How To Dress for Dapper Day at Disneyland

Dapper Day at Disneyland is a semi-annual event where attendees dress up in their finest attire, taking inspiration from vintage classics to chic contemporary couture. It’s a day of elegance and sophistication, where attendees can express their personal style and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Disneyland. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to dress for Dapper Day at Disneyland.

Origin and Significance of Dapper Day

Dapper Day originated in 2011, conceived by Los Angeles artist and designer, Justin Jorgensen. Inspired by the illustrations of Disneyland’s early days, where visitors dressed in their finest attire, Jorgensen created an event that encourages attendees to step out in style. The event celebrates personal style, nostalgia, and the tradition of “stepping out in style.” Dapper Day is now celebrated semi-annually at Disney theme parks in Anaheim, Orlando, and Paris.

Key Style Elements for Dapper Day

When dressing for Dapper Day, consider the following key style elements:

1. Vintage or Contemporary Chic: Dapper Day celebrates refined style from various eras. You can opt for a vintage-inspired outfit or a modern, sophisticated look.
2. Era or Theme: Select a specific time period or theme for your outfit, such as the 1920s flapper, 1940s pinup, 1950s housewife, or 1960s Mad Men style.
3. Color Blocking: Use bold, solid colors to design your Disney-inspired Dapper Day outfit, which can help give the impression of certain Disney characters while keeping it classy and fashionable.
4. Accessories: Think of the key items associated with your chosen Disney character and find accessories that are similar, like hats, gloves, jewelry, or scarves.
5. Period-Style Makeup and Hair: Adding era-appropriate makeup and hairstyles can enhance your overall look and make your outfit more authentic.
6. Comfort: Since Dapper Day involves a lot of walking and enjoying the Disney Parks, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that allows for easy movement.
7. Mix and Match: Feel free to combine elements from different eras or styles to create a unique and personalized outfit.

Incorporating Vintage and Disney-Themed Elements

To incorporate vintage and Disney-themed elements into your Dapper Day outfit, consider the following tips:

1. Choose a Character or Theme: Select a Disney character or theme that you want to base your outfit on. This could be a classic character like Mickey or Minnie Mouse, or a more unique choice like Buzz Lightyear.
2. Pick an Era or Look: Decide on a vintage era that you want to emulate, such as the 1920s, 1950s, or 1970s. This will help you narrow down your outfit choices and accessories.
3. DisneyBounding: Combine your vintage look with DisneyBounding, which involves dressing in outfits that resemble or are inspired by Disney characters without wearing actual costumes.
4. Shop for Vintage-Inspired Clothing: Look for clothing items that have a vintage feel, such as dresses, skirts, trousers, and blouses.
5. Accessorize: Add Disney-themed accessories to your outfit, such as Mickey Mouse ears, character-inspired brooches, or Disney-themed jewelry.

Balancing Comfort and Style

Balancing comfort and style when preparing for a day at Disneyland can be achieved by considering a few key factors:

1. Comfortable Shoes: Choose shoes that provide ample cushioning and support for walking all day.
2. Lightweight, Comfortable Clothing: Opt for clothes that are easy to move around in and dry quickly.
3. Disney-Themed Accessories: Add a touch of Disney magic to your outfit with accessories like mouse ears, Disney-themed bags, or jewelry.
4. Layering: Disneyland’s weather can vary throughout the day, so it’s a good idea to wear layers that can be easily added or removed.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

When dressing for Dapper Day, there are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

1. Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes: While vintage-style shoes may look great, they might not be the most practical choice for a full day of walking.
2. Ignoring Period-Style Makeup and Hair: To fully embrace the Dapper Day spirit, don’t forget to consider period-style makeup and hair, which can add emphasis to your vintage look.
3. Dressing in Costume: Dapper Day is not a costume event, so avoid dressing in full costume. Instead, focus on vintage-inspired fashions or DisneyBounding.
4. Overlooking Comfort for Children: If you’re attending Dapper Day with kids, make sure their outfits are comfortable and practical for a day at the park.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a stylish and comfortable Dapper Day at Disneyland. Remember, the event is all about showcasing your personal style and dressing in your “Sunday best.” Whether you choose a vintage or contemporary look, the key is to have fun and celebrate refined style from yesterday and today.