From the time your child is born until the time your child moves out and starts living on their own, you’re going to spend a lot of money buying clothes for them.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition and Policy and Promotion, parents spend about 6 percent of the total cost to raise a child on clothing. And that can really add up when you consider that it costs about $233,000 to raise a child in this day and age.
This might mean you don’t get the chance to buy every cute outfit you see for your child. So when you do purchase something cute for them, you should make it a point to style them the right way in it.
Here are some of the top do’s and don’ts for styling your child in a cute outfit.
Do: Spend a Little Extra for High-Quality Kids Clothes
As we mentioned earlier, you’re going to spend a ton of money purchasing clothing for your child over the years. It’s not uncommon for parents to commit anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 on kids’ clothes over the course of their young lives.
With that in mind, you might be tempted to buy low-quality kids clothes to save a few bucks. But you’ll be making a huge mistake if you do this all the time.
Look for high-quality kids clothes created by reputable name brands when you’re searching for a cute outfit for your child. High-end fashion lines like Dior have baby kids clothes that are amazing. They’ll make your child look great and hold up better than clothes made by other brands.
Don’t: Buy Clothes From the Wrong Retailer
Before you plop down a bunch of money to buy a cute outfit for your child, you should always consider the retailer you’re buying it from.
Has the retailer earned a reputation for selling high-quality kids clothing? Do they offer the most affordable prices on them? Is there a top-notch return policy in place in case you don’t like the way your child looks in their outfit once you get them into it?
These are all questions you should ask prior to purchasing an outfit for your child in the first place. You want to work with a retailer that offers great kids fashion items at the best prices possible.
Do: Pick Out Clothes That Fit Your Child Well
Buying clothing for kids can be a challenge for many parents. If you purchase something for a child to wear and then wait too long to put them into it, there’s a decent chance that they’ll outgrow it.
If you’re not planning on having your child wear a cute outfit for another month or two, make sure you buy the outfit in a slightly larger size than the size your child wears now. The last thing you want to do is buy an outfit that ends up being way too tight on them in just a few weeks.
If possible, have your child try an outfit on to make sure it fits the way it should. No matter how cute an outfit might be, it’s not going to look good if it’s too big or too small for your child.
Don’t: Make Your Kids Uncomfortable for the Sake of Fashion
Does your son despise wearing shorts? Does your daughter throw a fit every time you try to get her into a dress?
You might find the most adorable outfit in the world for your child. But if it features an article of clothing that makes them uncomfortable, good luck getting them to wear it!
Far too often, parents try to force their children to wear something they hate simply because they themselves love how it looks. This often leads to a fussy child, and a fussy child isn’t a child that everyone is going to think looks adorable.
You can try to convince your son to wear shorts or your daughter to wear a dress. But if they just aren’t going for it, try not to push the issue. You’re better off finding something they feel more comfortable wearing.
Do: Dress Your Child According to the Weather
When people are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, it’s not out of the ordinary for them to put on outfits that don’t work well with the weather.
They’ll throw on cocktail dresses in the middle of February or suits in the middle of July. They’re willing to deal with some slight discomfort for the sake of looking fashionable.
It’s OK for you to do this. But don’t make your child wear something that could leave them exposed to the elements and result in them getting sick.
In the summer, pick out a cute outfit that will keep your child cool when you style them. In the winter, go with something a little more heavy-duty so that they’re warm at all times.
You’ll keep your child happier and healthier when you dress them in a cute outfit that fits the season.
Don’t: Forget to Accessorize
When you’re styling your child, you want them to feel like they have a say in what they’re going to wear. You might not feel comfortable allowing them to coordinate their entire outfit, but you can make them feel involved by allowing them to accessorize.
Your child can pick out a stylish hat, a trendy headband, or even some jewelry to complete their look. This will make them feel like they’re a part of the styling process and make them more confident in their cute outfit.
Style Your Child in a Cute Outfit Today
There are some kids who love it when their parents purchase a cute outfit for them and dress them up. There are others who will put up a fight when their parents try to take this approach.
Work with your child to come up with a style that suits them. It’ll help you make them more fashionable and allow them to stand out in the crowd when they get dressed.
Browse through our blog to get more fashion tips and tricks for kids and adults alike.
