What is 'Formal Wear'?

can I suggest asking the organisers what formal dress constitutes?

We are Saga cruisers as we like their small ships. On the Formal nights pretty much everyone really makes an effort although there is a wide assortment within the ladies department....evening trousers, so called 'cocktail' dresses to the odd full length with stole (although have yet to see any tiaras). In the average 14 day cruise there are usually 3 official formal nights which I think works well. They usually fall on a 'cruise' day so that no one is rushing back from a busy excursion to dress up. Most people do smarten up a bit for dinner but its often not much more than changing a blouse or putting on a bit of lipstick especially if an excursion has over run.
Thankfully everyone is decent at the breakfast table - some younger friends of ours were recently staying in a Travelodge type place and were horrified to see many folks came in for breakfast in Pjs.

Don't go, Kitty! Why should they tell you what to wear?
Bah humbug.

Galen, you’re looking lovely in your picture. I love dressing up on formal nights on a cruise, though on our last cruise, Celebrity, the formal evening was much less formal than when we’ve been on Holland America or Cunard. We’re going with Celebrity again next month and Mr M says he’s not taking his dinner suit, just a lounge suit, as so few men wore a dinner suit on Celebrity. For the ladies I think a cocktail dress or evening trousers are fine on Celebrity.

Formal definitely requires a dinner jacket/suit for men, and for women a long evening dress, cocktail dress, or evening trousers with glittery/satin/ velvet/ top and possibly jacket. The curry bit would probably lead me towards trousers and evening top. Sparkly shoes and evening bag will complete the look.

It's the curry bit that has confused my thinking, doodle! And, I can guarantee that I will drop it down my front. So orangey might be the way to go!

Latest fashion (from TV) seems to be people going out wearing pyjamas. Have you got a nice cosy old pair to wear kitty. Have to say if the “formal” meal is curry, how formal can it be (wear something that washes easily. I always spill curry sauce down my front . Have a great evening.

Galen you look fabulous!!

No dancing involved thankfully and I'm not aware of anyone else I know going!

For him, maybe a suit maybe black tie, best to ask others going which is usual, you don’t want to be the only one in a suit, or indeed only one in black tie.

For her, jacket and trousers or skirt, again ask others what is usual, is dancing involved?.

Enjoy

cruise formal, rather different to an awards or business formal

You do look glamorous galen! I'd never carry that off!

Thanks

You look extremely glamorous Galen

My formal dress on cunard

That's my thought really hilda. Good excuse for a new blouse!!

'Formal wear' is not quite as definite as 'Black tie' which really means the man should be in a dinner jacket.
I know its not quite the same thing but on a recent cruise we had 'Formal' nights and the suggested ladies choices did indicate that evening trousers were quite acceptable. Which in my case is most appreciated. My legs have never been my best feature and as time goes by they need sturdy support tights to make them look half way decent so well cut evening trousers in a suitable fabric are pretty much my choice.
I have three pairs one black t'other two shades of navy, all fairly wide cut on the legs but well tailored. I partner them with evening tops and jewellery and feel 'suitably' attired.
I think its all a matter of how you feel - with me I tend to use a bit of make-up and take extra of care with my hair on such occasions and I certainly feel I have hit the brief. I have never felt either over or under dressed - just me but on a good day.

You may surprise yourself and have fun !!!
If you prefer wearing trousers, no need why you shouldn't - plenty of choice in many shops at the moment - go for plain black in either velour or a soft jersey that you can wear every day after, with a floaty top or if you are brave, there are a lot of jumpsuits about ! A couple of items of sparkly jewellery and you are done. Worth checking out local charity shops.

Thank you all!!

I'm going with nina's suggestion!!

It's not a ball it's an awards dinner with a 'sit down' curry. And 'carriages' at midnight!

At the ripe old age of 71 I am aware that I would much rather stay at home than go to anything that requires 'formal' dress! But, duty calls.

I agree with Craftyone formal for a man is always a dinner suit, otherwise the invitation would have said "lounge suits"

Trousers are fine but they should be floaty evening types with a glittery or silky smart top. Nice hair do and sparkly earrings. I have many times worn trousers to formal business dinners. Formal for a man always means a dj, never a normal suit. Bow tie, nice white shirt with perhaps a bit of ruffle or embroidery and very shiny black shoes

Off thread slightly, but many years ago DH belonged to a golf club and the Christmas do invitation said "Ladies, cleavages will be worn!" My reaction was unprintable!

This needs more checking out Kitty is there any way you can do it?
I would see ‘formal wear’ as a suit for your DH ( if it had meant black tie it should have said so.)
You could wear almost anything ( but not a ballgown!) dressy trousers and top, a pretty dress etc.

Smart suit and tie for Mr Lester and yes you can certainly wear trousers Kitty - with a smart top, velvet or silk would be my choice. Don't stay home, go and enjoy it.

What type of occasion is it Kitty, if its a ball, I would say a long dress would be most appropriate, but dress not trousers but if it a formal dinner then a cocktail dress or smart trouser outfit. Tuxedo would be perfect.

Yes I wear (wore) trousers to these dos. Just glam them up a bit. Unless it says black tie your DH can wear a smart suit and tie.