Dressing Kids Up - Tip #9

Dressing Kids Up Tip #9 - The right amount.

Don't overdress that poor little kid. They are adorable the way they are. Just a touch of accessory will compliment them. Things like boots are loud enough to keep everything else simple so don't go pair them up with shiny poofy things on their hair. Or bright-colored oversized hats to go with funky candy-colored sunnies. Keep it practical, like Mish at the Zoo:

Dressing Kids Up - Tip #8

Dressing Kids Up Tip #8 - The right jeans.

Big Blood (note: new term for the big brother) recently came back from a US flight with new clothes for the girls. Among them were a pair of jeans each. You see I'm rather particular with jeans so I don't exactly know how to say this without hurting his feelings. But flare jeans for kids are kind of wimpy for now. Not all jeans look cool. They have to be the right wash and cutting. Skinny jeans have been happening for a while now but I don't think they're ready to leave the "scene" anytime soon. D shows you what I mean:


Photo courtesy of Fau.

Dressing Kids Up - Tip #7

Dressing Kids Up Tip #7 - The right polo.
I have a love-hate relationship with polo t-shirts. Hate when they're over-sized or when the sleeves appear poofy. Love when they're vintage, snug and striped. Just exactly how Shibly wears it.


Photo courtesy of Natyler.

Dressing Kids Up - Tip #6

Dressing Kids Up Tip #6 - The right sneakers.

If there is only one wearable item you are allowed to splurge on your kid/s, let it be sneakers. A good pair of sneakers can compliment the whole look. Nice sneakers can make cheap clothes look good. Fugly shoes can make expensive clothes look bad. Even if you're not allowed to splurge on big brands, then opt logo-less and plain. No cartoons or glitters or *gasp* lights!

Fayaa and Puma:

Photo courtesy of Eliana

Dressing Kids Up - Tip #5

Dressing Kids Up Tip #5 - The right pants.
I think baggy cargo berms need to make an exit asap. Boys should don tapered knee-length pants already. Smart, neat and classic. Seriously, I haven't seen any retailing so maybe you can consider doing a bit of altering.

Sidra is a lucky boy cos his mom makes them herself.

Photo courtesy of Novita.

Dressing Kids Up - Tip #4

Dressing Kids Up Tip #4 - The right shades.
Sunglasses are one of the best accessory to play with but trendy kids only wear selected kind. Candy-coloured frames may be electro but only if your child is Kingston Rossdale, on kids they look more like they're wearing toys. Go for adult-looking kinds but no chrome or metallic pls. Think Nicole Ritchie. Gap and Old Navy normally have good-looking pairs in their summer collection and I've seen mini-wayferers at Accessorize.

Nathaniel shows you how:

Photo courtesy of Yvonne & Leon (yveon.com)

Dressing Kids Up - Tip #3

Dressing Kids Up Tip #3 - The right print.
Kids love their cartoon. It's fine but not on their clothing. I try as much as I can to avoid this despite being tempted several times just to see my kids happy. BUT. There are other ways to make them happy, eh? Don't have to give them the option they never had. ahah. I'm sure they'll appreciate it when they're older.

Stripes and polka dots are my all-time favourites.
But Sofia's a star:

Andz and daughter, Sofia. Pic courtesy of Andz

Dressing Kids Up - Tip #2

Dressing Kids Up Tip #2 - The right size.
Like most parents, I'm guilty of buying bigger-sized clothes for my kids too in hopes that they 'can wear longer' but most of the time, they end up in the closet for a long time before they can fit nicely. Unless you're going for a full hip-hop getup, I find bigger/baggy outfit makes child look sloppy-ish. Under-sized is somewhat acceptable sometimes, usually showing off a belly which is the cutest body part of a kid.
When the size is right:

Rifqy and Deidra with mommies. Pic courtesy of Shida and Azrin.

Dressing Kids Up - Tip #1

I'm no fashionista and I only have two kids so that doesn't make me a worldly expert in giving tips on dressing kids up but I realised I made certain rules by chance after much trial and error. My two kids have very different body type and I've discovered that what looks good on one may not look good on the other. I can share a bit on this lah but it's solely based on personal preference.

Dressing Kids Up Tip #1 - Knowing the suitable cut.
I've seen a photo of a cute little girl clad in a pretty dress from Kids 21 but the whole look failed for reason being the dress looked huge with prints almost as big as her head. It was poofy and and the length went all the way down her ankles. Too much fabric with huge prints, you can barely see the girl. Expensive and pretty clothes may not always compliment the child. You should find out what suits her best. Alterations may sometimes help too.

I realised this many times with Munchkin cos she's skinny and often does not pull off sleeveless or strappy dresses/tops well. The armhole ends up looking like it's meant for five arms. Sometimes I nip the extra length from the shoulders so the armhole is reduced. Sometimes if the dress is suitable and if weather permits, I layer the dress over a tee for a pinafore-look or layer a cardigan or jacket over the dress.


Iyub and daughter, Anais. pic courtesy of Iyub and Dita