Building a Summer Wardrobe for Kids
For all the noise about social media, one of the things I have found irrefutably brilliant is connecting with other parents, who are using the medium to share their expertise and creativity. One such parent is Charlotte: her feed @thelittlestylist is one of my favourite instagram accounts. Charlotte is a London based Baby & Kidswear Stylist with over 15 years experience in the fashion industry, working for both editorials and commercial brands.
Charlotte has a brilliant eye for fashion and in her beautifully curated edit, for kids and babies, you will find so many things you want for your little one’s wardrobes. I love the mix of high and low: with luxury pieces and more affordable high street finds. Charlotte trawls through the new season’s collections, to select the cutest pieces and looks. As she is a mum of two her finds are always practical and age appropriate. She describes her site as a ‘curated edit of kids essentials’. If you (like me) are bewildered by the amount of choice out there give Charlotte a follow, or check out her website. She takes all the hassle out of shopping for you. If you are time short, like me and don’t want to spend a fortune but want the best picks, this is the feature for you.
There is so much choice, what do you recommend as investments for the Summer?
In my opinion every boy (and girl!) needs a good grey marl t-shirt - they go with every pair of shorts or trousers in any style. My favourite are from T’s are from Boden as the quality is great, they wash and last really well. My son has had this one in every size it comes in so far…
Salt-water Surfer Sandals are my must have summer sandal for kids. Ideally in the tan or navy. They can be worn in water, are machine-washable and super comfortable. My son has inherited my daughters old ones this season - they come up like new after a wash!
For girls an easy-to-wear sundress is essential. I love the Patti Stripe Dress, from Nights by Wilder. It’s actually a nightdress but far too pretty to save for bed. It’s quick and easy to throw on alone or over swimwear and looks casual enough for playdates yet smart enough for parties
Newbie swimwear is just the prettiest on the high street. It has a premium, luxury look with its muted colours, frills and crossover back details but is so affordable! Their Limited Edition Girls Floral Swimsuit is a steal at just £18!
What inspires you?
Gosh I think everything inspires me. Life! Definitely whatever my kids are loving or into. But nature, history, vintage kidswear. And of course there are so many inspiring images on Pinterest and Instagram that you can’t help being inspired by too.
What are the favourite pieces, in your children’s wardrobes?
I love all of my daughters Apolina dresses. I’ve bought her one each season since the brand launched. I love everything about the brand: https://apolina-kids.com
And in my sons - I adore his Mormor.nu jumper - https://mamaowl.net/collections/mormor-nu/products/hand-knit-sweater-knud-brown-2-10y - MamaOwl don’t often do a sale but they did 15% off a while back so I splashed out as I’d be eyeing them up for so long!
But, there are so many pieces in both of their wardrobes that I love. I refuse to throw (or give) anything away! Just in case I have a third at any point (though my husband would take A LOT of persuading for this to happen!). But I find it really hard to part with anything.
Here are Charlotte’s top tips for shopping like a kid’s fashion editor
Tip 1: Shop Online
What parent has time to hit the shops? As a mum of two, I find shopping online infinitely easier, with a much more varied selection.
I often compare shopping for kids, to shopping for maternity wear. The best bits and all of the best independent brands are online. Even when shopping from major high street stores you will see plenty of online exclusives, which you wouldn’t have been able to find in-store. You’ll find many more sizing options too.
I am going to be recommending all of my favourite online stories, these are my go-to online destinations, each season for my edit @thelittiestylist
Tip 2: Stick to a rough colour palette
As with anything to do with kids there are always exceptions to the rule but if you mostly adhere to similar shades everything will go together, which makes getting everyone dressed in the morning a lot less time consuming.
Personally, I prefer an overall muted palette – grey, navy, natural colours with some earthy tones and a bit of blush pink thrown in. I think that even with the odd fun print or bold statement piece thrown in they make a generally stylish impression.
Tip 3: Buy better, buy less
The basics will never date and can be passed down so if you’re shopping for a first child and intend on having more buy great quality basics… Breton stripes, from brands such as Petit Bateau and Arket are the best), rainmacs (I swear by Trotters – ours still look brand spanking new having gone through two children), great quality knitwear (anything from Mama Owl and Boden and Tootsa’s is great too), footwear (Salt-Water sandals specifically) and even perfectly fitting tee’s (I love Gray Label).
Tip 4: Buy good tights and socks
I often think that a high street bargain dress can be made to look like a luxury buy, with the right accessories. You don’t need to overspend on things like little bags and hats (which are easily lost) but good quality socks and tights show their quality. You really can transform an outfit, with this simple styling trick.
I wanted to share some of my go to brands:
I covert everything at Luna & Curious - see their Mabli socks, which I think are just the best
Other designer favourites are Greenberry Kids, MamaOwl and La Coqueta
On the highstreet I think Cos have a great selection, both for Kids and Baby
Tip 5: Shop the less obvious high street shops
I have serval go-to high street stores, who will stock great pieces each season. I always check the latest kids collections at Next, Zara, Mango and H&M, especially their Conscious Collection. My personal high street favourites include Cos, Arket and Newbie. There collections have an overall modern, stylish vibe – in different ways – and all three have great boy options too. One of the questions I’m asked most is where to shop for cool boyswear.
Also, for babies, Zara Home is a must visit (online). They have a beautiful range which is different to the main Zara collections.
Tip 6: Shop preloved
If you love designer names but don’t love spending search out some preloved pieces. Ebay is full of them and websites like Kidswear Collective sell preloved and past season designer labels at a lot less than their original price. This is not only a more environmentally conscious way of shopping but you will find unique pieces, which you can make your own. Its a great way of adding designer into your kids wardrobes, at a fraction of the cost.
Further Links ~
Visit Charlotte’s website for more ~ https://www.thelittlestylist.com/about/
Follow on Instagram ~ https://www.instagram.com/thelittlestylist/