Last week I did a post on Vintage Cruise Line Advertising (1930s-1950s) and this week I want to share inspiration on what one could wear WHILE Cruising the seas or oceans. Of course theses are all going to be images & advertising from the 1930s to the 1950s that are meant to inspire your wardrobe, but I also want to share some clothes from Unique Vintage and Etsy that you can buy right now (because shopping is fun!).

I have also decided it’s going to be my blogging mission to change some people’s minds on what to wear when on a cruise. Let’s glam it up like Marilyn & Jane in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy & Unique Vintage are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

Note: If you click on an item and it is no longer available, don’t fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000’s of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.

Vintage Shopping (after your done on this post): I have created am Etsy collection of ‘Vintage Vacation Outfits’ perfect for the cruise, resort, Mexico, Cuba etc. Take a look HERE (updated monthly)

What to Wear on a Cruise

The 1930s-1950s Edition

1934 summer cruise wardrobe. You would differently turn heads if you came out onto the Lido deck in one of these numbers.

Interested in the article? Then make sure you check out ‘Just skirts and dresses‘ to give it a read.

Source: Just Skirts and Dresses

1930s UK Womens Fashion Magazine Plate. “You need this little Jumper. And even if you don’t cruise this Spring, you’ll want it just the same”.

Source: Alamy

All aboard! Edward Steichen captures cruise liner life on ‘Lurline’ in 1934.

Source: Vogue Australia

Excerpt on Cruising in the 1930s from ‘Cruising the Past’

Women cruisers were reminded that they will probably be going ashore, so they will need appropriate clothes for the ports they visit, as well as evening dress for dining on board: “Don’t misjudge your destination. Havana . . . is a metropolitan city, where you should be dressed as circumspectly as in Boston. In some places, . . . you might want to stop in at the big hotel for tea. Better wear a more conventional costume [than “your little deck dress”] and be ready! Only if you know your ground can you be casual about your clothes. If you plan to grab bicycles the minute you get off the dock in Bermuda and ride all day, then your culotte skirt would be completely comfortable and appropriate.”

1935 Photo-A lovely lady enjoying the sunshine on the deck of the cruise ship Orion, Brisbane.

Source: Flickr

On Etsy right now are these lovely 1930s/1940s shorts that would be perfect for your next trip.

Source: Etsy

Lord & Taylor “100% Right for your Bermuda Cruise” Advertisement. “What a well dressed school girl will wear in Bermuda if she’s lucky….”

Source: Amazon

Suspender Dress with a striped cotton blouse for comfort and style. But don’t forget the suit. It’s vital for your cruise & touring wardrobe.

A wonderful jacket will look good over any party dress.

“Culottes are smartest”- Exclusive Tennis Culotte Dress.

Don’t forget to pack your Reversible Raincoat! And your flannel short-slacks of course (flannel???).

Burlington Mills Corporation – Southern Holiday cruise wear summer fashions, 1946 ad.

1950’s Sun Sets by McGregor Sportswear. “A Brilliant New Colour Achievement in Teamed Water Suits”.

1950s matching swimwear for the win! Those men’s Cabana Sets (or sun sets like above) are pretty darn amazing.

Source: Cruising the Past

1957 ad – Stripes & Polka Dots are the theme of this trip.

Source: Pinterest

Now not a perfect match to the dress above, this is a cute polka dot swing dress from Unique Vintage that will have you receiving compliments everywhere you turn on your cruise

(note: no longer avail as of April 19th, 2022. The link goes to other polka dot dresses on Unique Vintage Website).

Waving goodbye in The Paul Parnes Signature…. 1959 ad.

Source: Flickr

A wrap is a MUST when on the boat, it can get quite chilly on the water. This 1950s Vintage Summer Dress with Wrap will do the trick (avail on Etsy at time of posting).

Source: Etsy

This 1950s photo of a group of people playing ring games on the deck of a cruise ship, is a mix of sportswear & daytime casual for the women & men.

Don’t be afraid to rock a stylish suit men! Even during the day.

Source: Insider

1950s photo of people all dressed up in 1950s eveningwear dancing in the dining room.

Source: Insider

Here is a vintage number that will make a statement when you enter the dining room at night (or to dance like in the above photo). A stunning evening gown from the 1950s with matching reversible jacket (avail on Etsy).

Source: Etsy

Question Time: What is your travel or cruising style? Share in the comments below.

FURTHER READING:

Archive of Blog posts on Vintage Fashions from the 1920s-1960s

Liz