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 keep it simple – Disney tshirts and subtle Disney jewelry. I always carry some sort of cross body bag for my pocket camera, phone, gum and Chapstick.
It’s all about wearing the ears!!
I started “Disney accesorizing” out of necessity. I lost my sunglasses on a ride, so I had to buy a pair at the park (can’t live without my sunglasses). Also, had to buy a Mickey visor to block the bright sun. Now, I won’t go without them!
I love to wear a piece of jewelry that is comfy and casual. My new favorite Disney clothing option are my Disney leggings from Forever21 (sold out) from the fall.
I guess I Disney accessorize every day… I always wear the sterling silver Mickey ring I bought at WDW a number of years ago. I like how subtle it is and only Disney fans notice it!
I’m all about function: the less I have to carry around, the better. But a pair of Minnie ears, necklace or an outfit inspired by a character is always ok! 😉
I’m heading to Disney this September with my family for the first time (at least since I was 10) and have been religiously reading your blog! Great tips and amazing photos!
Great post! Thanks for the tip about the shoes!
Love to accessorize with a pair of mouse ears that can also keep the hair off your face on a hot day. Just bought an Alex and Ani bracelet of Cinderella’s Castle that I can look at and think of Disney when I’m not there
I got a marathon exclusive Dooney bag that I love. Reminds me so much of Disney and all the time I put in to training for that marathon. My first big race was the Tower of Terror that you did… any more runDisney events in your future? Avengers Half maybe??
I love the look of those sandals! Thanks for letting us know where you get them 🙂
Great post! i’m looking forward to buying Minnie’s ears next October! And the shoes suggested look pretty great!
My daughter and I are huge fans of Mickey ears as well!
You’re always extremely stylish in the photos, it never fails to impress me.
The last time we went to Disney World, I think I was so concerned about being warm (I’m from Hawaii so anything under 70 degrees is pretty chilly) that I didn’t pay much attention to my outfits. 🙁 This year we are planning to go during the summer and I’m looking forward to being able to dress up more in the parks. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your cute accessory ideas as well as your previous post on dresses!
Love Your Outfits!
Thank you so much for all your fashion tips. I haven’t always cared exactly what I looked like while in the parks. But now that I have gotten older ( into my 30s, gasp) I have wanted to dress more sophisticated. Your tips have helped me a lot. I have a better idea of what works in the parks. Thank you! I may be buying some Minnie ears now during my upcoming trip to WDW. 🙂
I love Disney-inspired hair bows, though I’m usually wearing ears or some other Disney hat while in the parks since I can’t really get away with them elsewhere!
I have worn Minnie ears in recent years, and this year I pre-ordered the glittery Christmas Minnie ears for myself and my 2 girls (17 and 20) so that we were in the holiday spirit. The girls have tiaras that they also have worn. I have the bracelet with the large bead-like mickey heads in the green and red for the holidays, black and orange for fall, and blue for other times. I sometime have Disney tops but always comfortable bottoms. My girls have been wearing light comfortable dresses.
I always add a Disney flair to my outfit. Minnie ears are a classic! Also, I think you meant Vera Bradley bags, not Vera Wang! 🙂 I could be wrong! Great styling tips!