Ladies Dinner Wear Question

[lovetotraveltx]

We will be on QM2 in August, crossing from New York to SOU for the first time. First time on Cunard. On the non-gala evenings are nice pants/trousers with a dressy shirt OK for the ladies, or do you need a dress every night? Also, will I be uncomfortable if I do nice cocktail dresses versus a long gown on Gala Evenings? Thank you!

[fizzy1]

22 minutes ago, lovetotraveltx said:

We will be on QM2 in August, crossing from New York to SOU for the first time. First time on Cunard. On the non-gala evenings are nice pants/trousers with a dressy shirt OK for the ladies, or do you need a dress every night? Also, will I be uncomfortable if I do nice cocktail dresses versus a long gown on Gala Evenings? Thank you!

Everything sounds good xx

[Bigmike911]

Wear what you would be comfortable wearing to a fine restaurant and you will be o.k.. Cunard positions itself as a 'dressy' cruise line so the dressier you are the better, even on non formal evenings. You won't be uncomfortable with a cocktail dress on a formal evening, and you will find many ladies wearing them. 

[naturelovergirl]

We have three Gala Nights on my voyage... I love to dress up- that said, two of those nights I will wear shorter cocktail (sparkly) dresses and on the third I will wear a long gown

 

On the smart nights, I will wear dresses... but I like wearing dresses more than pants... so that is just my personal choice... like BigMike911 said... just think of what you would like to wear to a really nice restaurant.

Enjoy!

[lovetotraveltx]

Thank you. Any examples of what you mostly see/wear to non gala evenings?

[Underwatr]

My wife has a Simple Black Dress that she wears on non-gala evenigs, set off with different jewelry each night.

[naturelovergirl]

3 hours ago, lovetotraveltx said:

Thank you. Any examples of what you mostly see/wear to non gala evenings?

Some items I am bringing for the “smart” nights

Black dress

Burgandy wrap dress

Printed dresses with interesting details (example below of a printed belted wrap dress I am packing)

Dressy skirt and top separates 

etc...

All with jewelry to make the outfit look polished and beautiful

 

 

 

 

[Cathygh]

On Cunard website there are photos of what they deem suitable dress wear. Having just returned from my first Cunard cruise in 4 years I noticed a lot  of casual wear on smart attire evenings and quite frankly wouldn't worry about it. Trousers and T shirt, scruffy dresses, trainers and slippers all worn! Men still have to wear jackets though.

[luckymal]

We have travelled many times with Cunard. Men have always to wear collared shirt and jacket in the  evenings for the main Restaurant. You also mention scruffy dresses and trainers, once again, I have also found lady’s  always seem to make an effort to look good at dinner.🍷🥃

[Cathygh]

 

 

Luckymal I was quite shocked by what I saw, but it was a minority. One lady was nicknamed "bag lady" by some fellow cruisers. On the photos of menswear on the Cunard site there is one of someone wearing a jumper and jacket, can't quite see if there is a shirt. First night on board men did not have to wear a jacket. https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/what-to-pack

I would never advise anyone to dress down, just don't over worry.

Edited July 4, 2019 by Cathygh

[BigMac1953]

Here's a couple of examples of her indoors' outfits:

 

 

 

[Underwatr]

4 hours ago, luckymal said:

Men have always to wear collared shirt and jacket in the  evenings for the main Restaurant.🍷🥃

People might have to clutch at their pearls, but I don't think a collared shirt is strictly required on Cunard.

 

[Cathygh]

Part of the problem is that the guidelines given in the Daily Programme differ to the website. The Daily Programme on Saturday 29th on QE said "Smart trousers with a shirt and jacket for gentlemen" but you could be more casual in the Lido, Pub, Garden Lounge, Casino & Yacht Club.

[Underwatr]

The gent in the photo is wearing a shirt.

 

I've seen people turned away for lack of a jackets but if be surprised to see so done turned away for lack of a collar.

[Bigmike911]

9 hours ago, Underwatr said:

People might have to clutch at their pearls, but I don't think a collared shirt is strictly required on Cunard.

 

This 'outfit' is suitable for a beach outing. Nowhere else. 

[Underwatr]

There are two different questions:

 

1) Does it conform?

2) Should it be worn?

[fizzy1]

6 hours ago, Bigmike911 said:

This 'outfit' is suitable for a beach outing. Nowhere else. 

Geez !!! You would die of heat stroke on a beach outing in this !!!!!!!   This is the acceptable look for evening casual in the under 40’s today . Our twin sons are 34, both at the top of their game in their respective careers in the Uk and America . Very smart look. Love it or hate it, get used to it. It’s here to stay 

Edited July 5, 2019 by fizzy1

[exlondoner]

5 minutes ago, fizzy1 said:

Geez !!! You would die of heat stroke on a beach outing in this !!!!!!!   This is the acceptable look for evening casual in the under 40’s today . Our twin sons are 34, both at the top of their game in their respective careers in the Uk and America . Very smart look. Love it or hate it, get used to it. It’s here to stay 

 

I don't know what beach you are thinking of, but it's clearly not one in southern England. More likely die of frostbite.😀

[fizzy1]

Hahah !!!! That’s true ! Down here in Bournemouth it isn't too bad !! But i  can say for a fact you wouldn't see this attire along the beach !!  

[lovetotraveltx]

Thank you for all the replies, good to know some ladies wear pants on non-gala evenings.

[Bell Boy]

On 7/5/2019 at 9:46 AM, fizzy1 said:

Geez !!! You would die of heat stroke on a beach outing in this !!!!!!!   This is the acceptable look for evening casual in the under 40’s today . Our twin sons are 34, both at the top of their game in their respective careers in the Uk and America . Very smart look. Love it or hate it, get used to it. It’s here to stay 

Hopefully your sons have better taste than wearing trainers and trousers half mast ( in the evening)  I'm all for this sort of look my self (with no socks)  however,  I'd be ditching the trainers for a pair of Gucci loafers.   

Edited to add;     If their hair is that length they might want to be ahead of their game and tie it up in a 'Man Bun'.... now we are talking style 😉

Edited July 13, 2019 by Bell Boy

[fizzy1]

He sure does

Edited July 13, 2019 by fizzy1

[Elephant1151]

We  frequently travel with Cunard and  for me smart casual is a cocktail dress - lace, silk or grosgrain.  Maxi dress or an evening jumpsuit.  

 

Gala dress is long.  Silk or chiffon if we have flights on cruises from Southampton including world cruises beaded dresse are taken. I also wear evening shoes and take an asortment of evening bags. As these can make or break an outfit.

 

 

Edited July 14, 2019 by Elephant1151
blurred photo

[fizzy1]

11 minutes ago, Elephant1151 said:

We  frequently travel with Cunard and  for me smart casual is a cocktail dress - lace, silk or grosgrain.  Maxi dress or an evening jumpsuit.  

 

Gala dress is long.  Silk or chiffon if we have flights on cruises from Southampton including world cruises beaded dresse are taken. I also wear evening shoes and take an asortment of evening bags. As these can make or break an outfit.

 

 

Gorgeous !!!!!!

[Bigmike911]

On 7/5/2019 at 3:46 AM, fizzy1 said:

Geez !!! You would die of heat stroke on a beach outing in this !!!!!!!   This is the acceptable look for evening casual in the under 40’s today . Our twin sons are 34, both at the top of their game in their respective careers in the Uk and America . Very smart look. Love it or hate it, get used to it. It’s here to stay 

Do they actually wear sneakers (trainers)  with out socks in the evening?