Finding the Right Kids’ Clothes

November 8, 2007 | Filed Under Fashion Tips, Kid Fashion, Latest Fashion

We know kids - especially girls - are growing up a little too quick these days. I mean it. Picture this: eight-year-olds in mini-skirts and skin-tight shirts, trying to look grown up and sexy. What is that’s causing them to grow up so quickly?

1. Friends, especially those with older siblings. Girls see the way others are dressed, and they want to look that way, too. Girls want to look older. Until they hit somewhere between 21 and 30 that is, when there’s a frantic desire to look younger. Children see what’s cool, and what’s hot, and they want that, too.

2. Teen/adult/celebrity “role models.” Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Duff, Vanessa Hudgens… really, anyone in the spotlight. They’re “cool” and pretty, and everyone wants to be cool - and pretty.

3. Toys. Once upon a time, there were Barbies. Now there are Bratz. Barbie had goals and careers. The only thing Bratz are set to do is climb a stripper’s pole. And that’s a toy being marketed to children. Girls see what Bratz are wearing, and that’s what they want to wear, too.

Here are some tips to helping your kids look cute, “cool”, and fashionable without breaking the budget or having other parents ban her from their house.

1. Dresses and skirts are fine, but try to keep them about knee length, or have them layer it with leggings. Leggings and layers are “in.” Try Children’s Place or Gap Kids, which have dresses, including “Sweater Dresses,” which are perfect for leggings for only $20-30.

2. Denim is everywhere. Children’s Place has jeans for $15 for girls and boys, and Navy Pier has some nice jeans, too. Make sure they’re not baggy or skintight, and that they don’t drag on the ground.

3. Khakis are a good addition to any wardrobe, because they can be worn for semi-formal occasions, too. (Dark khakis are in, light khakis are waaaay out, and colored khakis could be fun, too.) Try Children’s place.

4. Cute tops and sweaters. Again, layering is in, and long shirts, with pastels and prints and then, long shirts can be over and under the shorter shirts. Navy Pier, and Gap Kids are good places to look. Don’t forget sweaters!