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Frazzled!!

Sarah

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Veteran

I'm getting ready to take a trip (the cruise I've mentioned before) and I'm stumped.
I checked the weather today and it's supposed to be an average of 60 degrees with scattered showers.
I spent an hour last night in my closet trying to piece things together and I'm at a loss. I don't have a ton of luggage space, but I have to wear something other than gear for dinners and four additional days.
I admit I can't remember what I wore when it was 60 degrees here. I have wool sweaters and wool jackets or knit dresses and not much in between. I do have a denim jacket and plan on taking a pair of jeans or two. I also have rain boots.
Any tips or advice you could pass on would be much appreciated. I think part of my problem is that I'm having to pull from my fall wardrobe, which is all dark and not springy at all.
I really only have today and tomorrow to figure this out, so I do have time to pick up a few things if needed.
I'm not a last minute planner, but the temps are much cooler than anticipated. It was expected to be near 70 and sunny.

General

25 replies

Latest reply was from yublocka

julijuli

I'm not sure this will help, but as you know I recently was in Alaska on a cruise (albeit on a tiny ship and with a ton of activity) and we had mostly high 60's - 70's temps. However, there were a couple of cloudy, drizzly days and as I was fine with a couple of layers - even going out on a little skiff to explore a glacier. On those days I would wear a cami, a tee, a cardi/pullover and a jacket. I think the key was that during activities I wore a hat, gloves and warm socks which kept me toasty.

For dinners how about bringing one or two knit dresses & cardis along with a couple of pashminas? I'm guessing you won't spend a lot of time out on the deck if it's super cold in the evening so maybe you'd be ok?

Laura

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Veteran

Julie's advice sounds right. If I were you, I'd plan on wearing gear, definitely for the days you have outings. It is Alaska, after all. Maybe a dress over skinnies for evenings, with a cardigan and a jacket. I bet it's going to be pretty casual.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for your input. My problem is that I'm afraid my wool sweaters and jackets will be too warm. I guess I need that middle layer like cotton cardigans or light jackets, but I don't know where to start. There is a cardigan at Express that I like
http://www.express.com/catalog.....goryId=215
I have some silk blouses that I can wear as my bottom layer, but I really don't have alot of casual wear. I hate to buy stuff just for this trip. I'm really at a loss for shoes, too.
I do have a black jersey dress that I can bring and wear with ballet flats.
Do you think rain boots are overboard, especially over jeans?

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I think a cardigan or two could be a good investment for this trip. Even if there isn't much demand for something like that in texas most of the year, cardies will be nearly indispensible if you travel anywhere else. As for pants, do you have a cotton-twill pair? That sounds like the right sort of weight for that temperature. Jeans obviously make sense, as would a denim skirt if you have one.

I've never been to Alaska, but I hear there are significant areas that are swampy due to snow melt etc. Based on that, I think rain boots sound super practical for your excursions.

sinead

I think taking one or two wool sweaters would be a good idea. Sixty degrees on a boat, with the wind and all, actually feels pretty chilly. As someone who grew up in Austin, I know it can be hard to pack for cooler weather when it's 100 degrees outside. But just so you know, I would be cold at sixty degrees in a silk blouse and short sleeved cardigan (but the cardigan is really cute and would be great for warmer days).

If this is an Alaska cruise, you'll definitely want to take a jacket. Nights can be cold, so I'd take tights to wear with my dress for evenings. And your boots would be perfect over skinny jeans. Take pictures!

Inge

(website)

I've never been on a cruise, nor to Alaska but the lasses seem to know what they are talking about regarding rain boots and gear;-)

The black jersey dress + ballet flats sound great Sarah. Jeans are always practical, if you want to mix it up a bit, you could also pack the famous micro check pants.
For tops I'd take a few camis, maybe a short-sleeved top, one or two cardis - one long-sleeved one, definitely - you can wear them over your dress, with the jeans, micro check pants...). Since you're also bringing your denim jacket, that can function as an extra layer with most outfits.
Throw in a cute scarf (I always feel warmer when my neck is covered) and you're good to go.

I hope you have a fantastic trip!!!

P.S. I didn't get a chance to comment on your threads but I absolutely LOVE your new specs and haircut. You look gorgeous!

julijuli

Sarah - you might want to check in with whoever is managing excursions re: the boots. I didn't bring any because whenever we went out walking on glaciers etc. boots were provided. If they have that option it would save you from having to pack them.

Maya

Veteran

I don't know much about cruises or Alaska, but I just wanted to mention that you should also consider what the temperature will be in the evening and early morning. If 60 is the high temperature, it's going to be that warm for a few hours of the day in the afternoon, when the sun is directly overhead. The rest of the time it will be cooler, and if there is wind, it may not even feel like 60 degrees. I "mispacked" for Boston when it was in the 60's and I was freezing the entire time. Cotton cardigans, lightweight jackets, and scarves were all essential. It's all about layering. If it gets too warm, you can always remove the jacket or scarf or cardi.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I am bringing hiking boots and other athletic shoes for my excursions as all of my excursions are athletic in nature, ie: hiking, cycling, kayaking. The rain boots were for wearing on the ship only. Every time I leave the ship I'll be in gear. So I'm wondering if they are just too impractical?
I have one pair of straight leg jeans that are hemmed for flats, all my other jeans (and microchecks) require heels of some sort.
I'm just torn because I could go two ways with this. Be uber casual except for one or two nicer outfits (no boots) or dress nicer (than most people) with the fall apparel I already have (ie: silk blouses, jackets or cardigans, jeans, and Deisel rain boots).
I know it's not a huge deal, but it's overwhelming to me since I only have a day left to figure all of this out.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I think you should pick the option that's going to make you feel the most like YOU.

If you go uber-casual with 1-2 nicer outfits, will you be missing your nice stuff too much?

If you go dress nice with what you have, will you feel too uncomfortable with being better dressed than the other passengers?

I think you'll know which you want once you answer those questions.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My suggestion would be to dress casually - add one nice outfit and bring knitwear, your killer specs and sweet jackets. It is often colder than you think. The weather can turn!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Leave the rain boots at home. I live in Seattle and have been on an Alaska cruise. Yes they are casual, even the dinners. Most of the time the rain will be drizzle, if it's pouring you won't want to be out on deck anyways.

Anonymous

I am ducking as I say this, but, fleece was invented for the very climate you are going to.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

No need to duck, San! Sarah needs to wear gear and that's when the fleece will come out, appropriately.

Antje

Veteran

Hi Sarah, I'd definitely take cardis (and invest in one or two if you don't own any.) Besides Express (I like the one you linked to) I recommend checking AT and ATL, they should have good options. I mentioned this in some other cruise thread, but I found it chilly on board (a/c) and was grateful for layers even on hot days for those hours spent inside on the boat.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

You all are gems, thank you. I think I'm just stressing because this trip is SO close and I'm really not sure what I will need.
Here's what I've decided:
DH was squared away quite easily (dark jeans, white jeans, gingham and striped 'rumpled' button down shirts, fleece vest, Clarks boots, gear) so I will match him style-wise.
I love my rain boots but in some ways they were really limiting what I could wear for the trip. So they will stay home and wait for our rainy season to start (hopefully before too long, we're at day 30 of over 100 degrees).
I put in my favorite jeans today and decided no trip was complete without them. So I will bring my boot cut jeans with ankle boots and layered knit dresses/tunics and cardis to go over them. I'll bring one dress and cardi in the even that we choose to go to a nicer dinner.
My specs are definitely coming. They will be the sole representation of my fab side.
San, don't duck. I'm wearing full on gear for several of the days. Including Merrells, convertible pants (pants, capris, to shorts), to track jackets, etc. It fits what I'm doing and although it is gear, I think you'll all love the bright colors I've chosen. Most women's gear bottoms come in black, grey, and khaki, so my tops are bright greens, pinks, and blues.
My goal today is to find a pair of metallic short boots that will go with both black and brown tops/cardigans.
I went to Express yesterday and that cardi was not flattering at ALL on me. I did end up getting a faux wrap dress that hits just above the knee. It's black, but it looks great over my jeans.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like an action plan, Sarah. Maybe you can score a last-minute cardy today while boot-hunting, but if not you're probably set. BTW I'm salivating over the idea of metallic ankle boots! I want some!
And in case I forget to post before you go, have an incredible trip!!

shiny

Veteran

I haven't read the whole thread, but I am so tickled that I'm not the only one who quickly forgets what certain temps feel like, and how to dress for them! I have even thought that it would be smart to write down the weather conditions for each of my outfit photos, for reference later.

It's only just heated up to 80s here in Boston, and all of June was in the 60s, so my memory has not yet faded. I would say that there is a warm 60s, and then there is a cold 60s. The type of 60s we had in June was more on the warm side. Please, DO check accuweather's "Real Feel" - that will give you an idea of which sort of 60s you are going to get. Humidity and wind make a big difference. High humidity will make it feel warmer; a stiff wind coming off melting ice or the ocean will make it feel a lot colder.

If you suspect a warmer 60s, then I can assure you I made out just fine last month in lightweight clothes with lots of layers. Cotton cami under a short sleeve top, with a cotton cardigan over, and a jean jacket or rain coat if necessary. No socks. Long jeans were optional (there were a few days I went out in long jeans, but ended up rolling them to clam length). I'd say if you wear long jeans, as a general rule of thumb, you don't need as many layers or long sleeves on top. And vice versa, if you wear more layers/long sleeves on top, you can probably get away with clams on the bottom. As for dresses, I was most comfortable with a jean jacket, cami, and cropped leggings.

The good thing about all this layering is you can easily add/subtract. Remember that weather reports aren't always accurate. If it's been in the 70s, then err on the side of "it may warm up more than they are forecasting."

For chillier 60s, like in the fall, I would opt for long sleeves, jeans, socks, covered toes, and even thicker blazers. I doubt this is what you are going to get, but I could be wrong. I've never been to alaska or on a cruise. I imagine that wind chill will be a big factor. A trench coat might be worthwhile, as it will cut the wind chill and yet it is nicer than a gear-coat.

Pashmina for night time dinners on the boat!

shiny

Veteran

Just read Maya's post... Maya, when you were here, that was definitely a "cold" 60s! I recall we had a lot of wind and low humidity that week. It was same temps last month, and yet, felt a lot warmer, because the humidity was so high.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, shiny. That's a huge part of it. I do not remember what the 60s feels like. I grew up in the Seattle area, but I've been gone for a few years. And when I lived there, I dressed less than fab for sure. So I'm just feeling so lost!
I have oxfords (both black and mahogony), do you think those would work with long jeans, or do you think open-toe shoes are fine? It sounds/looks like the one really cold day is when the ship goes through a glacial passage. Otherwise it's truly at sea, and I imagine we'll spend our time as a family playing games together or swimming in the heated pool, or running, etc. So I don't imagine I'll spend a lot of time out on deck unless I'm running or we're going through the glacial area (I've been told I need to bundle up for this).

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

shiny, I just checked the weather again for our trip, and 60 is the HIGH (on land) and showers are in the forcast. I am wearing gear when we go on shore, so I only need to complete my apparel for the boat.

julijuli

Sarah - I'm not sure about your cruise because the boat is bigger, but one thing to consider is that you might want to be out on the deck to view wildlife. We often saw bears on the shore and while at sea frequently came across humpback & orca whales along with seals, sea lions and dolphins. If you have a cabin with a view it might not be an issue but sometimes it is great to get out on deck to see them up close and personal.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'll say it again. Bring WARM clothes. It's cold on a boat!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Alright, I think I'm sorted now. For real this time. I have picked tees/camis and cardigan ensembles to be worn with jeans and ankle boots. I have a scarf, super warm coat, and gloves (and a hat!) to be worn when called for.
Layering is just so hard because I don't do it that much, and when I do, my middle layer is typically really warm. So thanks for all the advice and putting up with my frazzles.
My rain boots will be left at home, sadly, but they will be used frequently in just a few months.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Sarah I don't have anything helpful to add, except I hope you have an awesome trip!!! Take lots of piccies of your beautiful surroundings and your beautiful outfits. Would love to see them!!!