The Rules: Kids

Sun Herald

Sunday February 18, 2007

By Kirsty Munro

Children are not dolls so let them choose their own clothes. Just make sure their outfit is right for the occasion, their age and your budget.

Christenings

A silk christening robe can be bought in a specialist childrenswear store or department store or just buy a pretty white cotton dress. If you want something handmade, try www.janetangela.com. Or, you can hire a christening robe. Stores such as Sydney's Wear it Again, Sam! (www.wearitagainsam.com.au) hire christening robes, children's formal wear and fancy dress; expect to pay $27-$50 for the day. The christening is usually part of a regular church service, so other children attending can wear something neat and colourful - a party dress or a bright T-shirt and cotton trousers - whatever the child feels comfortable in. And a non-Christian naming ceremony is still a big day, so the dress shouldn't differ from that of a christening.

Weddings

If your child is invited to participate in a wedding, the bride will probably have firm ideas about what to wear. Don't be afraid to say "no" to Bridezilla (try gentle reasoning first). Toddlers dressed like mini-men in tiny dinner suits can look bizarre. Trousers, a jacket or waistcoat and a cotton shirt (in a colour that works with the bridal party) are fine. Most little girls enjoy wearing dresses and won't need much coercion. Bring a change of clothes for the reception, in case your child gets dirty or doesn't want to wear the silly, scratchy outfit any more.

Posh tots

We spend enough of our lives stressing over what to wear for specific occasions, so our kids should get a break. Showing off the baby might mean a clean white all-in-one for some (try Target, $9).

For other families, it might mean a Collette Dinnigan Enfant version with little flowers, for about $60. Either way, you'll be cleaning baby puke.

Take the middle road with brands such as Seed and save your money for the teenage years.

I'm not a big fan of headbands for bald babies - they look like giant Easter eggs.

Party frocks

Designers are smart: they've worked out that many parents treat children as fashion accessories and if you can't afford to dress yourself head-to-toe in Versace or Christian Dior, the kids' version retails for a fraction of the price. The only problem is the cost per wear but considering children grow so fast, most clothing hits the second-hand stores in near-perfect condition. Local weekend markets and eBay are also worth a look. For good-value party dresses, try Esprit, Country Road, Alison Ashley, Lili and Jesse. The Alison Ashley and Jesse ranges (both at David Jones) have pretty and appropriate dresses for girls up to about 14 years. Match with sandals or ballet flats. While some girls are tall enough to wear adult clothes, it tends to look tarty; never forget the child's real age, no matter how grown-up she or he might look.

Mini me

Don't dress your child in a miniature version of your own outfit. When whole families match, it's cultish and scary (hello, Victoria Beckham). Leona Edmiston's Little Leona range has pretty printed, cotton shirt-dresses inspired by adult fashion trends but still appropriate for children. Also think about what your child wants to wear. As they hit primary school, fitting in with their peer group becomes more important. Parents impose their fashion snobbery on their children but, really, if the occasion is a trip to the supermarket and Jack wants to wear his Spider-Man suit, why not?

Must-haves

Give your child some input into their wardrobe and you'll have fewer fights in the morning. Target, Kmart and Bonds have great kidswear.

Must avoid

Don't dress kids like miniature adults because you think it looks cute; buy a doll instead. Heels on little girls look awful and can be damaging.

© 2007 Sun Herald

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