If you took one step through my one-bedroom Los Angeles apartment, “minimalist” might be the last word that comes to mind. With each nook and cranny piled up with heaps of products I’ve set aside for article reviews, TikTok unboxings, and honestly who even knows what else at this point, my living space is definitely eventful, you could say. But when it comes to packing for any trip, I’m the ultimate minimalist. I’d love to say it’s because I’m a naturally sensible person — but really it’s because I despise schlepping more than anything on the planet. Therefore, the more practical I can be with one medium-sized suitcase (and a tote), the better. 

My packing skills were put to the test last month when I set sail on the brand new Carnival Firenze ship. Hopping on board for an eight-day press trip from Long Beach, Calif., to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, I knew I’d need to pack for warm weather at the stops, but cold weather at sea. I’d need to avoid structured, bulky pieces, while stuffing in as much thin (yet durable) material as I possibly could. I’d also need to take into account the dressy nights that may call for more accessories. I wasn’t taking my portable steamer, so I’d need pieces that wouldn’t wrinkle easily. 

And what did I learn? It can be done! I relied heavily on two-piece sets from Amazon. They’re comfy, stylish, and budget-friendly. Below are the only six outfits I needed to get through my trip—along with some accessories to elevate the looks. 

Outfit 1

Anrabess Knit Sweater Pullover Crop Top + Pants

The key to cruising is looking stylish while staying comfy. You’re eating a lot and lounging, but you’re also seeing a lot of people, so you don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed. This two-piece set is not only made with cozy knit fabric, but it has a loose fit that allowed me to make a few extra stops at the breakfast buffet without having to undo any buttons. This look took me from morning until the time I showered and changed for dinner.

I’ve been on a pink kick lately, but the set comes in 26 additional colors, so saying you have options is an understatement. If you’re after that same elevated casual aesthetic but you want to stay a bit warmer, the same brand offers a two-piece sweatsuit with an oversized zip-up sweatshirt. Sizes for both sets go from XS to XXL.

Outfit 2

Verdusa Loose Bell Sleeve Pleated Crop Top and Wide Leg Pants Set

There were two fancy or “cocktail attire” nights on the ship, and this was one of my go-tos. The two-piece set checked all the boxes. It was extremely easy to pack, universally stylish (I think it’s a win for everyone), has an elastic waistband which I’m always a fan of, and it looked luxe with an under $35 price tag. I received the most compliments in this outfit, and because I wore it so early in the trip, it made a great first impression. Cropped tops can be intimidating, but I felt covered enough with the high-waisted bottoms. If you want to avoid revealing midriff while sticking to a similar print, I recommend the Reaseral Off Shoulder Printed Long Sleeve Wide Leg Pants Set. The top is loose-fitting and the bottom features an elastic waistband. 

Outfit 3 

Floerns Crop Tube Top and Split Long Skirt Set

For the Cabo portion of my trip, I wanted something cropped, cute and solid-colored so I could throw my hair up in a bun and let my makeup and accessories make the statement. We spent the day on a yacht, and my Cabo look was my favorite of the entire trip. The actual outfit I wore was the Peixoto Women’s Louisa Crop Top and its accompanying Peixoto Women’s Valentina Skirt, but the combo is on the more pricey side. I was able to find something similar at a much more accessible price point, sold as a set. 

The option I’ve listed is lightweight with a thinner material, which is essential for packing and will come in handy when you’re in hot temps (a la Cabo). It also comes with pockets and two long slits up the sides. I especially like the solid-colored skirt option because you can mix and match with other tops, like the Miracmoda Off Shoulder Ruched Tie Back Crop Top that comes in 22 colors and sizes small to XXL.

Outfit 4

Artfree Womens Loungewear Set 

To say I’m obsessed with this two-piece set is an understatement. I wear it all the time. I’m impressed with the high-quality material, fit, comfortability and overall aesthetic. It’s a stylish, luxurious ensemble at a remarkable price point. It can be dressed up with heels for a big night, it can be dressed down with flip flops for eating and lounging. It’s also great for mixing and matching. I’d often slip the pants on for breakfast or lunch on the ship, and pair them with a casual cropped tee like the Artfish Women’s Fitted Casual Crop Top, or the MakeMeChic Women’s Summer Crop Top Twist Front T-Shirt. 

There are several shades to choose from with my beloved set, but I’m partial to the Barbie pink. I get so many compliments. If you’re a bold color girlie like me, you can also try one of the Kaimimei Linen Long Sleeve + Flare Pleated Wide Leg Pants Sets. They’re styled similarly to the outfit I wore, but with slightly more lightweight material and a greater selection of color options. 

Outfit 5

Wimsihal Women’s Square Neck Casual Party Mini Dress

This was the It-item that made me an Amazon loyalist. The flirty, fun, timeless party dress goes with me everywhere—and it made a splash (pun intended) during our first dinner at sea. It truly is the ultimate LBD. It’s short enough to show a little leg, but long enough to avoid feeling uncomfortable. It also offers a little skin reveal in all the right places. 

When I tell you I take this with me when I want an instant confidence boost, I mean it. It’s the easiest piece to accessorize, and I absolutely live for the elastic stretch. I’m a curvy girlie, so zippers and tight fitting material are my worst enemies. None of that is present here. I also love the versatile short sleeves. They can be worn as is or off the shoulder. If you want to go for a similar style but change up the length, I also love the SweatyRocks V-Neck Short Romper and the Cegerne Short Sleeve Wide Leg Pant Jumpsuit.

Outfit 6

Ceci Erlich Scallop Slip Midi Dress

My cherished Anthropologie maxi floral dress that I wore to the second formal night on the ship is sadly no longer in stock, but I found a stylish replacement that checks all the boxes of the former. This harmonious array of color was designed exclusively for Anthropologie, and it features an easy tie in the back. This is a dream for me, someone who despises buttons and zippers. It’s easy to slip on, with a long slit on the side to conservatively show a little leg. 

If you want to stick to the floral theme of the original dress, I also love Anthropologie’s Hutch Sleeveless V-Neck Cutout Midi Dress. It’s similarly easy to slip into and it fits the cocktail theme I was going for with the first. I love a sleek all-black moment, but I’m also drawn to color, so a comfy yet classy dress like this one is an ultimate win. The tiny cutout offers a peek of skin without revealing too much.

Best Accessories for Outfits on a Cruise

Bronax Pillow Slippers for Women and Men

If you want to know my true can’t-leave-home-without pick, it’s a pair of these thick cushion slides. Not only are they extremely comfortable (truly, like walking on clouds), they serve many purposes. I wore them casually on the ship with my Anrabess Knit Sweater Pullover Crop Top + Pants for breakfast and lunch. 

I also wore these Amazon number-one best-sellers with my Hue Women’s Mini Crew Socks as I headed down to morning yoga (a refreshing way to kick off my day on the boat). At night, when I made my midnight rounds to the ship’s 24-hour ice cream stand, I’d slip these on with my cozy Artfree Women’s Loungewear Set, and call it a day. Obviously my black pair is the most versatile, but they come in 15 colors to choose from, so a fun pop of color isn’t out of reach!

Vetaste Women’s Braided Heeled Sandals

If there’s any piece of shoe advice I can offer on a cruise, it’s this: Do not overdo it. All you need are a reliable pair of slippers or sandals (see above) and a versatile pair of open-toe heels you can dress up or down. You’ll be lounging most of the time anyway, so you really only need a heel for the nice dinners. I lived in these Bottega Veneta-inspired sandals. They’re comfy, stylish and went with everything I brought on the trip, including my evening wear Wimsihal Women’s Square Neck Casual Party Mini Dress and Verdusa Loose Bell Sleeve Pleated Crop Top and Wide Leg Pants Set.

Limeeke One Piece Solid Ribbed Bathing Suit

I spent more time in loungewear than I did in the actual water, so I didn’t find it necessary to overpack swimwear. The key was finding a flattering piece I could wear with anything. This affordable one-piece features ribbed detail, soft material, stretch and comfort. It also offers fun colors to choose from, and a stylish low back. The suit pairs perfectly with my Peixoto Women’s Valentina Skirt and the bottoms from my Artfree Womens Loungewear Set. 

Dulcet Project Leather Tote Bag for Women

When it comes to handbags or clutches on a cruise, all you need are two items. You need a  durable, neutral everyday bag you can take with you everywhere, and a clutch (more on that later) for the cocktail attire nights. This leather tote bag features an adjustable strap that can conveniently transform into different styles. 

During the day, I plopped my laptop into this bad boy and carried it around the ship, along with my Feisedy Vintage Square 70s Flat Aviator Sunglasses, cell phone, makeup touch-ups and other daytime necessities. Then at night, this bag doubled as a chic tote I could take to dinner, wearing my Artfree Women’s Loungewear Set or my Wimsihal Women’s Square Neck Casual Party Mini Dress.

Menurra Acrylic Evening Glitter Cocktail Clutch Bag

This glamorous acrylic clutch was my saving grace for the cocktail attire nights. Not only did the unique square shape spark conversation from guests, but the marble and glitter details spiced up any outfit, especially the Verdusa Loose Bell Sleeve Pleated Crop Top and Wide Leg Pants Set, and the Ceci Erlich Scallop Slip Midi Dress. Easy to clasp and carry, this dressy accessory was a no-brainer for the fancier evenings. 

If the boxed shape isn’t your style, I also love the more lightweight Verdusa Women’s Satin Evening Handbag. With seven colors to choose from, there’s the option to go neutral or bold and bright, depending on your outfit. The material is soft and the space fits all the essentials.

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