FASHION ON THE HIGH SEAS: IT'S DRESS DOWN, NOT UP.

Byline: Arline Bleecker Orlando Sentinel

Each year, my mother spends three weeks packing for a one-week cruise.

She frets about notions of high fashion on the high seas, and feels pressured to prepare for every sartorial eventuality.

But here's the ironic part.

Her voluminous, worthy-of-Liz-Taylor wardrobe inevitably ends up in the tiniest of staterooms. As a result, she lives mostly out of the luggage. And she usually winds up wearing only whatever happens to be nearest the top of the suitcase.

At the end of a cruise, she utters this annual resolve: ``Next year, I'll pack lighter.''

Good idea, Mom, because nowadays there's not so much high fashion on the high seas. Ships, even formal ones, are getting more informal each year.

And that makes packing easier. If you're planning a warm-weather cruise, pack as you would for any trip. On most days on most cruises, you'll be wearing slacks, shorts, T-shirts and bathing suits. When sailing in cold weather, what you're wearing will likely be buried beneath sweaters or jackets anyway.

Day wear aside, though, the biggest bugaboo for most passengers still seems to be evenings. Sure, glitzy is great. But, ladies, don't bother packing that ball gown. And don't buy anything new. A cocktail dress, silky pantsuit, dinner suit, long skirt or evening pants with a fancy top will do just fine.

For men, formal doesn't necessarily mean black tie. So don't bother buying or renting a tuxedo (although several ships actually rent tuxes aboard). A dark suit with a white shirt will do.

Each day the ship's newspaper will list dress codes for the evening. Here's what those categories really mean:

Casual: Comfortable clothing such as slacks or jeans. Tank tops or shorts are never permissible in the main dining room.

Informal: Dresses and pantsuits for women; jackets for men. Ties are optional.

Formal: For women, cocktail dresses or gowns are welcome. For men, jacket and tie are required.