Chic at Disney? No Small Feat

Let's Tackle What to Wear Together. Why? Because I Love You

Ritz Paris to Disney Paris pipeline. This was a fun trip a few years ago!

When Michael uttered the words “I think we should take the kids to Disney for spring break,” I was a bit lost for words of my own. Do I think Disney is the best use of our time and talents, no. Do I know the kids will make a core memory and I am in to win mom of the year? Absolutely. After the initial hurdle of how will we make it through this with three kids, the most obvious question came to mind. WTF do I wear?

The last time we went to Disney was in October 2022. In Paris. Chic. Since it was fall, I wore a Celine cardigan in wool. Elle was six and she had a similar little outfit. Happy campers. The time before that was March 2019 in the less chic city of Orlaaaandooooo. I was pregnant and almost out of my first trimester, after our first round of IVF. I wore dresses. Lots of dresses. I felt well and Elle had a blast the two days that we spent on property. I rode a of couple rides. I rubbed elbows with Cinderella. I put my toes in the pool. And I miscarried right after the trip.

Going back to Orlando as a mom of three, long enough removed from the trying-to-get-pregnant place I languished in for years, I almost don’t even remember who I was back then. And though I don’t remember her, I do remember what she wore. My style is always three things: Sophisticated, Feminine and Ethereal. The one thing that changes is which word tops the hierarchy. At that moment in my life, ethereal won. Flowy and yes, feminine, felt and looked best. Now I’m in a place of sophistication to the point of stopping myself, perhaps, from having the fun that I should (if future me could weigh in, that would be great).

So, what does a self-anointed sophisticate / mom of three wear to a place that thrives on family costumes? Therein lies the opportunity. Let’s look at some outfit ideas together.

Starting with the kids. They, too, are sophisticated - though I would tag their style as traditional and sweet. For the boys we’re going heavily monogrammed and collared shirts. White hats with ears and white crocs acceptable. Elle had the most glorious custom dresses made when she was little for our trip, and they’re stashed somewhere in a memory box. This photo adorns her bedside table. Bejeweled crocs for her get a pass. She’s going to wear some cute skirt and top sets and I found her a sweet little Disney spirit jersey as well to pair with shorts.

Did we buy ears in advance? Yes. I’m not one to fawn over a gift shop. Did we buy long hair bows to attempt a coquette take (but fitting for a pre-tween)? Also yes. I even bought a Kitsch hair clip with little beads representing Mr. and Mrs. Mouse.

Now for me…

I’ve seen how the Kardashians do Disney, and the athletic look might hit for a day. I also know myself and want to love the photos (for the memories) and legs just don’t photograph particularly well, which leads me to will I be able to wear shorts? The jury is out. For now, here are the looks I’m ordering to attempt. See ya real soon and will let you know if they work.

1. This top is it, but feel like the skirt will need to sit higher than it does on the model. Do I remember Disney having a no midriff rule? This feels elevated enough to not get dress coded.

2. The skirt in question. Love that it’s lightweight yet covers my legs.

3. The best walking yet height-giving sandals-meet-sneakers of all time. Willing to put money on that.

4. Disney Parks meets Parke. This almost mock-neck has a flower instead of a name on it. Sold.

5. Shorts that aren’t *too* short.

6. Chic sneaks. The bows are removable btw.

7. The perfect post-park top when you need a quick change (might be hard to do strapless during the day tbd).

8. Flattering shorts that don’t squeeze the thighs, really the only kind I’ll wear that aren’t workout.

9. Pretty platforms that I’ll probably save for the day with the least amount of walking.

10. Here to capture memories, and this hands-free chain is my enabler.

11. Dinner dress that’s giving Ms. Mouse.

12. Buttery soft heels that will feel good and look good after putting in miles on your hot diggity dogs.