Step right up folks! The long-awaited Dapper day tips blog post is finally here! I talk about Dapper day on the blog every year as it's my favorite event, I've been going since I first found out about it in 2014. I never miss it as it's such a special weekend to me, both the fall and spring event brings different and amazing experiences. I usually do a recap blog post but at the request of many of you lovely folks, I have decided to do tips and tricks blog post this time around as well. Whether you are looking to get last minute outfit inspiration, or just learn from someone who's been going for years you've come to the right place. I asked for your input as well to see what kind of tips you would like. So I've got a mixture of my own personal tips and answers to your questions. I am by no means a dapper day expert as if there were such a thing, just spreading the knowledge I've gained from going for years. While most of my information will be due to my experience here at Walt Disney World, I think it can be used anywhere. Keep reading to get my tips to having a fun and unforgettable Dapper day weekend!
Tips and tricks
1. Protect yourself I cannot stress this enough.
Florida sun is no joke whether it's in November or April for Dapper day. Always pack sunblock, sunglasses and an umbrella. You may not want to carry it around but when you need it you'll be so glad you brought it. Trust me you'll thank me later!
2. Wear light breathable fabrics or bring a change of clothes.
Sure that wool dress looks cute on the hanger but when you're walking around Disney in the heat you'll regret it. Opt for cotton, rayon, linen, and even chiffon and tulle. Pieces that have movement and are lightweight will be your best options. If you really must wear heavier outfit wear layers that can be taken off or a change of clothes for when you can't take any more heat or sweating, both will happen so be prepared.
Sure that wool dress looks cute on the hanger but when you're walking around Disney in the heat you'll regret it. Opt for cotton, rayon, linen, and even chiffon and tulle. Pieces that have movement and are lightweight will be your best options. If you really must wear heavier outfit wear layers that can be taken off or a change of clothes for when you can't take any more heat or sweating, both will happen so be prepared.
3. Bring a change of shoes
This goes for all folks men, women, trans, non-binary you name it. If your shoes are uncomfortable no matter how you try to hide it, it'll show. You'll regret it and have a terrible time and blisters to go along with it. If you really want to wear nice shoes, do what I do and slip them on for pictures. Wear your back up shoes for walking around and you'll have a much better time. I always carry a pair of flats in my bag for when I get tired of wearing my heels.
4. Pack snacks or plan meal times
Being hungry and dehydrated is a terrible combo throw in the heat and you've got a recipe for disaster. Make sure to take time for yourself to recharge so you can enjoy the day better and don't feel sluggish and tired. I for one always feel better when I've eaten, who doesn't? Dapper day is like any other day, take care of yourself and your body will thank you!
5. Plan ahead, rides, meet up times, etc
This is so important and will help you have a fun stress free time. Dapper day is an incredibly busy day, temperatures are high as are the crowds. In order to make the most of your experience and not be sad, you didn't get to do all the things you wanted or see friends, plan accordingly. Most importantly take time for yourself, add breaks in your day to rest, relax and recharge.
6. Be kind, compliment a stranger and try to make new friends.
Dapper day is a time when the whole community comes together, its a chance to make new connections, spread kindness and overall spend the day with fellow Disney lovers. It's not every day that everyone's dressed to impress in whatever they consider to be dapper, there's truly no other event like it. It's a day full of inspiration, creativity, and fabulous fashion. Go ahead and make the most of it spread some love and pixie dust, I guarantee you won't regret it.
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7. The most important tip of all Don't compare yourself to others!
7. The most important tip of all Don't compare yourself to others!
Regardless of what you wear on Dapper day all that matters is that you feel happy and have a good time. Nothing else matters I promise no one else is judging you. If they are well they aren't your kind of people and you need to pay them no mind. There's no "right or wrong" way to do dapper day. Whether you're clad head to toe in vintage, reproduction or just your own take of dapper day you'll fit right in. Own your look, be confident and be fabulously you, you can't go wrong with that.
FAQ about Dapper day
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How to survive the heat?
This is the question I get asked the most regardless of whether it's Dapper day or not. As someone who dresses up in vintage on a regular basis, I've learned how to manage wearing it in the heat. My best tips are lightweight fabrics and to take many many air condition breaks. I also make it my priority to know what areas offer the most shade or a place to sit in each park. I always visit at least two shows, numerous shops and take at least two hours each day to just sit down, relax and recharge. Lunchtime is a great time to take a break but I recommend doing it whenever you start to feel overheated, please never wait until you're about to pass out from exhaustion. You know your limits better than anyone else, so stay hydrated, take breaks and take care of yourself. You've got this!
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How to make makeup last?
How to make makeup last?
This is so hard as this varies for person to person, what may work for me may not work for you. So instead of recommending products, I'll share my tried and true ways to keep your makeup alive. Pack back up makeup to touch up, whatever fades the most due to sweat and just general wear. For me, that's always my eyes and lipstick so I pack the items I need to reapply throughout the day. You also want to use products that can withstand the heat, anything long lasting or waterproof will be your best friend! Bring makeup wipes, a handkerchief to blot away sweat and chapstick. Remember that its hot outside and sweat is natural, no one constantly looks picture perfect so at the end of the day we do the best we can.
How to wear petticoats/suits in the heat?
This depends on the park, while I have tried and true spots I tend to search for new ones on Dapper day. My best advice is to look for areas that are out of the way, walls, sides of buildings little niches. As I mentioned before crowds are high this time of year so instead of opting for the classic wall, the castle or globe picture go and try something new. You may just inspire others to find new places too and make friends along the way!
Bike shorts or running shorts will be your best friend. I wear these to keep my legs from getting too sweaty and having the petticoats stick to my legs, it also helps if your legs rub together to prevent chaffing. Again I suggest going for thin petticoats, the more layers the hotter you will be. Avoid using scratchy, heavy petticoats as those will be uncomfortable in the heat. As for suits I asked for Martin's input and he said lightweight fabrics, linen, cotton will be your best friend. There's no need for a three-piece suit if you can't handle the heat. The fewer layers the better and if needed you can always just wear your jacket for photos.
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What are your favorite photo spots?This depends on the park, while I have tried and true spots I tend to search for new ones on Dapper day. My best advice is to look for areas that are out of the way, walls, sides of buildings little niches. As I mentioned before crowds are high this time of year so instead of opting for the classic wall, the castle or globe picture go and try something new. You may just inspire others to find new places too and make friends along the way!
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Where to find cute Disney accessories?
I usually wear all vintage for Dapper day however when I can't find what I'm looking for I turn to my two favorite shops. I get all my non-vintage and themed accessories from them and I cannot recommend them enough! Insomniac creations and Femme De Bloom, are my go-to shops for all my accessory needs.
How to plan outfits?
This is another one that depends on preference, for me, I usually pick a theme/character and search from there. For example if I wanted to do a 30's Lilo, I would look up the silhouettes and styles I like from the '30s. I'd also find photos of the outfit I want to bound to get an idea of color, texture fit, etc. Say for example I want to do her red dress with leaves. I look for an outfit that is done in 30’s silhouette with the leaf print on it, so people can tell who I am. It’s bounding with a vintage twist so it's all about making it your own. All of my outfits are inspired by vintage whether that be people, places or movies. I've included pictures of outfits I've done in the past and what inspired them so you get an idea of how my thought process works.
Mama Imelda- 1940's style was inspired by Lucille ball. I loved the elegant gowns, simple yet captivating worn during that era. Mama Imelda wears this gorgeous ruched purple dress so I looked for a dress with a similar design.
Blue fairy - 1930's style inspired by Ginger Rogers. The blue fairy to me has always reminded me of Ginger, effortlessly chic and demure with her flowing blue gown. Her dramatic sleeves were definitely the most memorable part of the outfit along with her headband style hair piece,so those were two pieces I made sure to have in my outfit.
Rapunzel- 1950's prom style. Rapunzel is one of my favorite princesses who happens to wear two of my favorite colors. I decided to do a 1950's prom take on her outfit. My dress has an all over flower print, I wore purple hair flowers and accessories to pay homage to Rapunzel like a Pascal pin and Flower pin.
Tiana- 1950's blue dress. This outfit was one hundred percent inspired by an outfit Tiana wears in the movie. I did my best to emulate her grace and beauty. From the white elbow length gloves to the tiara and frog prince purse, it was all about the details for this look.
Anastasia 1950's - Anastasia has a lot of iconic outfits but her dress in the dance scene of "Once upon a December" is probably the most memorable. I decided to do this outfit with a 50's twist. I searched for a dress in the same color,with the beautiful wide sleeves. The gold crown and Pooka toy added those finishing touches.
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Where to shop for outfits?
I wish I had a tried and true place I go to in order to find outfits but the honest answer is its a combination of a lot of things. I spend months searching Ebay,Etsy,Instagram and even Facebook groups for the pieces I want. I have a set budget in mind so unfortunately most places near here don't align with it but I do like to search locally for accessories. If you're in the Orlando area I suggest shops like Deja Vu vintage, The lovely collection and Retromended. These are all places I have personally shopped at that have affordable pieces and very kind shop owners.
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Thank you Erick Paul Photography for taking these amazing photos.
I hope you enjoyed reading my tips and tricks for surviving dapper day. I hope you found them helpful and learned a few new ones to make your dapper day weekend unforgettable. I can't stress enough how this weekend is magical and truly one of a kind, so don't be intimidated. Wear whatever makes you happy, whatever is dapper to you and come out. I promise you won't regret it, you'll leave with memories to last a life time and wonder why you didn't do it sooner. At the end of the day it doesn't matter what you wear, its the memories you make, the people you meet and the magic you help share that make all the difference. Happy dapper day everyone, I can't wait to see you there!
Thank you Erick Paul Photography for taking these amazing photos.
If you have any comments, questions or even suggestions on what you'd like to see me go to next, feel free to comment below and I'll do my best to reply in a timely manner.
As always thanks for reading, may your days be filled with pretty dresses, dapper clothes & a lot of happiness.
Paola xx
aka "thehepburnmovement"
aka "thehepburnmovement"
Fabulous tips!!
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-Janey
Thanks so much!
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