First cruise was on the "Carnivale" back in 1979. I didn't really know what to bring for formal night. I brought a nice outfit, but looked around me and saw many wearing gowns, not really fancy on Carnival, but like bridesmaid dresses. I did feel a little out of place, and wished I had brought a gown. Not too bad, though, since Carnival is not as formal as some were at that time. What I did find out on later cruises is that I did bring way too many clothes, and shoes, purses, and jewelry. On many cruises after that I did bring way too many clothes and formal gowns.
As a seasoned cruiser I I found out later that I didn't need to carry all that luggage. One or two pairs of shoes, and one or two purses that would go with everything, and just bringing a couple pairs of pants that matched all of the shirts worked out well, and one or two pretty formal dresses or pants and tops. Back in those days, I was single, also, and had to carry (no wheels back then) everything myself. On my second cruise I was married {honeymoon cruise} so I had someone to carry for me...❤️ Didn't really cut down on the clothes and things I brought with, though, until the last couple of cruises. That made it so much easier, also for my hubby who carried most of it. We did have wheels after about the third cruise.?