Here’s my secret to the perfect cruise wardrobe that makes packing a breeze

From theme nights to gala celebrations to shore excursions, there’s no shortage of occasions to dress up for when you’re on a cruise. You may even need outfits for events like the Sail Away party or the captain’s reception. And if you don’t partake in the onboard fun, you’re bound to have FOMO. (I can still recall my disappointment on my first Virgin Voyages cruise when I realized I had forgotten to pack attire for Scarlet Night and emerged from my cabin in a black dress to find the entire ship awash in crimson.)

However, shopping for this clothing — especially those pieces that you might wear for just a few hours and maybe never again — doesn’t make much fiscal sense. Neither does overpacking, as storage and closet space on cruise ships can be tight.

For all my travels, but especially for cruises, I’ve found that my monthly clothing rental subscription is a lifesaver. It lets me select pieces of clothing tailored to all my adventures on land and on the open seas — even if that’s just Tuesday night dinner in the main dining room.

Clothing rentals keep your cruise wardrobe afloat

The basic business model for clothing rental subscriptions is the same: Subscribers pay a fee each month for a shipment (or multiple shipments) of a certain number of pieces. You wear them, send them back and select new pieces for your next shipment, with the understanding that if you keep a piece or two for a while longer because you really like them, you’ll receive that many fewer pieces in the next shipment.

Returns include free shipping, and you don’t need to wash or dry clean anything before sending it back.

Companies often offer the option to purchase pieces if you just can’t part with them after wearing them a few times. And despite a widespread misconception, you’re not receiving random shipments “based on your style” like with Stitch Fix or other mail-order shopping services; you’re actually selecting the exact clothing that appears on your doorstep.

Several major operators exist for clothing subscriptions. URBN — the parent company of Anthropologie, Free People and Urban Outfitters — offers trend-forward and vintage-inspired women’s styles through Nuuly; the subscription plan is $98 per month for six pieces. Armoire’s subscription plans for women range from a four-item plan for $89 per month to an unlimited plan for $249 per month; it starts with a style quiz so the company can provide tailored suggestions.

For men’s clothing, Thred offers a three-, four- and five-piece subscription for $69, $99 and $119, respectively. Meanwhile, Taelor Style offers one or two shipments per month for $79 or $109, respectively; the latter is also available with a money-saving quarterly payment.

I’m loyal to Rent the Runway, which launched in 2009 with one-time rental dresses and gowns for galas, weddings and proms. It expanded to a subscription model including workwear, casual attire, formalwear, and even accessories like handbags and sunglasses. Its one-shipment plan costs $119 per month for five pieces, but I opt for the 10-piece, two-shipment plan for $144 per month. Both include full access to their “closet” of 750 designer brands — my favorites are Ulla Johnson, Scotch & Soda and Derek Lam.

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I appreciate the thoughtful reviews and photos that other subscribers post (I post myself too). Many people include their measurements and the sizes they rented, so I can get a good idea of how something will look on me. (I stick to clothing with a minimum of a 4 out of 5 rating from a decent number of reviewers.) I can’t tell you the number of compliments I’ve received during my cruise travels when I wear a rental — couture really is cut differently and makes you feel more fabulous than ready-to-wear.

Snag the best laid-back looks on loan

Whichever company and subscription you select, you can use the favorites feature to “heart” items that speak to you. When I book a cruise and the date gets closer, I create a list specifically for the trip, then start adding to it. I select a lot more pieces than I’ll need, since when it comes time to place my order, my size might not be available. I seek pieces that are versatile as well as items for those unique, one-off events during the sailing (like a white party).

For the former camp, since I have a limit of five pieces per shipment, I rule out anything that’s too basic — like shorts, T-shirts and casual tops — because those are already in my closet. Instead, I focus on items that I can mix and match. For example, I can wear a long printed skirt with different solid tops or tanks and pair them with sandals or my white Adidas sneakers for several days of excursions or walking tours. A lightweight sundress can do double duty as a bathing suit cover-up on the pool deck. Sleeveless or short-sleeve midi dresses or rompers work for daytime with flats or sandals and evenings with heels or wedges.

For men, polo shirts, button-down shirts and chinos can serve the same function, and a lightweight sport coat elevates the look for evenings — maybe with a few snazzy, easy-to-pack pocket squares. (Renting a neutral solid color provides more versatility as it’s easier to coordinate.) Though I love the look of linen, I opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics unless I’m packing my travel steamer; cruise ship cabins usually don't offer irons, and laundry service is expensive.

Sail with formal wear — no commitment required

When I’m selecting more elegant attire, I keep packing limitations top of mind as I try to avoid checking my luggage. There are gorgeous — and I mean stunning — gowns on the Rent the Runway site, but some, like those with heavy fabrics and detailed appliqués, are impractical if you’re trying to pack light.

That’s why I always read the product information about the fabric as well as the reviews, which often mention weight. But if limited luggage isn’t a concern, then feel free to rent that floor-length silver sequined gown. For men, if space permits, a dark navy or charcoal suit can work for formal nights.

As far as those special events and parties onboard that require “costume” attire, my suggestion is to earmark only one of your rentals that you can wear another time during the cruise — any more than that and you’re not getting bang for your buck, subscription-wise.

I rented a white dress for a white party on an MSC World Europa sailing, which I was able to wear again for dinner another evening. I don’t buy white clothing as it makes me look washed out, and I’m also afraid of spills. But it was liberating to step out of my comfort zone that week, commitment-free.

If you don’t want to go all-out with themed clothing, just don one detail. Rent a red shirt or blouse and pair it with jeans or white pants for red night, or pick a retro print for '70s night. Tropical attire is ubiquitous on clothing rental sites, at least for women, as there are tons of midi and maxi floral-printed dresses and skirts; those can do the heavy-lifting for a Hawaiian party, port shopping and an upscale dinner.

Of course, cruises aren’t always limited to sailing the Caribbean islands or popping around the Mediterranean. For cooler trips like Alaskan cruises or expedition itineraries, you can rent sweaters and heavy outerwear for outdoor pursuits.

Whatever you rent, keep in mind that it’s a finite number. I use my shipment as the basis for my wardrobe, then supplement it with a few things from my closet. Oh, and remember: You’ve booked your cruise to relax, so it’s not the time to stress about outfit repeats. Everyone does it, and no one’s keeping score.

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