Our oldest kids have certainly started to find their own style preferences. Our daughter can barely make it a day without wearing a dress- no matter what the weather is. Our oldest son has also found a voice in expressing what he likes most- anything generally related to Pokemon and sports. When I recently redid our boys bedroom, I took portraits of the boys together. I originally laid clothes out for them to wear in the photos, but low and behold, our oldest had a strong argument against them. He decided sports jerseys would be better for their boy room. And as much as I cringed at first, he was right- the jerseys were the perfect touch.
Embracing Kid Friendly Style
It’s so important to have a mixture of clothing in your child’s wardrobe- especially pieces that are comfortable and ready for play! All our kiddos have separate sections in their closets: school wear/everyday play and trendy/special occasion wear. This has helped me feel much less stressed about them ruining their “nice clothes,” while being able to enjoy play, dirt, paint, and all the other messes of childhood. Now that the kids have started dressing themselves for the most part, they have also learned the importance of having comfortable clothes to play in (just ask our oldest- there’s no possible way he can run as fast in jeans).
Over the years, I’ve also become way less stressed out about the spills, stains, and messes that cover their clothes. I used to worry so much about what they were wearing and keeping it mess free. But now, the reality is, they’re kids. Messes are going to happen. A new shirt can be bought, a good-time cannot.
Mixing and Matching Magic
Our kids get to choose their outfits for the most part. We give them options or ask them what their preference may be for the day: the character on this shirt or this one? Would you like a dress or pants? We really zone in on appropriateness- such as weather and activity considerations, because those are things they still aren’t old enough to take into consideration themselves. But otherwise we allow them the opportunity to make the choice for themselves. I think this is so important for boosting their confidence and allowing them to feel true to who they are.
When we have special occasions or events to attend, I generally dress, not just the children, but all of us (wives, I know some of you can relate here!). However, even still, I like to give my kids the option. How do you want to wear your hair? Do you want this button down or this one? Giving them even a say, a small sense of choice and opinion goes a long way.
Seasonal Staples and Fun Additions
I always have a small mixture of seasonal staples in the kids closets. Cardigans, tights, skirts, and turtlenecks. These are few fun ways I can layer their outfits depending on the season. I also purchase them some fun, playful items that they can mix and match into their outfits. Layering a tulle skirt or a fun crewneck sweater always gets the kids so excited. These are some cute, fun ways for the kids to be expressive throughout the year and take their basic outfits next level (child level, of course!)
My Favorite Stores to Shop for the Kids
- Target: Cat & Jack, hello! They have the most affordable, everyday items. T-shirts, pants, you name it. This is easily one of my first choices.
- Zara: I tend to snag their trendier pieces here, especially for my daughter. Their dresses and rompers are way too cute to pass up.
- H&M: They always have the best seasonal staples- cardigans, turtlenecks, denim, etc. I especially love their denim jeans for the boys.
- Old Navy: Easily a go-to for baby items, as well as fun, character shirts and the best sales! The sizing and how quickly the items shrink at Old Navy tend to make them my last choice, but still the best for everyday wear items (leggings, t-shirts, pajamas).
Current Trends for Kids I am Loving
I am currently loving the bright, bold colors and patterns for Spring and Summer. If you know me, you won’t catch me wearing any types of color- but my kids, absolutely! I’m loving the butter yellows that are everywhere (and although I said what I just said, I’m even tempted for myself!). I’m still loving the matching sets for kids- talk about EASY dressing! Pants and tops matching, doesn’t get any less stressful than that. Biker shorts are still a go-to for my daughter for the summertime- trendy, but playable.
Sustainable and Smart Shopping
When it comes to shopping for kid’s clothes, it can feel like it’s never ending. They grow so quickly that before you know it, nothing fits anymore. Hand-me-downs are absolutely our first choice- as with three kiddos, we certainly have more than enough to go around. However, there are definitely times where seasonally, age wise, our kids just didn’t line up. So, we have no choice but to snag new clothes. My first choice is always the sales and clearance racks. I also dive into the seasonal sales and stock up for the following year- while everything is marked down to pennies! Thrifting, clothes swapping with friends and other Mama’s are also amazing ways to save money when dressing your kids!
Regardless, we all find ways to help our children navigate and find their personal style from a young age- whether we realize it or not. The older our kids have gotten, the more entertaining it has become to watch them develop their own looks and preferences. I love that they are finding confidence and comfort in dressing to express themselves and their interests!
I have fully accepted at this point that I will be taking dress donations until the end of time to keep up with my daughter’s style preference. So tell me, what’s your little’s go-to fashion item?
