All about what to wear on a cruise and how to capture that naughty, jaunty sailor look.

Picture the scene. You are getting ready for your very first cruise. So what do you actually wear? How To dress for a cruise and life onboard ship?

In the past your first thought when dressing for a cruise might well have been lots of relatively formal clothes, particularly for dinner and evening wear; evening gowns, cocktail dresses, lounge suits, tuxedos or dinner jackets.

Today cruises are much less formal. Even the more traditional cruise lines such as Cunard have more informal dining where casual dress is the norm and limit formal dining to one or two special functions per week.

So the emphasis on cruises these days is firmly on casual wear. But it is more difficult to know what to chose with casual attire than with more formal dress. Hence the dilemma in today's workplace when dress-down Friday is the norm.

It may be a clique but why not plan your seagoing wardrobe around a nautical look? Think saucy sailor and matelot. Navy blue with white stripes for example.

The great thing about the nautical look is it can be expressed in anything from a bikini, through shorts or sundress to a more formal dress or a warm greatcoat for chilly evenings on deck.

Accessories too from bags, shoes, broaches and other jewelry can all reflect that ocean-going feel.

Clothes that are inspired by a uniforms are smart but can also be sexy and sassy. The sailor suit is a classic example.

Putting Together a Sea Going Wardrobe

Why not start by thinking about that magical moment when you wake up in your cabin after sleeping like a log after your first night on board?

A nautical mini dress together with a swift walk around the deck to get your lungs filled with sea air could be a great way to start your first full day on board.

If its cold on deck then wear the dress with some slacks, trousers or legins. You might choose, for example, navy bellbottomed pants to keep the theme going.

After breakfast, if its warm enough then replace the trousers with shorts or dispense with the trousers all together.

By the Pool

If you fancy sunning yourself by the pool or taking a dip then look out for a suitable bikini or swimsuit.

Show your true colours is a well worn Naval expression. Remember just because you are thinking sailor it doesn't need to be blue. Bold red strips can be equally salty!

Talking of swimwear, do remember that even if the sea breeze seems cool the sun will burn just as much on a ship as ashore.

Do limit your time exposed to the sun and use high factor sun lotion or sun blocker.

If its cloudy and the sun don't shine ..

If its cloudy or raining then you may want to cover up a bit. Think about a blazer or a stylish jacket. Or what about a short raincoat to wear over that stripy dress?

Bear in mind too that your wardrobe may be limited by the number of cases you are allowed. This is a particular limitation if you are starting off your vacation by air.

So try to chose a wardrobe that coordinates so you can mix and match everything according to the change of weather and time of day.

Be prepared to add or remove a layer as the temperature changes.

A lightweight jersey, sweater or cardigan in navy is a good way to cover up and keep the cold sea breeze at bay.

Why not choose a cover up garment that is figure-hugging and short in order to keep the stylish, uniform look? This cardigan could even be worn over a bikini top if you suddenly felt a little chilly on the sun lounger.

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Consider a least one pair of shoes with a matching stripes and colours. Fake coral bracelets and necklaces in red or blue work well.

Then if you really want to go to town, what about a jaunty sailor hat, beret or cap? That should really make people take notice!

Now you have some ideas for your sea-going wardrobe. So why not check online to see what styles and patterns of nautical wear are available right now?

Also, if you haven't done so yet, find out on the Internet what cruises are available in your price range and book that trip of a lifetime immediately!

In the meantime, Imagine yourself stretched out on a sun lounger with a cool drink at your elbow and blue sea all around you. With nothing to worry about except what outfit to wear for dinner and whether that certain someone is just around the corner. Happy Cruising!