Travel Dressing | Fabulous After 40

Over 40 Dressing for a Cruise

January 23, 2013 | By Deborah Boland | 2 Comments

Hi Ladies,

I love your site! I am going on a cruise soon.

What do I wear to dinner, the show, and dancing? I don’t mean on formal nights. Just regular nights.

What do I wear during more casual times like in port on excursions?

Thanks, Anne

Hi Anne,

Oh what a fun time you’ll be having! Here are several ideas for what to bring. The good news about going on a cruise is that you can pack more than you usually do because once you are on the ship you unpack once, and that is it! Also, since there are many activities it’s fun to change your look to suit the different events. Some of these items we found are pricey, but look around and you should find similar versions of these styles in other stores as more cruisewear starts drifting in.

NOTE: Please excuse the lack of ”real” models in this post. It’s frustrating for us too. We rely on photos of clothing from various stores that sell on the internet and these are the models they use. Unfortunatley, they are all super skinny and young, but we have chosen garments that we know will be age-appropriate and look good on most over 40 women.

Breezy and Easy A classic oversized scarf with a chain motif is the inspiration behind this floaty Michael Kors Flutter top. Pair this top with black capris leggings or skinny pants and you have a look that is ship-shape. (Nordstrom)
Exotic Edge! Flutter sleeves, big and small, seem to be everywhere this spring. Here they grace this pretty Diane Von Furstenberg ‘Harley’ Dress with it’s calming Fern print. Although this dress looks a little short on this gal (she’s probably 6’1″”!) it can work - alone or with some capri leggings. This feminine floral would be perfect for a casual deckside dinner when you’ve been touring all day and just want to slip into something more comfortable, darling! (Nordstrom)
Chic in Cork!Finding the perfect sandal to take on your cruise is always a challenge. It has to be comfy and go with a lot of your clothes. This *Michael Kors ‘Hamilton’ Sandal* fits the bill. Not only does its minimalist style work with sundresses, shorts and pants, but the pretty tan shade works with about any color. Don’t forget your pedicure! (Nordstrom)
Perky and Practical This fun navy Milly Polka Dot Ikat Tote is just what you need to look sporty and classy on your cruise. Just the right size for toting a few souvenirs back to the ship too! (Nordstrom)
Ship Deck Sundress When it calls for casual but, you still want to look a little dressy this shapely black shift dress with shiny brass grommets atop the shoulders and flanking the zippered bodice is a modern choice. By who else but Michael Kors? (Nordstrom)
Chic ShortsOrange spice sums up the zesty look of these cute and practical Bermuda shorts from Jones New York. Fresh without being gaudy and the right choice for excursions. Warning! Wearing 6 inch high heels like these with these shorts may cause you to fall off the ship deck! (Jones New York)

Calypso QueenDid you say Caribbean? Cruise anywhere, especially to tropics, and you will look mind blowing in this festive, over the rainbow *Abi Ferrin ‘Gloria’ Print Jersey Halter Dress. Added bonus: That high empire waist and flare skirt draws the attention away from your tummy if you’ve been enjoying those cruise meals a little too much. Now get out on that dance floor and shine! (Nordstrom)*
Artful Eyewear If you ever wanted to treat yourself to something special for your cruise, these would be our choice. They’re one of the newest pairs of sunglasses from Prada, and with their ornate designer arms they possess standout style. Don’t be leaving those on the beach!
Ship Ahoy!Sexy and summery this gorgeous maxi dress halter will will turn heads in port and at sea. Be sure to wear a little heel to let this dress flow. So classy. No wonder they call it the Riviera Maxi. (Boston Proper)
Wonderful WedgeLove the casual vibe of these cute Keelyn Sandals from Michael Kors. Suede and with jute wedges they’re fit for fun and adventure. Great with a sundress, capris or anything else. ( Nordstrom)

Crop it OffYou can never go wrong bringing along a pair of casual cropped pants and nothing says holiday more than white ones. Top your copped pants off with a loose tunic, shirt or t-shirt and a pair of flats, or wedges and you look ready to set sail and vacation in style. (Chicos)

Do you have a favorite casual outfit you’ve taken on a cruise. Email a snapshot to myphoto@fabulousafter40.com. We’d love to post it.

What to Wear in a Cold Conference Room?

October 9, 2012 | By Deborah Boland | 6 Comments

Deborah in her signature coral cashmere wrap

Hi Glam Gals,

I’m from Europe and the biggest problem I face when in the U.S. is the big difference between temperature outside and the freezing, air conditioned rooms inside. ( I usually travel to New York, Washington, DC and Miami in spring/summer). I’m not used to that and I don’t know how to dress for that. Usually I end up with a chunky, fleece sweater or my coat over my business outfit in the rooms, and socks! Then I take that all off again on the way out!

How do you gals keep elegant with that large change in temperature? Laura

Hi Laura

Great question because that is a real problem for us too. I (Deborah) have been to many conferences in the last year and have always taken a big cashmere wrap with me.

Here’s me in my signature coral one, but I also have a red wrap as well as a leopard wrap that I wear all the time. These wraps are lightweight, chic and they keep you really warm. I love wearing them on airplanes, in conference rooms and when I’m out for dinner on a patio in the evening.

I purchased all three of my cashmere wraps at Neiman Marcus in the U.S., in the lingere department of all places, but looking around have seen similar things in the scarf/belt/accessory department of other major department stores.

As for socks, well, I just wear closed toe shoes to keep my feet warm and always carry nude pantyhose in case my legs get too chilly when I am wearing a dress.

If it’s day 2 of a conference and I know the room will be cold, I often wear pants and carry some knee highs or trouser socks in my purse to wear with my closed toe shoes if need be.

There’s nothing worse than shivering all when when you are trying to enjoy a conference.

Does anyone else have any suggestions for how they keep warm? If so, please let us know.