When do you start planning wardrobe for Disney?

I get totally obsessed about what I'm wearing when I'm planning for any trip. It's a good job our son doesn't live at home anymore, because his room is "pack central". I start trying things on, laying things out, then change my mind, etc. what seems like a million times! For Disney trips, we try and do just carry on luggage, and rather than make it easier, I find that even harder. Everything has to co-ordinate and do double duty, and be easy to rinse out in a pinch. I'm not allowed to bring the suitcases out until a month before we go, but by then I've usually already got clothes and accessories piled high.

Packing for Peter is much easier. He's colour blind - he really only sees brown, beige, blacks and greys correctly, so that is pretty much his wardrobe. Everything already matches and co-ordinates!

I CAN pack in a hurry if I need to - we've had a few last minute trips over the years - but the anticipation and planning is half the fun. Peter thinks I'm nuts, but I do his packing too, so he doesn't give me too much of a hard time about it.

I like looking at the Disney-inspired outfits on Pinterest....but then I never have the clothes in my wardrobe and don't have the money to buy them! But it is still fun!

Neither one of us has a ton of clothes, so we barely even think about it and on the night before grab our 3 pairs of shorts and a dozen shirts and we're done. I think everything matches with beige shorts, so no planning. And even if it doesn't, I'm generally sure of 2 things: 1. there will always be someone worse-dressed than me. Or at least someone with stoopid shoes that will make me look less goofy; and 2. chances are I will never see any of these people again

Which probably explains why I am not a fashion designer.....

My husband is that guy. He wears Zcoils every day everywhere. We get a lot of strange looks.

As far as my packing I am with Jeff I pack my Khaki's (shorts or pants depending on the season) and 6 shirts, 1 pair of dress pants for my signature dinings.

J does no planning at all I do that too.

I grab and stuff into suitcase. More worried about getting my electronics packed, chargers, cameras (6 or so) , web cams, computers, iPad , backup batteries, wires, tripod, omni pod, gorilla tripod, oh and beers!

I keep a permanent packing list that I update for each trip depending on when we're going. Then I check the long-range weather forecast shortly before the trip begins and adjust the list again if necessary.

I haven't updated the list for our upcoming November trip yet, and that will probably be necessary because November should be at least a bit cooler than our last two trips to Florida (October and April). But every trip the list is essentially the same - shorts, jeans, shirts, T-shirts, a jacket, and if it'll be cool, some warmer clothes. All park casual. I don't dress up at Disney World.

I only plan and pack for myself. Hubby is on his own. If we clash, we clash.

This time we are going in the beginning of November.....I will start picking up a few new things as they go on sale during the summer especially in the Disney store ... I always buy some new underwear and sox (when my kids were small, they always knew we were going on vacation because I started buying everyone new undies and soxs * lol).....I also start buying an extra tube of toothpaste, hair stuff, and other toiletries along with batteries (one or two things) each week and put them in plastic bags so everything is ready to be packed....and since I have an empty bedroom, probably around the end of September, I will start putting things into piles and then pack a few days before we leave !!! I do try to coordinate some of our clothes, hubby doesn't even realize it, but it looks good in pictures !!

I don't plan my wardrobe. Whether I'm traveling or just going about the regular activities of daily living all my clothes go together so no need to plan. My wardrobe planning reaches it's peak when I decide which sweatshirt to take with me.

I usually just toss stuff into a suitcase and figure it out there. I do a lot of running shorts and tops (wicking and lightweight!). However, this year I'm already planning ahead. I have MNSSHP so I need a costume for that and then two "race costumes". This is also the first year that I have some ADRs that will not be in the park, so I'm trying to figure out an appropriate outfit that can go from park to restaurant without a change! I'm inspired by all the cute sundresses I've seen in the trip report pics, but haven't found a cute one yet that looks good on me!! Going to do some serious hunting over the next 3 months!

Ha ha ha... I do the same thing. There's something about going on vacation with new underwear. TMI?

I do laundry every Sunday. I pack for Disney on the Sunday before my trip. As I wash anything I need to bring with me it goes from the laundry basket into the suitcase.

I try to make it as simple as possible. All of my bottoms (capris, jeans and jean skirts) are navy blue. Then I just add my tops. I watch for sales and buy things before I leave. I have a travel bag that is always filled with my toiletries. The only things that get added at the last minute are my makeup and hair/styling equipment.

Usually a day or two before I start packing, which is a day or two before I leave.

I don't care about coordination since I only go with 1-3 other people. I just make sure I have shorts and crops (even in off-seasons like February!), one pair of jeans for super chilly nights, shirts (mostly tees) to match (I have some funky colored shorts/pants), and a cardigan. And maybe a light jacket in case it actually gets too cold for me (rare). And of course my sneakers are a must, but I also make sure I have a cute pair of flats or sandals in case we go out for drinks or something. Since most of my time is spent in a park, I just take basic and functional pieces I wear all the time anyway. When my boyfriend and I start going together I'll probably throw in some nicer clothes for dinner and things!

Last week I bought a t-shirt with a tropical leaf pattern on it, which reminded me of the Polynesian. Then I bought an animal print top which made me think of Animal Kingdom. Then I realised I am subconsciously theming my vacation wardrobe. Oh no, things have gone too far!!!

Oh no Miss Mikki, things are just getting right!

I am a last minute packer. Quite often I am packing the morning we are leaving. Almost all of my shorts and capris are beige or white so any top will go with any bottom. I do have a few sundresses I will pack for this trip. This trip I will be dressing for one thing...staying as cool as possible.

I love the anticipation and tend to plan and over plan.... Our next trip is at Christmas - a first for me. I went once for Thanksgiving and it was cool and blustery - not sure what to expect. We have a 3 day cruise followed by 2 days at the parks. I'll probably start pulling clothes together right after Thanksgiving!!!

I'm already planning 4 months away. Our last trip was end of October and into November, about 14 days and we had a wide range of temperatures. We each brought along a very light waterproof pullover and a medium sized backpack which we shared carrying. For me, shoes were most critical. We talked with CM's about being on their feet all day and they told us that Disney offered them a shoe purchase program. It helped me to change to a different pair of shoes each day. Even my most comfortable shoes were not so comfortable if worn everyday. I prefer sandals with good arch support, however I just bought 2 pairs of Skechers Go Walk shoes for our upcoming trip.

I've got 4 pairs of those, all in different colours. I love these shoes!

I will admit, this thread has me wanting to put a little more effort into my wardrobe for our upcoming trip. I will also admit that I really get hung up on whether or not something I like is either age or weight appropriate for me. Do you ladies think there are any "rules" to follow?

Oh Scrappy I know what you mean! Being of a generous proportion I am not comfortable wearing shorts and never wear them. But they say you shouldn't wear sleeveless if you have "bingo wings" but I have 2 tattoos I am very proud of and like showing off. I think if you are comfortable and feel good then wear it and rats to those that think you shouldn't.

I started planning outfits in Feb because of MNSSHP, so have that, the Victoria&Albert outfit (which I bought in January) and an outfit for Kennedy (shoes undies the lot, I even bought a bag because it matched!). Curiously the trip to France wasn't that organised but did try out my trainers and realised now that the shoe numbers are significantly cut as I can wear those with nearly everything and they are Sketchers too. I am only organised with my Disney trips the rest of my life is unorganised and slightly chaotic.

I tend to pack for my hubby and son 4-6 weeks before - then re pack a couple of times as I've forgot what I packed
I leave my packing until last minute as I never know how much weight I'll lose in those last few days!!

I tend to buy quite a lot there too as Florida/Disney clothes are different to here and usually cheaper

Hoping to bet there next year (fingers crossed )

I'm at that "awkward" age, where the world is telling me I'm , but in my head I'm still 35. I've worked out 2 rules for me - if I wore it when it was in fashion when I was young, I won't wear it now. (think bellbottoms, long, long tunics, etc.). Also, if I think my Mom (who's in her 80's) would like it, I pass it by. It's taken me 30 years to figure out that buying things that are loose doesn't hide anything, it just makes me look like I'm wearing a sack. My resolution for all new purchases is that classic styles and fit comes first - if that's right, most things are appropriate. Even though my arms don't "wave" too much, I draw the line at sleeveless things though.

Scrappy - I don't know why you think you need to put more effort into your wardrobe - your pictures always look great, especially when you and mrhub went to V & A for dinner - wowza!

Thanks for the kind words Finngirl. As you can see from the pictures of our trips I rarely buy new clothes for them. Even the dress I wore for V & A's is probably 10 years old. I did buy a couple of sundresses for this trip thinking they may be cooler. Now we will have to see if I wear them. I just started wearing sleeveless shirts a few years ago on our first summer trip. Now I wear them all the time.

I have no wardrobe to plan. I am a jeans and Disney t-shirt kind of girl. Or, denim capris, whatever season we happen to be in. So, it's a no brainer. I pack up my Disney t-shirts, maybe at least one nicer shirt for church and buy more Disney t-shirts while there.

However, I do not care for tight shirts, I am still losing my baby weight. Ok, I know, my youngest was 2 in March, but I have to hide that behind a loose t-shirt. And, I am losing, just slowly. Losing weight this way I don't have to give up the finer things in life, like the Kickin' Chicken Sandwich at Zaxby's, peanut butter cups (and In-n-Out while in am in CA next Month) and all that yummy Disney food that I have come to love!! One day, I will hit my goal one day. Won't be today or tomorrow though, but one day!

I know what you mean! But one great thing I find as I get older - is that I just don't care what "others" think is age/weight appropriate - especially when on vacation. (don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about dressing like a hoochie mama or anything!) If you like it, and you feel comfortable - go for it! I admit, I won't go sleeveless at home, but on vacation and the weather is just too hot, I may have to let the upper arms out! (Yikes! Take cover!)

I agree with an earlier post - you always look fabulous in all your trip report photos - I think you make all the right choices.

I also struggle with what's appropriate for my age. At Disney I tend to go with comfort first, especially in the heat. I can't stand tight clothes at Disney, especially in the summer, IT"S HOT! I see people in tight jeans when it's above 90 and I want to crawl out of my skin, I can't imagine how uncomfortable that must be! I even like my shorts looser around the waist...the dreaded elastic waist -mostly gym shorts. Once in a while I'll do jean shorts if it's a little cooler. Even my Disney tee shirts are a little heavy for the summer so I do tank tops sometimes, just have to sunscreen the shoulders. I always have a sweatshirt in the car, even in the summer. I get chilled when I am wet (sweat or rain) and we go to eat somewhere with the ac blasting. Mike thinks I'm nuts...heat index 100 and I have a sweatshirt in the car.
I do have a few casual dresses, my problem is I HAVE to wear tennis shoes (sneakers) at Disney. The sundress, tennis shoe look doesn't always work (guess I DO worry a little about fashion). I have NEVER worn sandals, flip flops etc. to Disney. my feet need support and I have no good (expensive) sandals. I do buy good sneakers and they're cute too!
Guess I'm writing this from the summer perspective, it's just so hot down here now. When it cools down it's jeans and sweatshirts, again, I tend to be cold.

I agree with you Julie regarding footwear and dresses. I like to match footwear with the outfit. I will stick with capris and longer shorts with sneakers.

I completely agree with :

I get more than a little obsessed with what everyone will be wearing while we're on vacation. I always feel like we need to look neat, and coordinate for pictures, while still being cool and comfortable. quote=Kristen K.]

Rule #2 Keep it classic. Sleeves, collars, simple style and solid colors. Tailored looks flatter when on and hold up the test of time in photos. I never want to look at a picture and think "Oh... that was totally 2000" because of what I'm wearing.

Rule #3 There is such a thing as too short, to low, and over exposed. I know it's hot in Florida, but if you wear fabrics that breathe there's no reason not to have all your parts covered. Capri pants, knee length or longer skirts, sleeves on my blouses (I have a thing about my arms).

Rule #4 The group of us (whether I'm traveling with just my hubby or the whole bunch of us) tend to coordinate. That doesn't mean that we "match" but we wear complimentary colors. This makes for more cohesive photos.