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.
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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!
I definitely always sport my Minnie Ears, but lately I’ve also been wearing a Mickey shaped watch necklace I bought from Etsy. I don’t like wearing a watch, or pulling out my phone every few minutes. Plus I got tons of compliments on it! Definitely my favorite piece to wear in the park!
https://www.etsy.com/transaction/121869410?ref=fb2_tnx_title
Love your style! I dress up my kids, but I like to put a little disney touch in my outfits as well. I’d love a LeSport Sac!!!
I usually wear a floppy hat with a Disney scarf around it. You can change the scarf to match your outfit or your mood!
Awesome post! I usually wear my mickey’s ears, alice in wonderland themed, and comfortable clothes like a t-shirt and some jeans, but in a fashionable way.
Thanks for the ideas. I hate to go overboard on clothing. I have one disney tee, now I have some ideas on what to add to my outfits.
Ears! I love to wear old ears that I’ve gotten from a previous trip to Disney. This past October, I wore my pirate Mickey ears that I had gotten when I was in middle school, to Magic Kingdom (I’m in college now). They were a hit! Cast members and visitors alike commented on them.
I agree with incorporating subtle hints of Disney in my outfit, whether it be one of my mickey watches or necklaces. I think it adds a nice classy touch, and it’s a great conversation starter when people notice the Disney jewelery.
I also have a pair of cowboy boots that say “Andy” on the sole. 🙂
I love wearing Disney shirts, especially more retro throwback Disney
I really love the Vera Bradley “Where’s Mickey?” pattern, and my daughters gave me a bag this Christmas with it.
I totally agree with your philosophy – simple Disney accessories that don’t necessarily “scream” Disney to non-fanatics such as as myself. I too have a bag from the LeSportSac line and love it! I also have a subtle Mickey print fashion scarf and simple Mickey head earrings I can wear to the office. That being said, it is fun to kick it up a notch while in the parks! Love that hat Tom is wearing by the way!
We still have over 200 days until our trip, but we have already started accessorizing! I love that places like Target sell affordable Disney swag . . . It helps keep the anticipation fresh (without busting the budget) even when are so far out from our visit. Looking forward to adding more accessories from the parks!
On our most recent trip I painted my nails red with white polka dots and on a few I painted black Mickey ears. And I always wore my Minnie ears. 🙂
I always buy a new pair of Mickey earrings on Main St and I like the headband style Minnie ears, since they also help keep my hair under control 🙂
Love it! My fiancé and I are going to Disneyland on our honeymoon. We got engaged in Disney World this past December and can’t wait to show our disney side with fun bride and groom ears!
I agree with everything. You are so stylish!!
I’ve always gotta wear some type of disney shirt to every park. Always have to have my old, tattered disney bag with me. Always have to sport my disney pins. Mickey ears? Absolutely!!!
I usually wear disney tees and carry a bag I made from disney fabric 🙂
I love to wear a sparkly Minnie Ears! They go with everything:)!
My favorite way to accessorize is by using my Disney Ears! Since I own about 12 pairs, I can usually find one to go with any outfit.
Love the ideas for new things to wear at the parks! Thanks for such an entertaining and informative blog!
That’s just what I’m looking for, sa purse that’s subtly Disney but not too obvious for regular life. I love some of the Dooney and Burke ones but I’m not one to pay that much for a purse. I might get one of these LeSportsacs, they’re 25% of right now on their website in case anyone is interested…