PARTY QUEEN / Feb 26, 2025
FORMAL NIGHT DONE RIGHT: 6 CLASSY CRUISE OUTFITS FOR WOMEN
Sailing on a cruise with a formal night? First off, what exactly is formal night—and second, just how formal are we talking?
We know what you’re thinking—ugh, another dress code to decode? Relax. We’re here to make sure you slay at sea. Discover six fabulous cruise outfits for women, perfect for the most fashionable nights on board.
What Is Formal Night on a Cruise?
Formal night is every cruise-goer’s chance to dress up in their fanciest attire and experience luxury at sea. While it’s not mandatory, it is a must-do—especially for first-time cruisers.
The number of formal nights depends on the duration of your cruise. Shorter trips usually have just one, while week-long or longer voyages may have two or three.
What Do You Wear on a Cruise Formal Night?
While not as extravagant as a gala, cruise formal nights still call for a certain level of sophistication. It’s your chance to trade your sundress and sandals for something more elegant. Classic cruise attire includes cocktail dresses, pantsuits, dressy separates, and floor-length gowns.
Can’t decide what to wear on a cruise? Here are some things to consider:
What Cruise Are You On?
Each cruise line has its own take on formal nights. Some, like the luxury cruise line Cunard, go all out with their Gala Evenings. For these events, ladies typically wear floor-length gowns or jewel-encrusted cocktail dresses—basically, anything that would belong in Titanic’s iconic dinner scene.
Others like the Royal Caribbean simply call it “Formal Night,” which we know leaves a lot of room for interpretation. For these dinners, the cruise attire dress code isn’t too strict and anything polished will do. A little black dress, satin slip, or really anything that falls somewhere between semi-formal and formal works.
Is There a Theme?
Themed events are also common, with popular themes like the Roaring Twenties or Retro Glam. It’s always a good idea to check in advance so you know what to pack. Most cruise lines offer packing guides to take the guesswork out of it, helping you dress to impress.
Key Tips for Packing Formal Cruise Outfits for Women
Going on a cruise means being strategic with what you bring on board—and the same goes for your outfits. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Consider Luggage Space
Gowns and dresses can take up valuable luggage space, so stick to options that aren’t overly bulky. Save the voluminous ballgowns for galas on land.
Even on a longer cruise with multiple formal nights, it's perfectly fine to be an “outfit repeater.” Just bring one versatile dress you can switch up with different accessories.
Opt for Wrinkle-Resistant Fabric
No matter how carefully you pack, your dress may end up with a few wrinkles. That’s why jersey is one of the best fabrics for formal cruise attire. It stays relatively smooth, and in some cases, might even be ready to wear straight out of your bag.
However, if your heart is set on more delicate fabrics like silk, you can always bring a travel steamer with you. (Hey, where there’s a will, there’s a way!)
Don’t Forget Your Accessories
You didn’t come all this way to not make a statement.
Complete your cruise attire with the right accessories. Sparkly rings, earrings, and necklaces are staples for any formal night, but for luxury cruises, don’t hold back—bring out your biggest, juiciest jewels!
6 High-Class Cruise Outfits for Women on the High Seas
Make a wave in these glamorous formal night cruise outfits for women.1. Black and Gold Sequin Babydoll Dress with Cut-Away Shoulders
Get the Look: GS3097 - Cut-Away Shoulder Sequin Babydoll Dress w/ Open Back
This babydoll dress is perfect for ladies who know the after-party is the real event of the evening.
Fun and flirty with its short length, it offers plenty of room for movement while maintaining a chic, tasteful touch. Featuring all-over sequins, this
cruise attire sparkles from every angle, making sure you’re anything but forgettable.Perfect for formal nights that don’t require full-on glam—just enough
oomph to make a statement without overdoing it.2. Black Jersey Mermaid Dress with Lace-up Back
Get the Look: GL3035 - Bead-Embellished Jersey Mermaid Dress w/ Lace-up Back
Mermaid-inspired fashion, but make it modern and chic.
Easy to pack and even easier to pull off, this jersey dress kisses all your curves for a sculpted look. Its mermaid cut gives you a gorgeous hourglass figure, while the crisscross back adds the right amount of flirty flair. Ideal for cruises with multiple formal nights—just switch up your jewelry, and you’ve got a brand new look.
3. Silver Sequin Mermaid Dress with Long Sleeves
Get the Look: GL3063 - Gathered Waist Embellished Mermaid Dress w/ Long Sleeves
Sequin dresses are a stylish and practical choice for cruises. Not only are they crease-free, but they also let you shine effortlessly—literally.
With every inch covered in sequins, this dress is guaranteed to have all eyes on you the moment you arrive. Its playful vibe makes it perfect for more relaxed formal nights—or when you’re planning to hit the ship’s nightclub after dinner.
4. Red Pleated Bodice Dress with Cut-Out Detail and Slit
Get the Look: GL3589 - Pleated Bodice Dress w/ Cut-Out Detail and Slit
Isn’t this dinner? Then why are you out here looking like a total snack? 😉
Be a vision in red in this fiery number that’s bringing the heat to the high seas. With its satin fabric and pleats, it drapes beautifully around the body, giving you a goddess-like look. Even on the most luxurious
cruises, this outfit is guaranteed to stand out from the rest.5. Navy Blue Beaded Jersey Dress with Slit
Get the Look: GL3562 - ¾ Sleeve Beaded Jersey Dress w/ Slit
Featuring embellishments on the bodice and sleeves, this cruise outfit effortlessly grabs attention—it doesn’t beg for it. Because when you know you’re that girl, you don’t need to do much to make a statement.
Timeless yet stylish, modest yet eye-catching, it’s ideal for formal nights of any level of elegance. Its classic design also makes it a great cruise outfit for ladies over 50. As a bonus, its jersey and mesh material make it easy to pack so you don’t have to worry about steaming.
6. Royal Blue V-Neck Jersey Dress with Slit
Get the Look: GL3600 - Spaghetti Strap V-Neck Jersey Dress with Slit
Look like royalty on the open seas in this navy blue
cruise attire, boasting a bejeweled bodice that’s just pure luxury. The corseted design cinches the waist for a sculpted fit, while the glitter skirt adds even more glam—because why not?And that pleated bust? We think it gives off “Ariel’s seashell bra” vibes—a perfect way to pay a nod to
The Little Mermaid without being too obvious.Sail Away in Style with GLS Collective
Serve serious style at sea!Shop formal night ‘fits at GLS Collective, where you’ll find a fabulous collection of cocktail dresses and gowns perfect for any formal event. Explore our
New Arrivals for trendy women’s cruise outfits that’ll make you the most fashionable woman on board.Make your formal night
cruise outfit truly unforgettable—check out our other style guides:
Leave a comment