Whether or not you have children, most end up having at least one trip to Disney and the Orlando area. Orlando, Florida is located in the middle of the state, dead center -- so you won't have any ocean breezes or weather to contend with. You will, however, likely have very warm and possibly very humid/sticky temperatures, direct sunlight, and lots of time outdoors. When dressing for Orlando, you need comfortable, easy wear, durable and easy to clean clothes in lightweight fabrics. Linen, cotton, and ultra breezy fabrics are key. You can always add layering items later if temperatures drop a little. Orlando stays relatively nice all year round, so if you go, more than likely this will be your what to wear formula.
Since you'll be at theme parks and other crowded attractions, you have the chance to get dirty, wet, sweaty, and salty. This is not a place for your premium designer collections. When it comes to footwear, you will want comfort and ease, especially if you'll be spending any time taking in rides and attractions. The entire city carts you around on shuttles and buses, but once you get to wherever you are going, you are probably going to be doing a lot of walking. Rubber flip flops can be fine or you can get away with a little dressier vibe in a strappy flat leather sandal. Dresses are fine if you are wearing something that hits the knee -- there is nothing sexy about a mini skirt on a roller coaster! If you must show a little leg, go with a pair of shorts instead.
Since it's going to be hot, tank tops, tees, and other easy basics in a lightweight cotton is your best bet. Add a little jewelry -- though nothing you are afraid to get wet, dirty, or possibly lost -- and you are good to go.
The same rules also apply to men and children. And, for everybody, sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, plenty of water, and even more sunscreen are necessary! You want to stay protected AND well hydrated, especially when walking around in high heat and humid temperatures. Moms, keep some band aids, hand sanitizers, and/or baby wipes in your purse. Speaking of purses, a messenger bag that you can wear diagonally across your shoulders is a good choice. You can fit everything you need in it, not look like the dorky mom with a fanny pack, and still have your hands free.
Nightlife can be upscale -- a pretty dress, skirt, leggings, or a nice pair of denim with heels and a silky top will fit in perfectly. For guys, dark wash denim or a fitted pair of slacks, a nice top and some brown brogues, black dress shoes, boat shoes, or loafers will do the trick! Try to avoid wearing flip flops as a.) you should never go anywhere nice wearing flip flops and b.) the place might have a dress code and you want to get let in!
Shopping and Stuff:
Downtown Orlando just opened up the Amway Center, which is the home of the Orlando Magic basketball team. This is also a venue for comedy tours, concerts, and other more artsy events. "CityArts" is a great place to visit for local art as well as international. It houses the largest amount of art galleries in the Central Florida area. A MUST for a fun dining atmosphere and experience is a latin-fusion place called Ceviche. The restaurant is located in Historic downtown. Even though the restaurant is HUGE, it has a sexy & intimate feeling with dim-lighting and a stage for live flamenco dancers. \After dinner, you can head to any other the local pubs, bars, or nightclubs lined along the ironically named "Church Street." Praise the Lord for nightlife and vodka!
Places to shop: Jarboe Ladies Apparel in Uptown and the Zou Zou Boutique (we try to support locally owned stores as much as possible). For a great shopping experience, hit up "high-end" Mall at Millenia, which offers many shops including Chanel, LV, David Yurman, & St. John. They also have affordables for the recessionista like Arden B, Anthropologie, Forever 21, & bebe.
