Accessorizing for Disney
I recently got back from a trip to Walt Disney World, and had the idea for this post after I posted a couple of Instagram “selfies” (the pictures are in this post) and received a few comments and messages as a result. Since we already have a post that answers common questions regarding the dresses and other outfits I wear to Walt Disney World, etc., I’m just covering accessorizing for Disney in this post.
Disney’s big promotion this year is “Disney Side” and one of the ways people are supposed to show their Disney Side is through the outfits they wear to the Disney Parks. A lot of people like to go all out, dressed head to toe with Disney hats, shirts, pants, painted fingernails, hair bows, bags, and even painted shoes! Some people also like to put together outfits that are all individually non-Disney articles of clothing, but come together as a fashionable ensembles that evoke a certain character. The Disneybound blog and trend are a prime example of this.
My preference is to do something in between. I like putting together regular outfits that are park friendly, but fashionable. Comfortable footwear is obviously a must, my current go-to choice is the OluKai Ohana sandal. They perfectly combine comfort and cuteness. In the past, I’ve done Mickey Crocs and tennis shoes, but I think both look too clunky with the light summer dresses I normally wear.
Speaking of dresses, the dresses I wear come from a variety of places, from Target to Nordstrom to J.Crew, but all have one thing in common: lightweight comfort. However, I’ve already covered dresses, and this post is about accessorizing.
What I really like to do is pair my normal style of clothing with a flair of Disney. An example of this would be a pair of Minnie Mouse ears with a dress. I think this creates a good contrast, especially if you are dressed nicely. If you look back at old family photos or vintage photos, you see a lot of guests dressed nicely, but wearing mouse ears. This look is incongruous, but not in a bad way, and it makes the outfit fun. This style of dressed up guests with playful Disney hats is still common in Tokyo Disneyland, where guests actually take the idea to the extreme. Take a look below.
Maybe Tom is a bad example! This hat was very popular in Tokyo Disneyland this Christmas, with many guests pairing it with suits, dresses, or school uniforms. Simple and cute Minnie or Mickey Mouse ears work a lot better for this look.
Other accessories that I think work really well to give an outfit a dash of Disney are handbags, watches, necklaces, and bracelets. I generally don’t wear jewelry but do prefer jewelry that’s on the subtle side instead of the colorful stuff. This makes it more wearable in everyday settings when you might not want to broadcast that you’re a Disney fan.
I typically carry an It’s A Small World LeSportsac bag at the parks, and what I really like about this bag is that the pattern looks Disney-related to anyone familiar with Disney, but for normal people, it just looks like a stylized pattern. The bags I’ve carried have all been durable and I don’t mind if they get wet. If you’re not a fan of the LeSportsac bags, recent bags from Dooney & Bourke and Vera Bradley are popular and have interesting designs of their own.
These are just a few of the ways that I accessorize to give me outfit a fun Disney feel when we’re in the parks. I’d love to hear other ideas you have in the comments!
If you are planning a Walt Disney World trip, check out our planning resources! If you’re interested in learning more about other hotels, our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page is a good place to start. For where to eat, try out our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews page. If you want to save money on tickets or determine which type you should get, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at unconventional things you should take on your trip. Once you arrive at the parks, our Walt Disney World “Ride Guides”are great for determining what to do and when to do it.
For overviews of all of these topics and so much more, the best place to start is our comprehensive Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide to make the most of your experience!
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Your Thoughts
How do you like to accessorize for Disney? Have any questions about how I’ve accessorized here? Let me know if you have any questions!
Great tips!
Love the old school Mickey ears and Disney tee!
I usually wear Mickey crocs or sandals. I don’t usually wear dresses to the parks though, so they work with shorts/capris. I have a hard time with footwear, so once I find something I can wear, I stick with it! I always have a camera bag with me, so no cute bags for the parks… except this time, I bought myself a cute Kelly Moore bag. Although it’s giant and plain black because that’s the only one that was on sale. The rest of my wardrobe would be all Disney (well tops). Some in your face Disney, some a little more subtle. Your outfits are always adorable.
I have a few tshirts with mickey on them that I bought at Target. I have two children, so I use them to accessorize:)My daughter always have a princess related outfit, or Tinkerbell. My son wears his Disney hat from his first trip. They love it!
I usually just wear my Minnie Ears, Mickey Earrings, Mickey necklace, and Disney shoes! I love wearing Disney themed clothing though! 🙂
Thanks for the post and the tips! My wife loves to be subtle with her Disney-inspired bags and scarves.
I usually go with my Minnie ears and then maybe a Disney or related t-shirt or something like that.
Great tips, I want to look as cute as you in the parks! 🙂
Love your advice, thanks!
I fall for all Disney Japan accessories and I love accessories that can be reused everyday.
I love this blog, I attribute a lot of my amazing Disney experiences to your great tips and tricks and trip reports!
I go for similar looks to Sarah, light summer dresses and sandals. Apart from my latest trip to Disneyland Paris in early December; that was more of a hats, scarf and gloves trip!
But, like the mouse ears, I always like to add a little Disney magic to my outfits, such as a Mickey necklace and ear-rings, and my Disney charm bracelet 🙂
It’s all in the Disney themed earrings and retro Epcot tees! I even plan what I’m going to wear on our next trip all year long and pick pieces up online constantly.
I loved all your tips for what to wear- especially the sandals.
I always wear shirts from past trips and it is so cool eople will stop and ask where did you get that shirt because they want one. Fun to talk to new people
The acronym KISS is great to keep in mind with assessorising! Keep It Simple Stupid!
At the parks, my assessories are simple…Mickey stud earrings (simple) and my Minnie Mouse ears headband!
I usually wear bright color vacation tops and a bright pink floppy hat I picked up at Disneyland several years ago. I also have a Disney Dooney and Bourke that I received as an anniversary gift. I’m not very good at being subtle about my love of Disney Parks! 🙂
I have a large Snow White Tote, on which I put my Disney Pin collection. Love your outfit ideas Sarah!
I am leaving for Disney in two weeks and this post really helped me put together an outfit 🙂
I keep my outfits simple but create a Mickey silhouette nail art 🙂 next time I visit I’ll wear my Disney Couture castle necklace 🙂
I love to wear my lanyard full of Disney pins, carry a Mickey purse and sometimes I wear a Disney tee. You look so stylish in your dresses!