tops; 4 bottoms; 3 dresses; 2 swimsuits and bags; and 1 hat, watch, and pair of sunglasses.
If you’re not big on skirts or shorts, feel free to sub lightweight capris. Our Hearts of Palm Pull-On Studded Lattice Hem Clamdigger Pant is another favorite with women over 50 who want a cooling summer pant with plenty of leg coverage.
How to Pack for Your Next Cruise
Check the Weather
When it comes time to pack for your next cruise, we strongly recommend looking at the weather ahead of time — but not so far ahead of time that the forecast changes.
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You may find it helpful to do any dry cleaning a week or two before you’re set to depart and get all of your clothing packed a few days before you’re set to leave. Then, check the weather again a day or so before leaving and re-pack accordingly.
- Once you know what kind of weather you will be dealing with, you can adjust what you bring if needed. It’s always a good idea to pack versatile items that you can layer like short sleeve blouses or t-shirts with sweaters or even a stylish weather-proof windbreaker.
Important Categories of Cruise Wear to Pack
It may also help to pack by category of clothing. Here are four categories of cruise attire for women you should definitely pack:
- Daytime attire
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Evening attire
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Excursion attire
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Swimwear
How to Pack Your Suitcase
Maximizing space is the name of the game when it comes packing your suitcase with cruise clothes.
We recommend that you pack your suitcase this way to maximize space:
- Assess the space available in your suitcase
- Prepare your packing list
- Roll clothes instead of folding
- Create a strategy when arranging clothes
- Use packing cubes
- Use a toiletry bag
- Pack travel-sized containers
- Pack your shoes with the rule of three
- Pack electronics last
Don't Leave for Your Next Cruise Without These Cruise Outfits for Women
We recommend packing outfits rather than individual clothing items but choosing items that you can mix and match with other pieces of clothing for a different combination of outfits. Here are a few examples of cruise outfits for ladies that you may enjoy:
Pair the black Solid Cropped Legging by Tribal with a flowy top such as Habitat's Jungle Berry Flounce Collar Blouse
That same solid-colored Look Mode top we mentioned above could easily be paired with a dressier pair of bottoms, like the Krazy Larry Coral Reef Pull-On Ankle Pant
Ready to shop for the best cruise clothes for women? Find cruise wear for all occasions at Anthony’s now!
