From themed nights to grand celebrations to coastal excursions, there are many occasions to dress up when cruising. You may even need outfits, such as a sailor party or a captain’s reception. And if you don’t participate in the fun on board, you’ll definitely have FOMO. (When I realized I forgot to pack up in Scarlet Night outfit and stood out from my cottage in a black dress and found the entire ship awake in a crimson red, I still remember my disappointment with my first maiden sail.)
But, buying this outfit – especially those you may only wear for a few hours and may never wear again – doesn’t make much sense for financial reasons. There is no overpacking either, as storage and closet space on the cruise ship can be tight.
For all my trips, especially for cruises, I found my monthly clothing rental subscription to be a lifeguard. It gives me the option of clothing tailored to all my adventures on land and in the high seas – even if that’s just a Tuesday night dinner in the main restaurant.
Clothing rental makes your cruise wardrobe floating
The basic business model for clothing rental subscriptions is the same: subscribers pay (or multiple goods) monthly for a certain amount of goods. You wear them, send them back and select new pieces for your next shipment and know if you really like them, keep one or two pieces once or twice and you will receive fewer pieces in the next shipment.
Profits include free shipping, you don’t have to clean or clean anything before returning it.
If you can’t separate from them after wearing it a few times, companies usually offer options to buy works. Despite the widespread misunderstanding, you are not receiving random goods “based on your style” like stitch repairs or other mail-order shopping services; in fact, you are choosing the exact clothes that appear on the doorstep.
There are several major operators available for clothing subscriptions. Urban Outfitters’ parent company, the freeman and the parent company of Urban Outfitters, offers a trendy and retro style feminine style. Six-piece subscription plan for $98 per month. Amoire’s Women’s Subscription Plan ranges from four plans at $89 per month to $249 per month for unlimited plans; it starts with style quizzes, so companies can offer tailored advice.
For men’s clothing, Thred offers three, four and five-piece subscriptions for $69, $99 and $119, respectively. Meanwhile, the Taelor style offers one or two goods, for $79 or $109 respectively; the latter can also provide money-saving quarterly payments.
I am loyal to renting this track, which was launched in 2009, dressed up and dressed for dinners, weddings and dances. It expands to subscription models, including work clothes, casual clothing, formal clothing, and even accessories like handbags and sunglasses. Its five-piece plan priced at $119 per month, but I chose the 10-piece two-piece plan for $144 per month. Both include full access to its 750 designer brands “closets” – my favorites are Ulla Johnson, Scotch & Soda and Derek Lam.
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I thank other subscribers for their thoughtful comments and photos (I posted myself too). Many people include their measurements and the sizes they rent, so I can get a good idea of how something looks. (I stick with 4 out of 5 ratings from a good number of reviewers.) I can’t tell you how many compliments I get during my cruising trip while wearing a rental – Couture’s cut does vary when renting, making you feel better and making you feel better.
Grab the best laid-back look
Whatever company and subscription you choose, you can use the Favorites feature to talk to your “heart” project. As I booked the cruise and the date got closer, I created a list specifically for the trip and then started adding to it. I chose a lot more clips than I needed because my size may not be available when the time for the order is up. I seek versatile works, as well as items for those unique one-time events (such as white parties) during the voyage.
For the previous campsites, I ruled out anything too basic (such as shorts, t-shirts and casual tops) since they were already in my closet. Instead, I focus on projects that can be mixed and matched. For example, I could wear a long printed skirt with different solid tops or tanks on it and pair them with sandals or my white adidas sneakers for a few days of excursion or hike. Lightweight summer outfits can perform double work as the swimsuits on the pool deck. Sleeveless or short-sleeved Midi dress or magnificent dress works with flats or sandals and heels or wedges for the night.
For men, polo shirts, button-down shirts and twill do the same, and a lightweight sports jacket enhances the look at the night – maybe there are some funky, easy-to-pack pocket squares. (Rent neutral solid colors offer more versatility because it’s easier to coordinate.) Although I like the look of linen, I opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics unless I pack a travel steamer; cruise cabins usually don’t offer irons, and laundry is expensive.
Formal wear – no commitment required
When I choose more elegant outfits, I keep avoiding packing restrictions as I try to avoid checking my luggage. There is gorgeous – I mean Amazing – Rent dresses on the runway website, but some people, such as those with heavy fabrics and detailed stickers, are impractical if you try to pack the lights.
That’s why I always read about fabrics and reviews of product information, which often mention weight. But if limited luggage is not a problem, feel free to rent that floor-standing sequin dress. For men, a dark navy or charcoal suit can work on a formal night if space permits.
As for those special events and parties that require “clothing” clothing, my advice is to specify one of your rents for one more piece you can only wear during the cruise – not just that, but you won’t make a huge profit for you.
I rented a white dress at the MSC World Europa Sailing Tour for a white party and I could wear dinner again on another night. I don’t buy white clothes because it looks like it’s washed off and I’m afraid of spills too. But, that week left my comfort zone, without a promise, it was liberated.
If you don’t want to go all out, just one detail. Rent a red shirt or top and pair it with jeans or white pants to make it red at night, or choose a vintage print for the evening of the 70s. Tropical clothing is everywhere on clothing rental sites, at least for women, as there are plenty of Midi and Maxi floral printed dresses and skirts. These can be a major weight lift for Hawaiian parties, port shopping and upscale dinners.
Of course, parades are not always limited to sailing in the Caribbean Islands or popping up around the Mediterranean. For cooler trips like Alaska cruises or adventure itineraries, you can rent sweaters and heavy jackets for outdoor sports.
Whatever you rent, remember that this is a limited number. I used the shipping as a base for my wardrobe and then supplemented it with something in the closet. Oh, remember: you’ve booked a cruise to relax, so now isn’t the time to emphasize clothing repetition. Everyone does this and no one keeps scoring.
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