In just a few months we will be departing for the Atlantis Caribbean cruise, so naturally I’ve already started planning my outfits for each themed party. Atlantis Events typically releases the themes a month prior to boarding, inciting a gay panic as thousands scramble to complete the maxi-challenge. It can be overwhelming but, as your circuit parent, I will pass down my knowledge so that you can look cute and feel gorgeous!
Circuit parties form the lineup of queer events that occur every year. These events often advertise their chosen theme or recommended dress code, such as the White Party in Palm Springs where everyone dons the titular color or Folsom Street Fair with varied kink and fetish wear. The Atlantis Cruise typically hosts seven parties, five of which are recurring including the “Dog Tag Tea Dance”, “Atlantis Classics”, a neon party, “White Party”, and a disco tea dance. The final two, a tea dance and an evening party, cycle through the list of popular themes from space and fantasy to the most recent pop culture trends. I’m creative and oftentimes extravagant with my style choices, but I’ve learned to edit my outfits for this cruise using the following guidelines:
1) SO YOU THINK YOU CAN PACK IT?
The first and arguably most important consideration is the size of your outfit and accessories. The average cruise cabin is comfortable but small, so your luggage and its contents will need to meet the limitations of available space. I’ve come to learn that hats and headpieces are bulky and can easily become misshapen or break, so be wary of incorporating them into your outfit. Similarly, props such as wings and toy weapons are cumbersome in a crowded dance floor so it’s best to leave those on land as well. I will admit that I have, on several occasions, packed my full regalia for the photo op and then changed into something more comfortable afterward.
2) QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Over the years I’ve hoarded clothing and accessories from various parties and events, only to replace them with the next best option each time I sort through my closet. Instead I’ve started to curate my collection more carefully, opting for quality pieces that are reusable and interchangeable with others instead of quick fashion often found online. It may be tempting to purchase a cheap and easy solution that fits the brief but, if it’s so niche that you’ll only wear it once and forget about it, consider the opportunity cost of an item that’s slightly more expensive but will have a longer product life that you’ll actually enjoy.
3) KEEP IT SIMPLE
Not everyone has the eye for styling a cohesive outfit so, when in doubt, go back to the basics. This is also a great time to note that it’s not a requirement to be dressed in theme. It’s perfectly fine to wear your favorite pair of shorts and a shirt you’ll inevitably remove as the night progresses. When I put together group looks for me and my friends I provide options so that everyone feels comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing. Not everyone likes wearing jockstraps, so having alternatives like shorts, swimsuits, and leggings will go a long way to making the group happy and looking cohesive.
BONUS TIPS!
My process for planning outfits for the cruise is to review my checklist of items, starting with shoes and finishing with accessories. For example, my leather gear for Dog Tag Tea Dance rarely changes so I use it as a guide for items I may want to incorporate into other outfits. Do you want a hat or headpiece; will you use accessories like a necklace, sunglasses, or props; are you wearing a harness or other top; what bottom will you pair with it; which socks will match the ensemble; and how do you minimize the number of shoes you bring? Footwear is especially bulky so I prefer packing one dark shoe, one light shoe, and a pair of sandals to comfortably walk around the ship.
Remember that there are five parties with the same recurring themes, so it’s perfectly acceptable to repeat these outfits every year or use them for different events. I’m especially fond of and worked hard on my bodysuit for the disco tea dance, so I have it on rotation and add new pieces as I collect them. When you’ve finalized your outfit for each theme most of these items should fit inside a small container, like a Ziploc bag, so you can easily store and find everything you’ll need for the party.
If you’re still unsure what to wear, I’ve provided additional examples of the outfits we’ve worn to each themed event over the past three years.
A more comprehensive packing list, including essentials, will be released as we get closer to the date!
