Are you trying to figure out how to dress for Dapper Day at Disney?
If you’ve ever wanted to be the picture of sophisticated grace at the Disney Parks but have never had an excuse to do it, let me introduce my vintage loving friends to Dapper Day!
Now is your chance to dress in a refined style with whimsical chic at the most Magical and Happiest Places on Earth.
As a solo traveler, it’s already a bit daunting to go alone to the Disney Parks, but dressed up?
Intimidating for sure!
But have no fear because as I always do, I am here to reassure you about why not only you should travel solo but do it with Dapper Day!
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What is Dapper Day at Disney?
To start, let’s discuss what is Dapper Day exactly?
Dapper Day is an organization of sorts founded by LA designer Justin J. with his team that includes model and creative director, Doris Mayday, Producer and Guest Relations Manager, Chloe Ferreira and Shop Manager, Whitney Vigil.
The organization was founded in 2011 and has their events in all sorts of destinations like museums and theme parks like Disneyland, Walt Disney World and sometimes Disneyland Paris resorts.
This event encourages you to step out in your Sunday best and are in fact, best known for their “Dapper Day Outing to the Parks” event and Dapper Day expo in Anaheim.
Plus, the best part is there is no specific time period, so you can come in any style you please that you define as “dapper.”
These events are not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company, although they do work closely with them. The event does not schedule meetups.
However, fans of the event have Facebook Groups and Instagram Pages where they schedule them and allows visitors to connect, make friends and come together to have a riveting time together while dressing up in the parks!
That’s what makes it perfect for solo travelers!
You won’t be alone in the fun and merriment. The meetups allow you to find other solo travelers like yourself to join in on the fun with.
- Our Size is Different from US Size, DO NOT USE AMAZON SIZE GUIDE, Please Refer to Our Size Chart on the Left of the Pictures.
- Sleeveless, Low Cut, with Button Accents at the Front Waist, Fashionable Mimetic Open-Necked Design at the Bust, Side Zipper, Fit Flare Style.
- Particularly Use Classic Polka Dot Pattern Patchwork at the Bodice and Skirt, Creating a Vintage Feeling!
- Perfect for Daily Casual, Pinup Look, Cocktail Party, Christmas Party or any Special Occasion!
- Garment Care: To Avoid Damaging the Dress, Hand Wash Separately, Do not Use Machine to Wash or Soak for too Long. Low Iron before wearing!
Ultimately, the goal is to showcase you looking your best while showing off your own personal style and creativity.
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Where is Dapper Day at the Disney Parks?
Dapper Day has dates in the Fall and Spring at Disneyland, Walt Disney World and sometimes Disneyland Paris resorts yearly.
The dates are not always the same day and specifically for Walt Disney World, it is not always the same park.
2024 Dapper Day Dates:
As of this post, these are the following Dapper Day dates so you can get ready to join in and plan!
- Disneyland Paris Resort: Spring Outings on Saturday and Sunday, April 6th and 7th of 2024; Fall Outing on Sunday November 3, 2024
- Walt Disney World Resort: Spring Outings on Saturday and Sunday April 20th and April 21st of 2024; Holiday Outings on Saturday and Sunday, December 7th and 8th of 2024
How to Dress for Dapper Day at Disney World and Disneyland?
Now that we know what it is and when it is, now the big question is “What in the world are you going to wear?”
With this kind of event, you can be as creative and extra as you please! I’m wearing ballgowns myself this year.
What tends to be popular with visitors is the 1930s to 1960s eras. The most popular by far are the 1920s, 1930s and 1950s.
A lot of people find it fun to dress in these styles with Disney twists and inspirations, adding Disneybounding flair to their personal style.
Some people really get into in and make their outfits by hand.
But if you’re like me, you do not have the time or skills to craft and outfit by hand. So here are some shops that cater to every era’s style for men and women alike!
WATCH: 13 Beginner Tips for Going to Disney World This Year!
AdoredVintage
This online shop caters to those who want timeless and feminine clothing inspired by vintage style.
They have pieces for every season and are carefully curated with classic staples including florals.
They feature all sorts of apparels, accessories, jewelry, home Decor, books, stationary, tea and much more! And everything is fairly affordable and reasonably priced.
Modcloth
This shop has been around since 2002 and a favorite among Dapper Day visitors. Modcloth is notable for their commitment to size inclusion and diversity while being affordable.
The products feature vibrant prints reminiscent of several eras that are high quality and versatile.
The styles they use are timeless and flattering on all body types and they commit to bringing innovative styles to their customers.
The company has worked with several other brands to bring a wide variety of clothing pieces, outerwear, shoes, accessories, specialty gifts, home decor and plus size items.
They are notable for their seasonal pieces including Halloween and Christmas collections.
Amazon
Now we all use Amazon in our day to day life, so why not use it to find some amazing outfits for Dapper Day?
Amazon has an excellent assortment of clothing as long as you know what exactly you are looking for.
If you choose to use this way to go, you will want to research before hand what style and era you want to get inspiration from.
- Please DO NOT refer to the Amazon Size Chart. Check the 3rd pic. to choose the right size, thank you;
- Particularly Use Classic Polka Dot Pattern, Short Sleeve, Side Zipper, Midi,Retro Style, Creating a Vintage Feeling
- Perfect for Daily Casual, Wedding, Cocktail Party, or any Special Occasion
- Material: 95% Cotton + 5% Spandex, a little stretchy
- Wash Instruction: Hand wash recommended; Machine wash cold(machine washable at 30 degrees) / Do Not Bleach / Hang or Line Dry
This way, you know exactly what you are looking for and won’t have issues finding it.
Important to remember to keep an eye out on sizing and to read reviews. It’s a good idea to do this when working with a new company through Amazon.
- 💖[Classic Match:1950s Dress & Petticoat] If you choose our vintage tea party dress and petticoat at the same time, there will be a surprise! Comfortable fabric: 98% cotton, 2% elastane!
- 💖[Vintage Cocktail Prom Dress] This 50s retro rockabilly swing dress is perfect for party celebration, which will help you balance your weekend fun and trendy needs. A-line shape, sweetheart neckline, knee length, decorative belt – all these designs are for your vintage pinup style!
- 💖[Retro Wedding Party Dress] Sleeveless halter neck design will flatter your neckline. Unique back design makes you look more sexy! Cute belt will modify you waist! This pinup halter polka dot dress will be the perfect choice for your next 2024 spring summer formal, semi-formal and casual event.
- 💖[1950s Dress for Women] Suitable for all ladies, but also as a junior dress for teen. this fit flare vintage halter dress is a must-have. This audrey hepburn short dress is ideal as cocktail dress, tea party dress, evening dress, prom dress, valentine’s day dress, easter dress, wedding guest dress, bridesmaid dress, formal dress, graduation dress, birthday dress and casual dress
- 💖[Size Tips] DRESSTELLS 50s style aline swing dress has provided you with detailed size advice on height and weight. Please do refer to the Dresstells size chart before placing your order!
Finally, make sure it will reach you in enough time to try it on and to exchange for a different size in case you need to.
Official Disney Store
The Disney Store has a dress shop collection inspired by some classic attractions, character and much more!
These dresses can be found in the parks and online.
It ranges from dresses, jumpsuits and bags. They come in a variety of sizes but they are a bit on the pricey side at a price tag of $128 per piece before tax.
Bags are $44.99 before tax so if you are a Disney Vacation Club member or Annual Passholder, you may want to try your luck and use your discount at the parks to purchase for Dapper Day.
Not to mention, you have more luck with variety at the parks versus the Disney Store where it only has a select few.
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Unique Vintage
By far, one of the most popular sites used by Dapper Day prospects is Unique Vintage.
This shop has a location in Burbank, California as well as an online store. It opened in 2000 and quickly became one of Newsweek’s Best online shops.
The business celebrates every body type while celebrating iconic fashions of the past in contemporary designs.
This vintage inspired fashions has something for everyone! The site has various collections, including a Disney specific one.
They carry all types of clothing pieces, dresses, flapper pieces, wedding outfits, shoes, accessories, plus size designs ,etc. Your imagination will soar with this privately owned, female owned business!
Dapper Day
Last but not least, Dapper Day themselves have various products and collections that they sell.
They have an amazing selection of vintage themed brooches and pins!
There’s also shirts, dresses, ascots, bags, fans, bowties and anything you could imagine with whimsical themed Disney styles.
As of this year, they are celebrating 13 years of style with its organization.
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
What to Know Before You Go to Dapper Day at Disney
Now that you know what it is and how to dress for it, let’s go through a few of the most commonly asked questions that I receive.
Does this event break Disney’s “No Costumes” policy?
This event encourages its participants dress up in great style of yesterday and so it is not a costumed event. Costumes for adults are only allowed during Disney’s Halloween events.
Do I need to buy a ticket?
To enter the park, you will need to buy a theme park ticket for the park the event is taking place in or have an Annual Pass.
Disneyland currently uses the Park Pass Reservation system, so you will need to have that as well.
For the Dapper Day expo, you will need to buy a ticket despite it taking place in Disneyland Hotel, which does not need a park ticket to enter.
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Do I need to register to participate in Dapper Day?
No registration is required for the Disney Dapper Day event.
Are there any discounts available for Dapper Day at Disney?
Dapper Day has discounted hotel rates for the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort as well as park passes, which depends on the season whether or not they are available.
Contact DLR.CONVENTION.GROUPS@DISNEY.COM to reserve for Disneyland resort or call 407-939-4686, Disney World’s Group Reservations hotline to book!
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Now You Know How to Dress for Dapper Day!
You officially have all you need to get started with your solo journey to the Disney Parks for Dapper Day!
My only piece of advice would be to get creative, have fun and look forward to connecting with awesome people.
As a stylish solo traveler, you certainly won’t feel alone during this event.
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
My Final Thoughts on Dapper Day at Disney
Whether you dress like a flapper, like Walt himself or Gene Kelly, you should be ready to turn heads!
I would also suggest bringing a change of clothes if you don’t think you can make it in your outfit the whole day. Florida heat and humidity is no joke.
Have a simply phenomenal time in your very best and put on your best smile because the paparazzi will be out!
Ready to head out to Dapper Day at Disney World or Disneyland? Join our Facebook Group to meet other solo travelers doing the same and let us know how you will dress for Dapper Day below!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.
UP NEXT: What is Dapper Day at Disney? (11 Tips to Make the Most of Your Day)
(Original Article Date: October 29, 2022/Updated by Editor on March 14, 2024)