OMG you guys – I just booked my Alaska cruise for July and immediately panicked about the packing situation. Like, what do you even WEAR in a place where “summer” means 55 degrees and rain?
Last time I did this trip (back in 2023), I totally screwed up. Brought cute sundresses because… summer? NOPE. Ended up freezing my ass off and wearing the same North Face fleece I panic-bought in the gift shop for $90. Never again!
After three Alaska cruises, I’ve finally figured this out. You need stuff that’s warm but not bulky, cute but practical, and versatile enough to work for everything from hiking to fancy dinners.
BTW – what the heck is “White Night” anyway? And why does “cruise casual” mean something totally different than regular casual? Don’t stress – I’ll break down exactly what to pack for all this weird cruise stuff. Your Instagram will thank me later.
For Women (Day Looks Cruise Outfit)
Deck Day Chic – Sleek leather leggings + chunky sweater + plaid shirt combo? Yes please! Throw on some chunky boots, add wool socks that peek out just a bit, and grab your statement sunglasses. This look says “I’m not freezing my butt off but still look cool enough for the ‘gram.”
For Plus-Size Women
Curvy Queen Status: If you’re plus-size, try this: Denim skirt over thermal leggings (your secret weapon against the cold!) topped with a chunky turtleneck. Add platform boots and a colorful scarf that makes the whole outfit pop. The silhouette is chef’s kiss.
For Black Women
For My Black Girls: Faux leather pants are your best friend on this trip! Pair them with a super-bright soft sweater (the color really pops in photos against the glaciers) and a belted wrap coat. Finish with ankle boots that have some fun hardware. Trust me, you’ll turn heads at the dinner table.
Cute & Casual
Cute Without Trying: That corduroy pinafore dress you bought last year? Pack it! Layer it over a striped turtleneck with fleece-lined tights underneath (nobody will know but your warm legs will thank you). Platform loafers and a cropped puffer and you’re giving cool-girl-who-doesn’t-care vibes.
Formal Night
Fancy Night Flex: When the itinerary says “formal night,” show up in a velvet wide-leg jumpsuit in emerald green. The asymmetric neckline shows just enough skin without freezing. Block heels (because: moving ship) and some statement earrings are all you need to look expensive.
Everyday Casual
Coffee Run Ready: Straight-leg jeans + thermal top + that sherpa-lined denim jacket you love = perfect for wandering the ship or grabbing coffee before an excursion. Waterproof sneakers keep it practical, and a cute beanie hides day-three hair. Win-win.
Formal White Night Outfits
White Night (It’s a Thing): Yes, “White Night” is actually on your itinerary! White rib dress. Silver platform sneakers pull it all together without looking like you’re heading to a P.Diddy party in 2001.
For Couples (Her Outfit)
Adventure Ready – You want cute pics with your person but not matching outfits (ew). Performance leggings with a thermal top and quilted vest look put-together without trying too hard. Coordinate (don’t match!) your jacket color with your partner’s for subtle couple vibes.
On Excursion
Excursion day! Go with sleek black waterproof leggings (not the baggy hiking pants your dad wears), a colorful thermal base layer, and a cute fitted puffer in a bright color that pops against the ice. Add waterproof hiking boots that don’t look too “outdoorsy” (Sorel and Blundstone make cute ones), touchscreen gloves for constant photo-taking, and a fuzzy headband that keeps your ears warm without ruining your hair. Throw a crossbody waterproof bag into the mix, and you’re ready for glaciers without looking like you’re on an Arctic expedition.
Gym Outfits
Ship Shape – Yes, you’ll actually use the gym (probably like… twice). Pack that matching workout set in a color that makes you happy. The ribbed seamless ones are cute AF right now. White sneakers and minimal jewelry because you’re not a monster who wears dangly earrings to work out… right?
Party Outfits
Deck Party Dazzle – Nighttime deck party means YOU NEED LAYERS. Off the shoulder batwing top looks hot, but you’ll freeze in 10 minutes without a cropped fuzzy jacket to take with you. Tight black pants pull it altogetger Block heels only – no stilettos unless you enjoy face-planting when the ship moves. Layer on some necklaces and you’re golden.
Dinner Date Night
Modern Romance – That satin midi skirt you never know when to wear? THIS IS ITS MOMENT. Pair with a fitted turtleneck sweater (sexy but practical), heeled ankle boots, and your everyday gold jewelry. It’s giving “effortless hot girl who didn’t try too hard but still looks amazing
Coffee & Lounge Look
Coffee & Lounge Look: Sea days are basically fancy pajama days. Premium joggers (not the ratty ones you actually sleep in) with a cropped boxy sweater and big scarf for when the AC is blasting. White sneakers make it look intentional, not lazy. This is your “just grabbing coffee and reading a book by the window” fit.
