Since I’ll be in Disney World when this post goes up, I thought it fitting that Fashion Friday take on a Disney theme this week.
No, no, NO, please do not wear that. (Unless you’re 15. THEN you may wear that. If your momma let’s you out of the house in those shorts, anyway.)
But above all. DO NOT wear this. Anywhere.
Disney is certainly no fashion mecca, but that’s no reason to throw all sense of style to the wind. You really can be cute AND comfy at a theme park. It just takes a little bit of thought and planning.
Not to get all judgey, but I always marvel at some of the outfits people choose to wear to amusement parks. There’s always the sweet young thing in a strapless dress and heels, teetering around the park as if it’s a nightclub.
Then there’s the fanny-pack brigade. (Please don’t let that be you!)
And way too many people look like they pulled out their oldest tee-shirt just for the occasion.
I know it’s not all about how you look, but really, how difficult is it to put some thought into what you’re wearing? After all, even if you don’t care that you’re going to run into approximately 25,000 people in a day, those photos are going to be around for years.
I’ve been to Disney World twice with my family of five, so I’ve got it pretty much down to a science.
You’ll be doing a TON of walking, so you want to be comfortable. But you also know that there will be a lot of photographic evidence of the event, so you want to look cute.
You also want to be prepared for anything — a random rain shower, an errant spray of ketchup, a leaky toddler . . . so you need a bag that can accommodate all your gear.
Here is an example of a great theme park outfit.
What To Wear To Disney World
And here are a few more ideas.
Old Navy Slub Knit Hoodie, Old Navy Smocked Gauze Flutter Sleeved Tank, Blank NYC “Roll Up” Jean Shorts, Old Navy Boyfriend Cardi, Old Navy Crew Neck Pocket Tee, Cuffed Jeans (similar), Athleta Crescendo Skirt, Pink Chucks, Privo Haley Staarling Flats, Puma Speeders, Victoria’s Secret Cotton Backpack
Let’s break it down.
1. Keep it casual, but put some thought into it.
Leave the designer duds at home and go for a casual skirt, shorts or jeans. Top it with a favorite tee and bring along a hoodie or casual cardigan in case it gets chilly. Lightweight pieces are best because you will probably be sweaty, and you might get wet on an occasional water ride. For cooler weather, definitely pack jeans and a few long-sleeved tops or sweaters. Layers are your friends!
2. Wear shoes that are comfortable but cute.
Privos by Clarks makes adorable shoes that are much cuter than sneakers but give your feet the same protection and support. Puma makes some cute ones too. If you must wear a sneaker, go with a fashion sneaker rather than a clunky athletic one. There’s always Chucks!
Clarks Haley Lark Clarks Haley Falcon PUMA Drift Cat 4 Puma Zandy Mesh Converse Seasonal Ox
3. Dress in layers, depending on the weather.
Always bring a sweatshirt or cardigan (evenings are often chilly, plus sometimes the indoor rides are cold and dank). And a lightweight poncho is always a good idea for those surprise rainstorms.
4. Bring a lightweight bag that is large enough for your gear.
I like the thin backpack bags for me (as pictured above) because it keeps your hands free but isn’t so heavy as to break your back. If you have kids with you, you’ll need something bigger. There are some stylish backpacks out there, though. I might actually have to invest in the black-and-white polka-dot one below. Isn’t that fun!?
5. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
You can see my outfits from my last trip to Disney on this post: Daily Mom Style | Disney World Edition.
Make sure to follow my Pinterest Board for What to Wear to Disney. I will try to keep it updated, as these items will eventually sell out.
Also see my post: 10 Tips for Enjoying Disney World with Kids
 |
Loved the video-started my day with a laugh. Hope you are having a super time in Disney!
I started laughing when I saw the first set!!! Great advice!! Maybe one day I will actually get to use it for this purpose! =) Have fun and enjoy your trip!!
I WISH I would have read a post like this last year before we went. I was so busy preparing to leave and preparing for our trip that I didn’t think about it until the last minute. The first day I wore a comfie purple t-shirt that upon post-picture review added about 25 lbs to my frame! A little planning would have made me treasure our Disney pics a lot more!
LOL! Well, there is always next time…
Oh, this is just the encouragement I need. Seriously, sometimes when you are traveling with four kids to a place where no one knows you it is easy to just wear whatever. We are headed to Disneyland this summer. Thanks for reminding me that I will be happier with the pictures if I put a little effort into my wardrobe. (And, oh, I love those privos!)
Latest post: Eleven
I hear ya. But yeah. It is so much more fun looking back at the pictures when you like what you’re wearing.
I sent this post to my friend who leaves for Disney tomorrow.
I guess this means I should get rid of my hot pink fanny pack.
Ohmygoodness, yes PLEASE!!
Love those puma ballet sneaks! Hope you’re having a fabulous and fairly fashionable time there
I’m mentally filing these outfits away for our next family trip!
Thanks! Yeah, those Pumpa ballet sneaks are on my wish list before we take our family to Disney in October.
Have fun at Disney World!
YAY You’re at Disney World! And I totally rock that first outfit, don’t hate.
Well, my shorts are nicer, but there’s no reason a Mickey Mouse t-shirt is evil at Disney World. You have to remember that it’s a place where people wear mouse ears non-ironically. MOUSE EARS! All kinds!
My trip in June 2011? I was looking seriously cute. My February 2012 trip greeted me with lost luggage, so my outfits were limited.
I hope you’re having fun!
Haha. I actually don’t hate that first outfit. True confessions, I bought a cute, fitted Minnie Mouse tee last time I was there. It is actually quite similar to the one I posted here. Of course, I have only worn it once or twice, around the house. But I suppose there IS a time and place for a cute Mickey tee. Just PLEASE get the fitted kind! LOL
OH yes. DEFINITELY fitted! I made the mistake of not wearing a fitted one. Twice. I didn’t realize how bad I looked until I saw the pictures!!
I wish this post had been around in those days.
OK Hi!
I just had to respond to your post and give you major shout outs. Here’s the link if you’re interested in reading once you get back from HAVING AN AWESOME TIME AT MY FAVORITE PLACE EVER!
http://ronnilovesdisney.blogspot.com/2012/04/fashion-at-disney-world.html
You mean I am not supposed to wear a fanny pack? I love my fanny pack……..oh no, now what will I do?
Cute post, BTW.
LOL. My mom insists on wearing one when we go to Disney. I can NOT convince her otherwise. GAH! lol.
So glad you posted this!! We are leaving Wednesday and I don’t have “theme park attire”!! I’ve been shopping today and will wrap up tomorrow…thanks for the tips and suggestions.
We leave in four weeks. Most of my girls (3) wardrobe is planned, husbands have it easy but what about Mommy dearest? It’s the shoes that are always the issue, no? And as you mentioned, the photos. I was leaning toward a ‘I’m actually about to hit the gym look’ with running capris and shoes all week but then realized my girls would be all cute in their tutus and cardigans. Not exactly a cohesive family look. Now I’m back to skinnies, ballets & tees I guess. And I second that the first look was kinda fun, with some slouchy cowgirl type boots and super toned legs, but alas, there is that stik’n shoe issue again
Final thought, does the Gucci waistbag circa Carrie SATC 1999 count as a fanny pack?? Don’t answer that. I know it does but I’m thinking of pulling it out of retirement nonetheless. Hope your October trip was great!
Hilarious. How was your trip?
Great tips! Thanks! We are headed there in a few weeks and I am stumped! I laughed out loud at outfit #2! I guarantee I will see several people wearing exactly that! Yikes!!
I’m sure they will!
Great advice! I am prepping for my Disney debut, as well, and I’ve been wondering what to wear… thanks for the insights!
Love your outfits.. both to be honest… but what about what to wear in the cooler seasons? Say March or winter..
I’ve always been in the fall – Oct, Nov and Dec. These worked for me. I definitely advise bringing a pair of jeans and a long sleeved cardigan for colder days.
Thanks for the tips! My first time to Disney and I want to be prepared. We plan to travel in June & we have teenagers. They have been to Disney once before when they were younger. I love reading your blogs, they are always so detailed and helpful.