Dapper Day^®, an unofficial event held twice a year at three Disney parks, is designed to be fun & festive – the days leading up to it are full of eager anticipation. Many people who attend Dapper Day at the Disney parks like to wear vintage-inspired outfits, but stylish attire from all eras is encouraged. Are you interested in attending Dapper Day? Not sure where to start when planning an outfit? Keep reading for some tips and suggestions – whether you’re feeling stress and anxiety or calm and cool about participating in Dapper Day.

Photo Credits: Krista & Lloyd, DLR PhotoPass and Expo Photographers.

My husband and I attended our first Dapper Day in March 2015. We attended the Dapper Day Expo and visited both parks (Disney California Adventure and Disneyland) on Saturday. Our outfits were late 1920s inspired – I was channeling Lillian (Bounds) Disney when she was an ink & paint girl on cartoons like Plane Crazy. It started out sunny and then it rained – which is pretty rare for California in early March. We had fun walking around Disneyland in the rain protected by our umbrella.

Dapper Day^® Events started in February 2011 and are not associated with The Walt Disney Company. Some people think that Dapper Day is a full costume or cosplay opportunity, but this is not the case and these types of outfits are better suited for other events. Guests are welcome to show their DisneySide and some of the Disney inspired outfits are very creative, but the idea of Dapper Day has always been, and remains, to simply dress your best while visiting the Disney parks.

6 Tips for Planning Your Outfit for Dapper Day:

• Go “shopping” in your closet – Most people, especially adults, have at least one nicer “dress-up” outfit of some kind in their closet. The type of outfit you’d wear to a wedding, a cocktail party, Sunday brunch – you get the idea. If you want an excuse to go shopping, then Dapper Day is a perfect one! Check out local thrift stores or vintage shops.
• Add some fun accessories – For the gents: Consider a hat, a tie or bowtie, a pocket square, or maybe some suspenders. For the ladies: Consider a fascinator or hair bow, jewelry, a fashionable purse, or maybe some gloves.
• Consider adding some Disney touches to your outfit – Mickey ears, Disney inspired jewelry, subtle DisneyBounding.
• Pay attention to the details – Hair and makeup are important touches.
• Plan for the weather – Will you need a light sweater or jacket? Possibly an umbrella?
• Keep comfort in mind – Shoes complete the outfit, but since you’ll be walking around Disneyland all day and into the night you may want to consider wearing sensible shoes (or at least bring a spare pair with you).

1920s inspired outfits — Krista channeling an ink & paint girl. Photo Credits: Lloyd & Expo photographer.

Dapper Day is a grand and glorious way to spend time at “The Happiest Place on Earth”!

• Have fun!
• Mingle and admire the fabulous fashion
• Become a social butterfly – even if you tend to be shy!
• Give compliments about all the outfits you love
• Take lots of pictures!

Be sure to check the official Dapper Day website for all the latest information. Get inspired by looking at pictures from Spring 2015 Dapper Day (also on Instagram).

Fall 2015 Disneyland Dapper Day Events:

Dapper Day Expo (Sept. 18 – 19) — click link to shop!

Fall Dapper Day (Sept. 18)

After Party on Sept. 18 (Folly at the Jazz Kitchen)

Charles Phoenix Show (Sept. 19)

Dapper Day Car Show (Sept. 19) — New Event!

Other Fall 2015 Dapper Day Locations:

Disneyland Paris (Sept. 26)

Walt Disney World – Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park (Oct. 3)

Question: Will you be attending Dapper Day? What is your favorite part of this event? Share your answer on Facebook.

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