The CF Guide to Looking Chic at Theme Parks
Aren’t theme parks the best? I mean, they have everything: fun rides to go on, indulgent food to eat, and enough awesome activities to keep you occupied all day long.
However, as amazing as theme parks are, they always cause a certain fashion conundrum to arise: how can you look stylish and stay comfortable throughout the day? If you’ve ever had that thought, you’re in luck, because I’ve developed some tricks and tips to help you do both. Interested in learning more? Read on for the ultimate guide to looking chic at theme parks:
Scenario #1: A Day at the Park
You’re planning to spend the next 12 hours at a theme park, so you need an outfit that is super-comfortable, able to keep you cool in scorching temperatures and still über-stylish. (Whew!)
What You’ll Need:
- A breezy top and a pair of laid-back shorts are pretty much the perfect items to wear at theme parks. Both items are casual, comfy and will keep you cool in hot weather.
- A pair of comfortable shoes is a must. Since you’ll be on your feet all day, this isn’t the time to break in a new pair of sandals or sneakers.
- As far as bags go, choose a hands-free style — like a cross-body bag — so you can enjoy your day without worrying about lugging around a heavy bag.
Outfit for Inspiration
Top – H&M, Shorts – Nordstrom, Necklace – Miss Selfridge, Bag – Nine West, Belt – Topshop, Shoes – TOMS
For this look, I chose a pretty printed blouse and a pair of basic denim shorts for a perfect summer look. These classic sneakers are comfortable enough to wear all day, while a cross-body bag is large enough to hold all the items you’ll need. Finally, accessorize with pieces like a colorful belt and matching necklace.
Scenario #2: Ready to Cool Off
This scenario has the same basic premise as Scenario #1, except this time, you’re planning to go on all of the big water rides at the park, meaning you’ll likely be drenched from head-to-toe… multiple times. You’ll need an outfit that will keep you from looking like a soggy mess mid-way through the day.
What You’ll Need:
- Look for clothes made of quick-drying fabrics and avoid thick fabrics like denim, which take forever to dry.
- A comfortable swimsuit to wear under your clothes, which will dry much faster than normal undies.
- Comfortable, waterproof shoes. Don’t wear shoes made of materials like leather and suede, which can get ruined when wet. Also, damp shoes and socks= no bueno.
- A roomy bag that can hold an extra set of clothes if you need them. Another hands-free option to try is a lightweight backpack.
Outfit for Inspiration
Romper – Forever 21, Bikini – H&M, Bag – O’Neill, Sandals – Forever 21, Ring – AmRag, Earrings – Topshop
For this look, I started with a lightweight navy blue romper made from a water-resistant fabric. Underneath the romper, wear a patterned bandeau bikini and add some comfy sandals and a stylish backpack. Finally, add some unique jewelry like this ring and these earrings, which pick up on the colors found on the bikini.
Scenario #3: Making a Splash
You’re going to spend the afternoon at a water park catching some rays, going on awesome water slides and scoping out cute boys. You need getup that will look good and be practical for a day in the water.
What You’ll Need:
- A stylish one-piece swimsuit, since bikini tops and bottoms tend to come off after going on water slides. If you insist on wearing a bikini, make sure it fits snugly!
- A chic cover-up that you can wear to and from the park. (For more, see our post on cute cover-ups!)
- A pair of flip flops are a necessity at water parks due to the fact that they’re waterproof and easy to put on and off.
- Some sunglasses to protect your eyes. Bring an inexpensive pair in case they get lost during the day.
- An oversized beach bag to hold all the goodies you’ll need, like a towel and change of clothes.
Outfit for Inspiration
Swimsuit – Forever 21, Coverup – Roxy, Bag – H&M, Sunglasses – Forever 21, Sandals – Athleta
For foolproof water park look, wear a pretty swimsuit in a bright color, like this one from Forever 21, and a stylish patterned coverup. Add some sunglasses, flip flops, and a fun graphic beach bag, and you’ll be ready for a day in the sun.
Bonus! Items You Shouldn’t Forget to Bring:
- This should be a no-brainer, but remember to wear sunscreen to the park and bring a small bottle so you can reapply throughout the day.
- Carry some extra hair ties because inevitably, you or someone you’re with will need one.
- A small bottle of Advil or a similar pain killer — just in case!
- If you wear them, an extra pair of contacts and a small bottle of solution. I’m speaking from personal experience here: Nothing is worse than losing one of your contacts at a theme park!
- Remember to take some cash with you, because some vendors might not take a debit card. Bringing a set amount of cash can also help you keep track of how much you spend at the park.
What do you think?
Will you be visiting a theme park this summer? What do you normally wear at theme parks? Any tips you’d like to share? Remember to let me know what you think by leaving a comment!
Posted on on July 10, 2011 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Amusement Parks, How To, Outfits, Summer, Theme Parks, Vacation
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Diane
Love the Roxy cover up but can’t find it on the site, what’s it called or can I have a link?
Danielle
I love the bags from the first and second look. i have been looking for a cute cross-body bag like the first one!
AJ
Perfect outfits! Love them! And this post! =D
Ashley - Flagler College
Diane- It’s called the “Beach Blanket Coverup” and unfortunately, I think it sold out on the Roxy website after I wrote this article. I did a little searching though and found the same coverup on Amazon: http://amzn.to/qPCmvR
Also, if you don’t want to buy online, you could also try looking for it at Roxy retailers like PacSun and Tilly’s. Hope this helps :)
Jen
I don’t know if it’s just me but when I wear my TOMS all day, my feet sweat like crazy in them! That with the leather sole leaves me with disastrously wet feet all day. So if wearing TOMS to an amusement park, I’d try to wear the vegan ones. The sole is canvas and doesn’t hold moisture like the leather does. Just a suggestion!
Becky
Ugh, you post this the day after I go to Six Flags Great America!! All the outfits are cute though. The one thing I would say is that you should bring a dirty/old bag to carry around the park instead of something brand-new. Whenever you go on a ride at Six Flags, they make you put your bag in an open cubby by the ride platform that’s really sticky and dirty, and apparently there’s a huge problem with people stealing things from there :/
Ashlee
These are great tips! Thanks!
Kelly
I’m loving that roxy coverup! You could totally wear that out with a belt and leggings as well! And the whole extra contacts/solution thing is essential – been there, done that!
Sas
If you don’t get sweaty, you’re bound to get wet… t-shirt, shorts, comfy open shoes ftw! Soggy socks are horrible to one’s mood. :P
Keep make-up to a minimum, anything heavy will run.
*Jewelry* of any kind at all is a baaaad idea because a) it can fall off b) the cheap kind can rust/stain from the water or the sunscreen.
Trust me, I’m a theme park expert. :)
Put your daily inhibitions aside and go as tacky as needed for the sake of comfort and an unforgettable park experience.
Paula*
I agree with Sas. No jewelry because it can get lost very easily and/or it will rust. Also, just skip the makeup, it’ll be too hot for anyone to notice anyway.
I live in Florida, so theme parks are a huge deal in the summer time! I just wear cotton shorts, cotton tee shirt and comfy shoes.
Laura
I live in OH and hit up Cedar Point every summer, gotta say jewelry is a nono. All of the good coasters have a no jewelry rule, and if you are caught wearing it before a ride starts you have to take it off and leave it in these bins where they can be easily stolen. I like the dress idea though, although I’d probably want to be careful with that on certain rides.. haha.
Shelby
With my annual pass, I’ve been to Disneyland & CA Adventure so many times that I’ve learned to give up fashion for comfort in the shoe area. Maybe it’s my low-arches but if I were to wear Toms or sandals, I get a night with charlie horses in my feet. Now my pink & black Nikes are my official amusement park shoes!
Wendy
It would be perfect if this article post it earlier because I’ve just went to Disneyland and California Adventure just last week. Great post !
Ashleigh
Awesome except I agree – no jewelry – upside down roller coasters aren’t friendly to them! That & I try to keep it minimal with my bag so I can keep it on the ride with me (tuck it behind my backside or choose a backpack)
Caryl
Thumbs up on this guide from a former Disney World cast member :)
Rin
Love this article!
Dani
Another tip about Toms! I wore mine all around Europe a couple weeks ago for two weeks of touring and the best advice I can give is to wear them with those little footie socks. Nike makes some that are really good cause’ they wick sweat and they stay on your feet really well. I also found a 3 pk of them at Target with cute monkeys on them, which is just plain awesome! They were Paul Frank.
The monkey ones get a ton of compliments because they peek out of the espadrille just a bit. Pretty cute! :)
Also, for a day at the theme park, remember that lockers are sometimes available so if you’re planning on going on water rides, you could keep a change of clothes in the locker instead of having to lug them around all day in a big bag which makes going on rides a hassle! And who wants that when you’re at a theme park trying to have fun?
One more thing with shorts! Don’t forget that when ride vehicles are sitting out all day, they get pretty hot! So, sitting on those surfaces may hurt! I suggest trying to wear capris or shorts that are a little longer, your skin will thank you! I know of one too many times that I’ve been uncomfortable at Disneyland because of the heat!
Sorry for having such a long comment, I’m kind of a Disney freak. I’m obsessive. So I’m kinda used to this kind of thing!
Mia
Great tips guys! I find this blog to be so fun and easy to read. Keep up the great work :)
Bianka
Thank you!! This helped ALOT!(:
Cathy
I love this article! Could you guys do another article like this of different outfits by styles that we could wear at a general amusement park? Thanks!