Coastal Chic Style | What I Wore on my Mexican Riviera Cruise

Empty Nest Blessed by Suzy Mighell

Have you heard of Coast Chic style? It’s basically this year’s iteration of what used to be called “coastal grandmother style.” That style was based on the timeless, easy elegance shared by Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep in Nancy Meyers movies like Something’s Gotta Give , It’s Complicated, The Holiday, and Home Again. I like the new moniker because you absolutely don’t have to be a grandmother to wear this effortless, chic style!

Talbots Madras Ruffle Neck Shell | Madras A-Line Skirt | Pearl Apple Watch Band | BRACELET STACK: Arizona Turquoise Bracelet | Blue Fallon Bracelet | White Piper Bracelet | White Funny Bunny Bracelet

Coastal chic is all about capturing the easy, breezy vibe of the seaside while looking effortlessly stylish. Think light, airy fabrics, a palette inspired by the ocean and sand, and just the right amount of nautical influence. Whether you’re strolling the cruise ship deck at sunset or enjoying a beachfront dinner at a coastal resort, the goal is to look effortlessly polished and oh-so-relaxed. So, without further ado, let me take you through what I packed to ensure I was cruise-ready and coastal chic from head to toe!

A Little About Our Cruise

Bob and I just got back from a 5-day Virgin Voyages cruise to the Mexican Riviera! We stopped in Cozumel, where we did a private beach day, and also in Bimini, where we went to Virgin Voyages exclusive island resort. While there, the cruise line gave us access to the VIP “Rock Star” area, and we got to meet and visit with Richard Branson himself!

Bob and I have cruised a lot, on Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norweigan, and Oceania. One of my favorite things about cruising is the ability to make it your own. If you want to sleep late and hang out on a deck chair with a good book, you can do that. If you want to party, you can do that. If you want to work out and go to the spa, you can do that.

This was our first time on Virgin Voyages. It’s an adult-only cruise line, which, in all honesty, is probably both the best and worst thing about the line! It was nice not having kids running around everywhere, but it also gave the adults free rein to go pretty crazy.

If you’ve been hanging around here for a while now, you’ve probably picked up on the fact that Bob and I are pretty conventional! We don’t have tattoos (Virgin Voyages has a tattoo parlor onboard each ship!), we don’t color our hair pink, we don’t use bad language, we say grace before our meals, and we don’t drink. Yes, we’re those people! 🤣

Let’s just say, we definitely had to work to make the cruise our own. On Virgin Voyages ships, there’s an ice cream parlor named ________ ___ ______ __. (I’m too embarrassed to actually type it out but if you really want to know, you can click HERE!) Their main evening show is called “It’s a Ship Show.” Double entendres abounded everywhere, and they definitely pushed the parties and alcohol. If that’s your thing, then great! But it’s not our vibe. Bob and I enjoyed our time together and loved the ports, but we were definitely ducking and weaving to avoid things we didn’t want to participate in! To see highlights of our cruise, you can check out the content below. (Please give it a like or leave a comment while you’re at it.)

  • Tap HERE to see our embarkation day, check out our cabin, and more.
  • Tap HERE to check out the food we enjoyed during our cruise. (20+ eateries!)
  • Tap HERE to see what we did during our two “at sea” days.
  • Tap HERE to watch my cruise wrap-up Reel.
  • Tap HERE to check out the Instagram /Facebook Stories I posted while on our voyage.

My Coastal Chic Cruise Outfits

On Virgin Voyages, most anything goes as far as attire. 😯😬😂 But your girl Suzy is going to be herself, and I decided to embrace the coast chic vibe!

As always, click the pink text links or any image for more information

Dresses

Y’all know I’m always a “say YES to the dress” girl—especially in the summer! Please note that due to a foot injury, I was restricted to “Grandpa” sneakers or other flat-soled shoes this entire trip! 🙄 (A true hardship! 🤣😉)

woman sitting on red bench on cruise ship wearing orange neacie dress from avara

Avara Orange “Neacie” Dress—Also in Lilac, Navy Blue, Royal Blue, Red (Use code SUZY15 for 15% off.) | White Brooks Sneakers | Pearl Apple Watch Band

woman standing on balcony of a cruise ship wearing cabana life smocked waist dress in provence pattern
Color distorted due to lighting conditions! Sorry! Click through to see true colors.

Cabana Life Smocked Waist UPF 50+ Provence Dress—Also comes in blue/white stripe and turquoise print. (Use code SUZY15 for 15% off your entire Cabana Life order! Everything they make is UPF 50+!)

Cabana Life is my favorite site for UPF 50+ clothing. (So important for sun protection!) Their fabrics are high quality and soft, and it skims right over your lumps and bumps! Their clothing is easy to care for. I put all of mine in the washing machine AND the dryer! It holds up and never looks tired or worn. I adore the bright, beachy colors and love the fact that the women-owned brand was created by a skin cancer survivor who was looking for fun clothes that would also protect her skin.

woman standing on balcony of a cruise ship wearing talbots tshirt dress

Talbots Ombré Watercolor Modal French Terry Tie-Back Dress (40% off right now!) | Allie + Bess Dallas Necklace (Turquoise Beads) | Pearl Apple Watch Band | BRACELET STACK: Arizona Turquoise Bracelet | Blue Fallon Bracelet | White Piper Bracelet | White Funny Bunny Bracelet | Poisitano Bracelet

As you can probably tell by now, my Allie + Bess bracelet stacks were my constant companions on this trip! (The red and black string bracelets you see interwoven are the Virgin Voyage room keys! You use them as your charge card while on board too!) I love them all so much and I absolutely adore this woman-owned small business started by two young mom BFFS around a dining room table! See THIS post for a photo of me with Allie & Bess! They’ve kindly offered ENB followers a 20% sitewide discount with code ENB20.

Printfresh Sold Out Show Penciled In Dress | JEWELRY (ENB 20 for 20% off) on all: On Left: BRACELET STACK: American Dreamin’ Stack | NECKLACES: Dallas Necklace (Turquoise Beads) | Jessica Necklace (Blue Beads) | On Right: BRACELET STACK: Arizona Turquoise Bracelet | Blue Fallon Bracelet | White Piper Bracelet | NECKLACE: Samantha Necklace

Printfresh is known for its fabulous PJs and clothing made from high-quality organic cotton fabrics with joyful designs. They’re size-inclusive, with styles from XXS To 6X. I love that this dress can be worn on or off the shoulder! It’s cute with sneakers, sandals, or wedges. (OR bare feet, like me on the left above!👣) I got lots of compliments on it when I wore it on the ship! Check out Printfresh’s Best Sellers HERE.

Hill House Home Ellie Nap Dress (Lots of colors and prints to choose from!) | Pearl Initial Pendant Necklace | Pearl Apple Watch Band | BRACELET STACK: White Piper Bracelet | White Funny Bunny Bracelet | Poisitano Bracelet (Use code ENB20 for 20% off.)

Y’all know I LOVE my Hill House Home nap dresses! I just can’t get enough! (Like, I own six and just bought another one! 😂) They’re my favorite in the summer and great for throwing a denim jacket or a cardigan over. I’m wearing an XS.

woman standing on balcony of a cruise ship wearing a hot pink athleisure dress
I wore this dress for one of our days at sea! Bob and I did a dance class, played shuffleboard, and more!

Shop the Mint Better Than Every Hot Pink Tennis Dress w/ Shorts | Pearl Initial Pendant Necklace | Pearl Apple Watch Band | BRACELET STACK: White Piper Bracelet | White Funny Bunny Bracelet | Poisitano Bracelet (Use code ENB20 for 20% off.)

I love this athleisure dress! It’s longer than most, so it feels nice and modest. It has separate, matching shorts underneath (with pockets!) and the fabric is so soft. The cut is a super flattering A-line! It also comes in black and blue. I’m wearing a size S.

woman standing on balcony of a cruise ship wearing boden colorful maxi dress

Boden Liv Pleat Detail Midi Dress | Pearl Apple Watch Band | Arizona Turquoise Bracelet | Blue Fallon Bracelet | Poisitano Bracelet (Use code ENB20 for 20% off.)

Look below for a big treat! ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Y’all, if this isn’t the ultimate travel outfit, I don’t know what is! 😯These two pieces can be worn four ways! I love the high, smocked waist on the skirt (so flattering) and the 180° Two-Way Reversible Tank is such gorgeous quality (and comes in 7 colors). It’s under $30 right now!

Talbots 180° Two-Way Reversible V-Neck/Scoop Neck Tank | Natural Life Convertible Skirt (Click HERE to see other prints.) | Arizona Turquoise Bracelet | Blue Fallon Bracelet | White Piper Bracelet | NECKLACE: Samantha Necklace | EARRINGS: Kendra Scott Lee Gold Drop Earrings in Ivory Pearl

Swimsuits

woman standing on a beach wearing a colorful bikini top and black bottoms with a colorful cover up

Anne Cole Halter Bikini Top – was $64, now $16.99! (Also in a Tankini Top – was $74, now $16.99!) | Soft Band High Waist Swim Bottom | Button Down Shirt Swimsuit Cover Up – was $84, now $19.99!) | Eric Javits Packable Hat (Similar)

Beth and I agree that Anne Cole is our favorite spot when it comes to swimwear. One of the main reasons? Innovative designs like this High Waist Swim Bottom that is made with a soft waistband that won’t constrict and give you a muffin top! (If you’ve had kids, you’ve got that loose skin, no matter what size you are!) The other reasons we love Anne Cole Swimwear? High quality, fabulous bright designs, and incredible sales!

Lands’ End Polka Dot Bikini Top | Polka Dot High Waist Bikini Bottom (Currently $25.18!) | Talbots Packable Bow Detail Backless Floppy Straw Hat with Navy Blue Ribbon

Pajamas

woman standing on balcony of a cruise ship wearing pjs from marley lilly

Marley Lilly Monogrammed Ruffle Pajamas – Monogrammed FREE or not, your choice. (Were $44.99, not $19.99!)

If there were ever a pair of jammies that were totally ME, these are the jammies! ⬆️ They’re super soft and so flirty. (Bob loved them too!) I tucked the top into the shorts in the front so you could see the drawstring waistband. I’m wearing a size S.

woman sitting on couch in printfresh pajamas

Printfresh Hummingbird Haven – Pintuck Cropped Pajama Set

Printfresh pajamas are a splurge, but I love the quality and detailing! (The pintucks on these!) I originally snagged these because we’re taking a multi-generational family vacation in July and I wanted to have something modest and comfortable to wear around the family. They’re 100% organic cotton and so special. Lots of styles and colors of pajama sets to choose from as well as nightgowns, robes, sleepshirts, and more! Browse HERE and take 15% off your first order when you sign up for their mailing list.

I hope you’re embracing coastal chic style this summer! We’re just getting started on vacations, so there will be lots more to come! (Up next, we’re headed to the Chicago area to see our son and daughter-in-law! It’s our first time on their “turf” and you know how important I think that is!) I’d love to know in the comments what look was your favorite from today’s post!

Thank you for sharing my content!
custom signature for suzy of empty nest blessed.smallversion

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18 Comments

  1. Hello – lovely lady. I cant believe you got a picture with Richard Branson, himself !!!!!!!!!!!!! love it !!!
    Claudia

    1. Claudia,

      He was fun to chat with! He wasn’t hiding at all, and apparently cruises often. (But I don’t think we were in the same class of cabin! 🤣)

      xoxo
      Suzy

  2. Hi Suzy, it was so interesting to read your additional comments on the cruise! I did get the feeling that it was not quite your scene as much as some of your other cruises! I have head from friends that these adult only holidays and cruises can be a bit like this!
    I remembered we connected all those years ago when you were on a previous cruise with Bob and Ian and I were on the Cunard Queen Mary and we discussed the regal afternoon tea! Sounds like this was a bit different! haha
    You looked stunning all the way through with perfect outfits!
    Carole x

    1. Carole,

      It was different! They offered a “tea experience” – but it was $35 per person! There was a lot of upselling (especially alcohol), which is why they can offer lower rates to begin with.

      If I were you, I’d stick with the Queen Mary!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  3. So many beautiful looks here, Suzy, and you’re making me dream about being on a cruise! I’ve never been on one, but it’s on my list someday. 🙂 I just love that Ellie Nap Dress!!

    1. Ashley,

      Thank you! I love it too! I’m pretty sure it’s the first time an Ellie Nap Dress was worn at the Scarlet Party they had onboard. Most people had a lot less fabric to their outfits! Hahaha!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  4. Suzy, this is such good information! It almost sounds like it’s a cruise for young adults or maybe single individuals. Yes, not my vibe. I will have a drink every now and then, but too many individuals overly indulging, is not me and would be awkward.

    Thanks again for always providing great information!
    xo Nancy

    1. Nancy,

      You are so welcome, my friend! I appreciate the time you took to let me know you appreciated it! I will always be honest with you all, my precious followers and friends!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  5. I’m with you lady…conventional is who were are at my house too. I’m thinking that cruise would not be for me for sure. Thank you for sharing and being open. That is what I love about your blogs. You are real! And so very helpful with all areas of knowledge!

  6. Lesa,

    Aw, what a kind comment! I am not sure how someone could sustain what I do without being authentic, truthful, and real! Thank you for your kind words!

    xoxo
    Suzy

  7. Loved all your outfits!

    I would have been the same as you and Bob on that cruise. That sort of thing is not my vibe either.

  8. I never knew these kind of cruises existed! Maybe I need to broaden my horizons LOL. Viking cruises are my speed; if you ever have a chance to experience one I am sure you would love it. Love your fun blog!

    1. Linda,

      Hahaha! They do, for sure. I’ve heard great things about Viking. Our favorite so far is Oceania, but I so appreciate your recommendation!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  9. When Virgin Voyages first started cruising I remember reading about everything you described and knew then that’s one cruise line we wouldn’t be trying. My husband and I are very conservative with our lifestyle and beliefs. Your choice of outfits were all very cute. I really appreciate the ones with sleeves and will keep them in mind; I like to dress similar to you when we cruise.

    1. Rebecca,

      Thanks so much for your comment! I’m glad I saw what Virgin Voyages has to offer firsthand. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!

      Have a great weekend!

      xoxo
      Suzy

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