Formal sandals?

[57redbird]

We are thinking about a cruise that requests ladies wear 'formal sandals' or equivalent for dinner ---- what are formal sandals?

[2BACRUISER]

It just means not flip flops or beach kind of sandals. 

I find a black strappy low wedge type with a few bits of sparkle work well. Hth

[pcur]

Many of us have problems with our feet swelling in the heat on cruises, plus I have slipped and fallen in "regular" evening sandals.  I switched to slip on style flat or low wedge blingy sandals.   I have black, silver, and taupe.  Here are the silver and taupe ones:

 

 

[crystalspin]

For me it would be 'gold' trimmed tan sandals that are flip-flop (thong) design. And I would wear them to lunch too! 

 

Gave up formal heels ten years ago and as carry-on-only I would not pack a pair of shoes only for dinner. But then I probably would not be considering a cruiseline that dictated dress-code down to footwear! (Yes I know even some mainstream lines mention no sandals for men at dinner in the MDR.)

[clo]

Rothy's flat or point would fill the bill and you can wear them all over the place.

 

https://rothys.com/

 

[Langley Cruisers]

You can absolutely count on some women wearing something flat and closed-toe - not everyone likes or can wear sandals. I should think something other than rubber flip flops would get you a seat at the table. 😉

 

But yes, do tell which line is dictating women's footwear requirements? ...... Those who have cruised with them can tell you more accurately and put your mind at ease. 

[RedHeadTexan]

These are my formal sandals for cruises.  I bought them on Amazon a couple of years ago for $35. 

 

 

[Lois R]

What are formal sandals? Oh my.....they can vary...….some are black, some are in color, some have low heels, some have medium heels, some have high heels...…some maybe be flats...….I would say what sandal you wear would probably be based on what outfit you are wearing.

 

And I would also like to know what cruise line is telling you what shoes to wear......just think it is a very weird thing for them to do. (in my opinion).

[islandgirlejfan]

I get sparkly sandals at Boscovs.  They have all sorts.  I've also seen really nice ones at Beall's in Florida.  I've never been ousted from the dining room, so they must be ok.  I also have Tieks and Rothy's.

 

[57redbird]

Thank you all --- it's Paul Gauguin --- no flip flops or sandals but 'formal sandals' are ok.

[Langley Cruisers]

43 minutes ago, 57redbird said:

Thank you all --- it's Paul Gauguin --- no flip flops or sandals but 'formal sandals' are ok.

 

Thanks.

[Anita Latte]

What a funny topic! I mean...I get it. I'm the girl in the house with DH and DS. I feel for my guys...SO MUCH...when we go on cruises sometimes and the requirements for MDR clothing...men have it rough. Compared to women... My guys are hot blooded and appropriate men's wear for the MDR is generally not suited to hot blooded men...not like what women can get away with anyway. My take on "formal sandals" are sandals that wouldn't look "right" at the beach...or the pool...or the park. There are MANY sandals in this world...Birkenstocks are sandals...and while I admit that I have worn them on "chic night" in AK...they would NOT qualify as "formal sandals". It's subjective for sure but I think that the mental projection of how well they would suit in a Michelin star restaurant vs a park is a pretty good indicator of whether or not they are "formal" sandals.

[Lois R]

10 hours ago, 57redbird said:

Thank you all --- it's Paul Gauguin --- no flip flops or sandals but 'formal sandals' are ok.

Really, the are telling you formal sandals are what they want? I have not cruised with them but I know they have 1 itinerary and it is Tahiti....I would think it would be casual. I had researched them for a cruise a while ago...…..I will look else where .

[clo]

13 hours ago, Anita Latte said:

I feel for my guys...SO MUCH...when we go on cruises sometimes and the requirements for MDR clothing...men have it rough.

So there are still cruise lines that require coat and tie?  From reading here I didn't get the sense that it was REQUIRED.  Suggested but they won't turn you away.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[2BACRUISER]

5 minutes ago, clo said:

So there are still cruise lines that require coat and tie?  From reading here I didn't get the sense that it was REQUIRED.  Suggested but they won't turn you away.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.

No it's TRUE there are still lines where jacket required. Cunard and HAL spring to mind. 

[clo]

10 minutes ago, 2BACRUISER said:

No it's TRUE there are still lines where jacket required. Cunard and HAL spring to mind. 

I just found this:

https://linerlovers.wordpress.com/2018/03/27/cunard-dress-code-changing/

[Lois R]

Hal requires men wear jackets? I don't sail with them but I am surprised. I was under the impression most of the mass market lines have stopped those kind of attire requirements.

[clo]

6 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hal requires men wear jackets? I don't sail with them but I am surprised. I was under the impression most of the mass market lines have stopped those kind of attire requirements.

See the link I shared above.  No jackets.

[RedHeadTexan]

7 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hal requires men wear jackets? I don't sail with them but I am surprised. I was under the impression most of the mass market lines have stopped those kind of attire requirements.

HAL does not require men to wear jackets any more.  

 

Lisa

[2BACRUISER]

18 hours ago, 2BACRUISER said:

No it's TRUE there are still lines where jacket required. Cunard and HAL spring to mind. 

 Whilst it may be in the suggested dress code now that they're not required reading Cunard and HAL forums you get the feeling that anyone who doesn't is frowned upon by the 'old' formal guard who detest any dumbing down of standards and they do complain about it on a regular basis. . 

IMO some of the lowering of dress code standards is getting out of hand, i don't want to see peoples flesh on display in the MDR or the buffet at any mealtimes, but now you see beer bellies, flabby armpits, backside eating shorts, breasts barely covered and the like on a regular basis. Whilst this may be fine round the pool please a bit of modesty and decorum. I agree there's no need for jackets my DH only owns the one on his suit so we prefer the smart or country club casual look. 

[clo]

31 minutes ago, 2BACRUISER said:

 Whilst it may be in the suggested dress code now that they're not required reading Cunard and HAL forums you get the feeling that anyone who doesn't is frowned upon by the 'old' formal guard who detest any dumbing down of standards and they do complain about it on a regular basis. . 

IMO some of the lowering of dress code standards is getting out of hand, i don't want to see peoples flesh on display in the MDR or the buffet at any mealtimes, but now you see beer bellies, flabby armpits, backside eating shorts, breasts barely covered and the like on a regular basis. Whilst this may be fine round the pool please a bit of modesty and decorum. I agree there's no need for jackets my DH only owns the one on his suit so we prefer the smart or country club casual look. 

Re your second paragraph, I wouldn't describe the examples you give as "lowering of dress code standards."  Rather people who are clueless about what's appropriate in various venues.

[2BACRUISER]

5 hours ago, clo said:

Re your second paragraph, I wouldn't describe the examples you give as "lowering of dress code standards."  Rather people who are clueless about what's appropriate in various venues.

You could be right but it would be nice to see few pulled up about it, but nowadays you're not allowed to comment in case you offend somebody. Never mind they're offending me with their bodies ugh. 

[clo]

1 hour ago, 2BACRUISER said:

but nowadays you're not allowed to comment in case you offend somebody.

You're not ALLOWED?  By the cruise line?

[clo]

BTW, I'm guessing if you're packing special shoes to wear once or twice that you don't travel light 🙂 LOL.  That's why I included the Rothys flat.  Multi-purpose, dressy or not, on the ship or off, any meal.  I anticipate bringing two pairs of shoes!

[57redbird]

16 minutes ago, clo said:

BTW, I'm guessing if you're packing special shoes to wear once or twice that you don't travel light 🙂 LOL.  That's why I included the Rothys flat.  Multi-purpose, dressy or not, on the ship or off, any meal.  I anticipate bringing two pairs of shoes!

Yes, I do ---- I've learned to pack maybe 3 pair of shoes, not including 'formal sandals' --- that's why I wondered what they were & hoped a pair I have would work -- they're not metallic but they do have a wedge heel so I think they'll pass. BTW - we're looking at a PG cruise & you need 'formal sandals' in all of their restaurants every night unless you do their version of the Lido.

 

Edited July 22, 2019 by 57redbird
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