Today, there’s a weird obsession of dressing little girls like adults. From celebrity children to hundreds of Instagram blogs with mums and daughters dressed in identical fashions. Maxi dresses presenting a tripping hazard, large belts that a toddler will struggle to unbuckle, sandals with thick heels that weigh their little feet down. I can’t help but feel creeped out.
While all these outfits may look cute on a photo, in reality, it’s often a different story. Kids are kids, and they want to run and jump and do kids stuff. And all of these clothes often prohibit this. Let your little girl enjoy the freedom of being a kid and wearing clothes that are comfortable, easy to move in and look fun. So, what kind of clothes should little girls wear? Here are some tips on what you should consider.
Let Her Express Her Identity
Even though we tend to think of them as an extension to ourselves, kids are also people with their own tastes and preferences. So, instead of projecting your own taste on your little one and turning her into a mini version of you, let her express her likes and dislikes in terms of clothing. She might prefer wearing certain colours as well as T-shirts with her favourite cartoon character or something else she likes. And doing so will make her happy and confident.
Even if she’s still a toddler, allowing your little girl to make decisions at this stage can feel empowering. With that being said, it’s best to bring your daughter shopping with you and let her pick out what she likes. Or if you don’t have time to go to the mall, you can find cute and comfy girls clothing online. If your kid is picky and can’t find what she likes, you can use a helpful tactic – pre-select a few items and let her pick out what she prefers.
Always Put Comfort First
When you’re shopping for clothes with your little princess, make sure to go for designs that allow movement. Dresses that are floor-length or jeans that are too tight shouldn’t even be considered regardless of how cute they look. These types of clothes are only going to restrict her movement and make her time at school or the playground less enjoyable. Instead, go for clothes in which your daughter can comfortably run, climb, bend over or twirl.
Also, avoid clothes with too many details, such as buttons, zipper and ties. These kinds of details can easily get stuck in something and come off, leaving a hole in their place. And steer clear of any items you girl can have trouble putting on or taking off. Dressing up should be fun, not frustrating!
Opt for Natural Materials Instead of Synthetics
Synthetic clothes come with high levels of chemical content which can irritate little kids’ sensitive skin and even cause allergic reactions. In addition, synthetic clothes aren’t breathable and can make kids feel stuffy and uncomfortable wearing them. Instead try to pick clothes made of natural materials, and buy organic whenever possible as they aren’t treated with any harsh chemicals. Usually, cotton is the best choice as it’s breathable, soft and lightweight. You can also opt for clothes made of wool and silk. In addition, check whether the fabric is prone to wrinkles. If it wrinkles too much, it’s best to avoid it.
Dressing In Layers is Always a Good Idea
The weather is unpredictable and you never know when it can become suddenly chilly on a warm summer day and the other way round. But dressing your little girl in layers can help overcome this problem. For instance, a combination of a T-shirt and a sweater is great for the summer in case it gets cooler or you end up staying outside after dark. In addition, when you’re going out with a little kid, bringing along some extra clothing pieces is always a good idea. For one, she can get wet or dirty and need a change. This usually happens with T-shirts, so bring along an extra in the case of an accident.
Resist the Urge of Buying too Much by Making a List
Whenever you go shopping for girls clothing, always prepare a list so that you don’t end up buying something that she really doesn’t need and isn’t likely to wear. The list can vary depending on the season, as well as any activities your little girl does. A great idea is to create a capsule wardrobe that can meet her needs in every situation. The capsule wardrobe should consist of girls clothing that are versatile and good quality. If you purchase a few quality pieces, they will stand up to regular wear and washing cycles better than the cheap, flimsy stuff. Besides saving you money, these items can also be passed down to siblings or friends.