So I was invited last minute to a harbor cruise event this Friday. The invitation says “summer cruise party” attire. Which is open to interpretation in and of itself but then throw in the fact that this is a benefit gala (so not like your typical booze cruise party lol) and it gets even more confusing.

For the record last year’s event was held in a hotel and was black tie optional, so I can’t rely on photos from previous years for guidance.

Anyway my husband and I think it probably means summery cocktail - so not black and lighter and slightly less dressy fabrics. (He said he’ll probably wear a light colored suit). Here are a couple options I threw together - what do you think?

1: my favorite versatile blue dress with black flat strappy sandals and black jacket.

2: same dress with white jacket and silver/teal low wedges. The white seems more summer cruise appropriate but maybe is too casual? Honestly I’d like a new white jacket that’s less overtly blazer-y (maybe more like the shape of #1) but I have no time nor inclination to shop in the next 2 days.

3: without jacket. I’d use this teal clutch with all the blue dress outfits. May also add a long necklace or something.

4: flouncy floral dress. This one is dressier but less elegant I think. Also slightly tight although I don’t think it shows. I’d probably carry my red clutch or a black bag, and wear the black jacket in #1.

Question: is the blue dress too casual? The fabric is slinky and a bit shiny but the skirt has small crinkly pleats. I wear it for more casual occasions a lot so I’m not sure I can judge correctly how dressy it reads.